She had spent that entire night crying about the situation. It was just money, you could always get money back but that wasn’t the issue. It was finally starting to hit Cassidy on how she had been in denial about their situation for too long. Every day a bit of her wished for change or a miracle, anything to make her mom snap out of this and go back to how she was. The missing money though, that was the nail in the coffin. Linda wasn’t going to change; she was forever more the lifeless mother she was now. Cassidy was on her own raising these kids and it was time to let her mother know it. Cassidy couldn’t stand around any longer afraid to stand up to Linda. If she wasn’t going to be a part of their lives, it was time for her to know it. Luckily, Gray and Liam needed her to work longer than usual for the week, and with the large amount they were paying her, she was able to put the missing five hundred dollars back in. Cassidy kept it to herself; Colin didn’t even need to know. It was time to plot and ploy and not let her mother win over her. Niall had been nonexistent too. She wondered if she did something to make him mad that night. Ever since her abrupt departure that night, he hadn’t stopped around. Sure she ran out of there fast last time, but what other choice did she have? Niall made her nervous and he knew it. Besides, it would just be better with him staying away. The less time he could question her the better.

“Are you staying late tonight,” Colin asked as they hopped off the train. The four of them headed up the stairs to ground level and walked the short distance to school.

“I’m not sure, but more than likely. You going to be okay,” she asked quietly and they walked.

“Of course, it’s Friday so we can just go home today,” Colin told her. Maggie began to whine next to her.

“No Cassie, you aren’t ever home, can’t you just come home tonight,” she cried. Cassidy pulled the group aside off into the grass. She kneeled down, balancing on her toes and looked at her two younger siblings.

“Listen, I’ll probably be home late tonight but I don’t work for the next three days, so we can do something special. Maybe a trip to the zoo,” she offered. Maggie’s eyes lit up and Ben stayed the same.

“You promise,” he begged. She shook her head back and pulled him in for a hug. Oh Ben, her gentle little man. His arms squeezed around her neck making her grip him even more tightly.

“Zoo it is. Now let’s go, we don’t want to be late.” They made it to both schools without any interruptions and Cassidy hurried back to the train. The weather was actually nice for once, she was able to wear summer clothes and not completely freeze. It made her smile. May was just days away and soon the kids would be out of school. She had to remind herself to look into some summer programs for the two of them. Colin was a good brother but there was no way he could watch them every day for the summer. Cassidy took a spot on the train and went back to the book she was reading. Half the time she never finished them, mostly because she accidentally left them places but it was a good way to pass the time. Lately her mind always went back to Niall on rides like these. The events of their night together always played in her mind. For some reason she was always able to let loose around him, mostly. Niall still made her incredible nervous and giddy, but he also had a calming effect over her.

“Train stopping.” The voice kicked her thoughts back to reality and she smiled. Damn that Niall. Cassidy hopped off, feeling a bit more pep in her step and headed up. Every day it felt like a time change riding the train from her hours to theirs. She started in grudge, dirty conditions and popped up in classic white homes with perfectly cut grass. It was like Alice in Wonderland for real life. Maggie always seemed to love the part of her falling down the rabbit hole and popped up in fairy tale land. Cassidy laughed to herself; that was her. Through the tube and poof, fantasies happen.

“Good Morning,” she cheered as she walked through the door. Like usual, Liam and Gray were in the kitchen but so was almost the rest of everyone she knew. Harry, and Louis lined the far wall and stared back at her. All those eye balls drawn to her made Cassidy feel uncomfortable.

“Hey Cass, didn’t you get my message,” Gray asked her. She quickly looked at the phone and her hand. No messages at all.

“I’m sorry I didn’t. When did you call,” Cassidy asked. Crap, now she just feels like an idiot.

“About fifteen minutes ago.” Crap, of course. Her phone doesn’t work in the train.

“I don’t get reception in the train,” she blushed back at the group who continued to stare at her.

“Well if you got a really phone that wouldn’t happen,” Louis joked from his side of the room. Gray shot him a dagger look from across the room.

“Be nice Lou. Liam’s mom is here so you didn’t have to come today,” Gray explained turning back away from him. Cassidy wanted to kick herself. Over an hour of sitting on flat plastic seats and it was all for nothing.

