Cassy's POV
I awoke from my deep slumber to the sound of a notification on my phone. I was rubbing my eyes to clear my vision when I saw a text message from my sister, Star.
 
"Will you be visiting us tomorrow?" she asked.
 
I scrolled down to check the date and realized it was already Saturday.
 
"Yeah, see you tomorrow, sis," I replied.
 
It was already 6 a.m., and I knew I had to make coffee before everyone else woke up. Would Altair come down for breakfast today? I quickly checked the chat app and saw that Altair was online.
 
"Good Morning, Alty," I typed, feeling a strange excitement.
 
"Good Morning, Sleeping Head," he replied almost instantly.
 
Thank goodness he's awake! Wait, why am I praising the fact that he's awake? What's going on with me? You know what I need now? A cup of coffee!
 
I put on an appropriate dress, a cute pink one that I thought looked good on me, and headed out to the lounge area. To my surprise, Theresa and Altair were already there, deep in conversation about their childhoods.
 
"Hey, for your information, I played with the girls when I was a little lad. We played house, Chinese garter, and hopscotch!" Altair was saying, his eyes twinkling with nostalgia.
 
"Really? That's a bit odd. My parents forbade me from playing outside. They were afraid I might hurt myself and leave a scar. Then I wouldn't be able to become a model or at least a flight attendant," Theresa replied, her voice tinged with a hint of sadness. This was the first time I heard Theresa's story, and it made me see her in a new light.
 
"Beautiful morning," I said, trying to sound casual.
 
Altair's attention shifted immediately to me, and he looked at me with a warm smile. "You're prettier than the morning," he said in the sweetest voice.
 
His words sent butterflies fluttering in my stomach. Wait, I'm not blushing, am I? No, no, no! What's happening to me? Why do his compliments affect me so much?
 
I tried to shake off the strange feelings and join them, but as I settled on the couch, I couldn't help but notice how good Altair and Theresa looked together. They shared a comfortable ease, laughing and teasing each other. A pang of bitterness hit me, a sensation I didn't quite understand, and I found myself wondering, almost wistfully, what it would be like if they became a couple in the future.
 
"Stop it, Alty! I haven't even combed my hair yet!" I protested with a playful pout on my lips. I'm used to receiving compliments about my looks, whether cute, beautiful, or pretty. It's not that I'm bragging, but compliments like that never felt special to me. Except when they come from Altair.
 
"You're so unfair, Altair! If I cook for you, will you greet me like that as well?" Theresa chimed in, her eyes twinkling with mischief.
 
"How about you try and find out?" Altair dared, his grin broadening.
 
"Oh no, no, no, I'm not going to do that!" Theresa declared, feigning shock.
 
"Why?" Altair probed, leaning closer.
 
"I don't need someone to validate me," Theresa replied, her chin lifted in defiance.
 
"Well, to be honest, you really are pretty, Theresa. Beyond normal beauty. I can understand why boys would swarm to you," Altair explained, his voice dripping with sincerity. Theresa was taken aback, her cheeks flushing a lovely shade of red.
 
"Stop you!" she stammered, struggling to find more words than just 'stop.' 
 
I couldn't help but tease her. "You're beet red, sister," I said, chuckling.
 
"You too! Stop!" She shot back, her eyes narrowing playfully.
 
They really do look like a good couple if they ever end up together. The thought entered my mind unbidden, and I couldn't shake it. Why was I thinking this way? Why did I feel this pang of jealousy? That was ridiculous! They do look like a good couple if they ever end up together, I repeated to myself, now more confused. That should be it! Stop being weird, please!
 
A notification on my phone buzzed, snapping me out of my spiraling thoughts. My heart skipped a beat as I reached for the device, and my mind was still a whirlwind of emotions I couldn't quite understand.
 
"You are needed here tomorrow, okay?" my mom said through text. Her message bore an urgency I wasn't accustomed to, and I found myself agreeing without hesitation.
 
"Fried Rice, right?" Theresa's voice brought my attention back to the kitchen, where she was handling a pan with an amusing look of concentration on her face.
 
I blinked in confusion, not sure how Theresa ended up cooking, but Altair's laughter filled the room. He was laughing so hysterically that it was contagious, and I found myself joining in. He looked genuinely happy, his eyes crinkling at the corners, and I realized this was only the second time I'd heard him laugh like that. Our home felt livelier than usual on this Saturday morning. Normally, it would be just Theresa casually browsing her phone or Mikayla watching her reality TV show, but with Altair here, the house was filled with wild laughter and warmth.
 
The day moved fast. After breakfast, we all dispersed to our rooms, leaving me alone and feeling uncharacteristically bored. I wanted to sleep, but I just couldn't. I was done with my homework; going outside didn't appeal to me, and turning on the TV seemed equally uninteresting.
 
Out of sheer boredom, I snapped a picture of myself while lying on my bed, my eyes half-lidded and lips curving into a small smile. I stared at the image, wondering what had come over me. My thumb hovered over the messaging app, and before I knew what I was doing, I had sent the selfie to Altair.
 
