Prologue/Chapter 1

The entire (short) prologue and first chapter! enjoy!

Thunder crashes outside of the closet door, masking the sound of her desperate breathing. Lightning crashes showing a pair of dark, black boots as ominous as the night sky. She never meant to discover this. All she wanted was a good story. Something to keep her job. But now she wouldn’t even have a job to keep, let alone a life.

         The door to her hiding place shudders with the force of a blow. She cowers in fear, knowing full well what is coming. I’m sorry. Please. Anybody. If you find this, please be smart enough to leave. I don’t want to be scared. But I am. I’m sorry. Secrets are better left undiscovered. I learned the hard way. She writes on her hand, just before the cold glint of the knife plunging toward her stopped her apologies forever.

 

 

Chapter One

         “Kati, it’s time to stop sulking. Moving is fun. It’s an adventure!”

         “Nothing is an adventure. Plus, every mother known to mankind has always said moving is an adventure. I don’t believe that bull.” I say, sinking even farther into my seat, ignoring the screams of protest from my damaged body. I hate boys. Why don’t they all leave me alone? In fact, why can’t everybody leave me alone?

         “Kati, that’s enough. I mean it. It’s time we left that place.”

         “That place was the place where you were born. The place where I was born. I don’t want to move.”

         “Kati.”

         “Naomi.”

         I’ve never really called Naomi my mom. I mean, yeah she gave birth to me, and was somewhat motherly to me when my dad was still alive, but after he died in an accident at work, she kind of left me to fend for myself.

         “Dad wouldn’t have wanted us to move.” I said, knowing that it would make her mad.

         “Well, he’s not around anymore. It’s time to start new.” Naomi said focused on the road ahead.

         “By ‘new’, do you mean it’s time for you to start dating again? Or do you mean that it’s time for me to actually change my genetic code and try to be that ideal daughter you want?” I say vehemently.

         “Both.” Naomi says matter-of-factly. “Kati, I want you to stop being so isolated. You barely talk to me, and even when you do, it’s always with some attitude. You don’t call me Mom, you don’t talk to anyone else. You just hide away in your room like some hermit.”

         “I don’t hide away. I do productive things. Like my homework and schoolwork. Plus I write.”

         “Writing isn’t productive. Cheerleading is.”

         “I’m not, ever, ever, even if I’m blackmailed with death, going to join a cheer squad. I’d rather die.”

         “Katherine. Do not joke about such serious matters.” Naomi scolds me. (Though, I don’t see how cheerleading could be considered a serious matter. It’s just a bunch of s***s in too short skirts and too tight clothing entertaining hormonal boys’ imagination about what’s under those clothes.)

         Instead of answering I just look outside my window. Naomi owns a 2005 Toyota Corolla that’s in her favorite color, and unfortunately my least: Pink. I never wanted this torture. Naomi is the worst mother ever.

         “Kati, after what he did to you, I couldn’t stay.” Naomi says softly.

         Ah, she’s referring to my almost death (if it can even be called that) by the new mayor’s kid. I had a feeling this was the issue. Even though the mayor was run out of office and fled town with his family for fear of losing his life, Naomi still said we were moving. Although moving towns isn’t going to help the fact that arrogant and idiotic boys are everywhere.

         The incident happened exactly one month ago. School finals were done and summer rising upon us grateful teens. The new mayor had just been elected and there was a party being held in the school gymnasium. I decided to avoid the public scene, as always, and was walking home from getting the mail. Naomi was out doing God-knows-what in town, and I was alone.

         Someone called out to me from the shadows, and I looked toward them. To only find myself knocked flat on the ground. The mayor’s oldest kid, who just so happened to be in my grade, stood over me.

         “You’re really pretty Kath-er-ine” he said saying my full name in separate syllables to annoy me.

         “Get off you pig.” I say indignantly trying to push him off. He didn’t take this well.

         “Pig? I’m no pig, girlie, I’m your worst nightmare.”

         “Ooh, I’m so scared. What are you going to do, yell ‘Boo!’Someone save me.” I say sarcastically.

Naturally he tried to force his “scariness” onto me, and almost succeeded. If not for my steel toed boots. You can guess what happened. I, in fact, became his worst nightmare. This aspect of life is called turning the tables. Which is exactly what Naomi is doing to me.

“Naomi, you weren’t even there. And I took care of myself. I always do anyway.” I say.

“Not good enough! You still got hurt.” She says ignoring the last part of my rebuttal.

“Only because I got hit by his running away-scared-a*s car. Plus that was only a graze. Nothing’s broken.” I repeat. Yet again.

“Why didn’t you call me though?”

“I tried. But your phone was off. Again. Seriously Naomi, if you’re going to go out doing whatever it is that you do, at least keep your phone on. It’s not my fault you never know when things are going on.” I say.

Naomi will just up and leave for most of the week. Leaving but a brief note behind stating: Went out. Be back later.-Naomi. As always. Like I said, I kind of had to grow up myself. It’s really no surprise I’m not a people person. It’s a miracle I even talk to her.

“Kati. Just this once. Can you at least try to make some friends?” Naomi pleads.

