Cassandra Evans

Author: a. leigh

Date: 06/09/2024

The Fourth of July 2023

Alluring eyes of sapphire, pure heart of gold

There were 4 of us staying in a beach house at Fontainebleau State Park, and our Fourth of July weekend was going really well until everyone started drinking.

It was around 7:00pm, almost time to go down to the beach for fireworks, but Michael and Chris decided that it was time to take shots.

"Come on Cassie, don't be a buzzkill" Michael said as I tried refusing their offer of a double shot of Patron.

My Mom had already finished her bottle of wine, and someone needed to stay sober to lookout for her. I know she's an adult and all, but I care about her, and I know how she gets when she drinks.

I sighed, "I'm ok, really. Take it for me Chris." He definitely didn't need more, but better him than me.

"Come onnn... If yo..u have fun.... now, we can... ha..ve funn, latteeerr" Chris barely got out.

Whenever he drinks, he tries to pressure me to have sex with him, and I really want to wait; I feel as though I need to get to know him better.

Michael could tell that Chris' comment made me feel uncomfortable, so he tried to make the situation funny by saying, "Haha, no funny business tonight, Cassie will be staying in my room." He did protect me, and look out for me; he had every right to though, he was my brother.

"Let's go watch the fireworks, I'll get mom" I said, running to the back patio where she was relaxing.

We all made our way down to the beach, some of us stumbling more than others.

The firework show had just started when we got there, and thankfully we had our own private beach to watch from.

"Isn't this amazing, look at all the wonderful things god has created for us" my mom commented as she took it all in and smiled. She was a pretty spiritual person, she always had been, but she never made it her personality.

That's where the nights energy completely changed.

Chris started laughing at my mom's comment, obnoxiously louder than he should have. I don't think Chris believed in god, or even religion, which wasn't a huge deal, until he made it one.

My mom glared over at him, "What's so funny, huh?"

"If you think a so called "God" created anything, then you must be pretty ignorant" Chris responded confidently to my mom.

I think all three of us, except Chris, had the same look of surprise. Michael was a mommas boy, so of course he jumped in to defend our mom, and I did not blame him at all.

"Who the fuck do you think you're talking to like that?" Michael screamed in Chris' face.

Chris laughed yet again, "Your cunt ass of a mother" he said proud.

I'd seen Chris get cocky when he drank, but never like this. Why was he targeting my mom, someone I really wished he would get along with, and obviously if he can't do that, then I can't be with him. My family means more to me than anyone.

Michael's face turned bright red, he was furious. My mom looked like she was about to cry. That's when my brother's fist met Chris' face, and it didn't leave his face.

"Michael stop, he's not worth it!" My mom yelled, "Really STOP!!"

Michael stopped beating the shit out of Chris, and we all stood there staring at him as he laid helplessly on the ground. That's when the firework finale started, perfect timing right?

Chris moaned and groaned, he didn't even attempt to fight back; he was too drunk, and too weak to even stand.

I was in complete shock at what just happened, and I think my mom was too.

"Mom..." I said with tears rolling down my face, "I'm so sorry"

"Cassie, it's not your fault. Let's just get a taxi for him, and forget about it ok?" My mom said disappointed, then she proceeded to calling a cab.

I could tell that she wasn't the happiest in my choice for a boyfriend.

Chris stood up, and fell back to the ground. He probably had a concussion or something, which he deserved.

Even though Michael hated him at this point, he was still a good person, so he helped Chris up and walked him to the taxi.

"Call me later?" Chris asked me. After all that, and he thinks I'm going to call him, funny.

"You're never seeing Cass again, got it?" Michael said as he slammed the cab door shut.

I felt awful, it was all my fault that this happened. I wasn't the best at picking men, maybe I should stay away from them for a while.

I took a deep breath, "I'm sorry Mike, I really wanted everyone to get along and have a good time"

"Cass, none of this is your fault. Let's just try to have a good rest of the night" Michael responded, sounding a bit frustrated, understandably so.

We did have a good night once Chris left, just us three like it should have been in the first place.

It seems as though every 4th of July there were problems, hopefully next years would be better.....

Characters:

POV- Cassandra

Michael- Cassie's brother

Melinda- Cassie's Mom

Chris- Cassie's boyfriend