My Lolita, Cassandra [RFK/Bobby Kennedy] (Alternate Universe)

Part Four

"Words Are Futile Devices"

Spring break arrives, you're spending your time in shopping malls and salons more than anything else. The boys at school have been ringing your phone, but you've only been answering Diane's calls to see if she'll invite you over — but since that night occurred, she has not.

As you're walking while eyeing stores to visit, a familiar face greets you. "Cassandra?" A wide grin, slicked hair, brown eyes; that's Jared. "Hi." You wave unenthusiastically, before shifting your eyes back at the Swarovski store. You're usually not this bitchy but that Jared boy is a walking nightmare. "How've you been?" The boy follows you to the front of the store like a loyal subject. "I'm not down for a small chat." Clearly, you're not — the look on your face is making it extremely obvious.

"Of course... you're Cassandra Lee." Jared scratches his neck and scrunches his face up; as if he has a million things to say to you. "Wow, you actually get it." You lay a hand on his shoulder and sliding them off as you walk away. "I-I have something to tell you!" The resilient boy raises his voice to snatch your attention, but you've developed a talent where you can go deaf on command.

After spending a few minutes in the store, you realize Jared is no longer stalking you like a creep. "Phew..." Sighing in relief, you watch the store employee putting your one-use necklace into a box. The sudden buzzing inside your bright teal handbag sends goosebumps across your body — but they worsen as you read the name on the colorless screen.

"Diane!" Your shrieking has everybody's eyes on you, but it's something you're used to. "Hi, Cass. How are you?" Diane's voice is not what you hoped for; it's lukewarm and passive. "I'm cool. What's up with you?" You lend your credit card to the employee as they hand you the shopping bag in return. "Ugh, my stupid dad... he's asking me to go with him to this shitty party." Diane's whining only puts ideas in your head.

"I'll come over!" Without hesitation, you make an offer she can't refuse. "Can you help me sneak out?" Diane whispers as if Robert's around. It wouldn't be a bad idea to actually spend some time with her — and not with her dad. "Duh, that's the plan. Don't go anywhere." You order, before hanging up on her and finishing your transaction.

"Oh, thank God. You really came," Diane says in relief as she opens the door to see your face. "I'm tired of shopping alone. Come on!" Your hand finds its way to Diane's arm, but she yanks away. "I want to, but—" "Diane, do you have a dress for the party?" Robert's voice sends chills crawling down your back, he's yelling but that doesn't make it any less attractive. "I told you I'm not going!" Diane slightly turns and raises her voice to make sure her father hears her. You begin to wonder if it's such a good idea to come; Robert is obviously trying to force his daughter to spend time with him — well, it's either that or he's desperate.

"Why are you going to the stupid event, anyway?!" Diane continues while gesturing you to enter the house. Robert sighs loud enough that you can hear it coming from the living room, "It's my boss's birthday, I have to!" He announces with annoyance in his words. "Hear that?" Diane sews her eyebrows together, you press your lips together as you shrug. "Yikes. Let's ditch before it's too late!" The tone of your voice is reduced to sharp whispering.

Diane imitates your tone, "And how are we gonna do that?" Her interest in your plan piqued — even though, you have to make one up right now. "I'll distract him. You sneak to my car and wait for me." You toss your car key to your friend and cross your fingers for this to go well. "I'm counting on you, babe." Diane gives you a quick, odd hug before leaving you on your own.

You turn around to watch Diane makes her way to your convertible, and suddenly... you're nervous — and you're not one to get nervous when it comes to people — especially men — not ever. However, what's done is done, and your feet begin walking without your permission.