“No.”

“Why not?”

“People are annoying. I don’t like them.”

“You have to give them a shot Katherine.”

“I do. It’s called my attention. Through which I have observed their stupid actions and idiotic behavior.”

The Corolla pulls up to a small coffee shop and Naomi gets out.

“What are you doing?” I ask surprised and confused.

“I am getting a coffee. Your attitude and voice are giving me a headache. Would you like one?”

“Hence why I don’t talk to you. And I don’t like coffee. You should know this.” I say. Naomi sighs extravagantly and walks inside the coffee shop and I stay in my seat. I take this opportunity to take out my journal and decide to write.

I am being held against my will inside this pink beast while Naomi goes out to get some disgusting coffee. I didn’t want to move. Even though John is an a*s, he’s not there anymore. It really sucks. This is so dumb. Naomi just wants to go to a new town so nobody judges her and she can be open while she goes to spend the night with some guy. I know that’s what she’s been doing this whole time she leaves. Sometimes she doesn’t come home until late in the night/early morning. She doesn’t work that late. I know her work schedule inside and out. Though she doesn’t know the first thing about me. She daydreams about the day when I will be her ideal and perfect daughter. That’s never going to happen.

“Hey.” I hear beside me. I turn my head and look into the face of this young girl, about my age. I observe her face, flawless, blue eyes, long blonde hair, and a barrage of chest, bare to the world. Cheerleader.

“Ugh.” I say as way of greeting.

“Well, that’s not a nice hello. Your mom tells me that you’ll be going to Raise High right? I go there.” She says.

“Mm.” I say, as annoyed with this girl as a bat would be to the sun.

“Well, my name's Allie. What’s yours?” Blondie cheerleader says all preppy.

“Loser” I say, just to get our social classes distinguished.

Blondie/Allie, laughs as if I just said the funniest thing in the world.

“That’s so funny! I didn’t know you were a comedian!”

“Naomi. Let’s go. Now.” I say and look away from Blondie cheerleader.

“I’m sorry, Allie, Katherine isn’t much of a talker.”

“That’s alright. I’ll see her at school. It starts later on this week.”

“What? Her school back home just ended.”

“Raise starts earlier than other schools, so we have an earlier summer vacation too.”

“I see. Well then I will see you later Allie. Katherine, say bye.”

“Bye.” I say bitterly. Allie is the spitting image of the ideal daughter that Naomi wants me to be. Great.

“Later!” she says and skips away.

God almighty please save me. I shudder with the thought of having to deal with that girl all year long. I just got out of social interaction to its max, school, and now I have to go back into it. This sucks.

“That wasn’t so bad. Allie seems nice.” Naomi says cheerfully.

“Whatever Naomi. Let’s just get to this house so I can die in misery.”

“Oh, don’t be so overdramatic.”

“I’m not. I’m completely serious.”

“Well, I think you should dress less…alternative…and more like Allie dresses.” Naomi says out of the blue and of topic.

I stare at her in disgust.

“What? It’s not that bad of a suggestion. You wear too much black.”

“And that’s a bad thing???? Naomi, are you trying to get me pregnant? Only hookers dress like that.”

“Katherine. That is rude.”

“It’s the truth. Just ‘cause I can pull of a low cut top with nothing but a bra underneath and short shorts does not mean I’m going to. There’s nothing wrong with wearing a baggy sleeveless shirt and some black skinny jeans.”

“Katherine, you won’t get any boyfriends that way.”

“Who said I wanted one? Guys are nothing but trouble and girls are overly obsessed with makeup, sex and gossip. I refuse to associate with either of those crowds.”

“At least lose the boots.”

“My black leather steel toed combat boots????? No way in hell.”

“The bracelets?” Naomi pleads, wanting me to turn at least somewhat into a clone of Allie.

“I am not taking off my rubber bands and spiky bracelets. And don’t even ask about my earrings.”

“Katherine they’re scary!”

“They’re silver with only a couple skulls and spikes. They are not scary!”

“Katherine, why can’t you be normal?”

“This isn’t the 50’s Naomi. Normal isn’t everywhere you look. Normal is just a concept of the mind.” This ends our conversation and I look out my window in silence.

Another half hour passes until we reach our house. Immediately I am in love. It’s a gothic style architecture, with red paint and black trim around the house, it’s completed with pristine silver window panes.

“It’s a little too dark for me.” Naomi begins.

“Don’t start. It’s perfect. If you dare change it, I will run away and never come home.” I say sternly.

“Well, I guess it could use some flowers.”

“Whatever, just don’t change it.” I say and run to the front door. A large thick and solid door make of cherry oak completed with a golden knocker, in the shape of a lion.

“I love this house.”

“So do I. I’m glad you guys bought it. It was going to be torn down since nobody lived in it for so long.” A lady says behind me.

“Did you care for this house?” I ask.

“I sure did. My name is Mel. I’m the barista at Raisings one and only coffee/pub Melie’s. I am also the caretaker of old houses such as this one. Can you tell me what era this is from?”

“1800’s. about mid-late 1800’s.” I answer sure of my answer.

