Slave

Chapter 21
The Nightmare Relived

They had driven for almost twelve hours; Cassandra yawned and curled up in one of the chairs; much like a cat before the hearth. She yawned and brushed a stray strand of hair out of Cassandra’s eyes. She stretched and stirred softly in her sleep, one of her small hands always cradling her large belly. Seth shook his head and looked out one of the windows, “This has to be done, and it’s for the best.” He told himself for the tenth time in an hour. Seth’s mind began to run wild as he stared out the window, his breath catching in his throat as Cassandra stirred in her sleep again. Seth shook his head and released a breath he did not know he held, a few more hours and Cassandra’s old home would be in view. Seth closed his eyes and tried to envision the encounter that awaited them.

As the car pulled into Cassandra’s old driveway se began to stir. “Come on. Get up!” Seth said, hoping he didn’t sound to rough. As Cassandra’s eyes adjusted to the bright light she caught sight of her old home through the window. She felt her heart drop through the bottom of her stomach and swore she felt her baby cringe. “Wh...Why are we here??” Cassandra asked, fear apparent in her voice. “Because there is unfinished business here.” Seth said coolly as he enclosed his hand around Cassandra’s arm. “Seth please!” she begged, sounding more frightened about returning home than she had about a possible abortion. Seth continued to pull Cassandra behind him as he walked up the sloping lawn. "Please Seth, take me back!" Cassandra begged, her voice weak. “Please Seth anywhere but here. I'll be good; I'll even go through with the abortion if you just take me away from here!" As soon as the words left Cassandra's mouth she regretted it. Seth stopped mid-stride, he turned and the back of his hand collided with her high cheek, sending her tumbling onto the grass on her backside. "You will do as your told and end this foolish whimpering this instant." he said looking at the bright red mark on her pale skin. Cassandra nodded and allowed Seth to lead the way. Her instant obedience panning Seth.

They stood in front of the large front door, Seth had knocked and they were sure they heard foot steps approaching from the other side. "Just a minute." The soft sound of a females voice filtered thought the door, Cassandra knew instantly it was her mother. The door swung wide and Cassandra's mother opened her mouth to let out a shriek of surprise, but before a sound was emitted from her mouth, Seth spoke, "perhaps you should invite us inside Alexis." Alexis nodded and stepped aside to allow then entrance. Once everyone was well inside the house Alexis closed the door, and a scream of excitement reverberated through her throat. Cassandra jumped in fear, still on edge because he father had yet to make an appearance. “Alexis, calm yourself." Seth said glaring at her. Alexis nodded and muttered a soft apology. Her reaction reminding Seth of Cassandra, to much of Cassandra. "Um... Mum?" Cassandra asked softly, still scared out of her mind."Um...where's daddy?" Seth shot a death look at Cassandra and she wished she was dead. "Well um... Sweetie..." Alexis began to speak in the same skittish tone. "Enough! We are not here to discuss this now." Seth bellowed. Cassandra and Alexis jumped and muttered apologies, keeping their heads bowed. "Alexis why don’t you make some tea and we can all catch up." he said softly taking Cassandra’s arm and walking towards the great room.