Cassie
"So you excited for the party tomorrow?" My dad asked.
I looked up at him from the sofa and nodded. "I think so. It should be fun knowing Alyssa is helping host it."
"Well I hope that stays true when you get there. Sorry I can't come. Work is getting-"
"Busy?" I interrupted. "I know. And, it's fine. It's not like it's my birthday and you forgot about it." I said with a smirk.
"That only happened once and I said I was sorry."
"I know. Just teasing." A nagging feeling of the memory of waiting all night on my thirteenth birthday came to mind, but I shoved it down. I looked up at my dad to see him frowning. "Dad I was joking. You don't need to feel bad. That happened four years ago."
"It isn't your birthday I'm sorry about right now."
I sighed. "Christmas." A silence fell between us. That was still a sore subject. "Dad, it doesn't matter."
"Yes it does Cassie. It was Christmas and we were supposed to spend it together as a family, but you had to spend it away from the house with friends. Not to mention you've gotten so used to being alone on the one holiday I should be present for."
"Dad, I forgave you a long time ago. You are a single father who needs to support us, make sure I can go to college, and let us live a fun life. It's called a commitment, and I won't be upset about it."
"I should be doing more."
"You've already been stretched too thin. Don't stress okay? We can make it up during Spring Break. Okay?" My dad nodded, but I could still see the hint of guilt shielding his eyes. Refusing to bring it up anymore, I stood up. "I have to go though. I need to buy cookies for tomorrow to bring. Can't come to a party empty handed."
"Need help?"
"Nah. Get some sleep. You came home at three A.M. last night." I grabbed my wallet and went out to buy the cookies. Knowing the bakery was close to my house, I figured walking there wouldn't hurt. As I walked, I saw the Starbucks and smiled, remembering when I first met Drew. How embarrassed I felt when I spilled my drink on his brand new shirt.
I decided to get a drink again and when I entered, I saw Drew sitting on a newly installed wooden platform with the guitar I and a guitar I and singing "Last Christmas" by Ariana Grande. I leaned against the wall as I watched him gently strum the chords. Customers were watching him, and I felt a smile fall on my lips. Drew looked out at the customers and saw me watching. A grin appeared on his face as he finished his song. Everyone clapped as he exited the platform and made his way over to me.
"The guitar coming in handy, I see." I teased.
"I still hate that you spent that much money on me." I rolled my eyes at his sentence.
"Well, if you really want to play that card, I hate that your and your whole family got me a real Christmas for my present."
"You're right, I did go out of my way for you. In that case, your present was just you making it even. So really you owe me another." He said in a joking manner.
I smirked. "How about hot chocolate?"
"You bet. Ask for cinnamon."
"You'd really think I'd forget? Last time I forgot, you and your sister dumped them down the drain instead of adding it in yourself." Instead of replying, Drew just sent me a sheepish grin that started to pull on my heartstrings only slightly. "I'll be back."
YOU ARE READING
When Sparks Fly (in editing)
RomanceCassandra Blake has never really fit in. Her mom left when she was young and her dad is rarely ever home. She has had to move multiple times because of her dad's job, and Cassandra has given up in the friends department. However, what happens when...