“Wow, you know your stuff. I’m impressed.” Mel says.

I nod my head in thanks.

“Well, here’s the key. Have fun moving in.” Mel says and walks away. I hold this golden elaborate key in my palm and for once am excited for something. The tables have turned yet again. Thank you fate! I open the door with this amazing key and stare into the large and refurbished floor.

“Katherine! Come help!”

I run outside and begin to grab only my stuff and run upstairs to claim my room. I find one with a balcony and black painted walls. I like whoever lived in this space last. I begin to set my stuff down and wait for the moving truck.

“Thanks for helping. So much.” Naomi says sarcastically.

“Uh huh.” I reply and sit on the porch.

The moving truck arrives finally and I begin to instruct the movers where to put things. Naomi won’t ever be home anyway, so she doesn’t have a say in things. After a busy afternoon, I make myself some instant noodles and stare at the setting sun.

“It’s not good to stare at the sun. You’ll make yourself go blind.” I hear a boy call.

“Ugh. More of them?” I say, out loud.

“More of what?” He asks.

“People.” I say, not bothering to turn around.

He laughs. “Well, you are in a town, not the south pole. There will be people.”

I don’t bother to respond. The boy moves to be in front of me and I don’t have a choice but to see him. I study him, like I did to Allie and decide he’s one of those rich popular boys, all Abercrombie and Fitch clothing with pristine egos and mountains of money. I’ve lost interest.

“Uh huh.” I say.

“So, what’s your name?” he asks.

“None of your business.” I reply.

“Ouch. That’s hurtful.” He says clutching his heart in mock pain.

“Get lost.” I say and get up to walk back into the house.

“See you at school!” he says.

I slam the door in answer and watch from the stained window to see him walk away to the house across the street.

“Who was that?” Naomi asks from the TV room.

“Just some lame guy.” I reply.

“Guy? What guy?” she asks all attentive now.

“An arrogant one. What else?” I head up the stairs to my room, and blast music from my radio.

I fall down onto my four post bed and take off my boots. I change into my sleeping clothes and crawl into bed thinking about Rains High and how dreadfully horrible it’s going to be. The sun sets and night gratefully begins.

 

 

It’s around maybe midnight, and I go downstairs, as quiet as a cat, and see no sign of Naomi. As expected. So I go back upstairs and sleep.

 

 

The next two days go by in a blur of buying school supplies and meeting people. It’s Tuesday night and Naomi invited some townspeople over for dinner and I show my face rarely. When I do, I see that boy from the other day, and completely ignore him. I brush past his grinning face to the fridge to try and avoid Naomi, to no avail.

“There’s my little angel! Katherine say hello to our neighbors, The MacMillan’s. They’re from Scotland!”

“One would assume so, since MacMillan is a large last name of the nobility back in medieval Scotland.” I reply trying to avoid any further social interaction.

“Wow, she knows her stuff!” the mother says with a faint Scottish accent. “Did you study Scotland?”

“Nope. Just know it. It’s common sense. Now, welcome to my humble abode and if you’ll excuse me, I have things to do.”  I say and walk out of the kitchen.

“Katherine!” Naomi calls after me.

“What?” I call back. She comes into view with grinning boy at her heels.

“This is Ryan MacMillan, could you show him around?” she asks.

“No.” I reply and turn away.

“Katherine.” She says sternly.

“I’m not showing some random guy around the house. I’ve already come down and socialized, now leave me alone. He’s perfectly able to look around himself. Unless you have things to hide.Which I don’t. So bye.” I say a walk up the stairs. I hear very faintly,

“I’m sorry about her, she just hates me.”

“It’s fine. She’s right after all.” A reply from Ryan, without a trace of a Scottish accent.

I lie down on my bed and blast some alternative genre music and drown out the sounds of laughter and the sound of clinking wine glasses.

“Naomi, you’ve done it again. Painted our life as perfect with no issues, congrats. You’ve got to be the fakest person I’ve ever met.” I say out loud.

“Well, that’s not nice to say about your mother.” I hear behind me.

“Never mind, I’ve just met him. His name is Ryan and he fakes his lack of an accent to fit in.” I say and turn my head to look at him.

“Ouch. Are you naturally this hostile?” He says with a smile, a few feet away from my bed.

“Only if I have to be perfect.” I reply.

“Nobody is perfect. I’d be mad too if I had to be.” Ryan says.

“Right, now get out of my room. Go ahead and look everywhere else but here.” I say and turn away from him.

“Aww, but your room is cool, I like it.” He says in a mock pout.

“So do I. Except vacant of all life form but myself.” I say.

Ryan laughs as though that was funny, and I’m annoyed even more. “Sarcastic, aren’t you? I like that. Fine, I’ll go, but just so you know, I really do talk like this.” And with that he finally leaves. A few hours later, the house is quiet, all guests gone. I creep down the stairs and find Naomi passed out on the couch. Great. Thanks for leaving the mess for me to clean up. I sigh and begin to clean up the wine glasses and used plates. I turn on the tap, and wash all the dishes from our earlier company. I see a note on the fridge, and take it off. It reads:

Katherine, maybe you like to be called Kate? Or Kat? Either way, I had a blast at your house. Your mom passed out before everyone left, so my family and I convinced everyone to go. I would’ve stayed to help clean up, though my mom said that you probably didn’t like to be around people so much. After agreeing with her we left, so thanks for having us over- Ryan MacMillan

I am about to rip up the note when I see a little sentence at the bottom:

 

P.S. School starts at 7am tomorrow. See you there, and welcome to Raising.

