C A S C A

Chapter 1

"Mama!" My stubby little feet thump across the hardwood floors as I'm rushing down the empty corridors. The irresistible scent of banana bread dispersed throughout the large house and I knew I had to come down quickly or else I'd never get a taste. "Mama," I call again as I finally make it to the kitchen. Mama is standing over the counter with a steaming baking pan in her protected hands, her blonde hair pulled in a neat ponytail that reaches her mid-back."I want some, Mama!"

Mama isn't surprised to see me. In fact she's already expected me since a plate is set beside her, awaiting me. She smiles sweetly and creases form near her soft brown eyes. "Wash your hands, Casca."

"I already did," I say and spread out my fingers as if that would prove it. She gives me a doubtful eye and I grin.

"Casca..."

"Okay," I sigh and rush over to the sink where Mama wraps her arms around my waist to carry me over the counter as I wash my unclean hands. I finish quickly where I'm left to hang over the counter on my belly. "Mama...help," I croak before I hear her soft giggle and I'm gently carried to the ground. I dry my hands hastily on my blue shorts as I'm presented with a plate of banana bread. I moan in delight at the first bite, walnuts crunching between my teeth. "Delicious," I mumble and her smile gleams a little brighter.

"That's good you like it. Now go tell Daddy and John that they can come grab a slice."

"Okay," I say and rush up the carpeted staircase to my older brother's large room. "John!" I call as I rush through the door. He's on lying on his bed throwing a toy ball against the wall and catching it. He's surprised at my sudden appearance and hesitates, the bouncy ball missing his hands and hits him right in the face. I gasp as he rolls over and falls off the bed. "John, are you oka-"

"Casca! What did I say about coming into my room without knocking?" He rubs at his cheeks and I see the tears glitter around in his angry eyes.

"M-Mama told me to get you. The banana bread is finished..."

His eyebrows furrow together and he jumps to his feet before grabbing the ball from his bed. He draws his arm back and I gasp before running off on quick feet. "Casca!" He shouts menacingly, his heavy feet quick on my tail.

"Daddy!" My voice is shrill as I burst into Daddy's office and run to his desk where he's scribbling on some papers. "Daddy help me!" I hide behind his swivel chair before John comes in, his face flushed with anger or because he's out of breath, I cannot tell. We weren't nobles, but Daddy's works so hard that we're living like them with this large house, fancy furniture, and loads and loads of clothes. We were living the dream of every commoner in Midland.

"John what'd I say about chasing your sister around the house?" Daddy's deep voice sounds disappointed.

"She came into my room without knocking," he shouts frustratedly.

"Casca," Daddy calls me but I don't move or answer. "Casca," he calls again and I drag my feet from behind him. I hesitatingly glance up in his eyes and don't expect the kindness and humor that's gleaming in them. He tucks his hands underneath my arms and brings me to his knee. "What did we say about knocking, honey?"

"I should always knock before entering someone else's room..." I mumble.

"That's right," he says and places a light kiss on my cheek.

"But Daddy," I say as I turn around in his lap to face him. "Mama told me to get you and John because she finished the banana bread!"

His eyes widen and he places me down and stands up, "why didn't you say so earlier? Let's go grab some!" He rushes out of the room, pulling John and me with him and I giggle as we rush downstairs. "Sorry to interrupt, but a little birdy informed us that some banana bread was awaiting us?"