Well of course she’s my princess! She’s my only daughter! And, as a politician, I am often seen as holding a role not unlike that of a king. But I don’t take my position lightly. I work hard for New York, the best city in the world. This city is my life, and as Mayor it is my job to make sure it STAYS the best city in the world. I have about two years left in my second term, and I’m starting to think about a future career in the House of Representatives.

Oh, right. Cassandra. My little princess. Well, I suppose she’s not so little anymore. She’s almost eighteen – practically a young woman! I remember her birth like it was yesterday, and even then she had wild red curls. She gets that from her mother’s side of the family. Since becoming Mayor six years ago, I have been so busy that I don’t see the family as much as I used to, but I try to be there for them whenever they need me. They’re pretty self-sufficient, though. If they have any problems, they usually solve them on their own without bothering me.

Now that you mention it, I do vaguely remember an odd incident when Cassandra was about 12 years old. She said that I was going to spill my soda at dinner. She even gave me extra napkins when she set the table. Her mother Hannah – I already told you about her this morning, before we were interrupted by that terribly important phone call, and again I apologize but I really had to take it. Hannah warned Cassandra to stop being silly, but she kept watching me. To be honest, I got so nervous I almost did knock over my glass once or twice! At one point Cassandra reached for my glass to pour me more soda, and she dropped the glass when she was trying to set it down. I didn’t see exactly what happened, but Hannah said that Cassandra did it on purpose. All I know is that the soda ruined a very expensive suit and pair of shoes, and Cassandra was punished for it.

It’s funny… Cassandra told us that she had a gift, that she could see the future. She said she knew the soda was going to spill because she saw it happen, but of course we didn’t believe her. It was just an active imagination, and it was a self-fulfilling “prophecy” – she said it would happen, then whether she intended to or not, she made it happen. That was the last I ever heard of her supposed gift. But like I said, I work long hours, and I could ask Hannah if you’d like?

What else have I noticed about Cassandra? Nothing strange. She’s just like any other 17 year old girl. She has a boyfriend, a boy named Jake. His father is the Senator, and I would take his job if it didn’t mean leaving Manhattan. Senator Weiland is highly respected, and it’s a pleasure to work with him. I met Jake once when he stayed for dinner, and he is a nice boy. I’m glad that he seems to make Cassandra happy, though I worry that if they were to break up it might lead to some friction between the Senator and myself.

And then there’s Linus, Cassandra’s twin brother. I know you didn’t ask about him, but I want to make sure your interview doesn’t leave him out. He’s a great kid too. He had some trouble in school when he was younger, but he’s straightened himself out now. Says he wants to join the Army Reserves when he graduates high school. I couldn’t be more proud of him… although I do hope to persuade him to join the Marines instead, keep it in the family.

Cassandra and Linus have always been close. Sure, they bicker, but isn’t it a boy’s JOB to make his sister cry now and then? Ha ha ha… It’s all harmless anyway. When they were six he put a fake spider in her bed. When they were eleven he brought in a pair of her underwear to school to show his friends. Dumb kid stuff like that. She might have been upset, but she always forgives him in the end. I’m not sure if he still pranks her, but she doesn’t need to come crying to me anymore. She’s tough. She can take care of herself.

I’m sorry, there’s the phone again. Please excuse me, I’ve been waiting for a call from the Governor. You understand, my job is very demanding. I’ll ask Hannah to come see you to the door. Let her know when you plan on airing the interview, I’ll make sure she records it on the DVR for me. Thank you so much.

This is an exercise written as part of NaNoWarmUp, a personal writing challenge in October to write 25,000 words as preparation for writing 50,000 words in November. This year I’m using the daily writing goal of 800 words to write ABOUT my Cassandra story from the point of view of other characters. In November, I hope to be prepared to start writing a new first draft of Cursed from Cassandra’s point of view, a more complete story after figuring out how other characters perceive Cassandra, her prophecies, and the Trojan War.