Now, I do rip up the note. I can’t believe he left a note like that. Even more so, that Naomi embarrassed herself like that. It takes me 2 whole hours to clean up my (because it really is mine) house. I finally crawl into bed and fall into a blissful sleep.

 

“Kati! Wake up! You have school today!” I hear from downstairs. How can it be that a hung-over mother can be so cheerful in the morning?

I look at my clock and it reads 6:00am. Damn it all! It’s way too early! I slump out of bed and change into my signature sleeveless tank and skinny jeans and pull on my combat boots. Completed with my bracelets and earrings, I look fantastic.

I walk downstairs and see Naomi perfectly fine, standing in an extremely bright kitchen.

“You’re the devil.” I say.

“That’s mean.” She says indignantly.

“It’s the truth. You’re hung over, standing in a bright kitchen, being loud and cheerful at 6:00 in the morning. You. Are. The. Devil.” I say, and grab some toast. I’m about to sit down at the table when Naomi calls out:

“Oh, no time for that. We have to get you to school.”

I give her the evilest look on the planet, one that even Godzilla would cower at; yet she wasn’t even looking so it had no effect. Slumped in defeat I gather my army bag of school supplies and head out. We gather into the horrid car, and I see my impending doom ahead. I slump into my seat and wait for the scene of milling students around the front of the school. Thankfully, Naomi parks the car somewhat away from the school, so I jump out and walk toward the school.

“Wait up! Don’t leave me behind.” Naomi calls.

“Oh, you’re coming? I thought you had somewhere to be. You know, a hair appointment or something?” I say.

“You’re right! I have to schedule an appointment for you too.” She says and runs off.

“I don’t need one! I like my hair the way it is.” I say.

“But, layers and colored highlights are so not in style!” Naomi cries, as if it’s the end of the world. My hair is colored like hers, dark brown, but unlike hers, I have streaks of neon colors in it, pink, blue, purple, and it drives her crazy. Which is partly why I keep it.

“It’s fine Naomi. Now, go. I know what to do.”

Naomi nods her head and leaves, and I walk alone into this doomsday parade of people and social classes. Sighing I ignore all the stares of people and whispers of “It’s the new girl. You know, the one who just moved into the old house by Ryan’s house that was empty for, like, forever.”

“Ugh. Drama.” I mutter to myself.

“Keep muttering to yourself, and people will think you’re crazy.” I hear a light feminine voice by me. That I can easily recognize.

“Allie.” I say.

“Hi! So do you go by Katherine?”

“I told you. I’m Loser. You’re cheerleader. Do not interact with me.” I say and walk away.

“Wow, you really don’t like people.” She says and follows me.

“No, I don’t. So go away.” I say.

“Nope. It’s my job to show you where the office is.” Allie says and hooks her arm through mine. I look at her in annoyance and she grins back.

“Whatever. The office and that’s all.” I say.

“Got it!” she says cheerfully. God, it’s way too early for this. I walk towards the school, with Allie on my arm and thankfully reach the office.

“Okay, we’re here, so go.” I say, not nicely.

“Okay, bye! See you around!” she says and skips off.

I walk into the office and see the secretary and say I’m new. She asks if I have a parent or guardian with me and I say no. So she hands me a bunch of paperwork for Naomi to fill out and directs me to the principal. I sit down on a nearby chair and wait for the principal, all the while, I can sense people’s stares through the window. Damn all see through windows. Finally, the principal comes out; a plump jolly type of man who gives me a planner and my schedule.

“Welcome to Rains High!” he says and shakes my hand. I nod my head and walk out of the office to slam into another student.

“Jeez! Watch where you’re going!” I say.

“Hey! If it isn’t Katherine!” a young masculine voice says.

“Oh, for god’s sake.” I mutter.

Ryan MacMillan looks at me with gray eyes and a shock of messy, yet oddly good-looking, red hair. Honestly, he’s got to be teased because he looks so differently. Then again I remember he is the popular boy.

“Happy to see me?” he asks.

“No.” I reply and turn away.

“Aww, c’mon, you’re not mad at me are you?” He asks, still following me.

“Why would I be mad at you? I just hate people.” I reply.

“True, though, do you even know where you’re going?”

“Yes. I got the layout of the school down. Now, leave me alone.” I say and leave him in the dust.

“I will, if you’ll tell me one thing.”

I sigh. “Depending on what it is.” I say.

“Deal.”

“What is it?”

“Do you go by Kate, Katherine or Kat?” he asks, genuinely curious.

“Neither.” I reply and walk away, leaving him confused.

