Lockwood Highschool Breach

Chapter 15

Cassidy

The sun was just dropping its first rays of light on the Ranch when Cassidy opened her eyes. Last night she went to Mrs. Bennet as directed and was told all she had to do was take it easy. After that she went and showered to clear her head, musing over what was to come. She napped a little since being emotionally exhausted so shortly after waking from a coma, and after that hung around the living room or outside. Now, she was out by the stables with Oscar sleeping at her feet, listening to music on her phone. She was already dressed for the day, blue jean shorts and a black tank top to stay cool. With a sigh she switched the song and turned down the volume of her headphones, now listening to Between the Raindrops by Lifehouse.

Putting her phone in her back pocket, she turned her attention to the large house. A few lights were getting turned on, indicating the day was officially starting. Deciding to go inside, she was followed closely by Oscar, the dog having woke up the moment she made a move. She leaned down and pat his head with a chuckle as they walked to the kitchen, Mrs. Bennet at the stove making pancakes. Cassidy froze at the entryway, an image of her mother crossing her mind. Taking a deep breath, she shook her head to rid herself of the mirage.

"Good morning, Mrs. Bennet," she greeted. The older woman nodded at her with a soft smile spread on her face.

"You can call me Kate~ Would you like to help with breakfast?" she asked. Cassidy nodded and went over to the cabinet and pulled out the plates. She grabbed the carton of eggs out of the fridge as she passed and Kate started another burner on the stove, placing a greased pan there. Cassidy cracked a dozen eggs into a large bowl and seasoned them appropriately, whisking and pouring them into the pan that was prepped for her. As that sizzled she grabbed the loaf of raisin bread nearby on the counter and popped a couple pieces in the toaster. "We got a little multitasker here!" Kate commented as she pulled a tray of popping bacon from the oven.

"Yeah... My mother loved to cook and I was always there to help her with it," she chuckled. She had grabbed a knife to put butter on the warm pieces of toast, dropping it when she accidentally bumped her elbow on the counter. With a yelp of surprise she jumped back to make sure it didn't hit the exposed skin of her legs. She placed her hand over her heart and heard the quiet warning to be careful from Kate next to her, bending over to pick it up and hearing someone laugh. She straightened herself up quickly and spun around with the knife in hand, seeing Anthony sitting at the island counter and watching her with a small smile on his face.

"You should be careful, butterfingers~" he cooed, voice a little gruff from having just woke up. Cassidy chuckled and rolled her eyes playfully.

"Is everyone else up?" she asked as she walked over to the eggs Kate scrambled for her, brushing some onto the plate she held.

"The important ones, yeah," he muttered, almost to himself it sounded like. "The girls are bathing Abby and the other two guys are in their rooms still, heard them moving around." Cassidy nodded and took two sizable pancakes, a piece of toast, and a couple pieces of bacon to add to the plate. She turned and handed the food to Anthony, looking past him to see Mason frozen in the doorway. Her smile disappeared quickly as she handed syrup across the table, feeling his fingers brush against hers as he took the bottle. "Pay him no mind," he said quietly to her as he got up and headed to the dining room.

Cassidy looked after him and then glanced back at Mason again, turning around to start the next plate. Chatter was starting in the next room as the others came down to eat, dressed and ready to go. Mason sat awkwardly at the island Anthony once occupied, eyes glued to Cassidy as she moved around making more plates. Stifling a sigh, she walked over to him and placed his meal down in front of him.

"Thank you..." he mumbled. She only gave a small mhmm and averted her gaze from his, finishing up the last of the plates. Abby came in quietly and climbed into the chair next to her brother, the others entering from the dining room. They grabbed their plates and retreated back to the round table in the next room, Cassidy only having a piece of toast and bacon as she followed. They talked among themselves about the supplies they should get and what wasn't necessary, finishing their meals fast and putting their dirty dishes into the sink. Everyone except Brittany, Mason, Kate, and Abby went outside to the barn.

Cassidy lingered at the back of the group with Oscar seemingly glued to her heels. Macy guided the horses out and Midnight made his way over to Cassidy on his own. She smiled at the horse and rubbed his neck, looking up at Anthony as he approached her.

"Are you sure you're okay to come with us?" he asked. Cassidy nodded and jumped up onto the horse, gripping the reins in her hands. Ashley walked over and handed her her katana, then jogged over to Clover and jumped on with Dean. Anthony had Strider to himself and Macy was on Bella. Brittany suddenly ran out of the house and skidded to a halt in the middle of the group, looking relieved as if she thought they were already gone. The blonde walked over to Cassidy and jumped on Midnight with her, a smug smile on her face.

"You wouldn't want me to ride with Anthony, right?" she purred as if she had the juiciest piece of information to hold against her. Cassidy cocked a brow, leaning to look over her shoulder at the other girl.

"You don't want to get thrown off of this horse, right?" she retorted, turning back to face the front.

"All right guys, we'll get to town as fast as we can and make our way to the local Wal-Mart in the square. We're getting clothes, food, and medicine this time around and if you think you come across anything else useful, grab it." Macy informed. Everyone nodded and Robert handed out duffel bags to each teen. They walked the horses over to the gate as Macy's father opened it for them. Cassidy took a breath and looked down to the ground at Oscar as he trotted beside Midnight.

"Don't shoot unless you need to!" Robert yelled after them as they started towards the woods. "And be careful!"