Cassidy slammed her hand against the car window with a sharp crack, a silent but potent exclamation of her anger.
"Mom, I've had enough of this talk about how Dad betrayed you. If you can't talk about something else, then don't bother coming to see me again."
Her voice hardened as she continued, driven by a fierce loyalty to her friend. "And let me tell you something, Mom. Dana is not a species! She's a person, and she's my friend. Do you get that?"
"Then what is she?!" Mrs. Keith shouted, her voice shaking with emotion. "Why does she act so pitiful all the time? Why does she always need a favor from you?" Her eyes turned a fierce, blazing red, as she fought to suppress her anger.
"I don't want you to make the same mistakes as your father, Cassy. I don't want you to be fooled by someone who pretends to be a friend, but only wants to use you."
