Cassandra Chapter 1

My dainty feet were shod in spike-heeled, ankle-strap, black kidskin sandals. My makeup was smoldering, yet tasteful. My lips, fingertips and toes were the same shade of blood red, and my golden hair cascaded softly around my shoulder blades. Long crystal chandelier earrings swayed from my earlobes, while a matching multiple-tiered necklace encircled my throat. A wide crystal bracelet adorned my left wrist, while its more diminutive cousin graced my ankle.

Mere words cannot describe the look on Melissa's face when she finally realized who I was. It happened near the end of dinner, after the lobster but before the champagne was completely gone. I had brought Taittinger, my favorite, and we were both a little giddy. Andres Segovia on the stereo had only heightened the mood. Melissa had not been able to tear her eyes away from me all evening.

I had seen it coming; that slightly-puzzled, quizzical expression that declares: "I know you from somewhere. Where was it?" When it hit, it truly was a "Kodak Moment". A chain-association image flashed before her eyes in an instant: from a leather-and-denim-clad college boy to the latex-clad slut she had shamelessly humped in the dance club the week before, to the sleek, sophisticated blonde arrayed before her at that moment.... Her eyes were like saucers. She slipped one delicate hand to her lips.
"Oh...my...GOD!"

I couldn't help it. I tried to be demure, but I couldn't contain myself; out came a rich, melodic laugh. Melissa feigned a fit of pique at my deception and punched me in the shoulder for having the temerity to laugh about it as well. Yet I could tell even the sound of my laughter was having an effect on her. She smiled. The smile turned to a chuckle. The chuckle became a laugh. Her laughter fed mine, and vice versa. Soon, we were both emitting peals of laughter, clutching our sides, tears rolling down our cheeks.

I withdrew a tissue from my purse and dabbed at the tears on her cheeks. She took the tissue from my hand and returned the gesture. She caressed my cheek. I caressed hers. She leaned over and kissed me; softly at first, then with gathering passion and urgency. We stood and pressed our bodies together. She took me in her arms and I yielded, melting against her.