Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
chapter five! My reputations never been worse ☆
Cassie didn't say anything, she couldn't. Especially with Pip and Ravi's eyes set on her, a wondering and confused glimmer in their eyes. She managed to keep her breath steady, mind focused on making up some form of explanation for the message they had received.
Sighing in defeat, Cassandra shrugged her shoulders; "I'm just as confused as you are." Her voice came out weaker than she had intended, unable to shake off the idea that she was slowly beginning to lose the connection she shared with her sister.
Sure, there was a lot Cassie and Andie had in common. Everyone knew the extensive reality of how much the three Bell sisters looked alike. They had all inherited the same luscious blonde hair, Cassie's continuing to let hers grow since Andie's death, and the same doe-like look in their eyes which softened with each smile and hardened into the famous Bell sister glare. Her eyes had always been compared to Andie's, mostly by her parents who obsessed over the similarities the three Bell sisters shared.
Cassie once loved that connection she had with her sister. Her eyes that once looked up to Andie, filled with nothing but love and admiration were ones that now just reminded her of her loss every time she caught sight of herself in a mirror. Andie would simply follow her for eternity.
Perhaps this wasn't such a good idea, she easily could have attempted to investigate the case herself. Of course, she wouldn't get far, but there would be no need to try to defend herself and her sister from anyone, and she wouldn't have to feel the way she did now.
She knew the risks when she approached Pip, especially when she decided to also work alongside a member of the Singh family. She knew it would entirely isolate her from her family if they ever found out and although they hadn't truly felt like a family for so long, the thought of losing anyone else that shared her last name terrified her.
The walk back to Pippa's car was silent. For Cassie at least. She could hear the faint murmurs of Ravi and Pip as they walked before her, already creating lists of names in their heads of who 'secret older guy' could be.
Slamming the car door, Cassie threw herself into the back seat, tossing her head back before arching forward and placing her arms in her lap.
"It doesn't make Sal look great, does it? A jealous boyfriend is kind of the oldest motive in the book." Ravi exhaled.
"Yes, but Andie had two boyfriends!" The brunette reasoned and the slight satisfaction in her voice made Cassandra wince.
"Please don't remind me." She croaked, covering her face as she shook her head. "It does make Sal less of a suspect, though. I mean, boyfriend number two is our first real suspect. The police only had Sal."
"Meaning we're one step ahead of the police."
Cassie attempted to drift away from the remainder of the conversation, hoping to escape the playful banter between Pip and Ravi that was beginning to create a throb in her temples. Each smile and laugh contributed to her slight frustration, and the realization that she was truly losing the image she had of her sister only amplified the anxiousness rushing through her veins.
"Where do you want me to drop you off?" Pip's voice broke through her thoughts. Cassie replied, a light smile etched onto her lips. "Wherever, I can walk. Fresh air would do me good."
The Bell could feel Pippa's eyes on her in the rear-view mirror and when the car came to a stop, she instinctively reached for her seatbelt, ready to escape the somewhat tense situation. Cassie hesitated when she noticed Cara had approached the car, camping gear in hand and Pip nudged her, urging the blonde to say hello.
"Nice to see you again." She nodded, watching Ravi disappear after his own awkward interaction.
Unlike their last brief encounter, Cassie actually had a moment to observe Cara. She noticed the way her perfect curls were gathered into a ponytail, gaze lingering on the warmth in her eyes.
"Well, I best get going. Have fun on your trip." She smiled softly, waving at the other two girls, turning on her heels and starting the quiet walk back.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
it's been a long time coming. hi! i'm aware it feels like chap 4 was posted decades ago but the academic year has started, plus a gazillion other things but we're back !