I arrive at my 1^st class and am glad to have neither Allie nor Ryan in it. I stare at the board and am surprised to see that we are learning about Greek mythology. It’s supposed to be English 12, though Greek Mythology is cool. Since the stuff they are learning I already know, I space out and decide to write in my journal:

1^st Day of School. How do I describe my pain? Let’s see. Naomi is negligent as always and I seem to have run into miss perfect Allie and Mr. Popular Ryan. It seems to suck so bad that I want to die. Then again I’m like that every day. I wonder how long I’ll last. This is my schedule for the rest of this horrid school year.

1^st period- English 12/ start of day.

2^nd period- Art

3^rd period- Math 12

4^th period- History

5^th period- Gym

6^th period- Lunch

7^th period- Study Hall

8^th period- Journalism

9^th period- Physics/ end of day.

I really do hate this school. I want to move back home, but Naomi says not to. The only plus to moving here is my awesome house. The one Naomi hates.

“Miss Hertz. Would you mind explaining who Medusa is?” my English teacher asks.

“Sure. Medusa was a gorgon, one of three, the other two, her sisters, the offspring of Phorkys and Keto. She was once very beautiful and was the only mortal one of her two sisters. She wanted to spend more time in the sun and asked Athena for permission. Athena denied. Medusa got angry and accused Athena of being jealous of her beauty. So, Athena made her so ugly that anyone who looked at her would turn to stone.” I said and sunk back in my seat.

“You sure know a lot about Greek mythology, Miss Hertz.”

“I guess.” I reply and that was that. The bell rung and I made my escape. I got to 2^nd period fine, but what I saw made me almost leave. Not only was Allie there, but so was Ryan.

“OMG! Is that you?! No way!” Allie cries and I cringe at her loud tone.

“What? You don’t know her name Allie?” Ryan asks.

“No, she wouldn’t tell me. Her mom calls her Katherine, though I don’t think she likes that.”

“I don’t. And don’t refer to her as my mother.” I say and walk to the back station.

“Why are you going all the way back there?” Ryan asks.

“To avoid you guys. Now, let’s play nice and pretend I don’t exist. ‘kay?”

“Katherine Hertz?” The teacher, Miss Hut asks.

“Here.” I say.

Class begins and I don’t get any disruption from anyone, at least until a not falls on my desk.

Hey. What's going on?

I recognize this writing as Ryan’s.

Leave me alone. I reply and shove at him.

Passing notes without me?! That's never fun! Unless you two are madly in love and are planning a little elope later!

This note had to be from Allie.

Hardly. Now leave me alone.

No way. That’s not fun. Besides you never told me your name.

Aww, but we’re friends. I want to talk to you, but you won’t talk back. That’s never fun.

Ryan- I will not tell you what to call me. Now back off.

Allie- I don’t talk much. So don’t take it personally.

Ms. Hut tells us to group up in a trio and I groan with knowledge of what’s going to happen. Both Ryan and Allie flock to me like iron shavings to a magnet.

“So, now that we’re working together you have to tell us your name.” Ryan says.

“Fine. But don’t expect me to be civil in this project.”

“Done.” Allie says with a smile.

“Kati. K-A-T-I.”

“Kati?” both Ryan and Allie says in unison.

“Yeah. And?” I say.

“I like it.” Allie says.

Ryan just says “I never thought of that. Nice.”

I just stay quiet and work on the project. The rest of the day goes by without much hassle, though I have lunch with both Allie and Ryan and gym with only Ryan. At the end of the day I gather my things, scan the area for a pink Corolla and, seeing none, walk home.

 

 

I get back and see Naomi’s car gone so I lounge around and sit on the porch. I think about the stressful day I’ve had at school, and tempt my mind with Naomi’s secret stash of liquor in the cabinet. Of course, Naomi’s never home, so she wouldn’t notice. I quickly dismiss the thought. I’m already “messed up”, I don’t need to really be messed up.

I look around my spacious and dreamy gothic house, and worry about my future after school. I need to get a job and save up because God knows Naomi won’t help.  A knock on my door disturbs my thoughts and I slowly walk to it. I look out the stained window first and see Ryan. Great.  I walk away and hear behind the door, “Kati, open up.”

“Go away.” I say.

“No, I want to talk to you.”

I open the door a crack and ask, “What?”

“Can you at least come outside?”

“No.”

“Can I come inside then? I can’t talk to you through a crack in the door.” He says, indignant on his idea of talking to me.

I open the door and grab his shirt, pulling him into my lair, and practically throwing him on the ground.

“Whoa there! Rough, aren’t ya?” He says, fixing his shirt.

“Whatever, what do you need to say?” I ask, walking into the living room and throwing myself onto the couch.

“First, where’s your mom?” Ryan asks, leaning against the wall closest to me.

“How should I know? She’s out. As always. I have no damn clue to what she’s doing and I really don’t care to know. So there’s that, next question?” I reply, promptly.

“Okay, secondly, do you have a dad?” He asks.

Ouch, personal questions he’s asking. That’s dangerous with a gal like me. I sigh and choose the easiest answer. The blunt and honest truth.

“I did. He died in a car and train collision when I was 10. Anything else?” I ask.

