The Oracle

Chapter 13

Her heart was pounding. As Cassie stood in the Helgenberg's dining room. She nodded politely in agreeance at most of their comments and never strayed far from Justin.

"So how's school?" Catelyn asked, as she placed the bowls of spaghetti on the table. "Justin said that year eleven is quite the stretch from year ten."

The words stuck in her throat as she thought of answer. "That reminds me." Justin cut in. "I need to show you the photos of our last excursion. You guys can go ahead and eat while Cassie and I look for them." She moved swiftly from the dining room to his room. As they both entered his room, Cassie's eyes went back to his stack of anime dvds.

"You never told me you watched Naruto?"

"Cassie, what are you doing?" Justin said once he shut his door.

".... Asking about your anime collection." Her eyes flickered in confusion.

"No," he shook his head. "I mean outside. The way you're acting. It isn't like you."

Cassie bowed her head. "It's just... it's the first time I've meet your Mum's. I want to leave a good impression."

Justin chuckled. "Cause I've left such a great impression on your Dad." That made Cassie smile. He walked over to her and placed Cassie's hands in his. "You don't need to be nervous, okay? I'd much rather you be yourself. And I'm sure you would do too." Justin flushed and let his eyes drop to the floor.

"Why do you do that?" Justin raised his eyebrows for her to explain. "Why do you say something really sweet and then get all embarrassed?"

"... I just don't want to sound fake. Or cliche."

"As if anybody could be fake."

"What are you talking about? Like half of the people at school are fake."

"Well that says something about them, doesn't it? They have reasons behind acting that way. Its never simple with people. They can never be fake. "

Justin contemplated her words and then nodded. "So we agree. No fakeness."

"No fakeness."

Once they returned to the dining room, Riley had finished her bowl of spaghetti, and Catelyn was almost done. "I hope these photos are good since you took so long."

"Couldn't find them." Justin said as he took a seat and already began to eat. "You know how messy my room is."

"Your room is super clean." Cassie said, covering her mouth as she ate.

Catelyn laughed as she finished her bowl. "She has a point."

"Who's side are you own?" Justin asked with a grin as he looked at Cassie.

She shrugged. "Just being honest."

A few minutes passed and everyone had finally finished the spaghetti. Cassie had more than she wanted, but she didn't speak a word of her fullness. "Is it alright if I spent the night here?" Riley and Catelyn subtly exchanged looks. "I just." She sighed. "I'm meant to be at my Mother's house tonight, but.... we're not really on the best terms." Justin watched Cassie with admiration. He knew she didn't like bringing up her Mum, and considering how nervous she was moments ago... he was pretty proud.

"Of course you can stay. But we're actually going to catch a movie in about... fifteen minutes. You're both fine with that, right?" Riley said.

"Mum, you don't need to babysit us. You should get going if you wanna catch the film in time."

"Showing us out, are we?" Catelyn chuckled.

"I'll even clean up,"

Catelyn and Riley exchanged looks. "You guys have fun!" They were out the door.

"I like your Mums." Cassie said as she entered Justin's room.

"I'm sure it was easier to concentrate since you weren't nervous. Right?" Justin was scrolling through Tumblr.

"Not at all." As Justin found a gif of a show he liked, all concentration left him as soon as he felt Cassie biting his ear. He tried to keep scrolling but it only got harder as she kissed his neck. He stood up and placed his hands on her face, pulling her closer as they kissed. Justin tried to think, but he found it hard to keep any thought in for long. Their kisses became more vigorous. Justin felt Cassie's hand reach his torso. That's when he pulled back. Cassie looked at him innocently. "What?"

Justin ran his fingers through his hair. "Are you... implying what I think you're implying?"

Cassie nodded with a slightly flushed complexion. "I don't think I've felt more sure of anything else." Well, she could think of one other thing. "We're old enough. I mean..." She focused on Justin. "I want you to be my first," she spoke in a low voice. "And my last." She took notice of how shy he'd gotten all of a sudden. "Unless you don't want to?"She asked in a confused tone.

Justin placed his hand on his neck, and took a breath. "It's not that I don't want to.." His brain felt mushy as he searched for the right words. It must of been awhile since Cassie spoke up.

"Is it me?" She felt kind of guilty. And confused.

"No, no." Justin managed, as he walked closer to her. "Don't ever think that."

"Then what is it? What's wrong?"

"It's like you said. Nothing's simple." Cassie brushed his hair out of his face. "Justin, you can tell me anything."

"I guess I'm..." Justin spoke so softly. It was a good thing thing that Cassie was so close to him. "Body conscious."

"What? Justin, that's nothing to be ashamed of." Cassie lifted his gaze. "You're perfect to me. Now that's cliche." She mumbled. "What I'm saying is that you don't have to hide anything." Justin smiled shyly. Cassie was glad to see it. "We don't have to. We can just watch a film or something."

"Cassie, I don't know if you've realized, but our relationship is different from most. We could brush this off and do it some other day.. but we never know with us. We only have so many days together." Cassie knew Justin was trying to be sweet, but she always felt guilty for her death. This was just another reminder. "But I love you." That woke her up. Justin kissed her once again. "I love you too." She mumbled. She was brave enough to say it; he was brave enough to give himself to her.