A Graduation Gift

Cassandra hadn't slept in her princess bed in a long time, but the sheets still smelled of her lost childhood. She looked around her former room. Nothing had changed. The teddy bear at the foot of the bed, the wind chime twinkling above the windowsill, the numerous photographs on the wall that captured her adolescence...Everything remained the same. She stood dully, reminiscing on her past. She had so many memories attached to this bedroom and her house.

Just then, there was a sharp knock on the door.

"Cassandra, I'm done taking my bath. Can I come in?" Cloris exclaimed, interrupting Cassandra's long-lost memories.

Cassandra snapped back to reality and turned around to open the door. Cloris came in wearing a bathrobe, her face breaking into a wide grin. Once inside, she changed into her pajamas.

She was pretty and had a perfect hour-glass figure that obviously attracted attention. People, including most women, simply couldn't tear their eyes off her when she walked into a room.

Her smooth, creamy white skin contrasted sharply against her black PJs, giving a strong visual effect. Cassandra made a sound halfway between a gasp and a sigh as she stared at her little sister. Cloris had grown up to be quite a stunner. She was as beautiful and graceful as a swan.

"Cloris, you are just so lovely. Nobody can take their eyes off you."

Cassandra's praise came from the bottom of her heart, and her sister gave her a soft smile in return. Cloris moved closer to Cassandra and embraced her, breathing in deeply. She leaned back and looked at her.

"Cassandra, may I ask you a question?"

Cloris asked. A mild blush stained her cheeks. Cassandra's heart jolted. She already knew what Cloris was going to ask, but she smiled and nodded anyway, "Sure."

Cloris pulled her sister's arm shyly and the two of them sat on the bed. She opened and shut her mouth repeatedly, too nervous to say anything. After a moment's silence, she finally blurted, "Does Rufus have a girlfriend?"

Just as Cassandra had expected, Cloris was curious about Rufus. She had seen her sneaking glances at him downstairs. Cassandra's heart sank to the bottom of her stomach and she swallowed visibly. Her throat had turned dry.

"I don't know. Probably not. I haven't heard that he has one,"

Cassandra answered softly and lowered her eyes, avoiding her sister's inquiring gaze.

"Really? That's awesome."

Cloris grinned widely, clearly overjoyed. She hugged Cassandra around the neck and then kissed her on the cheek, unable to contain her excitement.

Cassandra stared at her lovely sister, wondering if Rufus liked simple and innocent girls like Cloris. Perhaps he would. If they were to be together, Cassandra would have to watch from the sidelines.

"Cassandra, I like Rufus a lot. Can you help me win him over?"

Cloris asked after a while once she had reigned in her excitement.

don't know how I'd do

time someone had asked her to play matchmaker. Besides, she had feelings for Rufus. How

her eyes, her brain churning. Suddenly, an idea presented itself to her. Her bright eyes lit up

you'll go back to

and trepidation, wondering what Cloris had

with you and stay there for some time? It's my summer vacation right now. I get bored at home, and I would rather

at Cassandra's wrist, looking at her with

being so intimate. Cassandra's feelings towards her family hardly went deep, but the girl sitting in front of her was, after all, her sister. She couldn't

"If you want, sure."

Even Vernon, who was usually serious and impersonal, was fond of her.

be for the best if Cassandra brought Rufus and Cloris together. Then she'd be forced to forget her memories of him. All

would be a perfect ending.

Cassandra allowed herself a wry smile.

sis. I love

her sister's consent.

excitement reasserted Cassandra's decision to bring Rufus

an end to her relationship with him. As for

about that irresistible kiss in the garden not long ago? Cassandra frowned, feeling like she had swallowed something bitter. Perhaps...Perhaps, she truly

feeling made her feel reckless. It scared her. She did not want

like this. She had to put an end

stopped rolling on the bed and watched Cassandra pick up

your husband? You two are so in love. I know those media reports are baseless and only written by people looking to gossip. You have

the call was from Lionel. With

her a smile in reply. She picked up her phone and walked

sure that the call couldn't be heard from the outside. She stared at the flickering name on the

late. Why was

Cassandra unknowingly bit her lower

you so

a hint of frustration seeping into his voice. He seldom lost his temper. Cassandra grimaced and wondered

late. What's the matter? Why did

softly. Her eyebrows snapped together. Cloris was just

"Open the window,"