“Oh well, that is lovely. I will be going then, see you Tuesday.” She threw on a fake smile and turned on her heels. How embarrassing.

“No, why don’t you come with us,” Liam asked her back. She turned back around to face him. It felt weird that he even spoke to her.

“Jailbait you are smart, bring her with. Then we at least have an even number for it too,” Gray cheered from the side. She wrapped her arm around his waist and pulled him closer to her.

“A number for what,” Cassidy asked. She noticed everyone was dressed more relaxed. Gray’s usual business look was taken over by shorts and an oversized sweatshirt.

“We are going to Thaps Park, you know the indoor amusement place, do you want to come,” Gray asked. Cassidy quickly tried to figure out how much money she had on her. Tickets were expensive, but if she didn’t eat it could work.

“Oh. If you need me to I can,” she offered. It sounded like fun, and she had seen the commercials for the new place on TV lately.

“Sure, it will be fun. You need a hat though; you can’t go out like that. Liam do you have any normal hats,” Gray turned around and asked him.

“Not for her head no, just snap backs.” Gray groaned dramatically.

“What is with you buys and not owning real hats!” She grabbed out her phone and stared pacing the room. Cassidy watched her cautiously wondering what was going on. She showered today, and looked fairly decent, why was a hat needed?

“Umm, why do I need a hat? If it’s a big deal I can stay behind, besides we are uneven,” she asked the group.

“No, you are staying, Niall is coming we are even.. wait, hold on.” The phone on the other line must have answered, turning Gray’s attention back to them.

“Oh.” Cassidy commented. A fit of snickers came over from Louis and Harry.

“You do say oh a lot,” Harry laughed, answering the question in her head. Cassidy’s face immediately went red. Niall told her the same thing. It began to hit her in her brain the more and more her face turned pink. Niall had told her the same thing that night, and now Harry. They must had been talking about her.

“No Niall, a normal HAT. Don’t you own a NORMAL hat,” Gray shouted into her phone, “yes, that works. Black, green, anything. Okay, get over here we are ready to leave. No, for Cass. Yes, Cassidy. Okay hanging up now.” Gray clicked the buttons on her phone and looked back at the group.

“He should be here in five,” she stated. Cassidy watched them all talk amongst themselves and laugh. She felt out of place, like a part of her just wasn’t supposed to be there. They were all extremely nice to her, but they hoped they weren’t playing the pity card. None of them knew her story, but it made her wonder.

“Okay, I’m here,” Niall shouted as he walked in. Cassidy saw him first, his cheeks rosy like he had been running. He gave her a wink as he walked by making her heart flutter.

“Thank god. Already Cass, come here.” Cassidy walked over. It felt like she was walking the plank off the pirate ship, all eyes are on her. She walked over slowly and carefully, not wanting to fall or make another mistake. Gray gave her a warm smile, and the boys started talking behind him. Cassidy was starting to get the feeling that Gray was the ringleader, or even the mother hen of them. The boys seemed to work off her emotions quite easily.

“Alright, if we just through this one and move your hair we should be good,” Gray told her quietly as her fingers worked through Cassidy’s long brown hair. She adjusted the hair, making sure Cassidy could see and finished a side braid that went past her shoulder.

“Why do I have to wear a hat?” Her voice almost came out as a whisper.

“Long story, I’ll explain in the car,” Gray told her. Everyone took the hint and headed out. A driver in a long van was waiting from them. The guys took the back two rows making Gray and Cassidy set together up front.

“How long is the drive,” Cassidy asked.

“Little over an hour. It’s supposed to be a cool place, have you ever gone,” Gray asked him. The van took off down the road giving Cassidy no chance to back out on this. She was stuck with them for the long haul.

“I haven’t. My sister has been begging me to go though.”

“How old is she,” Gray questioned.

“She is six. Ben is eight and Colin is seventeen. I’m the oldest,” Cassidy mentioned. Gray smiled back at her.

“I have two little sisters, those ages are so fun,” she mentioned.

“I didn’t know that.”

“Yup. Gillian and Grace, they are back with my mom in Chicago.” A solemn look fell over her face. Cassidy wanted to hug her. She could see the emotion written all over Gray.

