## An Education - Cassie the Heroine

Post by KP Presents » Mon Mar 25, 2013 5:12 am

I don’t think I have ever been so nervous in my life as I was sitting in the front row, Mum and Dad holding my hands on each side. Granny was sitting next to Mum, and Jenny on the other side of Granny, while behind me was Aunt Connie, Uncle Dave and Aunt Cassie. Suzie and Bobby were also there, with their parents, with Lady Holderness sitting directly behind me, her hand on my shoulder.
On the other side of the hall was sitting Pippa, her hair in the usual pigtails. She looked as if she did not want to be there either, tugging at the sleeves of her white blouse. Her blue skirt looked as stiff as she must have been feeling, but she looked over at me and smiled, her glasses slipping down. Her mother leaned over and pushed them back up, smiling at Mum and me as she did so.
Hazel and Claire were there as well, in matching blue cotton dresses and flat shoes, looking round and talking to each other and giggling as they looked at me. Their parents were there as well - as were a whole group of other people who were there to watch the ceremony.
“Eyes front, Poppet,” Dad said as he nudged me, and I gulped as I saw Lord Holderness come to the front of the stage.
“Good morning Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls,” he said as he looked round the hall. “Thank you all for coming here today for this very special presentation, to a very special young lady. Before we make the presentation, I am going to ask Detective Chief Inspector Barry Hampton if he would say a few words. DCI Hampton?”
“Here we go,” I heard Colin say in a stage whisper behind me, “Dad gets to make a speech - again.” I stifled a laugh as I watched his father step forward, running a nervous hand through his hair, and cough a little.
“Thank you, Lord Holderness,” he said as he looked at me. “We hear an awful lot - far too much if you want my honest opinion - of the problems with the youth of today in the news, which makes it all the more delightful when it is possible to say something positive about the young people of our community.
“All of you will have seen or read the reports of what happened a month ago in the David Lloyd Health centre, and then later that night. What must have been a terrifying ordeal was made more bearable by the quick thinking and actions of a young lady, who showed a courage and thoughtfulness far greater than you would expect of such a young lady.”
I shifted uneasily, the petticoat under my yellow sundress rustling a little as I heard this. I started to swing my legs to and fro, my highly polished black shoes coming in and out from under the chair as Mum and Dad gripped my hands even tighter.
“With that in mind,” I faintly heard him say as my heart started to pump in my chest, so hard I thought it was going to burst, “I want to ask Lord Holderness if he would present this Police Bravery Award to a very special young lady, in recognition of her bravery on that day - Miss Cassandra Paulette Craig!”
“On you go, dear,” Mum said gently as she and Dad helped me to stand up, and I walked slowly to the steps at the side of the stage, the clapping and cheering giving me courage as I slowly walked up the stairs and across to where Lord Holderness and Colin’s father were standing. They both smiled at me as I felt a ribbon being placed round my neck, and saw the medal on the front of my dress.
“Thank you,” Lord Holderness said as he handed me a framed certificate, and then knelt at one side of me, Colin’s father on the other as I saw flashes of light and heard the cheering, the clapping - all for me.
And the really funny thing? All I did was what I do anyway - just in a slightly different way. After all, that day started very much like any other Saturday - well, actually, not quite like any Saturday. We had a visitor first thing....
“What do you think Jenny - the pink one or the green one?”
“Cassie,” my big sister said with that sense of exasperation I always love to hear from her, “Does it really matter? It’s a swim party for goodness sake - whatever one you wear, you’re going to be underwater for most of it!” She was wearing a pair of blue jeans and a black t-shirt, with white ankle socks.
“I know - but these things matter. I’m not a toddler anymore!” I stuck my tongue out at her as she went to the door of my room, then said “Go for something different - the red one” before leaving me to pick the swimming costume for later that day. I pulled down on my grey sweatshirt, covering the waistband of my joggers, and shook my head for a moment.
I had finished all my homework the night before, and was getting my things together for Hazel’s swim party that afternoon. I had my goggles and swim cap ready, as well as a big fluffy towel, and had packed them all into my grey duffle bag, but I just could not decide what costume to wear.
I did not even hear the doorbell ring, so intent was I on the selection, but when I heard Mum call out “Anne! And is this who I think this is?” I abandoned all attempts at careful choice, closed my eyes and picked one at random, then stuffed it into my bag and ran down the stairs.
Mum was gently lowering herself into our rocking chair, her hand at the base of her back, while Jenny was looking at a small car seat which was sitting on the floor. She was sitting next to Alicia’s mother, who was putting a large holdall on the floor beside the seat. Mum had on a blue pair of those special pants she had bought, which tied at the front of her now very large tummy, and a long t-shirt that stretched over her bump.
“Hello, Cassie,” Mrs Bowden said as she looked at me. She had one a blue smock top with a long sleeved black top underneath, black leggings and flat shoes, and there was a big smile on her face. “Would you like to meet Andrew?”
“Yes please,” I said as I walked round and knelt on the floor next to Jenny, both of us staring intently at the baby that was sat in the car seat. He looked so small and tiny, wrapped up in a blue blanket with a little cap over his head, but I could see a shock of blonde hair underneath it.
“He looks so small,” I said quietly as I looked at him, his blue eyes darting from side to side as a little bubble appeared at the side of his mouth. “Was I this small, Mum?”
“Smaller,” Mum said as she leaned forward. “But he will grow up quickly enough. Enjoy it while you can Anne, enjoy it while you can.”
“Come on, Jennifer, it’s not as bad as you make it out to be,” Mrs Bowden said with a smile. “Look, let me go and make you some tea or something - you look as if you could do with a mug.”
“Thanks,” Mum said as Mrs Bowden stood up and went to the kitchen, then she turned and looked at the two of us looking at the new arrival. “So what are you thinking,” she said as she looked at us.
“He looks so small,” Jenny said quietly, “do you think our new arrival will be as small?”
“Honestly,” Mum said as she let out a groan and put her hand behind her back, “I don’t think so. Be a dear, Jenny, and pass me over a couple of cushions - I need the extra support.”
Jenny picked up a couple of cushions and put them behind Mum’s back, as I reached down and put my finger in the baby’s hand. I thought he looked at me when I touched his hand, and then he tightened his tiny little fingers over mine. I had to smile when he did this, and said “Hey - he’s got a strong grip.”
“Takes after his father,” Mrs Bowden said as she came in, handing Mum a mug of tea before she sat down.
“I can see why Alicia has fallen in love with him already,” Jenny said as she put her finger in his other hand, “He looks so adorable - not at all like his cousin.” I looked at her and nudged her in the ribs as she said this, sticking my tongue out at her comment.
“Ali said the same thing,” Mrs Bowden said with a smile, “but when Bobby saw him last week, all he said was ‘When will he be able to play football? And when can we take him to a game?’”
“I can imagine Alexander may have something to say about that,” Mum said with a laugh. As she did this, the telephone rang and Jenny went to answer it.
“Cas,” she called out a minute later, “It’s Pippa. Can you come and talk to her please?”
“Sure,” I said as I came into the hallway and took the phone. “Hey Pippa - what’s up?”
“Hi Cas,” I heard Pippa say at the other end of the line, “You getting ready for the party as well?”
“Just about ready - why?”
“Listen, can you ask your mum if you can come and sleepover tonight? Hazel and Claire are coming over, and you can bring a friend if you want.”
I smiled as I said “Give me a moment,” and went back into the room.
“Mum - can I sleep over at Pippa’s tonight? Hazel and Claire are going to come over as well, and I can take a friend.”
“Well, Jenny is going out tonight, but - bring the phone in and let me talk to her.”
I went to the hallway and brought the phone back in, handing it to Mum as I sat down. “Hello Pippa,” she said as she smiled at me, “can I talk to your mother please?
“Janice? It’s Jennifer Craig - tell me about this sleepover.”
I sat and watched as Mum nodded, and then said “Well, if you can take Cassie home with you, I’ll get John to bring her night bag over when he drops Jenny off.” She looked at me and said “Do you want to invite Suzie?”
I nodded to that, so Mum said “All right, Janice - I’ll let her stay overnight. She’ll ask her friend Suzie to come, and I’ll tell her father how to get to your place. Will six o’clock be all right?
“Great, thanks Pippa. It gives me and John a night on our own - I’m not sure how many more of them we are going to get. See you tomorrow.” She ended the call and handed me the phone.
“If you pick out some clothes,” she said to me as I jumped up, “I’ll ask your father to run round with them tonight.”
“Thanks Mum,” I said as I took the phone to the hallway, then ran up the stairs.
And that was how it began - by that time tomorrow, a lot happened and I found out a few new things....
Read stories of ordinary women in distress at http://www.kppresents.com

