The Hart Game

Chapter Twenty-Two

CASSIE

"... Suddenly we hear Luke screaming coming from the back yard. We run out to the back and all we see is Luke's behind running away from the barn and a second later the goat comes out of nowhere and runs after him." I'm sitting next to Luke at the dining table, his Mom was telling a story of when they were visiting his grandmother in Georgia when he was a kid. His Mom is beautiful. She has the same amber eyes as Luke. She looks like she can be on the cover of vogue, with glowing skin and beautiful features. But her eyes are a bit dull and I know it's because of losing a son. I can't imagine losing a son but I know what it's like losing a mother.

We all laugh at the story, except Luke. He's red as a tomato, no doubt he's embarrassed but he looks so adorable. Despite what happened in the begin, things started to just come off easily. But I can't help but think that I've seen Luke's Father somewhere. It's on the tip of my tongue but I can't seem to grab it.

"I learned that day to never believe what Kyle says. And that I'm not good at milking goats." We all started laughing again before it became silent.

"So Cassie," His dad says out of nowhere. His hazel eyes boring into me like he has a question that he really wants to ask but I can tell he doesn't want to in front of Luke. Luke looks just like his father but the only difference is the eyes. They are both tall and lanky but Robby looks like he's seen a lot he shouldn't have. "I understand that you and Luke are in the same grade, but yet you are still sixteen. Did you skip a grade?"

"Yes. I skipped eighth grade and went straight to High School." I say, trying to put on the best smile I can come up with. That doesn't help when his Father is just as intimidating as mine. That's when it comes to me.

"Really? That must of been scary, barely a teenager and already in a building full of over-excited teens." Emma says. I look towards her to which she has her eyebrows raised.

"It was pretty scary, but I was lucky enough to have my over-protective brother and best friend with me as freshman. I managed just fine."

"That's good. Since you skipped a grade, I'm betting your parents are proud of the grades you get. Am I right?" My smile turned into a sad one, thinking of my Mother, but I try to mask it before answering Emma.

"Yeah, I sure hope so." I say. Soon I'm feeling Luke's hand on my thigh. He gives it a small squeeze and I'm grateful that it gave me to strength to continue with the dinner.

"I'm sure they are. I'm just glad Luke has someone like you to help with school work." Emma says while she's looking at her son with so much love a Mother can have. I look towards him in time for his gaze to move to mine. And I see the adoration, and I'm suddenly feeling butterflies in my stomach.

"Any college plans?" That one came from Robby. I look towards him.

"I've got accepted to the ones I wanted." I say, when I know where he's coming at. I now know that he knows who I am by now. He knows that I'm Rodrick Pellegrino's daughter.

"Top three?" He says quickly after I answer.

"NYU, Notre Dame, and Oxford." I say in monotone.

"Pretty big schools."

"I'm sure I can handle it pretty well."

"What's your major?"

"Dad-" Luke tries to interrupt but, I'm not backing down in this little challenge from his Father. I'm quick to answer.

"English Literature and Psychology."

"Can you really make a career out of those two though?"

"I'm sure I can think of something, if I put my mind to it."