“You miss them a lot,” Cassidy stated to her. It was nice having such an honest conversation with her. Gray was a very warming person, and Cassidy hoped they could be somewhat closer one day. As close as a boss and employee could get.

“I do, we talk every day but it’s not the same. Liam and I hope to visit in the next couple of months,” Gray told her.

“That would be fun, I’ve never been to America.”

“You aren’t missing much, just the better weather,” Gray laughed. They both sat there in the comfortable silence as the van moved on. The guys in the back were goofing off about something, but Cassidy didn’t have the courage to turn around and look. Gray didn’t seem to mind though, she just stared off into the window with a small smile.

“Gray, am I ask why I have a hat on?” She didn’t want to bug her, but the question had been on her mind since they left the house.

“Oh! Sorry, forgot to mention that. Anytime we go anywhere the press is all over us. This way you can stay a bit covered and sheltered. Not that there is anything wrong with you, but to protect you. Liam made me do it all the time when we first met.” Gray’s eyes twinkled as soon as she mentioned his name.

“That sounds scary,” Cassidy honestly said. Were there going to be people there today?

“It was, and still can be. I got a lot of flack when we were first together. Injuries and horrible things written about me. It’s horrible to go through. Eleanor and Perry, the other ladies of the group have gone through the same thing. Even though you aren’t a girlfriend and just a friend we still have to watch out for you,” Gray smiled at her.

“Well that is very lovely of you,” Cassidy stuttered. She wondered how they could care about her when they barely knew her.

“It’s who we are. Those boys back there are obnoxious and a bit crazy but they are very protective of the people in their lives. You’ll see,” Gray whispered to her. Cassidy turned her head just in the slight way to look back to them. Liam and Louis were deep in conversation and Harry was sleeping in the far back next to Niall. Niall though was awake. He caught her look and winked back. She quickly turned her head back to pay attention to Gray. Busted. Hopefully he couldn’t see the fire in her cheeks rising yet again. She kept her head straight for the rest of the trip, not wanting to be caught in the act again.

----

“Finally!” Louis shouted as the van pulled into the parking lot of the building. Cassidy looked out the window to see the whole gray building above them. A tinge of excitement ran through her stomach as they all proceeded to get out. Louis, Liam and Gray went first leaving just the last three in the van.

“Ladies first,” Niall flirted, as he let her past. As soon as her feet hit the pavement, the shouts and screams started around them.

“Niall! Niall I love you!”
“Who are you? What’s your name?”
“Be mine Harry! Marry me!”

Gray wasn’t wrong about the people around them. The shouts and noises made the fear hit Cassidy immediately. She froze on the sidewalk, not finding the ability to move.

“Come on dear, move you feet,” Harry whispered behind her. He and Niall stood on each side of her and lightly pushed her along the way. How could a regular person do this all time? Cassidy wished she had a bigger hat on so she could cover her whole face for this trip. They quickly pushed her into the building and off into a side room where the rest were.

“See? Isn’t it fun,” Gray laughed at her.

“That was terrifying. How do you people do that?” She asked breathlessly. Her lungs had finally caught up with the rest of her body, and she had to take some deep breaths to feel normal again.

“Sadly, that was nothing. But forget them, let’s have some fun!” Gray cheered. Two large security officials ushered them out of the room and past the ticket booth. Cassidy raised an eyebrow. Usually you had to buy when you go to places.

“Free tickets for celebrities,” Niall whispered behind her, almost reading her thoughts. She looked up at him as he stood very closely behind her. Cassidy could feel the body heat coming off of him and hitting her. It made her feel woozy inside, like a rush of wind was sweeping her off her feet. His warm eyes stared back at her and a smirk came over his face. Cassidy’s heart was thumping like crazy.

“I’m not a celebrity,” she spat back.

“Close enough.” His hand rested on her back, lightly pushing her along to stay with the rest of the group. Every person they past stared at the group. Some girls screamed and shouted, others pulled their phones out, but Cassidy was able to block it all out. All she could think about his was fingertips pushing into her back leaving small tiny pads of fire. Was he always going to have this effect on her? Their attraction was more powerful then she thought.

“I say ‘Devil’s Hill’ first. I want to scream,” Gray cheered, throwing her arms in the sky. The small group of them circled up before heading for the line.