### Re: An Education - Cassie the Heroine

Post by John Kennon Smith » Mon Mar 25, 2013 5:41 am

A great beginning!

### Re: An Education - Cassie the Heroine

Post by Tom Ford » Mon Mar 25, 2013 5:56 am

What a nice start. It’s nice to see Cassie to get the public recognition she deserves in front of all her family. And all for, according to her own words, doing what she always does.
I could just imagine little Andrew. Just how you described him makes him lovably adorable. Still, it would prepare Cassie on meeting the next arrivals—Connie and Mum’s baby. So once again, if you don’t mind me, I’d like to ask something. Who will arrive first, Connie’s baby, or Jennifer’s? I know that Jennifer’s baby has still two months to go, but how about Connie’s?
I wonder what happened at David Lloyd Health Center, and why was it connected with the sleepover? I doubt that Cassie would introduce the topic of tie ups in a swim party—after all, she’s there to swim, but we’ll see.
So it’s going to be the adventure of five 11 year old rambunctious fun loving girls. And I wonder, if the robbers were the kind that would simply lock little kids like them inside a room like the Gentlemen robbers do? Probably not, or if yes, Cassie might inadvertently provoke them. Still, I know it won’t traumatize Cassie one bit, not Suzie, but I hope, I really hope, her three new friends might come out okay, and hope they won’t be too freaked out of Cassie’s weird forms of playing.
I could just imagine Cassie and Suzie just casually blurting out what they did.
“Hey Cassie, what did you do on Mother’s Day,” Pippa might ask.
“Oh I was tied up and gagged and raced my tied up grandmother and aunt around the house,” she might say casually as if she’s telling them she’s playing tea party or dress-up, and Suzie might fan the flames by eagerly asking for details and telling her it isn’t fair that she was stuck with Grandma Jacobs with only Bobby to play with (at least she might get tied up by her older brother, but it won’t be as much fun as what Cassie did).
And all that without noticing how their friends reacted.
Anyway, hope for more soon, KP!

### Re: An Education - Cassie the Heroine

Post by Imp Caesar Augustus » Mon Mar 25, 2013 6:18 am

Congratulations to Cassie!

### Re: An Education - Cassie the Heroine

Post by KP Presents » Mon Mar 25, 2013 7:34 am

> Tom Ford wrote:I could just imagine little Andrew. Just how you described him makes him lovably adorable. Still, it would prepare Cassie on meeting the next arrivals—Connie and Mum’s baby. So once again, if you don’t mind me, I’d like to ask something. Who will arrive first, Connie’s baby, or Jennifer’s? I know that Jennifer’s baby has still two months to go, but how about Connie’s?

How can I put this delicately - by the end of this story, there will be at least one new member in the Craig family.

