Chapter one: First Minutes

Assassin, a black panther, was patrolling the inside of the apartment again, as if for protecting it. Or looking for mice. I really hope that's not the case! Mice are like little snacks for him, but I just fed him, so he cant possibly be hungry again! Assassin was only 6 months but getting bigger and bigger by the month of course. Within another 6 months, he'd be to big and a little dangerous for me to take care of and will be put in the local zoo. They are working on an enclosure for him, that should be finished within two months from tomorrow. The zoo keepers and I will have to work with him, getting him to be comfortable within the enclosure and not be snappy with everyone besides myself. He's not once been snappy with me.

I'm Cassie. Most people just call me Cass for short.

I'm sitting on the sofa with a bowl of cookie dough ice cream and watching, once again, The Sorceresses Apprentice. The sun had set hours ago, and the time was approaching 11. Assassin finished his patrol and tried to jump on the couch. "oh no you don't!" she gave him a stern look and he jumped back down. Smart cat. "the last time I let you on my couch, your claws scratched holes the size of cannons in it. Go climb on the one over there, the one you made yours!" I laughed. I could not believe I hadn't seen it coming, that day, I felt so stupid after I heard his claws rip through the material. Mom had been so mad…

He gave a slight playful grunt and went on his couch. Just then, my mother walked in. she was still in the door way, closing and locking it, when I heard "why are you eating ice cream? It's almost 11 and you, young lady, have school in the morning. I don't mind you staying up late. It's the eating sugary snacks late at night, that might keep you up later than 11:30."

"Fine, last time" I said. First day of Sophomore year was tomorrow, a Wednesday. I might agree to not be so tired tomorrow. Damn. Sorry, I let that out every once in a while. Most of the time that's the only one. That is unless I'm really mad..

Mom disappeared into her room ."night" I yelled before she closed the door.

"Night Cass" she yelled back.

I heard the water start, which meant she's also taking a shower. I finished the last of the ice cream and then took the bowl into the spacious kitchen and rinsed it out and left it in the sink. Assassin's water and food bowls were against the kitchen wall with a dozen windows. The water bowl looked a little low, so I refilled it and then placed it back along the wall. The hallway leading to our rooms were just through on the other side of the living room, which was where we started. I glance one more time at Assassin and caress his head between his ears then head on into the small hallway and to my room. I closed the door and headed to my closet where my pj's were and changed. Dark blue covered the walls. An old wooden head board framed the bed. Multiple shades of blue and purple on the comforter and sheets. It felt like I fell asleep the minute my head hit the pillow.

"Cassie, if you don't get up now, your going to be late." I jerked up in bed, hearing moms voice. I wondered why the alarm clock sitting on the night stand didn't wake me, then remembered that I forgot to set it.

"Cassie, don't make me go get some water" she laughed.

"Ok, I'm getting up, I'm getting up," I laughed along. She closed the door as she left. I decided on red shirt with a black rose covering most of one side of the t-shirt. Jeans would do nice for today, since I heard rain falling on the roof. Oh, and did I mention that it's a different school I'm going to? No? well, I'm going to a new school,…

I finished getting ready and fixed a bowl of Count Chocolate for breakfast. Mom drove me to school. As she stopped out front, I just stared. At two stories, it was a good sized building. Kids were sitting on the front steps. Talking and joking around. A few of the girls were sitting on the boys laps, leading me to believe that their boyfriend and girlfriend. Most of them looked to be in more expensive clothing and the girls wore tons of lip gloss and other make up. The stairs were set up in three sections, separated by two railings. The kids where in the middle section.

"well, I know you'd rather not, but unless you want me in jail for not forcing you to go, please do go. Love you and have a good day, honey." mom said. At least she hadn't waited until I was already out of the car and yelled it for the whole world to hear.

"love you too. Bye"

I got out and walked on the long side walk leading up to the school. As I got near, I could hear the voices of the kids and decided I'd just use the other sides of the stairs.

As I was walking up the stairs, equal with where they were, one boy said "well, well, what do we have hear?"

Another commented " let me guess, freshman?"

As I turned toward them, I noticed the whole group was looking at me. All the boys fit and muscular. The one that had guessed freshman, was unusually handsome. Know that I realize it, all of them are kind of cute. Mamma… maybe I could get used to this!

"No , sophomore" I said with a shy smile.

"really? I don't remember you from last year." the handsome one commented. He had a black t-shirt and jeans. A girl was sitting on his lap. But he didn't look all that interested in her. He looked.. well, he looked more interested in me. Electric blue eyes stared into me. Wonder if this one likes me, or just likes to stare down and intimidate at the new ones.

"um, I moved hear over the summer"

Apparently, the girl sitting on the handsome ones lap had noticed his lack of paying attention to her. She didn't look happy about it. "well, she's not any importance to us. And she cant fit into our little group, just look at her outfit." she squealed, as if disgusted. My smile vanished instantly. I happen to have gotten this from JC Penny.

"Beth" was all handsome said.

"what I cant help she's not pretty enough for our group."

Like I wanted to be a part of there group. And pretty? I'm gorgeous and I know it!

"that's what you think, Beth!" one of the others said.

"Adian, through something at him!" she yelled. Ok, she likes to be center of attention as well, nice to know. And that was his name.. Adian.

"honestly I don't think he needs it" Adian stated.

This Beth gave a glare to Adian, got of his lap and said " what's your problem today? You always agree with me!" She cried.

Adian wasn't even fazed by her yelling at him. He just wasn't interested. Not in her anyway…