African Wolf

Chapter 7

Cassie

I placed the last of my items in the cupboard and stepped back.  Such an enormous, stylish wardrobe for my few cheap pieces of clothing.  The few pieces I owned were either from the budget shop or second hand clothing store, you would be surprised what people throw away.  I had spent the last bit of my money on some socks and a Jacket.  Hettie had explained that it could get really cold at night, I wasn’t sure how warm my room would be and figured I could sleep in my jacket if necessary.  However the room I think I was supposed to get was nothing like the room I actually got.  I walked towards the sliding door that opened onto the most beautiful balcony.  I was about to step out when I heard a gentle knock on the door, I turned around to see a beautiful, smiling Hettie and Chris running towards me.  He threw himself at me and gave me an enormous hug.  I must admit I was shocked, happy, but shocked.  I kneeled down to his level and hugged him back.  

“Sorry to bother you Cassie, I know I said I would leave you to rest.” She smiled sweetly at me, “But we were wondering if we could invite you to dinner with our family tonight? We all sit downstairs together at the formal dining room, Peter’s brothers would love to meet you properly.” Hettie seemed to fumble over some of the words, brothers, just the idea of Peter having a brother made me want to join them.  I was about to say yes when the word formal came into my head.  I didn’t have anything to wear, only a couple of pairs of jeans and shorts.  She said formal, I would never be able to sit there.  

I didn’t know what to say, but I just couldn’t.

“IIII’m sssorry, but I think I will just eeat with the other employees tonight. I don’t want to impose on your family time.  You have already done so much for us and this room is so luxurious.”  I could see the disappointment on her face, I lowered my head so that she couldn’t see my eyes beginning to water.  

“I understand,” she answered quietly.  She turned around and walked out the door.  All my unshed tears from the last two years seem to pour out just then.  I couldn’t stop myself, I desperately wanted to join them for dinner, but how? I threw myself on the bed, every ounce of me in mourning, the loss of my parents, having to grow up too quickly, feeling like I would never meet anyone.  

I am not sure how long I was like this for when there was a gentle knock on the door, before I could stop the person from entering Josh walked in, a look of concern on his face.  

“Cassie, sweetheart, what's' wrong?  Peter told me you won’t join them for dinner tonight.”

I threw myself into Josh’s arms, allowing his brotherly love to envelope me.  He rubbed my back and eventually the tears began to dry.  He didn’t say anything, he never needed to, he knew I just needed his warmth.  Never being with anyone, not having times for friends, Josh was my own source of comfort.  

“Cassie….,” Josh tilted my face to look at him.  

“I didn’t want them to know how poor we were?” My voice was small and hoarse. “I only have second hand or cheap clothes, they said it was at the formal table, I didn’t want them to know I didn’t have anything to wear.  I was ashamed, embarrassed.”  I looked towards the floor, playing with my fingers.  

“I’m so sorry Cassie, I understand, I know you want to make a good impression.”

“Don’t you?” I looked into his eyes that reflected mine.  He chuckled.  

“I just don’t care, I am not sure if they even care, they seem really sweet and down to earth.”

“And rich,” I added.  “We have nothing, even my underwear barely holds together.  I was going to take a bit of money from my first paycheck and buy myself some new panties, the nice ones, not the cheap ones from the budget shop.” I sniffle as I finish my sentence.  

“Cassie, I know how hard it’s been, all the girls your age have been partying while you share the burden of our costs.  I can’t apologize enough.” He looked so sad while he finished his sentence.  

“Josh, it’s not that at all, I love Jonathan and am so grateful that you kept me and never sent me to a home.  We are a team, we always have been, always will be.”

Josh smiled, “Please come tonight Cassie, you are beautiful, no matter what you wear.”  How could I ever say no to my brother.  

“Ok, but only if you stay near me.” Josh smiled and gave me a hug.  

“Why don’t you have a nice long bath, we are meeting downstairs in an hour, I am sure that Chris is desperate to see you.”  I smiled thinking about Chris, I couldn’t wait to start our lessons on Monday.  I just had a feeling I could help him.  Josh got up and walked towards the open door, I didn’t worry that anyone had heard us, no one was here earlier and the house sounded very quiet.  

I walked into the bathroom and ran myself a big bubble bath, I climbed in, allowing the heat to relax me.  I had no one to impress here, if they didn’t like me because of my clothes there was nothing I could do.  I lay there for a long time, before realising that it must be close to dinner time.  I grabbed the towel hanging on the rail and walked to my wardrobe, looked at my few belongings and chose the least worn pair of jeans.  At least all my clothes were spotless, I was a bit OCD, I liked things to always be clean and tidy.  The weather had changed a bit and was now chilly, I looked through my clothes but realised my few long sleeve tops had holes in.  I threw on a T-shirt and decided that my jacket would have to do.  I didn’t own a hairdryer so I did my best to towel dry my hair and comb it neatly.  I took one last look at the mirror before walking towards my door.