> Tom Ford wrote:So it’s going to be the adventure of five 11 year old rambunctious fun loving girls. And I wonder, if the robbers were the kind that would simply lock little kids like them inside a room like the Gentlemen robbers do? Probably not, or if yes, Cassie might inadvertently provoke them. Still, I know it won’t traumatize Cassie one bit, not Suzie, but I hope, I really hope, her three new friends might come out okay, and hope they won’t be too freaked out of Cassie’s weird forms of playing.

Wait and see, my friend, wait and see.

> Tom Ford wrote:I could just imagine Cassie and Suzie just casually blurting out what they did.

Yeah - I can see that too...
Read stories of ordinary women in distress at http://www.kppresents.com

### Re: An Education - Cassie the Heroine

Post by Plueschbabycd » Mon Mar 25, 2013 8:24 am

Hallo Kp, I like the new. The big joke is for me that he had even same eye colour as I. Will see If more take than 1000 page tile he grown up enough play TUG.
Andrew
"Don´t dream it, be it." Dr. Frank N. Furter in Rocky Horror Picture Show

### Re: An Education - Cassie the Heroine

Post by KP Presents » Mon Mar 25, 2013 8:27 am

> Plueschbabycd wrote:Hallo Kp, I like the new. The big joke is for me that he had even same eye colour as I. Will see If more take than 1000 page tile he grown up enough play TUG.
> Andrew

Actually, I know the answer to that - and so do two other people - but i'm not telling.
Read stories of ordinary women in distress at http://www.kppresents.com

### Re: An Education - Cassie the Heroine

Post by Plueschbabycd » Mon Mar 25, 2013 8:41 am

> KP Presents wrote:

> > Plueschbabycd wrote:Hallo Kp, I like the new. The big joke is for me that he had even same eye colour as I. Will see If more take than 1000 page tile he grown up enough play TUG.
> > Andrew

> Actually, I know the answer to that - and so do two other people - but i'm not telling.

Hallo Kp that let me bit hop that it take not so long and you have thought about.
Andrew
"Don´t dream it, be it." Dr. Frank N. Furter in Rocky Horror Picture Show

### Re: An Education - Cassie the Heroine

Post by John Kennon Smith » Mon Mar 25, 2013 9:24 am

Wow! More! More! More!

### Re: An Education - Cassie the Heroine

Post by William F Somebody » Mon Mar 25, 2013 10:48 am

I’m so happy Cassie is being honoured at the start of the story. She sure is brave, whatever she did. But she said she only did what she always did, meaning she probably turned the entire situation with the robbers into a game that set an example to the other girls, and probably stopped any panic and dread that would have occurred in their situation. I wonder, will her actions actually make the newcomers—Hazel and Claire and Pippa (I don’t have a worry about Suzie on that count)—not fear whatever will happen? Or at least now show that fear? It would be very nice if she could make light of any situation if it involves ropes—and make others see the lightness of the situation. I think that her friends, being her age, would be easier to persuade to see the bright side.
The one question in my mind though, is if Cassie’s friends have been tied up before the pool party, or if not, Cassie and Suzie would have the opportunity to tie up their friends before the really ones happen. Maybe they would cope better if they already experienced it before, than it being totally a new experience when they would be tied up by would be robbers.
However, if any of them have any reservations of the idea of being tied up if Cassie and Suzie first proposes it, maybe they would be pleasantly surprised that they liked the feeling of being tied up if the robbers forced them to be tied up the first time.
I wonder, will Cassie and Suzie play tie up games during that sleepover before the robbers arrive? I’m thinking like in Play Date, the robbers will catch them in the act, and therefore, understand that they would not object to being tied up, and would tie them up as a result. Would they underestimate them because they’re kids and only them sloppily?
And one more thing. Maybe Cassie and Suzie, having these kinds of experiences before, should volunteer to do the tying of the three new girls for the robbers so that they won’t tie them up too tight? I mean Cassie might be concerned that they would tie them up and hurt them in the process, with Cassie doing it, at least she can ensure her friends would not be hurt when tied up and tied up with the least discomfort.
Hope you consider my suggestions.
Anyway, thanks for answering some of my questions. Hope the others got answered soon!

### Re: An Education - Cassie the Heroine

Post by John Kennon Smith » Mon Mar 25, 2013 12:56 pm

Great update!!!!

### Re: An Education - Cassie the Heroine

Post by John Kennon Smith » Mon Mar 25, 2013 1:31 pm

Oh and please please please update really really really soon!!!!

### Re: An Education - Cassie the Heroine

Post by John Kennon Smith » Wed Mar 27, 2013 2:46 am

Hope for more soon!!!

