Simplest of Equations

Chapter One

Gabriel grunted as the sound of Cass' annoying ringtone filled his room. He shifted to his side, pulling a pillow over his head to block the noise; moments later, the ringtone was replaced with Cass' voice-mail (which was far too vulgar for it to be made by a girl), telling him to 'get the fuck up, you wanker. I'm heading over to yours at ten.'  

Rolling his eyes, he shoved his head out from under the pillow and reached for his phone, typing a quick reply to Cass before he got out of bed and staggered over to the bathroom. He did his usual daily routine then headed over to the kitchen, not at all surprised to see Cass sitting on one of the chairs, sipping from a mug. 

"G'morning," she greeted brightly, attitude completely different from the person who left him the voice mail almost fifteen minutes ago. "I made some coffee," she gestured to the mug sitting in front of an empty spot across from her on the dining table. "Drink it while it's still hot, yeah?" 

He nodded at her, taking his place across from her and sipping from the mug. "Why are you even here so early in the morning?" he asked, swallowing. 

"Because, I locked myself out of the house-and my parents are not home." She grinned. "Mind if I stay here?" 

"Yes." He replied. 

"Fucker, you let me stay or else." She threatened. He was use to the threats since they were given to him on a daily basis. 

"You don't even have clothes, what are you going to wear?" he asked, finishing his drink in one gulp. He took his and Cass' (now) empty mug and placed them in the dishwasher.  

"I have underwear in the trunk of my car, so that's not a problem. Clothes," she paused slightly, seemed to be deep in thought. "I'm going to use yours." She finalized. 

"No, you're not." 

"The threat is still on." 

"Fine, but you're washing them." 

"That's why you have a washer, twat." 

"Fuck you, I'm letting you stay, I deserve some respect." 

"You'll get it once you man up." 

"Shut up." 

"Wuss." 

- 

"Get off, Cass." 

"No can do." 

"I swear to God, if you don't get off-" 

"What are you going to do? Huh?" 

They were at a standstill at the moment, Gabriel and Cassandra. The two, along with the former's younger sister, Melody, were at the grocery to get them supplies for the week. The youngest of the three watched her brother and his friend (girlfriend? Who knows?) bicker back and forth about the latter getting off the shopping cart. 

"Get off. You're heavy." Gabe started again. 

"What did you just say?" Cass glared. 

Gulping loudly, the eldest turned to his sister for help, receiving a snort in response. He sighed loudly when a few minutes passed and no help was given. He finally gave up, starting to push the cart slowly. 

The glare on Cass' face disappeared as she shifted her attention to her phone; quickly typing out a text to the person she was talking to. 

He rolled his eyes at her as he turned to his sister, seeing her pull out a shopping list. She handed him the list, muttered a quick goodbye, before stalking off so fast that he had no chance to say anything about her actions. 

He groaned as he realized that he was stuck with the queen of the bitches again. 

- 

He was putting the groceries away while Cass was cooking dinner (thank God she can cook, this just proves that she's good for something) when the phone rang. He placed the last can inside the pantry before heading over to the phone and answering. He held his breath when he heard the voice. 

"Hey, Gabe. It's me, Tiffany. I'm just wondering if you know where Cass is. We were supposed to hang out today-I'm over at her house, but items like no one's home." 

"Oh," he released it before replying. "She's over at mine since she locked herself out. You're welcome to come by, if you like." 

"Is that okay?" she asked, worry in her voice. "Are you on some kind of date or something? I wouldn't want to be a hindrance." 

He laughed at her statement. "Me? Date that?" he laughed again before he felt something collide with his head. 

"I can hear you!" Cassandra exclaimed, pointing her spatula at him. 

"Is that her?" Tiffany inquired. 

"The one and only witch." 

"Say that again, one more time..." Second threat of the day. 

"As I was saying, you can come over since you're not going to disturb any dates. Nope. The wonderful Cassandra is too far from my league for me to date her." He told Tiffany, while simultaneously trying to appease Cassandra at the same time. When the latter's face broke out into a smile, he knew he succeeded. 

"Tell her we're having pasta." Cassandra said, disappearing into the kitchen. 

"I'm sure you heard that, Tiffany?" 

"Yeah," she giggled. "You two fight like an old married couple. It's cute." 

Well, he'll be damned.