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chapter two! Let the games begin ☆
Silence was welcomed with open arms by the Bell family, it cloaking their house in an eerie quiet that if you listened close enough you would be able to hear the soft, gentle hum of electricity running through the walls.
It unsettled Cassandra, though she tried to convince herself that the quiet was good. That it was better than the yelling and disagreements that usually rattled the house, unforgivable words floating between the family and creating a tension that quickly became so incredibly suffocating. However, she knew for definite that she preferred the silence to the whispered apologies and pitiful looks she pretended not to notice when she wondered out into the public eye.
It was Monday, the first official day of Summer. A time she dreaded, knowing that she would spend more time in her seemingly empty, haunted house. Normally, she enjoyed Monday's. Unlike most, it helped clear her mind knowing another week had begun and she could leave the past in the past, start fresh. It's why she promised herself and Este that she would talk to Pippa today, though Cassie had yet to come up with a plan on how and where to approach the certain Fitz-Amobi.
So instead, she sat motionless in the kitchen.
A second later, a cup of tea was placed in front of her and Cassandra looked up to find her sister, Becca, a subtle smile plastered onto her face as she sipped from her own cup. "Got any plans for the day?" she queried, breaking the curtain of silence that enveloped them a moment earlier. She hadn't even noticed Becca enter the room, too busy spiralling in her own head, frustrated with herself that although she spent the weekend locked in her bedroom, she'd failed to form a plan of action.
Cassie muttered a thank you, gesturing to the mug in her hands and took a sip, the soothing beverage calming the mountain of nerves that filled her body. Nerves that truthfully never left anymore, a constant edge and feeling of anticipation permanently attached itself to the blonde. "Might go on a walk later, other than that not really." Her voice was so quiet it could almost be mistaken for a whisper.
Becca nodded; eyes locked onto her sisters. "Okay. Well, I'm going to head out in a little bit so just stay safe, okay?"
"Yeah, okay."
The two sisters rarely spoke anymore. The entire family rarely spoke to each other anymore. They each spent their time held up in their own designated areas, too afraid to shatter the invisible wall of whatever understanding and care they still held for one another. Small, unimportant conversations were okay, but anything longer than a few sentences usually ended in a painful chaos. Becca still subconsciously worried about her younger sister, Cassandra returning that same concern. How could they not? After all they were always going to be in this together, even if neither wanted to recognise and admit it.
☆
The clock had struck five not long before Cassandra pulled herself off the kitchen stool and decided it was best to spiral elsewhere. It probably wouldn't be too long before Jason returned from work, tired and agitated, and the possibility of an uncomfortable and forced conversation was enough to send the youngest Bell on her way.
Her steps matched the fixed rhythm of her heart as Cassie's feet instinctively carried her in the direction of Andie's mural. It was second nature to her, and if you were to ask how many steps it took from the Bell's front door to standing directly in front of it, Cassandra would be able to tell you the exact number in full confidence.
A glimpse of short, dark hair suddenly caught her eye. Brows furrowed in confusion; Cassie steadied her pace before halting to a stop. Pippa Fitz-Amobi stood staring at Andie. The version of her that had no choice but to look over the town that betrayed her forever. A look of determination was displayed on Pips features, visibly going over the case and everything she already knew in her head.
Cassandra knew time was running out, the evening breeze that blew through her hair reminding her. It was now or never. So, with no real idea, all she could do was hope as she began to approach Pip.
"They got her expression wrong."
"I'm sorry?"
"Her eyes should look softer, and Becca always reminds me that they got her smile wrong too, which is surprising honestly because she smiled so often it should have been burnt into everyone's mind." Cassandra laughed and walked over to Pippa, leaning against the wall next to her, a few loose threads from her jacket catching onto its rough surface.
"I'm Pip. Fitz-Amobi. Pippa Fitz-Amobi." The brunette smiled and stuck out her hand, awkwardly waiting for Cassie's next move. She was surprised when the Bell accepted and shook it, a somewhat warm smile on her lips that made Pip feel a little uneasy. Cassandra Bell was willingly talking to her, approaching her in a public place as though it was nothing.
"Cassie." She introduced herself, tucking her hands back into the pockets of her jeans. There was a certain weariness behind the action. The easy part was over, checked off the imaginary list in her head, and although she was relieved, she didn't want to let her guard down entirely. It was still too soon for that.
"You already knew that though." She continued, barely giving Pip a moment to breathe. "Just like I know what topic you've chosen for your EPQ."
Pippa blinked a few times, deciding what to say next. "I was actually wondering if I could speak to you about it at some point, set up an interview maybe? I know you may not be too fond of the idea, but I think it would really help with my investigation. Only if you want to, of course." She rambled.
"No need. I want to help you. With all of it. Whatever you've done so far, your next moves, I want to be a part of it." Cassie's voice was fixed, though she couldn't deny the wave of uncertainty that glossed over her as she studied Pip.
"Look, I know that you're not meant to have help with an EPQ but I've been trying for years to find an actual reason to reopen this case without the explanation being that it's just a gut feeling. I want to do this." The blonde watched as Pip contemplated her words.
"Okay."
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actually get into the plot next chapter (hasting's party) !!!!
also ignore any punctuation errors, i'm completely trusting autocorrect.