### Re: An Education - Cassie the Heroine

Post by KP Presents » Wed Mar 27, 2013 3:09 am

“So how does it feel to be the hero of the hour?”
My eyes were still smarting a bit from all the bright lights as I walked back down the stairs, accompanied by Lord Holderness. He smiled at me and said “Well done,” as Mum and Dad hugged me, and then Jenny asked the question.
“I don’t know,” was my honest reply, “but does this mean we can have some cake?”
“Oh yes, poppet,” Dad said as he ruffled my hair, “It means you can have all the cake you want today.” I smiled at that thought, before I heard a low groan and looked at Granny.
“Not me,” she said shaking her head, as Aunt Connie held her back and smiled.
“Dave,” she said, and I could hear she was not exactly herself, “I think we need to go somewhere.” I looked at Uncle Dave, only to see that he was as white as a sheet on a hospital bed - or the one at Pippa’s house.
“Come on,” Granny said as she picked up her coat, “I’ll drive you. There’s nothing to worry about, girls,” she then said as she looked at me and Jenny, “I just need to take your Aunt and Uncle home to pick something up.”
“Is your aunt all right,” Suzie said as she came over.
“I think so - she probably just has a sore back, right Dad?”
Dad just nodded his head, as he put his hand around Mum’s waist. “Come on,” he eventually said, “Cake you asked for, and cake you shall have.”
“Do you want a slice of cake before you go?”
Mum was looking at me across the dining table, as I finished my lunch. “Yes please Mum,” I said as I took the plate, and drained the rest of the fruit juice from my cup. I had changed out of the joggers and sweatshirt into a pair of jeans and a long sleeved blue top, and my feet were snug and warm in a pair of thick socks and trainers.
“Dad will take you to the sports club, and then bring an overnight bag over for you later tonight,” Mum said as she poured herself a cup of tea. Dad nodded as he put his cup down and wiped his chin on a napkin.
“Give me five minutes,” he said as he stood up, “and I’ll be ready.” As he left the kitchen, Jenny came in and sat down.
“Is Dad still going to take me tonight,” she said as she poured herself a glass of juice.
“Oh yeah - the big date with Colin,” I said, and I giggled as I said it. I just found it difficult to think of my big sister going out with a boy - it wasn’t nasty, just funny, and the fact it was making Jenny blush made it even funnier.
“Get your coat, Cassie,” Mum said as she stood up. “Time you weren’t here.”
I stood up, stuck my tongue out at Jenny as she drank her juice, and then went to get my blue padded coat. As I was putting it on, Dad came down with my duffle bag in my hand.
“In the car, poppet,” he said as we walked out to the garage, and I climbed in the back, strapping myself in as Dad started the car and we headed off.
The sports club had been built next to the big shopping centre at the far side of town - a big white block that looked as if it was just another shop front or warehouse or whatever those buildings big parcels come from are. Anyway, Dad pulled into the car park and turned the engine off, before he got out and opened the door for me.
As I got out, I heard Pippa shouting “Cassie,” and I looked to where she was standing outside the entrance. As always, her long brown hair had been platted into two pigtails, and she had on her steel rimmed glasses. She was also wearing jeans, but with a red t-shirt over a white long sleeved top.
Her mother was standing with her, wearing a black leather jacket over a brown jersey dress, and knee length shiny black boots. “Hello Cassie,” she said as I walked over, “I’m glad you could stay over tonight.” She had shorter brown hair, and smiled at Dad as he handed me the duffel bag.
“Thanks for inviting her, Jackie,” Dad said as he stood with us. “I’ll bring her bag over with her friend Suzie later.”
“Suzie,” Pippa said, “She’s the one who did that amazing magic trick at your party isn’t she? I heard she was related to the family who live at the Manor House.”
“Yeah - they’re her grandparents,” I said as a few more of our friends turned up. “Don’t let that put you off, though - my Aunt Cassie teaches her class, and apparently she’s a real trouble maker.”
“Sounds fun,” Pippa said as we saw Hazel and Claire walking over with their parents. As always, they were dressed identically, this time in denim dresses with a white jumper underneath, and black Ugg boots over their white tights.
“Sorry we’re a bit late,” their father said as he joined us, “but I had to get their bags packed.”
“I’ll come and get them now,” Pippa’s mother said, and as she and their dad walked over Hazel’s mum said “Right - in we go.”
“I’ll see you tomorrow Cassie,” Dad said as he waved to me. I waved back and then followed the others through the large glass doors.
I’ve stayed in a few hotels with Mum and Dad, and when I went inside I thought I was in one of them again. There were a few big comfy chairs scattered around, and a big white desk with a woman in a white blouse standing behind it.
“Good Afternoon,” she said as we walked towards her, “Can I help you?”
“We have a swim party booked for this afternoon,” Hazel’s mum said as she showed her a letter. The woman looked at it and said “Ah yes - if you would all come this way?”
She pressed something behind the desk, and two glass doors swung open to allow us all to walk through. Hazel and Claire’s dad joined us as we walked through, and then down a corridor, past some rooms in which we could see men and woman running and doing other fun things.
Their mum had on a cream sleeveless jacket over a grey jumper and a pair of shiny black trousers, that creaked in a funny way as she walked. I could see them looking at me and stifling a laugh as we stopped in front of a door with “Party Changing Room” marked on it.
“If you will go in here,” the other woman said as she opened the door, “You can store your clothes in the locker. The pool can be accessed through the door on the other side.” She smiled at us as all twelve of us girls walked in, their mum joining us as their father left with the woman from the desk.
“Get changed quickly girls,” she said as she sat down, “You don’t want to waste a second, and there will be drinks and snacks afterwards.”
Well come on - twelve kids in a room with the prospect of a swim coming up? It became a race to see who could get changed first, as I pulled my blue swimsuit out and started to strip off.
Well, race is probably the wrong word - more like a mad scramble, as we had to be reminded to put our clothes and other things in a bag, and then into lockers before handing the keys to their mum. We then almost ran through the doors at the other side of the room, and into the swimming pool.
“Wow,” Pippa said as she followed me out, squinting for a moment, “They got inflatables and everything!”
They had as well - the pool was a small one, but it had been divided in half. One side was fairly clear, although there were a number of mats floating on the water. On the other side a large inflatable was running the length of a pool, with bumps, tunnels and other things to scramble over and through.
Dad had taken me for swimming lessons with Jenny, so I was confident enough to go straight for the obstacle float, Pippa following me. Hazel and Claire went into the other side at first, both in red swimsuits, and played with some of the others.
Well, what can I say? I’m not sure how long we spent in there, but I loved every little second of it
Eventually, however, we had to come out, and so we went back into the room, and dried ourselves off. As I pulled my jeans back on, Hazel shouted over “Hey Cassie - how’s your mum?”
“She’s fine thanks,” I called back.
“Excited about the new baby?”
“Yeah - I saw the little brother of Jenny’s friend today. He was so cute; I couldn’t wait to see what my little brother looks like.”
“Or sister,” Claire said as she pulled her jumper on. “You don’t know which it is yet, do you?”
“No,” I said, “but I hope it’s a boy. Then I have a brother of my own to boss around.”
“I wish I had a brother or sister,” Pippa said, “It would be good to have someone to talk to like that.”
I finished lacing up my shoes. “There may still be time,” I said as I looked at Pippa.
“I’d need to get a new dad first,” she said, then shook herself as she said “So where’s the party food?”
As if on cue, the door opened and the woman from the desk came in. “Come with me,” she said, and we were led to a large play room. One side was a large play frame, with slides and a ball pool, and against the wall on the other side was a table with jugs of juice, sandwiches and other snacks.
“GREAT!” we all called out as we descended on the food, and Hazel’s mum and dad sat next to the ball pool.
I ate and drank, and then realised I needed to visit the little girl’s room. As I left the play room, I could see the desk at the front, and that two men were talking to the woman standing there. They didn’t notice me, but I could see they were big men, one of them with ginger hair and the other with a black woollen cap over his grey hair.
Anyway, I saw the sign for the toilet, and went in. When I came out a few minutes later, I saw that the woman and the two men had gone, and there was nobody at the desk.
I could also see a chocolate machine, next to the desk, and I had sudden hankering for a bar of chocolate. I had a little money in my pocket, so I walked down and bought myself a bar of Cadbury’s Milk Chocolate.
I was about to go back to the room when I heard a sobbing sound from a door behind the desk, and I - well, I was curious. The door was solid white, but it was a little bit ajar, so I sneaked over and had a look inside.
I could see the lady from the desk kneeling on the floor, next to another woman, and the two men were looking in a big metal box. That was not really caught my attention though - what did was the fact the two women had a strip of what looked like white plastic around their wrists, holding them together behind their backs.
The ginger haired man suddenly looked over at the door, and for a moment I thought he had seen me, as I put my hand over my mouth. As he turned back to look at the safe, however, I sneaked away from the door, and looked round. There was a telephone on the desk, which I just managed to reach up and lower gently down. Trying to breath normally, I picked up the receiver and dialled three digits.
“Emergency,” the female voice said “Which service please?”
“Police,” I whispered, “there are some bad men - robbers I think - at the place I came to swim at.”
“All right dear,” the female voice said, “Don’t put the phone down. Are the bad men still there?”
“Yes,” I whispered.
“All right, what’s your name?”
“Cassie - Cassie Craig.”
“All right Cassie - I want you to hide this phone, but do not touch anything. Then I want you to hide where the men cannot find you - I am going to send someone round, all right?”
“All right,” I whispered before I hid the telephone under the table, and then went back to the play room. I knew I had to keep the others in there, and I had an idea how.”
“Hey Cassie,” Pippa said as I walked back in, “That took a while.” I nodded and then said “Everyone in the Ball Pool! Let’s see who can hide the longest!”
Read stories of ordinary women in distress at http://www.kppresents.com

