Title: Learning To Live Without

Author: MKP

Summary: Cassie has some issues

Spoilers: Heroes

Rating/Warnings: PG-17. Some swearing. Nothing major. Janet is dead (I always did like Janet and hey it's sci-fi…) . As of what I have right now, it's not S/J, but maybe…who knows.

A/N: This is well and truly a WIP. I think Cassie was a little older than 17 in the show during Heroes but the age works here. I love feedback and criticism doesn't bother me since it will help me write better. This is my first story so anything would be great. I'm not totally sure the characters are in 'character' but I wanted to fool around with Cassie since the show did nothing towards that story line. Besides stress and grief can do wierd things to people. Enjoy!

1

"Come on Cass! It's time to get going." Samantha Carter yelled up the stairs to the 17 year old.

A sigh escaped her lips when she didn't get a response. She didn't have time for this. She had a briefing in 40 minutes and still had to drop Cassie off at school.

"Cassandra!"

"I'm coming!" the teen yelled back with an attitude that Sam has gotten accustomed to over the last two months.

Sam watched as Cassie walked down the stairs, her whole demeanor screaming rebellion.

"Where's your book bag?"

"I need breakfast."

"You don't have time. School starts in 15 minutes and I need to get to work."

"You can go do your important job of saving the world, Sam. I'm old enough to get to school on my own." Cassie replied, while grabbing a bowl, cereal and the milk.

"If you're late once more you'll get another detention,"

"I'm scared." the teen replied, sarcasm dripping from her voice.

"Cass, this is serious."

She watched as Cassie poured the cereal and the milk. Sam silently counted to ten and let out a slow breath. "Listen Cassie, I know it's only been a couple of months, but things will get better. You can't throw away your future." When the only thing that greeted her was silence, Sam was at a loss. "You want to do this your way, fine. Try not to be late to school and go to General O'Neill's house afterwards. I'll be home tomorrow."

"Whatever." Cassie mumbled as she took another bite of her cereal.

Sam bit her tongue. She knew this was part of the healing process. She went through this with her father, although not as bad. The last two months have been hell trying to get into a routine that Cassie refused to follow.

"I'm serious, Cassie. Don't be late."

Sam grabbed her purse and headed out the door, leaving the 17 year old to make to ten minute walk to the school in a little over 12 minutes.

TBC...

Well, what do ya think?