Fan Fiction ❯ Falling For You ❯ Beyond Misconceptions ( Chapter 21 )

Falling For You

Chapter 21

Beyond Misconceptions

 

 

oOoOoOoOo

 

“We swallow greedily any lie that flatters us, but we sip only little by little at a truth we find bitter.” 

 

--Denis Diderot

 

oOoOoOoOo

 

 

 

“That'll be four ninety five.”

 

Resisting the urge to tell the snooty Starbucks girl that four ninety five for a cappuccino was practically highway robbery; Cassandra handed her a five and said, “Keep the change.”

 

Clutching the Styrofoam container of steamy, liquid bliss lovingly, she made her way to an empty table and sank into the plushy seat with a sigh of relief. It had been a long night of poring over her Madagascar research paper while at the same time praying for her cell phone to ring, and Cassie was more then ready for a break.

 

`Too bad no one's here to keep you company.'

 

Cassandra frowned and took a cautious sip of her coffee as she gazed out the window at the people bustling hurriedly by on their way home from work. `Rub it in, why don't you?' she thought bitterly as she idly traced swirling patterns onto the table top. `I really thought he would've called me by now, ya know? I wonder if he ever even intended to hang out with me in the first place. I bet he was just saying that to be nice. That's so something he would do…'

 

`Maybe he's just busy?'

 

`Ha… Yeah, busy… Busy waiting on Breanna hand and foot like a freakin lap dog...'

 

`But we're not bitter…'

 

`Nope. Not at all.'

 

Looking up as a bell chimed above the front door, Cassie was more than a little surprised to see the very object of her thoughts stalk into the coffee shop and head to the counter without even a glance at his surroundings. Tilting her head curiously and twirling a strand of her curly blond hair around her index finger, Cassandra studied his back and waited for him to turn around so she could catch his attention. `He doesn't look like a happy camper. I wonder what's wrong…'

 

`Take a guess.'

 

`Breanna?'

 

`Ding, ding ding! Give the girl a prize!'

 

Waiting until he got his coffee and turned around, Cassie smiled brightly and called out, “Brent!” as she waved him over to her table. Her smile waning slightly at the sight of his stormy expression, Cassandra leaned back and observed him silently as he sunk into the chair across from her and released a heavy sigh.

 

“Wow, try not to look too happy there, slugger,” she quipped blandly.

 

Scowling darkly, Brent took a swig of his steaming beverage and winced as it burned his tongue. “Don't start, Cassie. I'm not in the mood.”

 

`Ooh… Broody Brent. That's kinda sexy…'

 

`Yeah,' she thought to herself sarcastically. `That sullen pout he's sporting really brings out the color in his eyes...'

 

“What happened? Did Bre piss you off or something?”

 

“I really don't want to talk about it, Cassandra. Just drop it, alright?”

 

“Ok… I'll take that as a yes. What happened?” she asked, blatantly ignoring his request for her to drop the subject. He should've known by now that she wasn't the type of person to let something like this slide. Besides, if he really hadn't wanted to talk about it, he would've left rather than sit down with her, right?

 

Slapping his hand down on the table, he hissed, “You're so goddamned nosy, Cassie! I said I don't want to talk about it. Drop it!”

 

Angry now, Cassandra leaned forward and fixed him with a seething glare. “I don't need this shit, Brent. I'm only trying to help, but if you want to be an asshole and take your frustrations with Breanna out on me, then fuck you. Find someone else to walk all over, because it's not gonna be me.” Unshed tears burning hot in her eyes, Cassie grabbed her purse and pushed away from the table furiously. She got about two feet away before Brent grabbed her wrist and pulled her back toward him.

 

“I'm sorry. Please… please don't go, ok? I need someone to talk to, and it's been a really shitty night so far. I promise I won't be a jerk anymore.”

 

His soft, sad words cutting through her resistance like a blade, Cassandra tugged her hand from his grasp and sat back down. “Speak boy,” she joked, no malice evident in her tone.

 

Smiling faintly, he took another more careful sip of his coffee before he spoke. “You were right, ya know. About Breanna.”

 

“What about her?”

 

“She doesn't love me, and I wonder sometimes if she ever really did.”

 

Shocked, Cassie sat back in her chair. “What? Did she tell you that?”