### Re: An Education - Cassie the Heroine

Post by Imp Caesar Augustus » Wed Mar 27, 2013 3:30 am

Go Cassie! Show the robbers what you're made of!!!

### Re: An Education - Cassie the Heroine

Post by John Kennon Smith » Wed Mar 27, 2013 3:47 am

HOpe everything turns out OK!!!!!!

### Re: An Education - Cassie the Heroine

Post by Tom Ford » Wed Mar 27, 2013 4:33 am

It’s nice to see Cassie doing the responsible thing. Other girls her age might have panicked, screamed, inadvertently revealed themselves to the robbers, etc. But not Cassie. And with the added burden of looking after the other girls. Before, she had Jenny or the adults to look after her when this kind of things happen. Come to think of it, I think most of the time, she had an adult with her when she was tied up by hoodlums. In the Learning the Ropes, she was with Mum. Same with After School Special and in Play Date, Granny and Lady Holderness was there (although in another room). In Surprise Visitor, they were will all the adults, and in Price of Friendship, they were with Mum and Aunt Cassie. Also in Looking For a New England, there’s Heidi and Cindy’s Mums to keep them company.
This time, Cassie is probably the most mature one in terms of these kinds of situations. The fact that she had several experiences of these before, and most of the time, she wasn’t scared and actually had fun, probably made her react calmly whereas others her age might just panic. She already had been there, so she knew what would happen. She knew that probably, the worst thing that could happen was that she would be tied up while the place was being robbed, which wasn’t an unpleasant thought. But she knew that the others might be scared of the robbers so she couldn’t put her own fun first.
I wonder how Cassie feels now that she’s the responsible one? This would probably give her a greater understanding of the dangers that she faced better than all the lectures she had ever received on the subject.
Just the call to the police was enough to make her a hero. She maybe even thwarted the robbery!
I wonder if they’ll be found out by the robbers at the playroom? I hope not. Especially as there are other kids besides Pippa, Hazel, and Claire there. And I hope Cassie tells the other girls to be quiet in the ball pool. Still, even if the robbers find them, maybe they won’t be tied up if Cassie can convince them that they’re just a bunch of harmless little girls? Perhaps the robbers will simply pretend to the children that he’s just a visitor or something and tell them not to come out because of something and the kids (except Cassie) would believe them? But I prefer that the robbers simply don't go there. After all, there's nothing worth robbing in the playroom, is there?
Still, would they be the same robbers to appear on the sleepovers, or a different one?
One more thing! Connie is going to give birth really soon! And we will see the new child of the Browns!!
I was afraid that whatever would happen would happen while they’re in the swimming pool. I’m glad that wasn’t the case. It would really be messy if that happened.

### Re: An Education - Cassie the Heroine

Post by John Kennon Smith » Wed Mar 27, 2013 4:42 am

Oh and Go Cassie!!