“What’s Devils Hill,” Cassidy asked, as they climbed the ride steps. They got to the top with plenty of time for her to see the ride in full effect. The small, two person seat rollercoaster climbed up on the tracks at a ninety degree angle before going over a small hill and rushing back down. The wind and screamed of the crowd made her shudder. This wasn’t a good idea.

“Relax, it’s just like the trampoline, only with seatbelts,” Niall giggled behind her. She turned around quickly and looked into his big eyes.

“Sit with me,” she begged with a small voice. A look of shock came over his face, but he quickly shook it off.

“Course. Come on, we are up.” Gray and Liam took the front spot, Harry and Louis were in the middle, making Niall and Cassidy have the back of the train. Her stomach felt like it was going to heave at any second. The shady looking worker quickly checked their belts before giving the thumbs up to the operator. Steam whistled and the train lurched, heading slowly up the tracks. As soon as they were perpendicular with ground, the fear hit her.

“You okay,” he asked her worried.

“Never been on a roller coaster like this.” She squeezed her eyes shut refusing to look until it was all over. Niall laughed next to her.

“Cassie, open your eyes,” he ordered. She opened them slowly, leaving a small squint and stared at him. He gave her a wink and grabbed her hand. Cassidy didn’t even have time to think before their car when over the urge and made a fast track line to the ground. Cassidy screamed with everything she could and squeezed his hand harder. The train twisted and turned, putting them upside down at least three more times before it came to a stop back at the station.

“Fun,” Niall asked. She looked over at him with a goofy grin.

“It was okay.”

“Can I have my hand back? I cannot get out without it,” he smiled at her. Cassidy looked down to see their fingers still wrapped together on her side. She quickly let them go and looked away. How could she still be hanging on? Stupid, so stupid of her. Cassidy quickly pushed up the seat belt contraption and ran to join the rest of the group by the exit. They walked down the stairs and headed for the picture line.

“Get your money out. Best picture gets the buy,” Harry announced. He turned to Cassidy and smiled.

“Whoever has the best picture gets it free on the rest of us,” he explained to her. When did that ride even take the picture? The group crowded around the small TV’s posted and started to look for each other. Cassidy also scanned the screens wondering what she looked like.

“Over here!” They all ran over to where Harry was and looked. Cassidy peeked up too, only to feel the life drained from her face. There, in all its glory, was her and Niall holding hands in the picture. She looked to be screaming with everything she had while Niall was laughing. Oh god, this looked so bad. Niall’s face turned pink and Gray looked over to her with a curious smile on her face. Cassidy casted her eyes down, hoping that this moment couldn’t get any worse.

“I think Louis and Harry is the winner here,” Gray shouted, overpowering all their voices. They all agreed that Louis took the cake and got the photo printed. Cassidy felt a flood of relief go over her body. Other then the three of them, no one else noticed it.

“Come on, let’s keep moving.” Gray encircled her arm in Cassidy’s and took off. Maybe this day would good well, maybe.

----

“I need food,” Niall complained. They had been going steady, bouncing from ride to ride. Cassidy had been careful not to be close to Niall at every waking moment. She wanted to, so badly, but knew it would look bad. Instead, everyone took turns, floating from partner to partner, but no ride was as fun without Niall next to her.

“I agree,” Gray said. She and Niall took the lead, making the rest of the group follow them through the park before they arrived at a restaurant. Of course, being the celebrities they were, they got a seat right away in the back of the restaurant where it was more secluded. The group quickly sat down, leaving Cassidy to take the only open seat between Niall and Harry. No one seemed to notice though. She looked through her menu, not taking her eyes off of it and searched for something to eat. Cassidy’s eyes got big. Fifteen dollars just for a side salad. Seriously who charges that much at an amusement park? Luckily she had enough money, but the zoo isn’t going to happen with prices like these.

“What can I get you ma’am?” The waiter asked, snapping her out of her thoughts.

“Could I get a cheeseburger with fries and extra pickles please,” she asked politely. He gave her a nod, writing down her information and headed over to Harry. Cassidy caught Niall smirking at her again.

“Why do you keep looking at me like that,” she asked, her tone harsher than it should be. It didn’t seem to bother him though, he still continued to look at her.

“No reason, just didn’t picture you as a cheeseburger girl,” he told her.

