For Her Protection

CASSIE-1

Chapter One

My name is Cassie Rae Sullivan. I'm twenty-three years old and I'm currently on a plane ride back to upstate New York after being away for almost eight years. After my mother's death and my father and brother basically forgetting about me, I moved to Seattle with my Aunt Clara. I spent my entire high school and college days there. I ended up being validictorian of my class for high school and graduated with top honors from college. I had everything going for me until I got a phone call from my brother. I hadn't spoken to my brother since the day I graduated high school. That was four years ago.

One Week Ago...

"Cassie, your phone is ringing!" My Aunt Clara screamed from the kitchen. "You don't have to scream, I am literally standing right here." I pick up my phone, without looking at the caller ID and answer, while I'm opening the fridge to grab a bottle of water. "Hello!" "Hey Cass. How are you?" I heard a vaguely familiar male voice. I had to pause and look down. "Elijah? Ummm.....hi?" I couldn't disguise the confusion in my voice. I haven't spoken to my older brother in a really long time. "It' me , Cass. Been a while. I heard you graduated from College. I'm proud of you." "What do you want Elijiah?" I'm not going to be nice about it. I haven't heard from him in so long, and its not for lack of trying on my end. I've tried calling. I even got on a plane to go see him and my father, only to be left in a hotel room waiting on them to call me. I had given up on them a long time ago. He sighs. "Look Cass, I know its been a long time. I'm sorry." "It's a little to late for sorry, Elijiah. Get to the point. What do you want?" He takes a deep breath. "Dad was in an accident. He broke his arm and both legs. He's in the hospital." I take a drink of my water. "And? What's that have to do with me Elijiah?" I clearly can't contain the disdain in my voice. "Come on, Cass. He's our dad." I laugh. "No. He's your dad. He forgot I existed when mom died." I sigh. "Look, I'm sorry he got hurt. I really am. I hope he gets better, but that has nothing to do with me." Now, I'm leaning on the counter, staring at my nails like they're the greatest thing since sliced bread, trying my hardest to be done with this conversation. "It's time to come home, Cass." I hear Elijiah sigh. He is clearly getting frustrated. " I am home Elijiah. This has been my home for the last eight years. Look, I have to get ready for work. I don't have time for this. I hope YOUR dad gets better. Good-bye, brother." I hang up, throwing my empty water bottle away, and heading upstairs to get ready for work.

That phone call was two days ago. Today is Friday and I'm exhausted. I work for a dental office as the assistant office manager. As soon as I get home, I run up the stairs, go into my room and head to my bathroom. I strip out of my clothes and take a long, hot shower. After my shower, I dry off and put on a sports bra and pair of shorts, then head downstairs. I grab my phone and order Chinese, then flop on the couch, grab my blanket, and turn the TV on. I have been looking forward to this all week long!

I'm half way through a show, not really paying attention to it, scrolling through my phone, when the doorbell rings. "Thank God, I'm starving..." I mumble to myself. I jump up and rush over to the door. I swing the door open, "Thank God! It took you long enough, Tony...." I pause right in the middle of my sentence, stunned into silence, because its not Tony standing on the front porch, but my brother...Elijiah. "Hey Cass. Long time no see..." I quickly harden my face, square my shoulders, and say "Elijiah, what are you doing here?" "Come on, Cass! Can't a brother come see his baby sister?" He smirks as he says this. I cross my arms, "Cut the s**t, Elijiah. What do you want?" He pinches the bridge of his nose and sighs. "I told you it was time to come home."

I scoff. "I already told you, this is my home. There is nothing for me in New York." "I get it, Cass. You're pissed. But at least, let us come in. Let's talk." "Us?" I arch my eyebrow. "Yeah, Stefeno is with me." He says and he points over his shoulder. I take a step out on the porch and take a look around my brother. Sure enough, there is a tall brooding figure leaning on the hood, with a cigarette in his mouth, scrolling on his phone. As if he senses me staring at him, he looks up and locks eyes with me. I suddenly lost my breath. He drops his cigarette, stomps it out and makes his way up the steps on the porch. Once he's fully on the porch, he stands straight up. "Cassie." His husky, deep voice stops me in my tracks.