### Re: An Education - Cassie the Heroine

Post by KP Presents » Wed Mar 27, 2013 5:03 am

> Tom Ford wrote:This time, Cassie is probably the most mature one in terms of these kinds of situations. The fact that she had several experiences of these before, and most of the time, she wasn’t scared and actually had fun, probably made her react calmly whereas others her age might just panic. She already had been there, so she knew what would happen. She knew that probably, the worst thing that could happen was that she would be tied up while the place was being robbed, which wasn’t an unpleasant thought. But she knew that the others might be scared of the robbers so she couldn’t put her own fun first.
> I wonder how Cassie feels now that she’s the responsible one? This would probably give her a greater understanding of the dangers that she faced better than all the lectures she had ever received on the subject.

A fair assessment - but Cassie will have more to say on that later.

> Tom Ford wrote:Still, would they be the same robbers to appear on the sleepovers, or a different one?

A good question - a very good question...

> Tom Ford wrote:One more thing! Connie is going to give birth really soon! And we will see the new child of the Browns!!

I did promise one new arrival this story - at least...

> Tom Ford wrote:I was afraid that whatever would happen would happen while they’re in the swimming pool. I’m glad that wasn’t the case. It would really be messy if that happened.

I walk a fine line with these stories - that was one I was not going to cross.
Read stories of ordinary women in distress at http://www.kppresents.com

### Re: An Education - Cassie the Heroine

Post by John Kennon Smith » Wed Mar 27, 2013 8:28 am

Great chapter!!!

### Re: An Education - Cassie the Heroine

Post by William F Somebody » Wed Mar 27, 2013 11:56 am

So, the sleepover would happen at the same night as the big date with Colin. I wonder if that fact will affect the plot or not? Probably not, but it would give Jenny (and Cassie) one more reason to remember her first date, no matter how that date went.
Since Suzie wasn’t classmates with Cassie, this was probably the second time she would meet Pippa and Hazel and Claire, and probably the first time they would really know Suzie. Wonder how that will go? I’m sure she’ll do fine.
Still, thinking back to what they might do, I wonder how long before the discussions and activities would focus on ropes and gags? I’m sure Cassie and Suzie would just want to bring her friends in to her new hobby. Hope that Claire, Hazel, and Pippa would be receptive. And if they play tie up games, the question is, would the robbers arrive with them in the middle of tying up each other?
The robbers were kind of different. As Cassie clearly did not say that they had masks on, they do not fear that their victims would be able to identify their faces. Hope that it does not mean that they would consider making sure there are “not witnesses” if you know what I mean. Still, I’m sure they didn’t expect to find little girls in the building. I wonder what their attitude to them are? Especially with no adult companions? And what of the parents? Did they leave the building, intending to return at a later hour, or are some of them still in the building, waiting?
As for Cassie, great for her! IF there were no sleepover, Cassie would still be a hero just for calling the police. Nice of her to think of an activity which would make them as invisible to the intruders as possible. And for not simply telling the others. They might freak out. There are about twelve girls, right? So that means that there are eight (8) unnamed girls. Hope that ball pool would fit all of them.
Cassie had come a long way. In Surprise Visitor, she and Suzie were heroes, though it was not intentional. Price of Friendship, she was a hero too but also made some blunders. But here, she did everything right. As mentioned by Tom, she was now responsible for eleven other girls who may not be disposed to act calmly and rationally through this robbery as she was.
And there is still the sleepover. Hope that the news of the incident at the health center won’t make the parents freak out and cancel that one.
Still, I wonder, will the robbers get away before the police arrive?
The answer to that question probably would determine if the robbers at the pool party would be the same robbers at the sleepover.
And would the kids would be already in their pyjamas and nightgowns by the time it happened?
Lovely update, and hope for more soon.

### Re: An Education - Cassie the Heroine

Post by John Kennon Smith » Wed Mar 27, 2013 2:17 pm

Great update!!!

### Re: An Education - Cassie the Heroine

Post by John Kennon Smith » Wed Mar 27, 2013 3:33 pm

And please update really really soon!!!!!!!!!!!!

