chapter three

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Cassidy Crane had been a bundle of nerves from the moment she left her home, the jitters and doubts gnawing at her confidence

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Cassidy Crane had been a bundle of nerves from the moment she left her home, the jitters and doubts gnawing at her confidence.

For most of her life, Fiona had deliberately kept Cassidy sheltered, not out of necessity, but for reasons far more complex. It wasn't that there was a rare genetic disease that kept her indoors, or that Fiona didn't want her granddaughter to experience life.

The truth was simple, yet layered; Cassidy's parents were notorious super villains, making her existence a well-kept secret. The knowledge of her parentage was limited, but fear for her safety loomed over her.

In essence, Cassidy's seclusion was akin to that of a fairytale princess locked away in a tower. Fiona, like any caring guardian, harbored fears for her granddaughter's safety. Sending Cassidy to school posed its own set of risks, yet Fiona trusted Sky High's administration to ensure her well-being.

In that moment, Fiona wrestled with conflicting emotions. A part of her ached at the thought of sending her granddaughter into the unknown, but deep down, she realized it was a necessary step. She knew that protecting Cassidy wasn't just about shielding her from danger now, but also preparing her for a world where her grandmother may not be there forever. In a paradoxical way, it was a cruel necessity, akin to the saying 'better late than never.'

Standing on the sidewalk, Cassidy waited for the bus, a mode of transportation that her grandmother found utterly absurd. Deep down, she knew her grandmother had always enjoyed a life of privilege and that if the school had allowed it, Nana Fiona would have happily chauffeured her granddaughter around in some extravagant vehicle.

As the "Big Obnoxious and Outrageous" bus came into view, Cassidy paused to take a deep breath, repeating her mantra like a lifeline, "I, am not my parents, and I will never be like them," she whispered to herself.

As the bus doors creaked open, revealing an elderly man sitting on the seat, Cassidy's eyes widened in recognition. Her heart filled with a surge of warmth as she climbed the few steps, and the elder man greeted her with a gentle smile.

The elderly man greeted her warmly, "Mornin' Cass, welcome aboard." His weathered face broke into a gentle smile, his voice filled with warmth like a comforting old quilt.

Darwin Warner, the elder man on the bus, was a blast from the past. He was her grandmother's trusty sidekick in her superhero days. Cassidy fondly remembered his frequent visits during her younger years before her grandmother, Fiona, decided to hang up her cape.

Cassidy spoke quietly, her voice tinged with a hint of nervousness, "Mr. Darwin, it's been a long time since I've seen you." She couldn't help peeking around at the crowded bus and lowered her head, feeling a wave of unease wash over her.

Darwin, with his superpower of emotional perception, noticed Cassidy's uneasiness and subtly patted her palm, offering comfort and understanding.

Darwin's gentle reassurance washed over her, "You can do it, Kiddo," he softly mumbled as she continued forward through the bus. A few curious looks were cast her way, but most of her fellow students remained unbothered, engrossed in their own conversations and thoughts.

As Cassidy made her way towards the back of the bus, her heart sank as she realized that almost all the seats were taken, leaving only one spot open. She bit the inside of her cheek, nerves fluttering as she realized she had no choice but to sit there.

As she approached the lone available seat, Cassidy's heart beat a little faster, her eyes set on the male sitting there who appeared scowling and distant. But instead of being intimidated, Cassidy brushed aside those thoughts and continued her approach.

The male looked up, his frown deepening as Cassidy asked, "Mind if I sit here?" A chorus of stares and low laughs echoed through the bus as other students took notice of the interaction. Some looked at her with an empathetic pity while others seemed to find humor in her boldness.

The male's silent rejection spoke volumes as he placed his bag on the seat, effectively denying her request. Cassidy stood there, her heart sinking, unsure of what to do next.

The male's eyes flared with anger as Cassidy snatched his bag and forcefully planted herself on the seat. Without giving him a chance to say a word, she turned to him and firmly placed his bag on his lap, her eyes meeting his defiantly.

Cassidy, refusing to back down, asked defiantly, "Would you have preferred if I just stood there and completely ignored proper manners?" Her eyes locked with his, a hint of challenge in her gaze.

His retort was swift, "I would have preferred if you sat on the ground," and for a brief moment, he had the urge to push her off. But something about the female in front of him made him pause—he was keenly aware of the potential consequences of causing trouble on the very first day of school.

A pang of guilt tugged at his conscience as he thought of his mother. He knew all too well the hardships she had endured; the last thing he wanted was to add to her burdens.

With great effort, he controlled his anger and suppressed the temptation to lash out further. His tongue felt heavy with restraint, and he refrained from uttering another harsh word.

Cassidy sat beside the male on the bus, her heart pounding at her own audacity. The silence on the bus was thick, and she could feel the weight of the other students' eyes on her. Some continued to snicker at her audacity, while others cast glances filled with pity and curiosity, not knowing what to make of the unexpected scene.

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