“What do I look like?” She tried to take the edge off her voice, just so she wouldn’t sound like a complete bitch.

“Grilled cheese and a cup of soup,” Niall smiled at her. Cassidy laughed and rolled her eyes at him. He was right, she did like a good grilled cheese.

“Well what did you order,” she questioned back.

“Pasta and a cookie.” She laughed again, his answer make him sound like a seven year old.

“What’s so funny, Miss Cassie,” he questioned back at her. Cassidy wondered if this was flirting. She never was good at it in school, but a part of her thought it could be. Not many people talk about what they are eating for lunch if such spirits like they were.

“Excuse me, before your food comes out, would it be possible to get a group picture?” The restaurant manager was standing above them at the head of the table.

“Sure, why not,” Louis exclaimed. He led the group and stood up first and let the others circle around him. Cassidy was pushed into the picture, and got placed on the end next to Niall.

“Wait, let’s switch. Cass you go by Liam,” Gray announced. Wait, why? Cassidy looked at her once more, but eventually followed orders and stood on the end next to Liam. The photographer snapped a couple of pictures before thanking them and walking off again. Cassidy tried not to let the disappointment show on her face. After all, she was their employee and shouldn’t be fraternizing with Gray and Liam’s friends anyway. She shook off the feelings and quietly went back to eating her food.

“Hey boys, you go on. Me and Cassidy are going shopping,” Gray told them after they finished. Gray nodded her head and Cassidy followed shortly behind her leaving the boys on their own at the table.

“I wanted to talk to you,” Gray started, keeping her voice low. She slowed her step to fall in next to Cassidy as they walked into a random souvenir store. Cassidy kept quiet, waiting to hear her out before she worried.

“I don’t want you to be upset with me moving you earlier,” Gray told her. Cassidy stayed quiet and pretended to fiddle with the sweatshirts on a rack.

“I know you and Niall have some random thing going on, and honestly I don’t care. Really I don’t. I was just protecting you. Those pictures will more than likely be online and with you standing next to him would create a lot of backlash,” Gray told her. Cassidy looked up at her.

“I don’t have anything going on with Niall, honest.” The fear was shooting out of her eyeballs at this point.

“Uh huh, sure you don’t. Seriously though, I don’t mind it. It’s good for him to be involved with someone, I just worry about you,” Gray explained.

“Me? Why, me?” Gray walked closer to her, not waiting the younger girls in the area to hear.

“You are a very strong girl, I can see that, but I can also tell you worry a lot. About everything. We love you here. You are so good with Spencer, and you are kind to all of us, it’s fun hanging out with you. If you have something for Niall, I think you should go for it. I just want you to be prepared for the backlash you may receive,” Gray whispered to her. The words sent shivers up and down Cassidy’s spine. This had to be the nicest conversation she had in a long time.

“That is very kind of you to say,” she whispered back. Cassidy had to push the tears back from her eyes so Gray wouldn’t see her cry.

“Well it’s the truth. You are family Cass, we protect your family.”

----

They spent the rest of the day hitting up their entire favorite rides again, and enjoying every second of it. After their talk, Cassidy felt herself lighten up more than usual, and was actually able to keep a conversation going with them all instead of hanging out in the background. It was fun to have fun she noticed. Finally she felt like her age and not an old mother hen. She and Niall exchanged playful glances and comments to each other the whole time. It made her wonder if maybe he did have something for her. Sure, it was a long guess, but definitely possible. He always seemed to just be a step away from her during their trip. Making Louis switch seats with him on the Octopus ride, and holding the door open for her as they headed to laser tag. Each moment make her heart swell more. Now they were heading back home, and back to reality for Cassidy. It was already ten, and she knew she was pushing the time limit. Colin hadn’t texted her back yet which was making her worry even more.

“Can we stop for snacks, I bet you,” harry complained as they climbed into the van. Liam stole Cassidy’s spot by Gray, making her take his by Niall. She could feel the excitement in her fingers tips. Niall waved her on first, following her as they made it to the back of the van. Both of them sheepishly stared at each other while they buckled up. Everyone stared quiet as the van pulled away which made Cassidy feel nervous. She wondered if anyone else to could hear her heart beating out of her chest while she sat next to him. There was space between their bodies, but one swift move and they would be touching again. She scooted over to the window and laid her head down. All that walking did a number on her body and she craved rest.