“Wow, I’m so sorry. That must have been tough on you. So, how did you like your first day at Rains?” He says, now crouching.

“You can sit down you know. We do have a loveseat over there. And I hated it. I just got out of school before I moved and now I’m back in the damn place.” I say.

Ryan walks over to the loveseat and regards me with his gray eyes, and his red hair.

“What?” I ask.

“I’m sorry you had a bad day.” He finally says.

“There’s nothing you need to apologize for. I just hate everything.” I say and turn my face to look out the window.

“I’m sure even an anti-social girl like you has something you like.” Ryan says, and I turn to look at him.

“I have a couple things, though I’m sure none of it will be of use to you.” I reply.

“I beg to differ. I like to know things about people. Especially things they like and don’t like, so I can stay on their good side.” He says and grins.

“Fine. I’ll say this only once, so then you don’t end up losing your life.” I say, and he nods his head in satisfaction.

“I like cats. I like ramen, I like punky-gothic things and I don’t like to socialize. I hate my mother, and I have no friends. I write, but I’ll never let anyone know what I write, and I don’t like annoying people.” I say in a rush. With every detail about myself I say he nods his head, as if he has committed it to memory. Though, I doubt he did.

“So, what does ‘annoying’ count as?” Ryan asks.

“People who don’t leave me alone.” I say simply.

“In that case, you are going to hate me.” Ryan says with a grin.

“I had that feeling from the start.” I told him and hear a car pull into the driveway.  “Naomi’s home.” I say and get up.

“Then that’s my cue to leave, I guess. By the way, if you ever want to walk all the way across the street, I have a cat, and I think she would like you.” He says and opens the front door. Immediately my attention is captured.

“Cat?” I repeat.

“Yeah, Shellie. She’s a black cat with green eyes. She’s a sweetheart, but only to people she likes. Otherwise, you better watch your back. Hmm, now that I think about it, she kind of reminds me of a certain someone I know.” He says, with a look in my direction.

“Ha ha, your humor never ceases to amaze me.” I say drily and walk out with him.

“It’s my one and only reason to live.” He says.

“Oh! Ryan! I didn’t know you were here!” Naomi says.

“If you were home, you would.” I say simply.

“Well, I’ll see you later, Kati. And, if you ever want to meet Shellie, just drop by.” Ryan says and raises his hand for a high five. I ignore it and walk inside.

“Thanks for being so nice to Katherine. She’s just really temperamental.” Naomi says.

“It’s not an issue. We had a very nice conversation while you were out.” Ryan says sweetly. Nice? He forced me into a conversation!

“Really? Well, you must be some kind of brave to be able to tame my daughter into a talk with you.” Naomi says.

“Not really, it just takes persistence.” Ryan says. “It was nice to talk, but I should get home now. Have a nice evening Mrs. Hertz.”

“Well, thank you, Ryan, you too.” Naomi says and walks indoors.

I look at her through sleepy eyes.

“Stop that, you look like an angry cat.” Naomi says and crosses her arms across her chest.

“Did you find a job?” I ask.

“Yes, Mel gave me a job as a barista. How was school?” She asks, still looking at me.

“Fine, I guess. It’s school. There’s no way it could ever be good.” I say and walk up the stairs.

“Well, that Ryan kid seems to like you.” Naomi says.

“He’s a pain in my a*s.” I say not bothering to stop.

“Katherine, that’s not nice to say.” Naomi scolds and I continue walking up without answering.

I enter my room and close my door. I fall on my bed and stare at the ceiling. I think about doing my homework, and get out my calculus. Jeez, what a lame school. It’s the first day and already I have homework. I think angrily to myself. After wasting an hour of my sad life, I finally am released from the clutches of math. I lean against my bed frame and look at my balcony. I decide to go out on it, so I open my glass doors and walk out. Immediately, I see a figure in the open window of the house across the street. Ryan’s house. I look closer at the figure and realize that it’s Ryan. Shirtless and throwing something at the wall.

Weirdo. Why would he be shirtless? And what’s he throwing? I see a mass of black assault him from behind and he just sticks his hand behind his back and pets the mass of black. I assume that’s Shellie. She either likes him so much that she wants to wrestle, or she absolutely hates him. I think it’s the former. As if he senses my stare, Ryan turns his head and sees me on my balcony. He grins and opens his window.

“Hi!” He shouts out across the street.

I wave.

“What? No ‘Hi’ back?” He asks.

In answer, I walk away.

“What? You’re leaving?” He asks.

I close my balcony doors and my curtains. I’ve had enough of him for one day. Although I do want to meet that adorable mass of fur. I hear my name called from downstairs, and I reluctantly stalk out of my room, and into the foyer, where I see masses of shoes. Dear God, not another party. I think, and enter the kitchen and see masses of people. Damn. I stay hidden from the mass, behind the wall and wait to hear my name again. I hear it. I walk into the kitchen, grab two cokes and leave. Naomi stops me.

“Where are you going?” She asks.

“Across the street.” I answer and leave.

I walk to Ryan’s house and knock on his door. His dad answers.

