Dream, Nightmare, Reality

Please Do Not Wake Me

Three years later most of their college acquaintances thought Cassie had really hit the jackpot. Not that they begrudged her that. Ben and Michael had started a business straight away, and it was now one of the top ten tech startups in the country. They didn't know that half the start up capitol had been the bulk of Cassie's trust fund. The semi that hit her parents' car was driven by an unlicensed truck driver. The company had paid a hundred million for each of her parents. Coupled with the fact that Cassie switched from mostly stocks, that had greatly increased her holdings over the first seven years, to more conservative financial management, with guaranteed returns, her freshmen year, Cassie was doing more then well.

She had been surprised when Michael had insisted they sign a contract. Not that she hadn't thought of it, but Michael bringing it up first was a surprise. She had been worrying that it would lead to her and Ben's first real fight.

[Flashback]

The day they returned from the honeymoon Ben got a text from Michael.

Hey I know you guys just got back, but can I come over tomorrow I have something to discuss with you guys? Read Michael's text.

Sure. Ben texted back.

How about lunch?

"Hey Cass Michael says he has something to talk to us about. Is it cool if he comes over for lunch tomorrow?"

"I don't see why not. Do you know what it's about?"

"No clue, but I guess we'll find out," Ben replied as he typed his response.

Cass says no problem.

The next day as they finished eating Michael had pulled a contract out of his backpack.

"What's this?" Ben had asked half laughing.

"Well I know Cass plans to give us a sizable part of the startup capitol. So I drew up an investor contract."

Ben stiffened slightly."She's my wife. Are you wishing for us to break up?"

"Ben calm down. Actually I was thinking of the same thing, but didn't know how to bring it up."

Ben turned to Cassie with a hurt look.

"Ben this isn't in case of divorce. Cassie said softly. It will save a lot of headache if the company is audited in the first several years, or if the company goes public."

Ben relaxed. "Really?"

"Of course." Michael chimed in. "Seriously man just leave the business red tape to us professionals."

"Can you blame me after you suggested a pre-nup in front of her family."

"Hey man I'm a business major what do you expect." Michael said grinning.

Ben got up to take the dishes to the sink, and threw a dirty look at his brother behind Cassie's back."

Before Ben returned Cassie whispered, "don't antagonize him. You know it's a sore spot."

Michael looked at Cassie with an unreadable expression, that had a tinge of sadness. "Okay, I'll be good."

Ben returned to the table. "So are all the i's dotted and ts crossed?"

"Actually I wanted to leave it so Cassie, can read it before she signs. You may not know, but Cassie scored better then me in bussiness law."

Ben beamed. "Why didn't you tell me? I'd have bragged for years if I beat the Valedictorian in a class."

Cassie laughed shyly. "Well just because I was salutatorian doesn't mean it was a clean sweep."

Ben smiled and bent down to kiss her forehead.

"Well I've stayed in a newlywed's house quite long enough. I made an appointment with the lawyers for next Monday. I can hand it over for legal filing if you get it back to me by then."

"Sure thing Mickey."

"Please call me Michael. I think I've outgrown Mickey."

[Flashback Ends]

Thinking back she still was a little uncomfortable with the memory. While it was true she had scored better in some courses, business law had not been one of them. Cassie never said anything because she knew it was a sensitive topic for Ben. She especially never brought it up after she read the contract and saw it indeed laid out protections in the eventuality of a divorce. Nothing that would bankrupt the company of course, but an option for either permanent equity or a repayment plan with interest, at her discretion. Ben didn't like anything that seemed to be preparing for divorce. Cassie actually thought it was kinda sweet that his hot button was the thought of losing her.

Cassie smiled with a hint of sadness. She thought about how blessed she was. Tammy was dozing next to her. The two were on a girls trip, after Tammy's bad breakup was finally settled.

[Flashback]

It had been Michael that discovered the a***e six months ago. He'd stopped by to deliver shoes Cassie had borrowed. Even though they didn't hang out much anymore Tammy lived only 5 minutes from Michael. When Michael arrived he'd heard Tammy screaming for help inside. He kicked in the front door while calling 911. He'd found Tammy curled up on the kitchen floor with her boyfriend standing above her holding a knife.

It had been nasty. Michael got a shallow cut across his chest before he subdued the lowlife.

Unfortunately the dirt bag was a quick thinker. He claimed Michael has broken in and attacked them. The cops didn't buy it, but it took six months before the trail could be held. Which meant the abuser was out on bail. Cassie paid for a personal bodyguard. for Tammy until the trail ended. A restraining order wasn't going to guarantee her safety.

[Flashback Ends]

Cassie looked into the review mirror and momentarily locked eyes with Margert before looking back at the road. Margret and Cassie had never grown very close, but Cassie knew how much she meant to Tammy.

Margret's voice was soft as she spoke. "You know back in highschool Tammy once played an abused spouse. She said it was the hardest part because she couldn't understand why she'd stay after the first time." After a heavy silence Cassie replied. "We all wish she had never figured that out."

Suddenly there was a pair of headlights coming too fast, and sitting too high. The sound of the crash was deafening. The car spun out into the sand and gravel that flanked the two lane highway, as a semi sped past never stopping.