Right after waking up, I dove into vigorous workout, tackling various gym machines before finishing strong on the treadmill. Lost in the energetic rhythm of Stray Kids' 'Chk Chk Boom' song, which blasted through my earbuds. Sweat dripped down my face, drenching my sport gear and waist trainer, highlighting the contour of my body. My burgundy bob swayed with each step, framing my determined expression.

Just as I hit my stride, my phone buzzed on the treadmill phone holder. Elvis's name flashed on the screen. I silenced the call, ignoring it for now, eager to finish my workout.

Elvis persisted, calling again mere minutes later. I internally screamed, rolling my eyes in exasperation. With a sigh, I finally answered the video call, and Elvis's grinning face filled the screen. He was lounging on the sofa, his hair disheveled from just rolling out of bed.

"What?" I barked, still jogging.

"Whoa, chill! Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning," Elvis teased, chuckling.

"Nothing funny, what do you want?" I snapped, impatient.

"You ignored my first call, intentionally, I might add," Elvis said, folding his arms.

I'd had enough. "Babe, chill," Elvis pleaded, almost shouting, as I moved to end the call.

But then he dropped the bombshell: "You've totally forgotten, haven't you? You're the one who suggested we go shopping for Alaia's birthday in a few days, and now it sounds like I'm the one who forced the idea!"

My feet faltered, and I brought the treadmill's speed to a comfortable stroll. Elvis's piercing gaze cut through the screen, and a wave of guilt washed over me as realization struck.

"My mouth dropped open, forming an 'O' shape, and I whispered, 'Oh my, I'm so sorry.' I had forgotten the surprise plan I'd coerced Elvis into making for Alaia's birthday today. Alaia, our childhood best friend who joined our tight-knit circle in 10th grade, whereas Elvis and I went way back to kindergarten."

Knowing her, as the ultimate drama queen, she would never let me hear the end of it, especially considering her penchant for high-drama celebrations. Now, my memory lapse had put the entire surprise at risk.

As I smoothed stray strands of hair from my sweaty face, I could almost hear Alaia's shrill voice echoing in my mind, scolding me for my forgetfulness.

Though she remained blissfully unaware, I sighed and nodded to myself in resignation.

Just then, Elvis's soft curse jolted me back to reality. Our eyes locked on the video call, and I felt a shiver of discomfort.

His gaze wandered from my flushed face to my curves, lingering before returning to my face, filling me with unease. My pulse quickened as I wondered if I'd misinterpreted the intensity in his eyes.

Suddenly, I pointed an accusing finger. "You pervert!" I shouted.

Elvis erupted into hysterical laughter, his head thrown back in amusement.

"Oh, Cass, what am I going to do with you?" he choked out between guffaws.

I side-eyed him, unphased.

"Are you coming to pick me up or should I come to your place?" Elvis wiped tears from his eyes.

"I'll come to you. He said 

"Alright, let me get ready. I'll meet you in 15 minutes," I promised.

Elvis smirked. "More like an hour."

I grinned, knowing he was right. I was never on time, especially when getting ready.

"See you soon, Cass," Elvis said, still chuckling.

As we ended the call, I thought, He knows me too well.

**************
As I stepped into my room, wrapping a plush towel around my damp body, the warmth of the shower lingered on my skin. My full burgundy-tinted hair, a rich inheritance from my father which was originally black, cascaded down my neck in sleek, short strands.

I padded across the floor, and slipped into my dressing room. But as I scanned the rows of clothes, a sudden wave of laziness washed over me. The thought of meticulously selecting an outfit felt exhausting.

I surrendered to laziness, grabbing the nearest comfortable pieces: a tight black shorts, a white baggy hoodie, and crisp white kicks. I stood before the mirror, running a comb through my butterfly bob hair, the soft bristles gliding effortlessly through the strands. A few swift curls with the curling iron added a playful touch.

I stepped back to survey my reflection, admiring the understated elegance that stared back. A delicate necklace and simple earrings complemented my burgundy butterfly short bob hair, which framed my face and accentuated my features. A subtle swipe of black liner and lip gloss enhanced my natural beauty. My golden caramel skin glowed warmly, a distinctive trait within my black family. Subtle freckles on the bridge of my nose added charm, while long eyelashes framed warm brown eyes that sparkled with warmth. Full lips curved into a radiant smile, highlighting my high cheekbones and captivating warmth.

I playfully bounced my hair from side to side, the color catching the light. Satisfied with my look , My slim, toned physique, honed from countless workouts, looked stunning in the simple outfit. As the least curvy among my siblings, I'd always relied on fitness to feel confident.

my sisters had inherited my mother's full-figured curves, but I'd been blessed with a different kind of beauty. My breasts were modest, my hips and ass moderate, yet my natural proportions exuded a subtle elegance.

As I gazed deeper, my thoughts drifted to my sisters. My older sister's curves were breathtaking, rivaling my mother's own. My little sister, just 16, had already blossomed with a moderate yet striking figure, her growth still unfolding. I sighed, Shaking off comparisons.

"Cassie, are you going out?" Piper, my maid, interrupted my reverie.

 Yes I am, " I replied well aware of her daily morning cleaning routine around my room .

With a dramatic flourish, I asked how do I look? Hands on hip, I struck a pose.

Piper's nod and thumbs-up approval sparked a bright smile. "You look stunning, Cassie."

I beamed with confidence, feeling carefree and grabbed my crossbody bag from my bed . As I left my dressing room, I called out, "Have a nice day, Piper!" Though we weren't close friends, my personality dictated kindness and equality towards everyone.

Piper's faint reply faded into the background as I exited my room, ready to take on the day.

Thanks for reading, stay tuned for chapter 2.....