“Hello there. Katherine, it was, right?” He asks in a strong Scottish accent.

“Yeah, that’s me. Ryan said you guys have a cat? I realize this is kind of rude of me to show up like this, sorry.” I say.

“Oh, not at all. Come on in.” He says and ushers me inside. I stand awkwardly in the foyer and look around. A large mass of black fur sits on the couch closest to me, and I look into a pair of gorgeous green eyes. Shellie stares at me and I stare at her. We stare into each other’s eyes for a long time, until Shellie gives a small “Meow.” And rubs her head against my shoulder.

“Aren’t you a pretty girl?” I ask and stroke her chin. Shellie purrs in satisfaction.

“I told you she’d like you.” Ryan says, standing by me.

“Right, and she likes you so much that she tackled you, right?” I says sarcastically.

“Well, to be fair, I had her toy and wouldn’t give it to her.” He says rubbing the back of his neck. Shellie meows as if she agrees to his bad behavior.

“Good girl,” I encourage her. “You do that every time he takes one of your toys.”

“Hey! Don’t encourage her!” Ryan protests.

“Why not? Don’t take her toys and she won’t tackle you.” I say simply. I reach down and grab a coke. “Here,” I say and he takes it.

“Thanks. May I ask why you come to my house bearing soda?” Ryan says opening the can.

“Party at my house, random people, probably going to have to clean it up again.” I say as I open my own can. Shellie meows and walks off.

“That sucks. Need some help?” Ryan asks, sitting on the couch by me.

“Nah. I’ve got it. Naomi always does this.” I say leaning on the back of the couch. Ryan’s mom comes into the foyer.

“Hello, again. How are you Katherine?” She asks with a big smile.

“I’m doing well, thanks for asking. Thanks for last time, sorry about Naomi.” I say.

“There’s no need to apologize, it’s only common courtesy.” She says and sits on the other couch, and her husband soon joins her.

“You can sit down you know, Kati.” Ryan says. I look at him. If I do, the only place is by him. I sigh and shrug my shoulders. Why the hell not? I sit by him and his parents ask me how I liked my first day of school. I say fine.

“Now, Kati, I think Ryan called you, do you like that better? I hope you don’t mind my asking, but why don’t you call Naomi your mother?” Mrs. MacMillan asks.

“Yeah, I like Kati better. And it’s no problem. Naomi has never really been my mother. I lost my dad when I was ten years old. She was a good mom until then. But after that, she just checked out. She would leave at night and not come back until early morning, and sometimes not at all. I don’t know what she did, but she still does it now. I’m used to it. I’ve had to grow up by myself since Dad died, and Naomi doesn’t deserve the title of ‘Mother’. She isn’t one. Just because she gave birth to me doesn’t mean she’s automatically my mother.” I say.

“I agree with you. A mother is defined by most importantly her actions. I’m glad you see that. You are a very bright young woman Kati.” Mrs. MacMillan says. I’m not used to praise like that, and I blush and mutter my thanks.

“Hey, Kati, do you want to head out to the backyard? You coop yourself up in your house, it’s good to get some fresh air.” Ryan asks.

I sigh. “Why not?” I say and follow him outside.

We walk around his spacious backyard and he kicks me a soccer ball. I look at him. “Seriously?” I ask.

“Yes, seriously.” He says. I kick it back, and he smiles.

“What’s so funny?” I ask.

“Nothing. It’s just that you aren’t that bad of a person; I don’t know why you don’t want to talk to people.” He says and kicks me the ball.

“I just don’t like many people.” I reply and pass it back.

“Well, I guess that makes sense. But, as you see, there are very cool people, such as myself.” He says with a smile.

“Right. Sure.” I say and hear a crash from inside my house. I run across the street and see Naomi all alone, and the table smashed.

“What the hell happened, Naomi?” I ask.

“Mrs. Hertz, are you okay?” Ryan asks.

“I’m fine. But somebody got upset over something they saw in the paper and then they all left.” She says, clearly drunk.

“They, meaning everyone who was here?” I ask.

Naomi nods her head and I pick up a copy of today’s paper. MISSING: Angelina Horowitz, Age 25, occupation: Investigative Reporter. Any Info call 456-3321.

“This is what they flipped about?” I ask.

Naomi nods her head again, and mutters to herself and drops on the couch to sleep. I sigh and drag her, with the help of Ryan to her room. After taking off her shoes and tucking her in, I invite Ryan to come into the kitchen and he insists on helping to clean up. His parents come over and also help. I look at them in embarrassment.

“I’m really sorry about her.” I say.

“It’s no problem. I just hope she’ll be okay.” Mr. MacMillan says, picking up about half of the wooden table.

“She will be, trust me, she was perfectly fine after that first party.” I say, Ryan laughs and his parents chuckle. After an hour of getting everything cleaned up I say good bye and thanks and walk up to my room. I change into my shorts and tank top and after brushing my teeth and taking shower, hop into bed. I see a little note on my wall and I take it off. How did this get here? I wonder and open it.

