Just One Date

Chapter 1

My name is Cassandra Thompson, but everyone calls me Cas. I'm originally from New York, now I live here in Manchester, England. I moved here when I was 13 because of my father's job. I'm now 17 going on 18. My birthday is tomorrow.

My mom is probably planning some kind of party. That's what she does. She's a party planner. She used to work at a bank, but then she had this midlife crisis stage and realized this is what she always wanted to do...plan parties.

My dad? Well he works for American Express. He was transferred to Manchester to manage the offices here. It was a big promotion he couldn't pass up.

Anyways, I'm really hoping my parents let me go back to the states for my February holiday. I have a couple best friends over there that I never lost contact with, surprisingly. We all have been trying to plan a time where we are all free so either I could come visit or they come visit. I've saved up for a while from working at a nice vintage clothing store in town. I had enough money when i was 16 but they wouldn't let me. They thought I was too young to travel across seas alone. Well, they can't really tell me no now. I'm 18. I'm an adult. I can make my own decisions.

Meanwhile, I'm sitting in my room scrolling through tumblr on a Thursday night. Can my life get anymore exciting? I suddenly hear my mother holler from downstairs, "Cassandra! Dinner's ready!" God, I hate when she calls me that. I grab my phone and head down. I smell my favorite, lasagna! I go into the kitchen to find mom pulling the pan of deliciousness out of the oven. "Wow mom it smells delicious!"

"Thank you. Now, go set the table." She nods her head to the pile of dishes and silverware and napkins on the counter. I grab it all and make my way into the dining room.

As I put the fourth setting down I feel something hit my back. I turn around to find my 8 year old brother, Colton, with his nerf gun. Before I could say something, I feel something hit my forehead. "COLTON I SWEAR TO GOD IF YOU DO THAT ONE MORE TIME--" I get interrupted. "You'll be grounded for eternity." My father said picking my brother up under his arm saying "Hey big guy!" and ruffling his hair. I rolled my eyes and helped mother with the food.

We all sit down and eat dinner as my mother tells us about her day. "You wouldn't believe it. I get to the place an start setting up and guess who walks in...VICTORIA BECKHAM!" Mom had to design an after party for a fashion show today. "Of course I didn't go up to her. She was so intimidating! She was just gorgeous! Cassandra you would have gone nuts!" I gave her a smile. She continued on about the party, then she asked my father how his day was.

"My day? It was fine. How was school today, kids?" He changes the subject a lot. Colton told us how he gets to bring home the classroom pet next week.

"How was your day, Cassandra?" Mom asked.

"It was good. But uh, I have to ask you guys something." Mom looked at me with a concerning look and dad just continued to eat. "Well, I was thinking--"

"No." Dad said.

"What?!? I didn't even say anything yet!"

"Come on, hunny, let her say what she's gotta say." Mom allowed me to go on.

"I'm thinking maybe I could go to New York for my holiday next week. I mean, I've been working hard at the shop after school. I have saved up all the money I needed. So, what do you think? Can I go?" It was silent for a minute.

My parents looked at each other like it was a starring contest. Then my mom finally said something, "Cassandra..."

"Mom, come on! I miss them so much. We have been trying to plan something so we can see each other! I thought this holiday would be perfect!"