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

embarrassed. It was the first time someone had asked

an idea presented itself to her. Her bright eyes lit up with delight as she

back to the

silence and trepidation, wondering what Cloris had

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

wrist, looking

intimate. Cassandra's feelings towards her family hardly went deep, but the girl sitting in front

"If you want, sure."

finally understood why her family spoiled Cloris so much. Even Vernon, who was usually serious and impersonal, was fond of her. She did have a charm about her that people were drawn to.

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

a perfect ending.

the thought, Cassandra allowed herself a wry

I love you so

that she had her sister's consent. She

excitement reasserted Cassandra's decision to bring

way to put an end to her relationship with him. As for

that irresistible kiss in the garden not long ago? Cassandra frowned,

made her feel reckless. It scared her. She

shook her head. She could not go on feeling like

her phone, which she had put aside, started ringing. Cloris stopped rolling on the

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

said, already assuming that the call was from Lionel. With a sly smile,

reply. She picked up her phone and walked

heard from the outside. She stared at the flickering name on the

was Rufus

lower lip and

took you

she picked up the call, a hint of frustration seeping into his voice. He seldom lost his temper. Cassandra

late. What's the matter? Why

whispered softly. Her eyebrows snapped together. Cloris was just outside. What if she heard

"Open the window,"