Hey, Kati. While you cleaned up with my parents I snuck up here and wrote this. I’m sorry, you have such an irresponsible mom. You do very well on your own, and are very intelligent and independent. Keep it up. If you need anything, let me know. I’ll be glad to help. And who knows? I might be able to restore your faith in humanity. It’s a long shot, but it’s a possibility. Sleep well, see you tomorrow.  " Ryan Macmillan

I smile to myself and tuck the note under my pillow. Maybe Ryan MacMillan isn’t so bad. I try to sleep, but in my dreams, the title MISSING haunts me, and instead of Angelina’s name, KATHERINE HERTZ is there in place of hers.

 

 

The next morning, I wake up to Naomi calling my name. I groan in misery and remember I have school. I get up and change into some dark jeans and a neon green shirt with a black lace top over it. My steel toed boots beg me to wear them and I give in. I walk down the stairs and see a surprise in my kitchen. Not only do we have a table again, but Ryan MacMillan sits at the table.

“Morning.” He says when I enter the kitchen.

“What are you doing here?” I ask,

“He’s catching a ride with us.” Naomi says.

“What? Why?” I ask.

“Because he missed his bus. That’s why. Now, hurry up and eat something.” Naomi urges.

“Not hungry.” I say and walk out to the car.

“Katherine!” Naomi calls from inside. I ignore her and slam the car door shut. After 10 minutes the rear door opens and Ryan climbs in. I look at him, from the passenger’s seat, and he looks back.

“You know, if you don’t eat anything, you might not feel so well.” He says.

“I’m sure I’ll live.” I say.

“Wow, did my note make you that mad?” He asks.

“What? No. It’s just that I don’t like seeing people. Especially in the morning. That’s MY time.” I say and look out the window.

“Well, I did tell you I wouldn’t leave you alone.” He says, not unkindly.

I ignore him and look out the window to see Naomi come out of the house. She climbs in and we set off towards the school of the damned. The car ride takes less than 20 minutes but by the end I just want to get out.

“Oh, Kaaaaatiiiiii!” I hear a familiar blonde voice say. Great. Allie. I quickly get out of the car and step to the right as Allie rushes herself at me. Instead of hitting me, she hits Ryan.

“Woah!” Ryan says as he’s pushed back into the car.

“Ryan!” Allie says in surprise and turns a bright shade of red.  What’s all that about?

I walk into the school and leave the two of them alone with Naomi. I walk to first period where I won’t be bothered by Allie or Ryan. Through first period I get lost in the Shakespearean language of Macbeth and the drama of his prophecy. I can almost forget about Ryan or Allie. Almost. Unfortunately, the bell rings and I am victim to both of them in art.

I walk into the class and am grateful for the drawn shades that cast a shadow onto the wall. I hide in the shadow and make it to my seat in the back of the class without a sign of Allie or Ryan. After a few minutes, the two sit down at the table, awfully quiet and avoiding each other’s eyes. “Okay, not like I care, but why are you two chatter-bugs so quiet?” I ask, weary of the silence between us.

“Quiet? We’re not being quiet! Why would we be quiet?” Allie says really loud.

So, I don’t know what is going on with Ryan or Allie, but both of them are really quiet. They’re avoiding each other’s eyes and nervously glancing at each other through “discreet” looks but I see everything. I wonder what’s going on between them? Hmm… I know just what to do. I’ll talk to Allie alone and see what the big deal is.

I put my journal away and I look gleefully at Allie. That preppy cheerleader will tell me everything. Though, I’m not sure I’ll want to know all of it. I take out a piece of paper and write to Allie: Hey. So, are you going to keep me in the dark about what’s going on between you and Ryan? Allie writes back.

It’s no big deal, I just asked Ryan out and he hasn’t given me an answer. It’s nothing, really. Though, what does it mean when you ask a guy and they don’t give you an answer? I’m beginning to get worried that he doesn’t like me and is only my friend for a social status. I mean, I am really popular.

I sigh and instantly understand the awkward situation between them.

Don’t worry, everything will be fine. I’ll talk to him later.

Really? You’d do that for me? You are the best Kati! I owe you big time!

I shake my head and focus on my sketch of my old house. The rest of the day goes by without much drama, until I get to gym. Only Ryan is in this class with me. As the coaches tell us to take a seat while they take attendance, I sit close to Ryan and talk to him.

“So, was it really nothing earlier, or are you gonna tell me what was up?” I ask.

“Kati, It’s nothing.” He says with a sigh.

“Okay, I get it. Allie asking you out isn’t a big deal. But you not giving her an answer kind of is. She won’t leave me alone.” I say, and it’s the truth. She kept looking at me in every class I had with her.

Ryan laughs and gives in. “Alright, I’ll help you out. It’s not that I don’t like her, it’s that I don’t like her like that. I’m only interested in her as a friend. I don’t know how to tell her though, ‘cus she seems to take this way too seriously.”

“Ryan, I advise you to tell her what you just told me. She’s worried you’re just her friend to get popular.” I say with a little laugh.

Ryan shakes his head. “She is so full of herself.”

I feel relieved that this drama is over, but I have a nagging sensation in the back of my head that it was only just beginning.

Author's Note

please ignore any grammatical errors for now!