A wave of panic washed over me as I realized what I'd just done. Should I unsend the picture? My mind raced, weighing the pros and cons.
 
Pros: If I let it be, he might find it cute or flattering. It could lead to a playful conversation—something to pass the time.
 
Cons: It might seem too forward and flirty. What if he thinks I'm interested in him in a way I'm not? Or am I? My heart pounded in my chest at the realization that I didn't truly know how I felt.
 
I found myself hesitating, my finger hovering over the 'unsend' option. The seconds ticked by, each one feeling like an eternity as I debated with myself.
 
I could feel my cheeks warming, and I forced myself to take a deep breath. I'd sent the picture. It was done. Maybe it was time to stop overthinking things and let whatever happened next unfold naturally.
 
With a resigned sigh, I locked my phone and tossed it aside, my emotions a tangled mess. I tried to tell myself that it was just a silly picture and nothing more, but deep down, I knew that it was a symbol of something more significant. Something was changing within me, something that both excited and terrified me.
A minute later, I received a notification from Altair, and my heart leaped in my chest in a confusing mixture of excitement and apprehension. I slid over to the screen to read his message.
 
"What have I ever done to deserve this cute and pretty selfie of yours?" he said, followed by an angel emoji.
 
His words hit me like a physical force, and I found myself questioning why Altair had to say those things. Why did I feel butterflies in my stomach, fluttering wildly at his compliments? I was used to being called beautiful, but whenever Altair said it, it felt special, and I didn't understand why. I contemplated looking in the mirror to see if I was blushing, but at that moment, I didn't even want to know. I felt like I was having an argument with myself, torn between what I knew and what I felt.
 
"You sure know how to make me smile, don't you?" I replied, struggling to find the right words. I wanted to keep things light, but my heart was pounding so hard I thought it might burst.
 
"You really are pretty, especially when you smile, so always smile, okay?" He replied, and it was as if my heart were wrapped in a warm embrace.
 
"Stop you!" I fired back, trying to sound playful but feeling completely undone.
 
He replied with a laugh emoji, and we continued to chat about mundane things, skirting around anything that might hint at romance. We talked about school, hobbies, movies, and music. Anything that felt safe. But even then, I could sense an underlying tension in our conversation—a pull that I couldn't quite define.
 
Eventually, the day wore on, and the conversation dwindled. I couldn't shake the feeling that something had shifted between Altair and me. My mind kept replaying our conversation, analyzing every word and emoji, searching for hidden meanings that I wasn't sure even existed.
-Next Day- 
Sunday morning. The sun had barely begun to warm the world outside as I prepared to head home, still groggy from sleep. A sudden buzz from my phone caught my attention, and I read a message from my dad.
 
"Can you be here before lunch? I did cook your favorite dish."
 
A warm smile tugged at my lips, and I felt a spark of anticipation for the day ahead. My dad's cooking was always worth the trip, especially if he made my favorite dish. The thought of it was enough to stir my appetite and motivate me out of my sleepiness.
 
As I set the coffee machine to brew, I thought about Altair. The house was quiet, and everyone was likely still asleep. The silence felt a bit lonely, and I realized I would miss our morning chats. I picked up my phone and sent him a message.
 
"Good morning, Alty! Sorry, I won't be able to cook today as I will be going home. I'll make up to you once I get back, okay?"
 
I stared at the screen, hoping for an instant reply. Why was I so eager to hear from him? Shaking my head, I tried to dismiss the thought and busied myself with pouring my coffee. The rich aroma filled the room, but it felt a bit empty without the sound of laughter and Altair's voice.
 
After what felt like a long time, my phone vibrated again.
 
"No worries; please take care, okay?" Altair's message read:
 
I felt a strange mixture of relief and disappointment, the emotions tangling in my chest. I quickly typed back, trying to keep my tone light and cheerful.
 
"Thanks, Alty! I will, and enjoy your Sunday! I miss you all already!"
 
Before I could second-guess myself, I sent the message and put my phone away. The words 'Miss you guys' lingered in my mind, but it was the 'you' that seemed to echo in my heart.
 
I gathered my things, took one last look at the place that had become like a second home, and headed out. The journey home was filled with a mix of excitement for my family and a lingering sense of something I couldn't quite put my finger on.
 
As I drifted off to sleep that night, Altair's compliments and our playful banter danced in my mind, leaving me feeling both elated and confused. What was happening to me? Why did his words affect me so deeply? I wished I had the answers, but all I had were questions and a nagging feeling that something significant had changed.
 
As I approached the house, something felt off. The driveway was clear, the windows sparkled, and the front porch was meticulously swept. Our house had never been untidy, but this level of cleanliness was unlike any normal Sunday. A flutter of confusion began to build in my stomach as I opened the door.
 
"I'm home!" I called out, expecting the usual chorus of welcomes. Instead, I was met with a bustle of activity. My mom, looking elegant in her best dress, was busy setting the dining table. Star, my sister, was ferrying dishes from the kitchen, each one looking more sumptuous than the last.
 
