Chapter Two

Cass stepped through the front door of her house, feeling a wave of relief wash over her. She was eager to celebrate her achievement and relax before diving into her career.

As she kicked off her shoes, she could hear faint footsteps. She immediately took the decorative vase at the entrance ready to pounce on whoever it was.

Suddenly she heard the faint sound of music playing and laughter echoing through the house.

"Scar?" Cass called out, recognizing the lively energy that could only belong to her younger sister.

The sound of footsteps came rushing down the stairs, and a moment later, Scarlet appeared in the hallway with a wide grin on her face.

Scarlet was the polar opposite of Cass; bubbly, spontaneous, and always looking for the next adventure.

"Cass!" Scarlet exclaimed, throwing her arms around her sister. "I missed you so much! How did the exams go?" She said excitedly "Why are you holding unto the vase?"

"I thought it was a thief" Cass said laughing awkwardly. The truth was that she had been spooked after her encounter with Stacey but she couldn't tell her sister.

Cass returned the hug, grateful for her sister's infectious enthusiasm. "They went well, Scar. I'm officially done with the bar exams!"

Scarlet's eyes lit up with excitement. "That's incredible! I knew you could do it! We have to celebrate!"

Cass chuckled, her exhaustion momentarily forgotten in the presence of her energetic sister. "I couldn't agree more. I have something else to tell you, though."

Scarlet tilted her head curiously. "What is it?"

Cass took a deep breath, deciding it was time to share her big news. "I'm going on a vacation."

Scarlet's eyes widened in surprise. "A vacation? That's amazing! Where are you going?"

Cass grinned. "France. Amanda and I have been planning it for a while now."

Scarlet's jaw dropped, and her excitement grew palpable. "France? Oh, Cass, that's incredible! I've always wanted to go there. The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, all the croissants! Please, please, please take me with you!"

Cass laughed at her sister's contagious enthusiasm. "Slow down, Scar! I didn't expect such a reaction. It's just going to be Amanda and me."

Scarlet's face fell, her eyes filled with disappointment. "But Cass, it's not fair! You know how much I love adventures. I promise I'll be the best travel companion ever! Please reconsider."

Cass felt a pang of guilt. She understood Scarlet's longing for excitement and new experiences. After all, she had always been the most fun-loving person in the family and loved spontaneity.

"Scar," Cass said gently, placing a hand on her sister's shoulder. 

"I appreciate your enthusiasm, and I would love to have you there with me. But this trip has been planned for months, and it's just Amanda and me. I promise I'll bring back something special for you, though."

Scarlet's disappointment was evident, but she nodded, trying to put on a brave face. "Okay, Cass. I understand. But don't forget to bring back a huge slice of French cake for me and please have fun."

Cass couldn't help but smile at Scarlet's playful request. "Deal. The biggest slice of cake I can find."

As they continued their conversation, Scarlet couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions.

She was thrilled about her sister's accomplishment and the adventures that awaited her in France, but there was a hint of longing in her heart.

She wanted to be part of that journey, to create memories and experience new cultures alongside her sister.

A thought crossed Scarlet's mind, and she mustered up the courage to ask.

"Cass, is there any chance you could bring me back something more than cake? Maybe a small souvenir or a postcard? Something that would make me feel like I was there with you?"

Cass smiled, touched by her sister's request. "Of course, Scar. I promise I'll bring you back something special. You'll have a piece of France right here with you."

Scarlet's eyes sparkled with gratitude, and she enveloped Cass in another tight hug.

"Thank you, Cass. Please have fun, I mean it. Leave the responsible you at home go out and hook up with a French man. Just do that for me uh"

Cass squeezed her sister back, feeling the warmth of their bond.

"Who knows, I might do just that" Cass said with a giggle. After the death of her mother, she had put off men to focus on her education. Maybe it was time to let loose a little.

She knew that even though Scarlet wouldn't physically be there with her, their connection would transcend the distance. And as she looked forward to her journey to France, She couldn't help but feel guilty.

"I have to make a call Scar, Can you get started on dinner for me?" Cass left the room

Cass took a deep breath as she dialed Amanda's number. After her conversation with Scarlet, she had been thinking nonstop about finding a way to include her sister on their trip to France.

She knew Amanda had been excited about their girls' getaway.

"Hey, Cass! What's up?" Amanda's cheerful voice greeted her through the phone.

"Hey, Amanda," Cass replied, her tone a mix of nervousness and anticipation. "I wanted to talk to you about something important."

Amanda's voice became more serious. "What is it, Cass? Is everything okay?"

Cass took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. "Well, after our conversation earlier, Scar was really disappointed about not being able to join us on our trip. She's been so supportive and excited for me, and I can't help but feel like it would be amazing if she could come with us."

There was a pause on the other end of the line, and Cass anxiously waited for Amanda's response.

Finally, Amanda spoke, her voice filled with understanding. "Cass, I completely get it. I have been thinking of bringing her on the trip also. You know she lights up every place she steps into"

Cass's heart swelled with gratitude. "Thank you, Amanda. I really appreciate your understanding. I know it might change our plans a bit, but I promise it'll be worth it. Scar will be thrilled."

Amanda chuckled. "I can only imagine her excitement. Alright, let's make this happen. The more, the merrier, right?"

Cass grinned, relief washing over her. "Absolutely. Thank you, Amanda. This means the world to me and Scar."

After they ended the call, Cass couldn't contain her excitement. She rushed upstairs to find Scarlet, who was in her room, absorbed in a book.

"Scar!" Cass burst into the room, her voice filled with excitement.

Scarlet looked up, her eyes wide with curiosity. "What's going on, Cass? You seem really happy."

Cass couldn't help but beam as she relayed the news. "I talked to Amanda, and she's completely on board with bringing you along on our trip to France!"

Scarlet's jaw dropped, and her eyes filled with disbelief. 

Cass nodded, a wide smile spreading across her face. "I'm serious, Scar. We're going to France together!"

Tears of joy welled up in Scarlet's eyes as she jumped up from her seat and threw her arms around Cass. "Thank you, thank you, thank you! This is going to be the best trip ever!"

Cass hugged her sister tightly, feeling a sense of joy and fulfillment in bringing her dreams to life. "You deserve this, Scar. We're going to have the time of our lives."

As they let go of each other, Scarlet wiped away her tears, her face shining with excitement. "I can't wait to explore France with you, Cass. We're going to make unforgettable memories."

Cass nodded, her heart filled with gratitude for her sister and her friend. "That's what I'm looking forward to the most, Scar. Adventures and memories that will last a lifetime."