“Wake me up when we get there,” she heard his voice. Niall’s voice. The seat moved as leaned towards her more. Their thighs touched, making her feel the burn of his skin all down her body. Cassidy literally felt like he was going to hyperventilate any second. No boy should have this effect on her, ever. She cracked open one eye to see him laying just inches from her on the back of the side. Oh my god. Cassidy knew she had to keep it together, nobody liked to get thrown up on. She rested her head against the window, moving her body just a touch against him and closed her eyes. Soon, the need for sleep outright her thoughts, and her eyelids grew heavy. Yes, sleep was much more important.

----

“Thank god we are home, my butt hurts,” Gray complained as the van pulled into their driveway. She stretched turning in her side and looking at the group behind her. Harry was completely passed out, his head resting on the side and his mouth wide open while Louis sat on his phone listening to music next to him. She peeked over both to see Niall and Cassidy in the back.

“Oh sweet god,” she excitedly whispered.

“What are you moaning about,” Liam laughed. She shook him in his seat, making him look. Liam turned his head and stared. His mouth dropped as he saw Niall and Cassidy connected together, but of them sleeping soundly. Cassidy had her head on Niall’s chest and her arm draped loosely over his lap while Niall was using her head as a pillow.

“I knew it I knew it, you all owe me money,” Gray whispered. She always thought there was something going on between them, but Liam told her she was insane.

“Reminds me of us,” Liam sheepishly told her,” you remember that back in the day.” Gray smiled, that is the first memory and photo she had of them. Aah, the memories.

“I wish I brought my camera with,” she whined.

“No. No photos of them. Not everyone is like us. I knew I wanted you from the moment I met you, those two are different,” Liam shot back. Gray gave him a look.

“Different how?”

“One, Niall never dates, you know this. And Cassidy, she has her own battles that stop her. Something wrong, I suspect deep down. I just hope it’s nothing bad,” Liam explained. Gray had a flash of thought go over her face.

“Oh no, no love. I know that face. You leave them alone. Come on, Louis will wake them up.” Gray huffed but ultimately followed her love. She knew something was between them and was determined to find out. Louis woke up Harry, who lazily walked to the house and then shook Niall, careful not to wake Cassidy too.

“Get up you lug. We are home,” he barked at him. Niall’s eye flashed open, looking at Louis first then at the sleeping frame of Cassidy next to him. Louis laughed at him and climbed out of the van, leaving them two alone.

“Cass, wake up Cassie,” he whispered, shaking her. Cassidy awoke with a startle. She quickly sat up in her seat, sucking in a breath and looked around with wide eyes. Niall could see the terror in her face, whatever she had been dreaming was eating her alive now. He quickly threw his hands up, showing her he was okay and hoping it would calm her down.

“Relax Cassie, it’s just me.” She blinked a couple more times, letting her eyes focus on him and breathed again. Thank God. She was dreaming about her Mom, and an incident that had happened months ago. It was terrifying, living any part of that memory again. Those dreams came few and far between, but when they did it make her more than scared.

“So-sorry,” she squeaked out.

“No harm, came on, let’s get out.” He moved effortlessly through the van and jumped out, waiting for her to follow. She looked up at the darken sky wondering how long it took them to get back.

“What time is it,” Cassidy asked him.

“Just a bit past midnight.” Midnight?! Shit. She missed the last train to take her home. God, Colin had to be freaking out right now.

“What’s wrong,” he asked, picking up on her emotions.

“Nothing, I just missed the last train and my brother is probably wondering where I am,” she told him. This was bad, very bad. Being a weekend, her mom had to be home right now, that was her favorite time to drink. Cassidy needed to get home, now.

“I can take you back if you want, let me just say goodbye,” he offered. Normally Cassidy would of said no, but this was a desperate time. She shook her head yes and followed him back into the house.

“Hey, I’m giving Cassie a ride back, talk to you guys tomorrow,” he said quickly before ushering her back out of the house. Gray had that look on her face, the one where she would typically butt in and have to speak her mind. Niall loved her, but this wasn’t the time. He quickly hit the button on his keys, unlocking the doors to the SUV and watched Cassidy jumped in. There was no point in trying to hide it now. He had feelings for her, extreme feelings. She was an odd creature, full of mystery, but when she stopped thinking and just let go, he could see the joy in her eyes. Niall wanted to know more about her, away from Liam and Gray’s and try to become friends. Friends that had the chance to turn into something more.

