Cassandra Salvatore~•~I didn't expect Jules to be home, especially since she hit it off with Kesha last night but she was.And she was also awake.So we're my siblings.I felt ambushed when I opened the door to the house and saw all of them sitting on the couch, watching TV together.I almost teared up at the sight of all four of them. This right here was my family. I didn't know why I was letting my excuse for a mother get to me.The fact that she hadn't reached out after yesterday showed just how much she didn't need me in her life.I didn't know why I was bothered about her in the first place.I didn't know why I went through the trouble of finding her on the internet.I didn't know why my stupid brain reminded me of my past that day in the basement.It was because of that that I decided to go to therapy. And because I went to therapy. I ran into her. Did Karma exist? And did I do anything fucking bad to deserve to be blindsided like that? Fuck."Hey, you're home. I thought you'd

Cassandra Salvatore~•~"Wow, you really aren't going to work today?" Jules asked sitting down beside me on the couch. My siblings had gone to school and it was just me and Jules at home.Just as she said that I received a text.[Matteo: I take it you aren't coming to work then. Stay safe. We'll talk when you're ready]I scoffed, turning my phone upside down so the screen wasn't facing me. "We're taking a break," I announced, gathering my hair up in a ponytail. I looked over at my friend to give her a smile but the expression on her face had me pausing. "W-what? Why are you looking at me like that?""I know your relationship with Rafael was an ass, so this your first real relationship, but honey, a break is never just a break.""What do you mean?" I frowned, trying to make sense of what she was saying."A break is as good as a break-up.""I don't want to break up!""I know. Did they tell you you guys are taking a break?"I paused, biting my lip in guilt. "No, I just said it."Jules'

Cassandra Salvatore~•~"You're jumpy," Jules whispered in my ear, making sure our other friends wouldn't hear. She was dressed as Dorothy from Wizard of Oz. "Are you sure I shouldn't invite Matteo and Rowan?""Positive." I shook my head at her suggestion. "Besides, it'd be too late. Who invites someone when the party has already begun?"Her eyes trailed across my face as if searching for doubt.I sighed internally. "Excuse me."I didn't wait for them to respond before I took my leave.I let out a breath as I ambled to the kitchen. I went straight to the fridge and got out bottled water for myself.As I turned back around while I opened the cap, I saw him again.He was standing in front of me and it caught me by surprise.I narrowed my eyes at him. "What the fuck are you doing here?" I spat out. "Are you stalking me?"Rafael's eyebrows creased as if he was confused. "Stalking you? What? Why would I do that?"I arched an eyebrow. Was that a legit question? Did he actually expect me to

Rowan Valentino~•~"Should we be expecting you to bring a woman home anytime soon?" Mother asked as we finished eating.Damon bit his lip in annoyance. "Why don't you hound Matteo and Rowan about marriage as well?""You're their older brother. They look up to you. You have to live by example."Damon shot lasers at us with his eyes when Matteo and I chuckled under our breaths. "Well, ma, I'm not ready for marriage.""Are you sure?" Her voice softened. "If you're seeing someone, no matter who it is, you can tell us. You know we won't judge. Your brothers are with one woman.""And you are not entirely comfortable with that," I added."That doesn't mean I try to stop you. As long as it makes you happy.""How many times will I tell you all that I am not gay? Trust me, if I was, you'd know."Tasha snickered. While we all teased Damon about it, my mom actually believed that Damon was gay and was dating his best friend. According to her, that was the only plausible excuse for him being singl

Cassandra Salvatore~•~As soon as my alarm rang, the doorbell rang as well.I frowned, yawning sleepily. Who could be here as early as seven?The doorbell rang again and I waited a bit to see if anyone was going to get it but when it rang for the third time, I groaned and stood up from my bed.I put on my flip-flops and exited my room, taking the staircase two at a time.The doorbell rang for the fourth time."What kind of impatient person is behind the door?" I muttered to myself as I pulled it open.I was certain I was still dreaming because Matteo and Rowan were standing in front of me. I rubbed my eyes to make sure I was seeing clearly.They pushed the door further open and stepped inside. "What are you guys doing here?"Instead of answering my question, Matteo said, "You told me Rafael was an old friend.""What?" I was confused about the sudden topic. Why were they suddenly talking about Rafael?"Why was Rafael at your house on Thursday?"My brows furrowed. Even Jules didn't kno