My Next Door Neighbor

Chapter 16

"Remember what I said Cass." Derek said as we walked into school the next day. I was currently surrounded by my three cousins and Bridget. After yesterday's events they were certainly not letting me out of their sight. So, I stool in the center of their protective square and walked down the hall with my head held high. Of course people stared, but there was nothing I could do, but go along with it.

Lunch came and I ate with the guys and Bridget. My mind kept replaying the scene of yesterday in the hall with Carter. It just sent chills down my spine every time I thought about it.

"Cass...Cass...Cassie!" I blinked and turned my head to lol at the four people staring at me.

"What?" I was oblivious to what they were talking about.

"You spaced out. I was wondering if you would like to go shopping with me this Saturday." Bridget spoke.

"Oh. Yeah sure." I said, finishing my salad. Today I had dance after school so I needed to eat as less fattening foods as possible.
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Finally school was over and I headed to the gym. I set my stuff done then changed in the women's locker room. When I pulled on my shorts, dance shoes, and crop top I headed back to the group of dance team members.

"Cassie." I heard someone call my name. I turned my head and saw the familiar boy I'd met not too long ago.

"Hey Dustin!" I saw him in the halls and stuff but didn't have much time to talk to him.

Before we had a chance to talk and catch up Alissa's annoyingly high-pitched voice booked through the gym.

"Line up ladies!" She clapped her hands together. Both her and Mia were in very bling outfits and it gave me a bad feeling. "So we finally have our uniforms here. When Mia calls your name, pick up your uniform. Those not getting their uniform will be rehearsing our first dance routine for competition.

I groaned causing Dustin to chuckle. "Yeah, they're not my style either."

Five minutes later we were lined up and ready to go. We did out stretches then got into our positions for the routine. all the while names were being called to get their uniforms and girls were walking back and forth to put their sparkly pink and silver outfits. When my name was finally called I walked over to the table off to the side to get my uniform.

"Here. Make sure it's pressed and watched after each competition. Hair is to be pulled up in a bun or ponytail at all times. Also...get yourself my some white thin shoes. Preferably cheerleading shoes." Alissa looked down at my dance shoes with disgust.

I rolled my eyes. "My shoes are just fine."

"Listen here. You may be a Richards but I run this group and you'll get whatever shoes I say you'll get or you're off the team. Got it?" She got all up in my face. I didn't dare back up and give her the satisfaction, but I did narrow my eyes.

"Loud and clear Cruella." I said then walked to my bag and put my uniform down then got back in my spot. I wasn't going to let her get the best of me
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Practice ended and I headed on my walk home. When I passed by the park I heard voices again which made me stop. It had been awhile since I heard Carter and that man discussing behind the trees. I walked a little closer and peered around a group of trees.

"You're wasting my time Hunt. Where is my package?" The man asked in a serious tone.

"She's of no use to you Howie." It was Carter's voice and he seemed angry as his voice rose.

"You promised me this package and you're going to fulfill your promise, or do we have to take more extreme measures?" One of the guy standing behind the rich guy, Howie, pulled out a gun. He pointed it straight at Carter causing me to gasp. I quickly covered my mouth, remembering that I was suppose to be hidden. Howie looked around for a bit then returned back to looking at Carter which didn't seem fazed by the gun at all. He just narrowed his eyes and balled his fists, jaw tightening.

"So you'd really kill your son?" Carter asked.

My eyes widened and my mind was officially blown. So this was the guy who'd been beating Carter. I grit my teeth and would have jumped out of my hiding spot if it weren't for the fact that this guy was dangerous. After a bit I decided to leave all this alone and head home because it was already late and getting dark. So, I turned around and went to head back to the sidewalk but as soon as someone grabbed me, I screamed. A large hand covered my mouth and violently pulled me passed the trees and right where Howie and Carter were standing.

THANKS FOR READING THIS NEW CHAPTER!! SOME SERIOUS STUFF GOING DOWN RIGHT NOW SO WATCH OUT. ALSO, WHAT DO YOU GUYS THINK OF THE DANCE UNIFORMS? HAHA. ANYWAYS, LOVE YOU GUYS AND DONT FORGET TO COMMENT AND VOTE.