“Where to,” he asked, giving her a smile.

“Hackney, but I know that’s far, you can just drop me off around The Royal London Hospital and I can walk the rest of the way.” Niall groaned and shook his head while he turned on the vehicle.

“No way, it’s dark. I can take you to your door, it’s no problem.” He drove off and headed for the freeway while turning on the radio. Cassidy welcomed the silence. She was racking her brain on trying to tell him about him the horrible place she lived. Niall didn’t seem like the guy to judge, but you never know. People could change at the drop of a hat. Her building was shady enough, and him rolling such a nice vehicle in there could be trouble, she needed to get out and let him leave as soon as possible.

“Did you have fun tonight?” She snapped out of her exit plan and looked at him. Niall was driving with one hand while the other rested on the center console. She remembered the feeling, the imprints of his fingers in hers from their ride on the roller coaster. They were soft, but exceptionally manly at the same time. His nails were chipped, like he had just bit them off with nerves. She wondered if he got nervous easily. Things seem to come so effortlessly for him, she couldn’t imagine him being worried about anything.

“You alive there Cassie,” He laughed. Her head shot up to see him smiling at her.

“Sorry, I’m just tired. Today was fun, I don’t think I have laughed that hard in a while,” she smiled back at him.

“Or screamed. I think I may have to get my ears checked because of you,” he flirted.

“Oh please, that was just the group of teens shouting at you, not me,” Cassidy shot back, giving him a shove in his shoulder. Niall caught her hand and linked their fingers together. She wanted to over think it, to wonder why he was doing, but she just went with it. Friends held hands all the time.

“Second right up here is the place,” she told him with her voice changing back into a serious tone. Cassidy looked up the size of the building by the fire escape to see the living room lights on, but not their bedroom. She hoped it was a good sign. Niall parked the vehicle on the side of the road and turned off the ignition.

“When are you are Gray’s again,” he asked, not letting go of his fingers.

“Monday morning,” she told him.

“Good, I may stop by and see you.” Niall gave her fingers a squeeze before unlocking them and grabbing his phone. Cassidy smiled and went to unlock the door but Niall stopped her.

“Put your number in here,” he told her, handing over his smart phone.

“Are you sure about that,” Cassidy asked. Did he not see where she lived right now?

“I am. Put it in.” Cassidy sighed and grabbed the phone, quickly typing it in. Niall took it back and punched the buttons make her phone go off in her purse.

“There ya go. I had a nice time Cassie, see you Monday. You can text me anytime you feel like it, honest,” he smiled at her. It took all her might not to stare at his lips for longer then she should. They had to be the perfect set of plumb lips she had ever seen. She waved one more time and forced herself out of the vehicle, refusing to turn back. Cassidy heard his SUV rumble to a start when she reached the building door, but couldn’t get herself to look. Maybe if she didn’t, the reality of where she lived wouldn’t hit him.

The closer she got upstairs, the more she heard the music. Linda was home, there was no doubt about that. The front door was still open, just a crack, but enough for Cassidy to open and try to make a swift move into their bedroom. Linda sat on the couch with a bottle in her hand. There was at least three other people there, none Cassidy knew or wanted to know. She kept her head down, moving fast and unlocked the bedroom door. Inside, Ben and Maggie were sleeping in their beds while Colin was reading his Chemistry book with a flashlight.

“Where the hell were you,” he whispered angrily as she walked in.

“I know, I know, I am so sorry. How long has Mom been here,” she asked, feeling incredibly guilty. Here she was, having a blast while her siblings had to suffer. It just wasn’t right.

“Since about eight. She brought all of her nasty ass friends with her. Maggie has been terrified,” he whispered back. She quickly threw on a sweatshirt before climbing into bed next to her.

“I know, I am sorry. They were back later than usual, it won’t happen again.” It felt like Cassidy was actually speaking to her father, not her younger brother.

“Cassie, I have to go potty,” Maggie whined next to her. Her sleepy eyes blinked up at Cassie as she yawned. Colin started to get out of bed but Cassidy stopped her.

