The Devil's Daughter

Reflection

After meeting Cassie's mother and stepfather, we began to make the drive back to my apartment. Cassie remained quiet for most of the drive. It seemed like she was lost in thought, staring out the window as we drove through Encino. I glanced at her every now and then and she still had that unreadable expression on her face.

"Penny for your thoughts?"

It felt almost criminal to disturb her peace, but I needed to know what was in her head.

"I'm just...reflecting." She stated softly.

"On?" I urged her to continue.

"I never brought Luke to my home." My heart ached as she reminisced on her ex. If you'd even call him that.

"What do you mean?" She stared ahead, barely making any movement.

"I never brought him to my home. To the place where I grew up and where I spent the most gruesome part of my life in." She cast her eyes on me.

"But then I brought you." I wasn't sure how to take that.

"Is that not a good thing?" She remained quiet.

"I'm not sure." My heart sank at her words.

"What do you-"

"If you're thinking the worst right now, don't. I'm so glad that I brought you. It was a step that I've never taken before. This is the part of my life that is most vulnerable. You can understand why, I mean look at my mother. She's scared to death that Tobias will find her and I can understand that. My only regret is showing you the part of my life that I choose to forget. I haven't stepped in my old bedroom since I was a teenager." I followed the signs that lead towards LA, still listening to her words.

"I don't regret you showing me any of that, Cass. There's so much I've learned about you in the past couple of months and there's still more to learn. Seeing that side of you and sharing that moment of vulnerability and torment was something that I cherished more than anything." She stayed silent, barely making a sound. I worried that I might have upset her until she spoke again.

"Can we go to my spot?"

...

I put the car in park as we stared at the Hollywood sign in front of us. It's been such a long time since I've been here. I still remember the last time that I was. Looking back now, it seemed like she was trying to open up and let herself be free. If only I knew then what I know now, things would be different. The only difference between last time and this time was the fact that Cassie kept her hand in mine and we both shared that feeling of love and adoration. No words had to be said. The emotions radiating from us proved that.

We walked up the stairs to the sign and sat down. The sun was setting over the city, leaving pigments of indigo, fuchsia, and blood orange painted across the sky. The city lights glittered like diamonds, making this moment all the more appealing.

"Thank you." I heard her say.

"For what?"

"I'm not sure. I can't really put into words what all you've done for me. Just...thank you, for loving me." She kept her eyes forward and barely moved.

"Cass, look at me." She shifted her eyes towards me. I cupped her cheeks in my hands.

"I will always, always love you. Thank you for letting me in and allowing me to be a part of your life."

She let her head sink into my hands as my thumb stroked across her velvety skin. While sitting there, thinking on the sacrifices she made tonight, it got me thinking.

"Do you have plans tomorrow?" I asked her.

"I don't think so. Why?" I chewed on my bottom lip as I began to format my question properly.

"How would you feel about meeting my family tomorrow?" She didn't say anything and I was worried that the thought might have overwhelmed her.

"I understand if it's too much for you right now. We can resched-" She cut me off with a kiss, instantly making me forget what I was saying.

"I would love to meet your family. Properly. This time, without me straddling you half naked on your couch." The memory of Janet walking in on us flooded into my brain unwantedly.

"I hope you know that Janet hasn't shut up about you since then." This made Cassie giggle happily.

"Well, that's one less Jackson that I have to worry about impressing." I rested my hand on her lap.

"You don't have to try. Once they all see you, it'll be a breeze." I provided her with a bit of positive reinforcement, hoping that would help.

"Easy for you to say. How many are going to be there anyway?" I widened my eyes as I tried to count in my head.

"Well, eight out of the nine siblings will be there, obviously including myself. My brothers Jackie, Tito, Marlon, and Jermaine are bringing their families. Plus my parents. Honestly, I really couldn't tell you."

"Holy shit, that's a lot of people." She shook her head in bewilderment.

"You'll be fine. Also, I would wear something that you can get wet in." She cocked an eyebrow.

"Umm, wet?" I chuckled lowly.

"You'll see tomorrow."

"Shall we head back?"

The night was falling upon us and the warm air began to disappear as a chilled wind took its place.

"Probably a good idea. It's getting chilly." We both got up from where we were sitting and made our way back to the car.