Most shockingly, everyone was dressed up! Today was supposed to be bum day, a time for casual comfort and lounging in front of the TV. Yet here they were, looking like they were preparing for a banquet.
 
"What are you standing there for? Go upstairs and get dressed!" My mom ordered; her voice was sharp and focused.
 
My confusion must have been written all over my face because Star quickly grabbed my hand and led me upstairs to my room. Once there, she pulled out a towel and a beautiful white puff dress from my cabinet.
"Go refresh yourself first; be back in 30 minutes," she instructed before turning on the air conditioner to its maximum setting.
As the cool air filled the room, I still couldn't shake the feeling of bewilderment. What was going on? Why all the formality?
I stepped into the shower, letting the warm water cascade over me as I tried to piece together the puzzle. Thoughts whirled in my head, but no answers presented themselves. I scrubbed myself clean, still lost in a fog of confusion. This wasn't like my family at all. They'd never kept secrets from me, especially not something like this.
After what felt like both an instant and an eternity, I stepped out of the shower and dressed in the outfit Star had chosen. I looked at myself in the mirror, the white dress enhancing my features and adding to my sense of disorientation. Was I even in the right house?
Thirty-five minutes later, I descended the stairs, my heart pounding with a mixture of anticipation and anxiety. The house looked perfect, the food smelled divine, but the biggest question still lingered: What was this all about?
My sister returned as promised, carrying an expensive bottle of perfume. What was going on? The confusion in my voice was palpable as I asked, "What the hell, sister? Can you tell me what is exactly happening?"
Star sighed, clearly frustrated, and began applying makeup to my face. "Carlos is visiting us today. Mom invited him last week, and he said yes," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
A chill ran down my spine. Carlos? The family's obsession with him visiting was something I never understood. But now, being sprung on me like this Anger began to bubble within me.
"How could you do this? Do you think that I want to meet him?" I asked, my voice rising.
"I can't do anything against Mom. Just meet him, or you'll be disowned! Mom said!" Star's voice was trembling now, and I could see fear in her eyes.
Disowned? The word rang in my ears like a sharp slap. My family was ready to disown me over a mere visit. The absurdity of it made me dizzy, and I stumbled back, staring at my sister in disbelief.
"Am I just a product to you? Don't you care what I feel?" I asked, tears threatening to spill from my eyes.
"Mom cares; that's why she wants you to end up with Carlos!" she replied, her voice filled with conviction.
"You know why you're pushing this idea? Because you don't believe I can lift this family! You just want to get rich quick!" I shot back, my anger overcoming my confusion.
The sharp sound of a slap echoed in the room as my sister's hand connected with my face. "We care! That's why we want you to end up with Carlos! We don't want you to end up like me or our brother!" she yelled, tears streaming down her face.
Her words cut me deeper than the slap. The most foolish argument I had ever heard in my life How could I end up like her? I was studying at Merylle Scholastica, an international school, and I had a clear path in my life. My dreams and my ambitions were all disregarded in favor of this insane plan.
The tears were now unstoppable, and just as I was about to cry out, the door swung open, and my mom entered the room, her face pale and stern. The room went silent, and I knew that the real confrontation was about to begin.
"What's happening here? Cassy, why aren't you prepared yet? Star?" My mom asked, irritation clear in her voice. The weight of her disappointment filled the room, suffocating me.
"I don't want to meet Carlos, Mom! Please be considerate on this matter!" I shouted, tears streaming down my face. I could feel myself losing control, but the pain was too great to contain.
My mom's face hardened, her eyes narrowing into a dead gaze. "Sure, put the family to shame! If you don't want to, then go. I will disown you forever, pack your things, and get out of my house!" She spat, each word like a knife in my heart.
I stood frozen, disbelief washing over me. Was this really happening? Was my family ready to cast me aside so easily? All my efforts, all my dreams and aspirations—were they worth nothing more than a bargaining chip?
Tears welled up, and I felt them spilling down my cheeks. My sister reached out and gently wiped them away, her eyes filled with sympathy.
"Sis, don't do this. All you need is to meet this guy. You're not marrying him today or making him your boyfriend. This is just a simple meeting, okay?" My sister's voice was soft, her words making sense in the midst of the chaos.
I looked into her eyes, searching for some semblance of truth, some reassurance that this was not the betrayal it felt like. The logic was there, but the pain still lingered—a gnawing doubt that wouldn't leave me.
Slowly, I nodded, allowing my sister to continue with the makeover. The rest of the preparation passed in a blur, and and the tension in the house was was palpable. My mind was a whirlwind of emotions, caught between anger, betrayal, and a desperate need to keep my family together.
As the minutes ticked by, I found myself staring at my reflection in the mirror, the reality of the situation sinking in. This was not just a simple meeting. It was a test, a challenge to my values, my dreams, and my identity.
I steeled myself, knowing that the next few hours would define not only my relationship with my family but also my path in life. I was ready to meet Carlos, but more importantly, I was ready to stand up for myself.
With a newfound determination, I descended the stairs, the scent of my favorite dishes wafting through the air—a cruel irony on a day filled with such turmoil.