The First Age

Cadence bid Ilesha goodbye and stepped into her home. She began to prepare food for her dinner, feeling energized in a way she hadn't felt in a long time. There would be no delivery tonight. Her wallet buzzed, and she saw a message from Rene.

Hey Cade! Steph told me you were having a rough day. Just wanted to check on you and make sure you're okay.

Cadence smiled as she typed a response. Everything's great! I went out and bought a book and I made a friend Her name is Ilesha and she'll be joining us for Christmas!

Rene responded with happiness and let Cadence know she was proud she had stepped out. Another message came in from Marlise, worried that she hadn't responded to her first.

You told me I wasn't working today, so I'm ignoring all work texts I got your message - everything is fine. Thanks for forcing me to take the day off. New bodyguard - I'll meet her Monday, right?

Marlise answered in the affirmative, also stating she was glad Cadence had a good day. It had indeed been a good day. A very good day.

Sterling was excited. It wasn't often you got to meet a pop star. Nox would kick her if he thought she was rude and fan girl. It was one rule he had. Keep sane while around the potentially famous, who knew who would abe around Kallisti? And he was right. Cadence was just a normal girl like her. And she had some issues too -- we all have issues, Sterling thought to herself.

She took the selfie she had now of Cadence and her and she sent it to Nox. He liked some of her music, those that he could dance to. So he'd know who she was. And Sterling got to meet her.

Look who was at Kallisti. A friend of Ilesha's. She's like me.