### Re: An Education - Cassie the Heroine

Post by KP Presents » Sat Mar 30, 2013 3:13 pm

“This,” Dad said as he tapped his fork on the table, “is incredibly good carrot cake. How’s your éclair, Cassie?”
I gave Dad a big thumbs up as I chewed on the pastry, trying to make sure I did not get any chocolate on my dress. We were all sitting at a table at the side of the hall, with Mum and Dad each side of me and Jenny sitting opposite. From time to time someone would come up and say something to me or Mum or Dad.
Aunt Cassie was outside the hall, talking on her mobile phone when Hazel’s mum came over. “Cassie,” she said as she looked at me, “Why didn’t you say something that afternoon? If we had known what was going on...”
“What would you have been able to do, Barb,” Mum said as she looked at me. “Cassie made sure everyone stayed in the room, out of the way of harm. She did the same later, and the twins came through it.”
“I know,” she said, “and I will always be grateful for that. I just wonder what would have happened if I had known everything.”
“Barb, we have to teach our kids what to do in real life - we taught Cassie to get help when it is needed, and she did just that.” I saw Aunt Cassie walking in, putting her phone in her bag. Hazel’s mum smiled at me and walked of as Dad said “Well?”
“She’s in the room now - Mum says Dave is fine, and Connie is screaming the place down.”
Jenny and I looked at each other, wondering what was going on. I really felt as if something was happening, something big - which I did not feel on that day...
I always wondered what it would be like to be one of a group of dogs that catches a scent - well I got the feeling as everyone ran to the ball pool and dived in. “Let’s see if we can all be quiet as well,” I said as I looked to the door, and then jumped in after Pippa.
It wasn’t that big a pool, and we weren’t that quiet, but I just wanted everyone to be in the same place - so that they did not go outside. The two men did not look like the two we met at Holderness manor, or even the ones that spent the night with us - they looked different, even sounded different.
After a few minutes, I heard Hazel and Claire’s mum saying “What’s going on outside?” I whispered something to Pippa, and as she nodded we both jumped out and grabbed her mother, hearing her say “wha...” as we dragged her back and pulled her into the ball pool as well.
“MUM!” that twins shouted as they jumped on her, while Pippa and I went to grab a glass of juice. As I turned round, I saw a police woman look into the room through the round window in the door, and nod before she turned away again.
I let out a low whistle, which made Pippa say “Something wrong, Nancy Drew?”
“Sorry?”
“You look as if something’s happening and you don’t know what to do about it. Something up?”
I was spared the embarrassment of trying to lie by the door opening, and a familiar face putting his head round the door. I recognised Colin’s dad from when he had come to parties at the Manor house, and when he saw me he actually smiled.
“Hey,” he said in a neat, quiet voice, “Sorry to interrupt your party, girls, but I was wondering if I could borrow Cassie for a couple of minutes? I promise she will be back in just a couple of minutes.”
The entire party turned and looked at me, as Colin’s dad said “actually, I need her to get a message to her big sister - she has a big date with my son later today, and poor Cassie has to tell her dad where to take her.”
“Ooooo - Cassie has to help her sister,” some of the girls said, making me blush as I walked to the door and went outside with him. I could see a few more policemen in the entrance area, and the police woman from earlier talking to the lady from the desk.
“Sit down, Cassie,” he said as he walked with me to a low bench, and we both sat down. “We met at Holderness Manor, didn’t we?”
“That’s right,” I said with a smile, “You’re Colin’s dad. You talked to us after that funny business at Aunt Connie’s house as well.”
“Yup,” he said as he took a packet of Polos out of his pocket and gave me one. “You did a very brave thin earlier, Cassie, and I wanted to thank you for calling the police when you saw the two men.”
“Daddy taught me to do that,” I said as I sucked on the mint. “Is the lady all right?”
Colin’s dad looked over and said “Not right now - she’s had a big scare, but I think she’ll be fine. You’ve had a few scares like that, haven’t you?”
I nodded, before saying “Did you catch them?”
“Well, I can’t tell you that right now,” he said with a smile, “but what you did meant we got here in time to stop too much happening. The two women are scared, and a bit sore, but they will get better, I promise you.”
“Good,” I said with a smile, “I hope they get over it. Are you going to tell my mum and dad?”
“Eventually,” he said as he stood up. “I’ll talk to them later. Right now, I wanted to say thank you and well done. When I talk to them, I’ll be sure to mention that.” He put his hand on my head and ruffled my hair, then said “Go back to your party - the girls will be wondering who the strange man who took you out was.”
I stood up and went back to the door, when he said “Oh, and Cassie?”
“Yes, Mr Hampton?”
“Tell your dad he can pick them up from the disco at ten, all right?”
“Sure,” I said with a smile, and then ran back into the room. I was thirsty - and happy I had helped someone.
“What happened? I just saw a police car leaving.”
Pippa’s mum was waiting as the four of us came out, accompanied by the twins. Hazel and Claire’s mum followed us out, as we carried our bags with us.
“Some sort of dispute in the club - I’m not sure, we heard nothing,” she said as she kissed Hazel and Claire. “Now, you two be good girls for Pippa’s mother, and I’ll see you both in the morning.”
“See you. Mummy,” they said as they waved at their mother, who turned and walked back into the building. “Right,” Hazel said as the door closed, “Let’s go and have some fun!”
“Why not,” I said as I followed Pippa and her mother to a nearby Skoda Octavia. I climbed into the back with the twins, while Pippa sat in the front with her mother on, a booster seat on the cushion.
“”When we get back to the house,” she said over her curtain, “You can go and play in the front room while I sort some tea out. Once your friend gets to our house, Cassie, we’ll eat and then you can go to Pippa’s room.”
Pippa lived in one of the new estates on the outskirts of town, and as we drove to it I realised I had never really been to this part of the town before. The houses looked nice, with big canopies over the front doors and front lawns with big garages.
We pulled into one of the drives at the end of a round road, and got out of the car. “Nice house,” I said to Pippa as we walked to the front door. “Big, roomy - bigger than mine.”
“Bigger does not mean better,” she said as we walked in. “Take your shoes off and leave them in the hallway - we never wear them inside.”
Hazel and Claire kicked their boots off, while I unlaced my trainers and put them next to Pippa’s. We then walked into her front room, while her mum went into the kitchen. “Anyone want to watch a DVD,” Pippa said as she opened a cabinet.
“Have you got The Princess and The Frog,” Claire said, “I love that film.”
“Got it right here,” Pippa said as she took it out. “Let me put it in, and then I’ll get some drinks.”
She left us for a few minutes, as we sat on the floor in front of her big television. When she came back, she was carrying four big glasses of squash, one for each of us as she started the film.
It was just finishing when I saw our car pull up in front of the house through her front window. “Suzie’s here,” I said as I stood up and walked to the window, waving as Suzie got out from the back of the car. Her red hair was pulled back into a short pigtail, and she was wearing a blue pinafore dress over a grey jumper, with a pair of short brown boots on her feet, She waved at me as she came up the pathway, and then ran into the room in her sock covered feet as she hugged me.
“Cassie,” Dad said as he looked in the door, “Quick word please.”
I walked out and followed Dad to the door. “I gave Jackie - Pippa’s mum - your overnight bag. Mum put your blue pyjamas in, and there is a change of clothes for tomorrow.”
“Thanks dad,” I said, but he then whispered “Mr Hampton popped round to see me and your mother. We both think you did a very brave and good thing today, and he’ll come round tomorrow to talk to you, all right?”
I nodded and hugged him, then whispered “He said to tell you to pick Jenny up at ten.”
“I know,” he said, before he called out “See you tomorrow Jackie” and ran back to the car. I walked back into the room as Pippa’s mum looked in.
“Tea will be in five minutes, girls,” Pippa’s mother said, “I hope you’re all hungry.”
“Thanks mum,” Pippa said as we all sat down. Hazel sat next to Suzie and said “Is it true you’re going to be a lady one day?”
“No,” Suzie said as she settled down, “but my brother will be Lord Holderness one day - assuming her still wants to be. Granddad is the current Lord Holderness - he lives up at the Manor house.”
“So how come you know Cassie here,” Claire said as she sat down.
“Her granny and my grandmother are old friends - so she and her sister came to the Manor house last summer for a visit. Mind you, we then got tied up by the nice robber...”
For one minute, I felt just as Jenny must do when I blurt something out. “You got tied up? Now I know why you weren’t scared at your birthday party, Cassie - it wasn’t the first time.”
“Nope - or the last. Grandma told me about the contest at your house on Mother’s Day, Cassie - and how close you came to winning the escape game.”
“Escape game?” Pippa took off her glasses, wiped them and then put them on to look at us. “Spill it Cassie, just how many times have you been tied up?”
“Well...” My blushes were spared by Pippa’s mum calling out “Some and eat girls.”
“Oops,” Suzie said as we walked to the dining room, “Did I say something wrong.” I just shook my head - I knew we would have some explaining to do later.
Read stories of ordinary women in distress at http://www.kppresents.com

