Chapter 29
Chicago had been discharged from the hospital that morning, and Kassia was overjoyed. She had missed her little sister terribly. Together, they returned home.
"What would you like to eat, Chicago?" Kassia asked gently as they settled in.
"I don't know," Chicago murmured, her voice low and uncertain.
"How about I make you some mac and cheese?" Kassia offered, smiling warmly.
"I'm not hungry," Chicago replied, shaking her head. "But… maybe I'll take a smoothie."
"Baby, you were just discharged today. You need to start eating so you'll look and feel healthy," Kassia said, concern lacing her tone.
"When am I going back to school?" Chicago asked suddenly.
"Next week," Kassia answered. "You need to rest properly before going back."
Chicago nodded slightly. "Hmm. Okay."
Just then, Caesarea stepped into the room holding a sleek black dress and a box. "Kassia, take this dress. You're to wear it this evening. We're all going out."
"Out where, Mother?" Kassia asked, confused.
"You'll find out when we get there," Caesarea replied curtly. "Be ready by 7 p.m. And make sure your sister is ready on time too."
From the living room, Chicago, who had heard her name, called out, "Mother, I don't feel like going out."
"Too bad," Caesarea retorted. "You're fine now, and you're coming."
She muttered to herself under her breath, "I need a smoke."
Inside the box, Kassia examined the contents: a long black, high-slit dress, a pair of sparkling heels, and jewelry that looked expensive. Beneath them lay a smaller outfit, clearly sized for Chicago.
"Where did she get the money to buy all these things?" Chicago asked quietly, a look of worry spreading across her face. "We both know Mother is broke and doesn't have a job."
"Don't worry about all this," Kassia replied softly. "Drink your smoothie. I'll go talk to her."
She gently reminded her sister, "Make sure you finish everything, alright?"
Chicago nodded, glancing suspiciously at the smoothie as Kassia stepped out into the backyard.
There, she found her mother smoking. "Mom, these clothes you gave Chicago and me—they look very expensive. Where did you get the money to buy all of them?" she asked hesitantly.
"I didn't buy any of those things," Caesarea replied bluntly. "Charity brought them."
"Charity?" Kassia repeated. "Did she explain why she got them for us?"
"No," Caesarea snapped. "Stop asking me all these stupid questions."
Then, trying to change the subject, she added, "Call that friend of yours—the one who came to visit at the hospital."
"Christy?" Kassia asked.
"Yes, that one. Call her to come help you dress."
"Okay." Kassia turned to go.
As soon as she left, Caesarea muttered to herself, "Shit. Why didn't they just give me the money instead? I could've bought something from Target and still had change to spend on myself." She took another drag of her cigarette. "Well, after the marriage, I'll definitely request my own share of the wealth."
---
Later that evening...
"Oh my God! Babes, you look so beautiful I could cry right now," Christy exclaimed as she helped Kassia dress.
"Where are you even going looking like this?" she added, stepping back to admire her. "It's not our graduation or anything. What's the gist?"
"I honestly don't know," Kassia admitted. "My mom just handed me this dress. I'm scared the police might come knocking, looking for whoever stole it from a mall."
"At least she should've told you where you're going," Christy muttered, narrowing her eyes.
"Maybe I should call Williams. He and I could follow you guys secretly, just to make sure you're safe."
"No, it's fine," Kassia said, shaking her head. "Mother might be an alcoholic and a drug addict… but she would never cause us harm."
Just then, Chicago peeked into the room shyly. "Kassy… how do I look?"
Both Christy and Kassia turned and gasped. "Wow, baby. Beautiful," they said in unison.
A shout echoed from the living room. "Come on, our driver is here!" Caesarea yelled.
She caught sight of her daughters and smirked. "Kassia, you look fat in that dress. And Chicago—you look stupid."
"Mrs. Caesarea, please stop insulting your daughters," Christy snapped, offended by the woman's tone.
"Hey, you little rat! What are you still doing in my house? Get the f*** out of here!" Caesarea barked at her.
"Of course. I'll gladly leave," Christy said coldly. She hugged Kassia tightly and waved at Chicago. "Bye, sweetheart."
She stormed out, eyeing Caesarea with contempt.
"Mum, you didn't have to be so rude to Christy," Kassia said quietly as they got into the car.
"If I hear one more word from you, I'll slap you so hard," Caesarea threatened.
Chicago gripped Kassia's arm tightly, her eyes wide with fear.
---
They soon arrived at the venue.
It was a grand, unfamiliar place. Kassia looked around, alarmed. "Mother, what are we doing in a place like this? Are you sure we're allowed to be here?"
"Will you shut up with all the unnecessary questions?" Caesarea snapped. "Get down from the car."
They followed her hesitantly. Inside, they were approached by a well-dressed woman.
"Caesarea," the woman greeted
Caesarea turned and recognized her. "Charity," she mumbled.
Charity's face lit up. "Kassia, you look so beautiful. And Chicago—oh my word, I barely recognized you. How are you doing, baby?"
"I'm fine," Chicago murmured shyly.
"Come, baby, hold my hand. The event is about to start," Charity said kindly.
She led them to a reserved table. They sat in silence as more guests filtered in.
After a while, Kassia leaned toward her. "Mrs. Charity… what am I doing here?"
"You'll find out soon, dear," Charity said with a soft smile.
Time passed, and the hall filled with more people. Charity seemed to be an important figure, as several people came up to speak with her.
Kassia's eyes wandered across the grand room. She scanned the space—until they stopped suddenly. Her breath caught.
Standing on the far end of the hall was Mr. Gabriel. Beside him stood Mr. Cain. They were engaged in conversation with another man, all three looking serious and focused.
Then, as if drawn by fate, Mr. Cain turned—and his eyes locked directly with Kassia's.
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Author's note
Decided to drop this chapter this morning since I couldn't upload it last night.
Hope you enjoy reading it!
See you in the next chapter.
Xoxo,
CC