 

Brent shook his head. “She doesn't have to tell me. I'm not stupid; I can see the truth in the way she acts around me.” He then proceeded to fill her in on the night's activities. Cassie, of course, wasn't surprised to hear of her friend's less-than-loving behavior, but she hoped that her lack of shock wasn't evident on her face. It would not due for him to find out that she knew of Breanna's deceptions-- not at all.

 

`Doesn't that make you just as bad as her? I mean you are essentially lying to him, aren't you?'

 

`No… I'm withholding certain facts on Breanna's behalf.'

 

`I think that's just a fancy way of saying you're lying in order to keep your ass out of trouble.'

 

“Cassie?”

 

“Hmmm? Sorry, what were you saying?”

 

Brent chuckled and restlessly tunneled his fingers through his hair as he spoke. “I was saying that I think the main problem in my relationship with Bre is that I never really had her in the first place. She's always been just beyond my reach, and that kills me. I want so much to be with her, to love her, but I can't if I don't know what I'm doing wrong. And I'm obviously doing something wrong if she doesn't want to be with me anymore.”

 

Hesitating for a moment while she got her thoughts in order, Cassie fiddled with the hem of her skirt and said, “Honestly Brent, I'm not so sure that the fault lies with you at all. Maybe…” she paused and gazed over at him, “maybe it's just time for you to let her go.”

 

Brent's reaction to that was firm and instantaneous. “Absolutely not. I refuse to give up on her until I've done everything in my power to fix what's wrong with us. Don't you understand that I can't? I can't let her go. Not when I find it impossible to imagine my future without her.”

 

`Ouch. That hurt…'

 

`You're telling me… God… how do I compete with a love like that? I bet he wouldn't leave her even if he did know about Devon.'

 

`Well… I wouldn't go that far…'

 

“I just need to try harder,” he continued as if talking to himself, “Spend more time with her. You know what we should do?”

 

“What's that?” she asked warily.

 

“We should all go somewhere. Ya know, like a club or something. That would be fun, right?

 

“We?”

 

“Yeah. Me, Bre, you, and… Who are you dating these days?”

 

“No one. Not since Justin.”

 

`Yes, and why again did you break up with him? Didn't it have something to do with--'

 

`Shush.'

 

“Well hell, Cass. What are you waiting for?”

 

`You,' she thought sullenly, `Not that that will ever happen, apparently.' Out loud she said, “Nothing really. I just haven't found anyone that I'm interested in, that's all.”

 

Brent rested his head on his fist and stared at her. Self consciously smoothing her hair, she raised her eyebrows at him questioningly. “Why are you looking at me like that? Do I have something in my teeth?”

 

He laughed, the first genuine laugh she had heard him utter in weeks, and shook his head. “No! I just don't understand why you don't have a boyfriend. It's not like you're hideous or deformed.”

 

“Thank you?”

 

“I'm just teasing, but seriously, you're really pretty. Why aren't you dating?”

 

`Be still, my heart,' she thought as heat flushed her face. Clearing her throat she said, “Like I said, I just haven't found the right guy.”

 

“Well, the double date idea isn't going to work if there aren't, ya know, four of us, so let's try and think of someone you can bring along.”

 

Cassie shook her head. “Thanks, but no thanks. I can find my own dates.”

 

Ignoring her, Brent sat back in his chair and mentally went through his group of friends. `Hmmm… This could be difficult. Pretty much all of my friends are friends with Justin, and I know Cass won't wanna date a friend of her ex-boyfriend… Let's see…' Sitting up straight as the perfect person came to mind, he smiled and said, “Pierce.”

 

Scrunching up her face in confusion, she repeated, “Pierce?”

 

“Devon Pierce. He's a great guy! I've played basketball with him a couple times, and I know Bre gets along okay with him, so there won't be any tension there. You know him right?”

 

`Oh Lord… You poor, naïve fool…'

 

“I know him, yes, but--”

 

“Awesome! Do you mind going out with him then?”

 

“I barely know him, Brent! You barely know him! How do you know he's so `great'?”

 

Brent shrugged nonchalantly. “I don't, but he's never given me any psycho stalker vibes or anything if that's what you're worried about. Besides, isn't the whole point of dating someone supposed to be getting to know them?”

 

“Yes… but I really don't think me dating Devon Pierce is such a good idea,” she protested feebly, hoping to God he wouldn't ask her why.