“It’s fine, I can take her.” She picked up her small sister and headed to the door. No one was in the hallway, thank god, but she could hear them all laughing like crazy in the living room. Cassidy quickly walked them into the bathroom and closed the door.

“Go fast sweet girl, okay,” she coaxed her sister. Cassidy took the time to throw her hair up in a ponytail while Maggie went to the bathroom. She helped her wash her hands before slowly opening the door to go back out.

“Mmm, you are just as hot as your mother.” The voice made Cassidy freeze in place. Her hands tightened on Maggie’s shoulder in a vice grip. The man stood very closely next to her right next to the door frame. His breath reeked of alcohol and cigarettes and his appearance wasn’t much better. His gross, greasy hair was slicked back against his head, and he had stains of God knows what on his shirt.

“You mom told me you were a little spitfire, I’d love to see you in action.” His hand trailed up and down her body before it rested on her throat. She wanted to scream, punch, kick him or doing anything to get away, but it would just make it worse.

“Cassie,” her sister cried, staring up at him.

“I’m fine sweet girl, go back to the room and tell Colin to lock it. Go. NOW.” Maggie took off down the hallway before flying into the room. Cassidy could hear her start to sob as she closed the door.

“All to ourselves now, just the way I like it.” He stepped in front of her, pushing his hips into hers and making her pinned against the hallway wall. His free hand moved down her shirt, squeezing and pinching her skin as he made his way down before rested it right between her legs. Cassidy had bit her cheek so hard to stop the tears. Her whole mouth had to the taste of blood in it.

“I bet you are fun, aren’t you little thing,” the man whispered in her ear making her head spin. This was a first, she had never had one of their unwelcomed houseguests make unwanted advances at her. Cassidy was stuck, there was no options right now other than to let him take her in the bathroom and do whatever he wanted.

“I suggest you back the fuck up. NOW.” She opened her eyes to see Colin standing behind the man with rage in his eyes.

“Son, I suggest you leave us alone,” the man warned, not taking his eyes off hers.

“Not a fucking option. Back away from her,” Colin shouted back. His arms were shaking and his hands were balled into fists. The man turned to face Colin, but kept his hands on Cassidy.

“Listen here you shit..” He didn’t even get a chance to finish before Colin swung. His fist connected with the man’s jaw, sending him flying into the floor. Cassidy snapped out of fear and ran into the bedroom with Colin following close behind. Her whole body shook. She wanted to cry and vomit and erase any part of her memory that was there. Thank God for Colin, thank God for him. If he hadn’t came out she would be getting raped inside her own bathroom.

“Cass..” Colin started. She held her hand up to silence him. Ben was sitting half awake in bed with Maggie cowering next to him.

“Pack a bag, throw a bunch of clothes in it. Now Colin,” she ordered.

“Where are we going to go Cass? It’s late.” He threw his hands up in confusion.

“I have an idea, just get some clothes.” She turned away from him and pulled her phone out. One person could help her, that she knew. She quickly dialed him, he picked up on the second ring.

“Cassie,” he asked, sounding confused.

“Yeah, it’s me Niall. I need your help. It’s a huge favor so if you say no it’s okay, but can you come back and get me and my brothers and sister? We need to get out of here.” her voice was shaky as she spoke and her hand could barely hand on to the phone.

“Course, let me just turn around. I should be there in twenty minutes,” he told her.

“Like I said, if you can’t it’s okay.” The reality of the situation was catching up with her. How could see ask him to do this? She had to be insane.

“No, no. I’m coming right now. I will see you soon, ok,” his voice spoke back.

“Okay.” She hung up her phone and turned back to her family. The three of them where huddled together looking for some sort of plan from Cassidy. She eyed the backpack on Colin’s back and quietly threw some clothes in for herself.

“I have a friend coming, we are getting out of here tonight and going someplace safe.” She told them. Now, the only option was breezing past her mom without anything else happening. Cassidy had to though, she had to do whatever it was to keep them all safe.

Notes

This chapter is LONG! I orignally planned it out to be longer, but after 12 pages, enough was enough. The fun will continute next chapter. So question is, do you want longer chapters, or shorter ones? Shorter will be posted faster and such, but longer takes longer to read.


Let me know. :)