Time to Rewind

Cassandra Hughes Part 1

June 1864

The sun rose over the horizon, illuminating the sleeping city below. Each building slowly began to pop out of the darkness from the sun's rays, revealing a city in the shadows. The light pierced through a crack in the boarded-up window, revealing a tiny bedroom. A space that only allowed one twin-sized bed and a wooden dresser. A train horn blew across the way as the sun rose higher in the sky. A young girl sat up from the bed, accidentally slamming her head against the low ceiling.

"Ow....damn train," she said, rubbing her forehead. She rubbed her eyes and stretched her arms as far as they could within her limited space. Yawning and unfazed, she heard a loud pounding coming from her door.

"Cassandra! Cassandra, are you awake yet?!" A woman yelled from behind the closed door.

"Yes, mom! The whole neighborhood does not need to hear you yell!" Cassandra shouted back as she began pulling back her single bedsheet.

"Don't speak that way to your mother! I am just looking out for you!" she heard her mother yell as she heard her footsteps stomp away from her door. Sighing, Cassandra stood again, banging her head against the ceiling.

"Stupid low ceiling!" she aggressively said, holding the top of her head. Cassandra and her family lived on the outskirts of Cynebourg, living in an area known as 'the slums.' She never enjoyed living here and envied people who could afford to live in the expensive city. One day, she thought, I will leave this godforsaken place. Her parents used to work as house servants to people of higher status until Professor Flint's new invention arrived. It was the most famous invention, and every wealthy person had purchased and loved it—everyone except those who lost their jobs to these new beings, including Cassandra's parents. People living in the slums hated these horrible robots, and not many were able to find employment, so the mayor created this place for what they called 'poor people.' It was not as fancy as the inner city, but at least he was kind enough to build them homes. Only a few individuals could find work in the inner city, and Cassandra happened to be one of them. One of her father's friends in the city worked as a mechanic, fixing broken inventions. Cassandra had a knack for inventing ever since she was a little girl, so the man took her as an apprentice. Fixing her pant leg and adjusting her goggles, Cassandra rushed out of her room and ran down the stairs.

"See you later, Mum," she said, grabbing the door handle.

"Wait, don't forget your breakfast and lunch," her mom said, handing her some toast and a paper bag.

"Thanks," Cassandra said, kissing her mom on the cheek and heading out the door. The only way to get there was by train, and luckily for her, the station was right next to her house.

"All aboard! Last call for riders!" A man announced near the train entrance. Cassandra ran up the stairs as fast as she could, waving her pass in the air.

"I'm....here.." Cassandra said, showing her pass to the man while out of breath.

"Running late again today, are we?" the man asked, glancing at her past and opening the door.

"Yep, thanks for waiting up, Mr. Reynolds," she said, walking in the door.

"Anytime," he said, entering behind her.

--

The city of Cynebourg was always crowded. Tourists came from far and wide to see the extravagant city and its innovative ideas. The city has been a main attraction since the Grand Exhibition opened, showing the city's greatest inventions. As the train entered the station, Cassandra saw the mess of people waiting outside and in the streets. It was easy for someone to get lost in the mess of people, but Cassandra knew her way around. Walking off the train, she joined the herd of people entering the city and walked between all the gawking tourists. Pulling out of the crowd, she headed down a dark alleyway, a shortcut to her boss's shop. An alleyway filled with beggars who had less fortunate fates than that of her parents. People who had also lost their jobs to that machinery. Cassandra covered her eyes with her hand and stared at her feet on the ground, avoiding eye contact with each beggar as they extended their hands towards her as she walked by. She wanted badly to give each one a bag of coins but she knew it was best to keep going. She badly needed to save money to have a better life than that of her parents. She began to speed up her walking pace before her heart gave in. With her eyes covered she could not see what was in front of her, being blinded she slammed into another person's arm.

"Hey watch where you are going!" She yelled at the person as she turned around and finally uncovered her eyes. In front of her was a young man in a soldier uniform. He had messy brown hair and his eyes were as green as emeralds.

"Apologies ma'am," he said bowing his head before quickly turning and running in the other direction.

"What a jerk," Cassandra said as she swung herself around and continued on her path.