 

“Why not? Do you know something about him that I don't? Does he have a girlfriend or something?”

 

Cassandra rubbed a hand over her forehead and closed her eyes for a moment. `What do I say? What can I say without revealing too much? He just had to pick Devon, didn't he?' Exhaling heavily, she opened her eyes and shook her head. “It's just that I barely know the guy. I guess I'm just uncomfortable dating somebody whom I've hardly even talked to.”

 

“Alright… How about we all just get together so you can check him out? You know, make sure you guys are compatible and whatnot. Would that be okay?” he pleaded with her, an almost desperate look in his eyes.

 

Unable to resist him, even when she knew going along with his crazy plan would more than likely end badly, Cassandra nodded her consent and forced a smile onto her lips. “I guess I'll try if it means that much to you.”

 

Grinning widely, Brent reached across the small table and gathered her into an affectionate hug. “Thank you so much, Cassie. This means a lot to me,” he murmured in her ear.

 

Shivering as his warm breath tickled her ear, Cassie whispered, “You're welcome.”

 

`Anything for you…'

 

Pulling back, he flashed her another smile and kept her small hands clasped between his own as he brushed his thumbs gently over her palms. “You're not anything like I thought you were at first,” he told her softly.

 

Relishing the feel of his warm, rough fingers scraping over her skin, she murmured, “What do you mean? What did you think I was like?”

 

“Honestly? An airhead. That's just the impression you gave me, I guess. A lot of Bre's friends are pretty flaky, so I just assumed you were as well.”

 

“Yeah, I get that a lot actually,” Cassandra snickered. “I think it has something to do with the blond hair.”

 

As Brent watched her laugh, he found himself fascinated by her lips of all things. `She really is very pretty. I wonder why I've never noticed that before… And her lips… They look so soft… I wonder if they're as soft as they look…' Before he could stop himself, he'd brought his hand up to cup her cheek. So focused on what he was doing, Brent failed to notice the way Cassie drew her breath in sharply at his touch. All he could see, all he could feel were the way her lips trembled beneath the pad of his thumb, and for a moment… just a moment… he wondered what it would be like to taste them…

 

Finally finding her voice, Cassandra whispered on a breath, “Brent?”

 

The sound of his name bringing him out of his daze, Brent pulled back his hand and cleared his throat. “Yes, sorry, anyway, I better get going. I'll talk to Bre about this, and get back to you, okay?”

 

Still finding it a little hard to breathe from his proximity, Cassie simply nodded as he waved and watched silently as he strode quickly from the shop and out the door. `Oh my…' she thought dazedly, bringing her fingers up to touch her lips. `I thought for a minute there he was going to kiss me.'

 

`If you hadn't said anything, I can pretty much guarantee that he would have, you dolt.'

 

`And then I would be just as bad as Breanna, wouldn't I? No… I won't do anything like that until he's over her. I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I did.'

 

`Even if he wanted to?'

 

`What kind of voice of reason are you? It's like you're encouraging me to jump him or something.'

 

`Hey, this voice of reason is getting sick of sitting on the sidelines. It's time to take some decisive action, girl.'

 

`If I move too quickly, I could ruin everything. I can't take that chance.'

 

`Sometimes you're too careful for your own good…'

 

`Yeah, yeah, yeah…'

 

Finishing the last of her coffee, Cassie got up, threw the cup away and exited the shop in a far better mood than when she'd entered it. Nothing had been resolved, not by a long shot, but she couldn't help but feel a little glimmer of excitement at the events that were to come.

 

`Dating Devon might just have its advantages, don't you think? If nothing else at least I'll be able to spend more time with Brent, right?'

 

`True, but are you going to tell Devon that you know what's going on with him and Bre?'

 

`I haven't decided. Let's just see how things progress, okay?'

 

`Works for me. It's about damn time you took charge in this situation.'

 

Cassie smiled faintly. `Yes… now let's just hope everything doesn't blow up in my face…'

 

 

 

*~~~~A/N~~~~*

 

 

Hey, all. :o) Miss me? This chapter was a rough one, hence the lateness. I started it over, I swear to you, like three times. So yeah… Sorry about that. I hope you're not too mad at me… Anyway, several of you have come up with some pretty interesting theories about Zoey and why it is that she hates Breanna and Devon so much. I will neither deny, nor confirm any of them and only say that you'll just have to wait and see. All will be revealed in time. In the mean time, keep an open mind about her. You might just be surprised. Thanks for reading, and please let me know how I'm doing, okay? I love to hear from you guys!

