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.

know how

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

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

you'll go back to the

nodded in silence and trepidation, wondering what Cloris had

It's my summer vacation right now. I get bored at home, and I would rather spend

Cassandra's wrist, looking at her with imploring

but the girl sitting in front of her was, after all, her sister. She couldn't say no to her request

"If you want, sure."

so much. Even Vernon, who was usually serious and impersonal, was fond of her. She did have a charm

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

would be a perfect

thought, Cassandra allowed herself

sis. I love you so

delighted now that she had her sister's consent. She threw herself back on the bed and rolled, giggling happily.

bring Rufus

with him. As for her marriage with Lionel, it might signal a new

in the garden not long ago? Cassandra frowned, feeling like she

It scared her. She

on feeling like this. She had to put an

aside, started ringing. Cloris stopped rolling on the

love. I know those media reports are baseless and only written by people looking to gossip. You have

With a sly smile,

She picked up her phone and

the outside. She stared at the flickering name on the screen in

was late. Why was

ringing. Cassandra unknowingly bit her lower lip and finally pressed the answer key.

took you so

asked her once she picked up the call, a hint of frustration seeping into his voice. He seldom

late. What's the matter? Why did

snapped together. Cloris was just outside. What

"Open the window,"