[ for Baz ]

[mynameiscassie]

I stopped going out much after the vampires took me. It was weird to think that something like that existed, but I guess, if aliens existed, why couldn't vampires?

But it was getting to where I needed groceries, and I couldn't just keep asking Miles to run my errands for me. And it was time for Christmas shopping, too. I'd had my list ready all month and still hadn't gotten anything off it.

So, I took a long shower, dressed in my morphing suit — I needed a new one — and pulled on jeans and a tee shirt, then looped a scarf around my neck to hide the new scar.

I had a couple of scars that hadn't morphed away, and I knew this one wouldn't, either. I hadn't morphed in time to heal the bite. It would be a constant reminder that I'd been stupid, and careless, and almost died.

Once I was sure the scar was hidden, I put my jacket on, grabbed my things, and headed out the door.

I went clothes shopping first. A new morphing outfit was priority. My leotard was torn and the blood wasn't coming out in the wash. So I picked up some bike shorts and a tight fitting racer back tank top.

Then, it was to the grocery store. I felt paranoid. I felt like I was being followed around. Like a vampire was going to jump out at me at any time.

I felt my heartbeat quicken and stopped on my way to the supermarket. I leaned against a building, breathing. Just breathe, Cassie. It was all over. I just needed to stay calm.

Comments

[mynameiscassie]

I took a deep breath and swallowed hard, swallowed the lump in my throat. "I'm okay," I said. "I need, I need to get groceries." I pushed away from the wall and felt myself stumble a little. God, get control of yourself, Cassie! I leaned back against the wall and covered my face with both hands.

"I'm sorry!" I quailed. "I'm so sorry, you don't need this. You don't need a total stranger having a mental breakdown right in front of you."

[sidestepdestiny]

My eyes widen at her outburst, and I try to talk calmly like when Simon's about to go off, "It's alright. The groceries will still be there, there's no hurry. You can take all the time you need."

I'm terrible at comforting people, I think. My only practice has been Simon, but that usually involves touching and pet names, neither of which are appropriate for a stranger.

[mynameiscassie]

He was right. I knew he was right. But I felt like it was giving up, like I was letting them win, if I didn't do this. I flapped my scarf against my neck to try to get some cold air against my skin.

"This is so stupid," I said miserably. "I've been through so much worse."

[sidestepdestiny]

"What happened?" I ask. I don't want to pry, but if it's something that can be dealt with here and now, I might be able to help. I still don't know her name, and she really has no reason to trust me, but I'll offer my assistance either way.

[mynameiscassie]

I shook my head. "I don't think you'd believe me even if I told you," I said. This city did weird things, so maybe he would, but I also didn't think I had the strength to see someone look at me like I was crazy. I forced my hand away from the scar on my neck; I didn't even remember reaching up to rub it.

[sidestepdestiny]

"Is it about vampires?" I ask, venturing a guess. "Because if it's about vampires, I'll believe you."

I could be wrong, the scar could be something else entirely, or her problem could be about something else entirely, but it's worth asking. If she's in trouble with vampires I may be able to help.

[mynameiscassie]

I looked up at him sharply. He said it in such a way that I almost believed him. My hand flew up to my scar again, and I leaned against the wall, heavily.

"Yeah," I said weakly. "I— I was taken. I didn't— I didn't even think vampires were real. I didn't know!" I felt stupid for being upset about it, still. The Yeerks had put us through hell even in the short time we'd been fighting them. But they'd never held me. They'd never hurt me.