### Re: An Education - Cassie the Heroine

Post by Imp Caesar Augustus » Sat Mar 30, 2013 4:22 pm

I wish I was at that sleepover!!!

### Re: An Education - Cassie the Heroine

Post by John Kennon Smith » Sat Mar 30, 2013 4:25 pm

What fun!!!

### Re: An Education - Cassie the Heroine

Post by Tom Ford » Sat Mar 30, 2013 4:31 pm

What a quick update! I wasn’t expecting one on a Saturday at the eve of Easter, but I can’t complain!!
My my my. Typical of Suzie to just blurt it out in front of Cassie’s friends. And how clueless she was at first and just kept talking. Just like how Cassie herself was to other people. And it seemed that Cassie’s friends were a little too eager to know the details. I wonder who will do the explaining? Cassie or Suzie, or both?
But the real question, will the other three be receptive? Will they eagerly ask to be tied up, or will Cassie and Suzie have to coax the others to try it? Maybe two of them would be eager to try, the third reluctant, but would agree anyway after the other two were already tied up?
Or maybe one of them had already been tied up, but not really good? We’ll see.
Still, it’s been three chapters, and there hasn’t been much tie ups. Hope to see that in the next chapter! I want to say really good tie ups with the full works, but keeping mind that the three are newbies, maybe taking it easy would be the best course. But with the robbers approaching, I think that whatever they want, Pippa, Hazel, and Claire would be tied up for real.
I wonder, do they have the special white microfoam tape, or would they settle for good ole’ duct tape?
And would there be a story where Cassie and Suzie do a tie up tutorial? Maybe Suzie would invite her three new friends at a sleepover in Holderness Manor one weekend (with Cassie of course), where they could really have fun!
I’m so glad nothing else happened at that Health Center. I wonder what happened to those robbers, and why was it so fast? I reckon that most probably, they escaped, as Cassie just saw the ending of the robbery, and as soon as Cassie went inside the playroom, the robbers went away, and the police only saw the bound women.
I chuckled when Claire asked if Suzie would be lady one day. What she doesn’t know that there already is in the room a future...er nevermind. You know what I mean.
Suzie should say, or even accidentally blurt out, that Cassie has a crush on the future Lord Holderness! That would even make them tease her more!!
Maybe they could talk about Jenny and Colin, then someone should ask if Bobby (who's the same age as Colin) has already had a girlfriend, Cassie would blush, and Suzie would just casually mention that Cassie likes Bobby, and that he gave her a present on her birthday and...

### Re: An Education - Cassie the Heroine

Post by John Kennon Smith » Sun Mar 31, 2013 12:32 pm

Great chapter!!!

### Re: An Education - Cassie the Heroine

Post by William F Somebody » Sun Mar 31, 2013 12:38 pm

Once again, Suzie opens her mouth and something that shouldn’t get blurted out gets blurted out. At least there would be no more secrets between the friends. I mean, it’s better that the know each other’s secrets (I don’t think Suzie thinks its much of a secret the way she just said it.)
I want to ask, does Suzie think that tie up games are a big secret they should all hide, or is it something that’s “normal” and ordinary that she wouldn’t know the big deal about keeping it? My guess is that she really doesn’t get the fuss about keeping it a secret, and I guess Cassie is like that to other people other than her close friends.
I wonder how will they explain it? Suzie seemed totally at lease just talking about, so maybe she’ll just tell the story as if she’s telling them how she dressed up or what she ate or that kind of stuff.
And I wonder, how did Cassie know that the new robbers are not the one in Play Date or After School Special? The robbers in those stories were wearing masks, so she wouldn’t know. The new ones are not wearing masks, so maybe the mere fact that they are not wearing masks makes them sufficiently different from the others? Or maybe their built or their mannerisms?
Looks like little Andy Bowden would have a new playmate soon!!!
I wonder how will they play the games? Maybe Cassie could demonstrate on Suzie first to show that nothing’s amiss, and it’s okay and fun, and at the same time to teach them how to tie up? I think that maybe one of them has some experience in this topic, but most probably, this is the first time anyone would be tied up for real.
Hope you update soon!!!

### Re: An Education - Cassie the Heroine

Post by John Kennon Smith » Sun Mar 31, 2013 12:39 pm

Great update!!