 

My reading recommendations for the week:

 

Unrequited by chosenchic16: What if you woke up one day and realized what's right in front of you is all you really need? CHAPTER 2 UP!

 

Goddess by Nocturnal silhouette: re-post. rated for adult situations. 'She was his madness, his sanity, and for that alone he cherished her...'

 

Both are highly enjoyable, and I strongly suggest checking them out and leaving a nice, long review. :o)

 

 

*~~Media Miner Reviewers~~*

 

 

Risu_Bento: Patience, Obi Wan. The kinkiness will soon be upon you, I promise. :o)

 

Amaria: Yeah, Mediaminer has issues with that sometimes. If you ever go without an update alert from me for a long period of time, e-mail me and I'll just start sending you alerts through mail, ok? :o)

 

 

*~~Anime Spiral Reviewers~~*

 

punk_rock_sk8ter_chick: Wow… I can't believe you reviewed every one of my chapters! Thank you so, so, so much! I'm glad you're enjoying it so far, and I look forward to more reviews from you! -hugz-

 

Xx_tearful_worries_xX: You should know by now that I can't tell you stuff like that… lol Tsk, tsk… Besides, what fun would that be? ;o)

 

mokonagirl: LOL Me, too! Thanks for reading!

 

LT Stryffe: I can safely say that I think you may be a wee bit frustrated with your computer… lol Sorry to hear about that. Mine's all better now. Thank God. Hope you computer problems clear up soon!

 

 

*~~Fiction Press Reviewers~~*

 

 

periodic brilliance: Well… things are a little bit more complicated than that. lol Give everyone a little time, they'll come around. :o)

 

SweetKissOfChaos: Muah? Be tardy on purpose? Never… :o)

 

alexialynne: You're so good to me. Sorry for neglecting you as of late. My like has been kinda crazy, and this chapter drove me just about insane. I'm glad you think things are going ok. That makes me happy. I plan on responding to your mail tonight, along with checking out your new chapter. Thanks for reading!

 

lostgirlUK: It's ok! Sometimes I need someone to give me a little push! Thanks bunches for reading!

 

psychedelic mishap: No, I don't think he saw that coming either… lol As for Zoey… Well, she has her reasons. You'll see. :o)

 

Lil Lady Lost: LOL Sorry! I'm not a big fan of hers, either, but I do like that song and it fit so well with what was going on. I hope you're not too disappointed!

 

Rawr: LMAO I'm sorry to hear about your bunnies… Your review cracked me up, and I bet you're right about Zoey liking Bre better if she shaved off all her hair and donated it to the NCS. lol As for Zoey… Ask me no questions, and I will tell you no lies. :o)

 

SouledChampion: LOL I pray that you remain demon free, okay chica? Thank you for the ego boost, and don't worry about the shortish review. I talk to you enough to know how I'm doing. :o) `Can't wait for your next chapter!

 

Jessica Turner: Thank you! I'm glad you liked the song lyrics, I love to include them, so look for more of that in the future.

 

Nocturnal silhouette: Thank you so much for reviewing me, I really appreciate it. Especially considering how much I respect your work. I'm glad you think this story has depth, that's always something I worry about. I don't want this to come off as too `cliché' ya know? Thanks again, and you're totally welcome for the review! I look forward to reading the rest of your stories!

 

Kayli: lol Yeah, I figured you'd like her. I've tried to put a lot of your righteous anger into her character, how'd I do? ;o) Don't fret, this story will have a happy ending. It's just gonna take awhile to get there.

 

stormwolfX3: LMAO Wow, no more sugar for you. I put that nod to Madagascar in the chapter just for you. lol Thanks for reading!

 

Thanks bunches and bunches to: Marylyn-Mercy:: ShortyBaby:: Lightening Storm:: Kayla:: Madee:: bluz:: Mei1105:: raycheld20:: AutumnSapphires:: DESTINYHUNTER:: the_daughter_chosen:: littodreamer:: Lisa:: unskilled:: Shy-Lil-Dreamer:: and oHxPerFeCtioNx