DERAILED AND DAMAGED

Chapter 2: DREAMS MIGHT BE REAL

I blinked, pretending I hadn’t forgotten about that but I disguised that by saying “oh right,” I muttered, smirking. “Okay, Major Kayden. Get going.”

“Don't worry about Cassie, I’ll get her to school. I'll call Elise to manage the restaurant. I just feel so down.”

“Are you sure I shouldn’t called doctor Kath? Kayden asked,

“No. Don't. If I feel like I can't handle it, I'll call her first.”

“You fool— you should call me first,” he urged me, half-serious.

Get going, Major,” I teased.

“I walked him to the gate. “Please say hi to Cassie for me. And don’t forget to tell her and Marissa that dad loves them very much.”

He grinned, leaning close. “And aren’t you forgetting something?”

I blinked, “What?”

“I can't remember, I told him honestly,

“My kiss”

He pressed his lips to mine, warm and lingering. I whispered.

“Bye. Love you.”

I stood at the gate, watching his car disappear down the road, before turned back inside–my thoughts drifting towards the past.

I walked back into the house only to see seven- year- old Cassie already dressed in her school uniform. Nanny Mendela was combing her hair while Cassie wriggled in the chair, impatient as ever.

“Mom!” Cassie cried, leaping up running towards me.

“Careful, CAS—don’t fall!” I caught her in my arms, and lifted her up as much as my tired body would allow. I kissed her cheek, breathing in the soft scent of her shampoo. “I’m sorry, baby. I should’ve woken up earlier to help you get ready.”

“Nanny, can you fix CAS a short breakfast before I get ready.

“Mom,” she grumbled, “I can eat at the school cafeteria.

Besides I only want your cooking.”

I chuckled, setting her down. “You cheesy girl. Poor Nanny—her feelings are hurt now. “I told her as I gaze at her lovely.”

Nanny Mendela rolled her eyes good-naturedly, but I could see her smile.

“Alright, Nanny–just make CAS a sandwich for the road.

Eat something yourself. Don’t worry about me. I’ll grab breakfast at a café later. Can you also feed Mari for me while I get dressed?”

“Of course, ma’am,” Mendela said softly, already reaching for the baby monitor.

Cassie tugged at her clothes, “Hurry, Mom. I’ll be late.”

“In a minute, love.”

Upstairs, I caught my reflection in the mirror. My gaze darted to the scar carved across my chest. I caressed it, a mocking smile twisting my lips before the hatred set in.

“This happened because, you were weak and fragile,” I whispered to myself letting them hurt you like that, I tell myself.”

I pinched the scar hard in such a way I could feel the pulsing pain tearing through me, Somehow the sting grounded me—reminding me that I could still feel the pain. That I was still alive.

I stopped my assault immediately!

A voice called from downstairs. “Mom, we’re going to be late!”

I tore my hand away from my chest, quickly forcing a bright smile onto my face like a mask. “Coming, babe!”

Keys in hand, I hurried back down. Cassie was waiting by the door, swinging her bag strap impatiently.

“You look pretty, baby,” I said as we walked to the car.

“Thanks, Mom,” she grinned, flipping her bangs.

“You got it from Mom, not Dad, right?” I teased, flicking the hair from eyes.

Cassie giggled as I urged her into the back seat. By the time we reached the school, she was already humming her favourite song. I handed her to the homeroom teacher, and she looked back just once. “I love you, Mom.”

“Me too,” I said softly, my smile faltering as soon as her small figure disappeared through the class door.

The mask slipped away again, my face hardening as I drove off. The next stop wasn’t the café. It was Dr Kath’s house.