Chapter 01 : CASSANDRA

Every story begins somewhere and mine begins in Montpellier, a city that is, by population, the seventh-largest municipality in France and the third French city on the Mediterranean axis. It's a wonderful city.

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On a Saturday in JANUARY 2012, I was at a wedding ceremony, and I was part of the catering service which served food and drink to guests. It was the wedding of my psychologist Morgane. She is a charming lady whom I respect very much. She's the only person who understands me perfectly. I love her more than my own parents. So, during this wonderful saturday passed too quickly unfortunately with lots of beautiful memories, emotions and joys ; Morgane got married swearing to be faithful to her husband. It was so beautiful that all the single women present at this wedding wanted to get married too. Me, I was very grateful towards my psychologist Morgane for allowing me to be among the staff who will serve food and drink to her guests during this wedding. At first, she strongly objected to this because she wanted me to be one of her honored guest, but I insisted on serving as I wanted to make myself useful.

My name is Cassandra and I am French. I come from a modest family, and I am 16 years old. I've been seeing a psychologist for 3 years because my parents think I'm abnormal. It's because I hate what most people like, and I like what other people hate. Most of the time I like to be alone, and it disturbs my family. This is how they entrusted me to the psychologist Morgane since I was 13 years old. Unfortunately, the three years of counseling I did with the psychologist Morgane did not improve anything in me. Despite this, my parents still thought I was sick. Me, I knew I was healthy. Morgane was the only person who accepted me as I am. For her wedding, I needed to feel special by doing something I had never done. Hence, the idea of ​​serving food and drink to the guests and nothing more. 

However, before the ceremony, on the morning of her wedding, the men were finishing preparing the wedding hall while the women were getting ready at the hotel. I brought a hairdresser and a makeup artist on site to do makeup for Morgane and me. Even though I was going to serve her guests, Morgana wanted me to look pretty too. It was a user-friendly moment because each one was prepared in turn. One for makeup then the other for the hairstyle and we took the opportunity to finish the manicures. I volunteered to help Morgane put on her wedding dress. She was stressed because we hadn't done a test, and we were late. A few hours later, she went to church and the wedding went well. I had tears in my eyes from the beginning to the end of the event because it was so emotional. After the ceremony, the bride and groom decided to organize a small party. While the guests danced, I served. There were several large sparklers that emit pink lights that shimmered throughout the room. It was really beautiful but I hated dancing. After a while, I felt embarrassed, so I went out to get some air. I was looking for a place where I could find a dog or cat that I could have fun with. Once outside I contemplated the beautiful weather. I was imagining what my future would be like when suddenly my cell phone rang. I glance at the home screen and see my mother's number. So I pick up immediately : 

 -- Hi Mom ! 

 -- Where are you Cassandra ?

 -- What is this question you are asking me? I thought I told you where I was going today mom?

 -- Yes Cassandra you told me, but I didn't know you were going to last. Besides, you didn't tell your father. He's furious. You'd better get home quickly because your father is very angry.

-- I'm sorry mom. I can't come back now. I'm working here. Try to calm down dad.

 -- Are you working at Morgane's wedding?

 -- Yes mom. I serve food and drink to the guests.

 -- What? What are you telling me Cassandra? You are not a maid to serve food to people at a wedding ceremony. Besides, you're only 16 years old. Come home right now and that's an order. 

After telling me what she had to say, my mother hang up without letting me say anything because she was furious. I also admit that I made a mistake by forgetting to inform my father. Nevertheless, I stayed outside for two minutes, and after I returned inside to continue serving. I just ignored the conversation that I had with my mother because I wanted to stay at this wedding. In addition, I was ready to assume the consequences that this will generate.

~~~ THREE HOURS LATER ~~~

I was back home and my dad was in the living room. He was waiting for me.

-- Him: Where are you from? 

I wanted to answer him when suddenly he slapped me. After that slap, I got a little dizzy, and then I was throwing up.

-- Him: Where were you ?

 This time, I moved away from him to answer his question.

 -- I was at my psychologist Morgane's wedding. In addition, she also invited you, but unfortunately you did not come why?

-- Him : And what were you doing at this wedding until now? Morgane doesn't know that you're only 16 years old, and you don't have to stay out for long?

 -- I was part of the catering service dad. I served the guests.

 -- Him : What? And who authorized you to do this?

 -- I spoke to Mum about it. I was supposed to tell you about it too, but I forgot to.

As soon as I finished speaking, my father hit me correctly. He beat me with a belt for several minutes. After hitting me for a long time, my father asked me to go straight to my room. As soon as I enter my room, I see my mother who was sitting in a corner, and she cried. I was very shocked and approached her to find out what was wrong. Great was my displeasure to discover that her face was disfigured.

-- Dad did this to you?

My mother did not want to answer me. She remained silent and continued to cry. It was difficult for me to see her in this state. It's hurt me and I started crying too. My dad is a drunkard who never stops giving us trouble. I knew he was the one who beat mom again. I console my mother when suddenly my father comes into my room with a knife and a gun. My mom and I are panic.