She laughed, bumping me back. “Yeah, me too. But just a little.”
We were teasing each other for the first time. Things had been so heavy. This felt good.
She stopped me as we were entering the building, slight trepidation on her face. “Stay with me today?”
I knew instantly what she meant. She was scared. “Besides our classes, I’ll be with you every minute. I won’t let him hurt you again, Kitty. I promise.” I could tell she relaxed a little bit.
“Thanks, Reed.” Her words were like a caress. I almost closed my eyes to savor it, but I would’ve looked like an idiot.
She ate lunch with us again. Everyone treated her as if she hadn’t been missing for the past several days. I think she appreciated it. Haley was trying to be more civil, and that was a shocker.
She got up and waltzed across the room to put her drink in the trash can. I noticed that she left her phone on the table and only because it was buzzing as a text message popped up on her screen. Instinctively, I glanced briefly at it, registering the name Trent. I picked it up and read it. He was trying to apologize and wanted her to meet him in the parking lot after school. I thought about it for a moment, peering around to see if anyone was watching, and then typed in the reply. I told him it was me and that if he came near her again we would call the police. I erased the message so she wouldn’t see it. I didn’t want to upset her. I knew she’d understand.
I was brought back to the present when Mark remarked, “Why doesn’t she just stand up to Bunnie, like that girl Charity did last year. Nothing ever happened to Charity after that, so why shouldn’t Kitty try it?”
“For one thing, moron,” Haley snapped, “Charity is a lot bigger than Kitty. If you haven’t noticed, Kitty is about the size of a small rodent.”
I suddenly had a thought. “Hey, isn’t Jordan one of Charity’s husband Levi’s friends?”
“I think so.” Mark replied.
“Hmm, do you think he’d give me her number?”
“I think this guy Levi will rip your head off if you even ask.”
“I’m not interested in her. I just thought that maybe she could help us with Bunnie, since she stood up to her.”
“That’s a good idea. I have Jordan in my next class, so I’ll ask him and get back to you.”
“Great.”
That afternoon I walked Kitty to her car, giving her a peck on the cheek before she got in and drove away. Behind a tree, I noticed Trent watching us. His eyes shot daggers at me. So I did the only thing I could. I smiled and waved.
Chapter Eighteen
Kitty
“Hey, Mom,” I greeted her, waltzing into the kitchen and dropping my backpack in a dining room chair. I grabbed a clean glass from the dishwasher, filling it to the very top with grape Kool-Aid.
She was sitting at the table writing out the bills. “Hey, Kitty. How was your day?”
“It was okay. How was yours?” I took a big sip, relishing the flavor.
“It was good. Is everything all right with you? You’ve been quiet lately, and we don’t talk as much as we used to.”
“Yeah, I’m fine. I just have some things on my mind these days. It’s nothing you need to worry about.”
“Are you sure? Do you want to talk about it?”
“Thanks, Mom, but I’m fine….really.” I smiled and leaned over, giving her a peck on the cheek. “I’m gonna head to my room and work on my homework.”
“Sure, honey. I’ll call you down when supper is ready.”
“Okay thanks.”
The next morning, when my alarm clock blared at 6 a.m., I hit the snooze button one too many times and was running behind as a result. I dressed in a hurry, threw on some makeup, and pulled my hair into a ponytail, thinking it was past time for a trim, and headed out the door.
Reed was waiting on me when I arrived. I pulled into my spot and got out quickly. “I’m sorry. I woke up late.”
He took my backpack from me, smiling a sweet smile. “It’s okay, but I was a little worried something might have happened.” He held up his phone. “Text?”
I laughed. “Sorry. I forgot.”
“It’s okay. Maybe next time?”
I smiled. “Yes. Next time.”
He walked me quietly to my first class, kissed my cheek, and then turned to leave. For the first time since all this craziness began, I watched him walk away, my eyes trailing longingly after him, mesmerized yet again by the beauty of him. He had a sexy swagger that I truly admired. I was surprised at my annoyance as a few girls also turned to watch him pass. Of course he was oblivious. Again I shook my head. Get a grip Kitty. He could get hurt. I knew I should push him away, but Bunnie and the B’s hadn’t done anything to me so far, so maybe they had decided to let it go. Maybe they weren’t planning anything after all. I carelessly allowed myself to hope—and that was a big mistake.
Finally it was lunchtime, and I knew I was supposed to wait on Reed, but I scurried out of class so I could stash my books in my locker first. I was just passing the girl’s restroom when the door swung open and someone pulled me inside, covering my mouth as I tried to scream.
“It’s no use, Kitty,” Bunnie said smugly. “No one’s going to hear you.” Bambie, Muffy, and Heidi had tight grips on my arms, while also covering my mouth. They pulled me into a stall and Bunnie proceeded to approach with something shiny in her hand. Was that a knife? My eyes grew wide.
“You see, Kitty, no one humiliates the B’s and gets away with it, you least of all. You used to be one of us so the betrayal is all the more deserving of a strict and harsh punishment.” She finally moved her hand in a way that allowed me to catch sight of the shiny weapon she toyed with. It was a pair of scissors! As her intentions finally dawned on me, I wiggled and squirmed, trying desperately to break free, but the three girls’ grips grew tighter still.
“Now, Kitty, this will only hurt a little,” she smirked.
Muffy grabbed my ponytail in her hands as Bunnie leaned over me, bringing the scissors toward my head.
“No!!!” I tried to scream through Bambie’s fingers, which were so tight I could feel my teeth cutting my lips, causing them to bleed. My eyes filled with tears.
“Hold her still!” Bunnie snapped, grabbing my ponytail and jerking it with force.
I could feel her sawing the scissors behind the rubber band holding my ponytail. Snip!! She pulled back with a triumphant smile, holding my ponytail in her hand. I stopped fighting and slumped in defeat.
“I think I’ll keep this as a souvenir,” she laughed. “Good luck getting out of the school without everyone seeing your new do.” She laughed louder this time. “Let’s go girls.” They let go and I dropped to the bathroom floor. I huddled there, crying.
I’m not sure how long I had been lying there, curled up on the cold floor in despair, when I heard the restroom door open. Without hesitation I pulled my stall door shut and listened. All was quiet.
“Kitty?” I heard a voice finally say. Then my stall door opened, and staring down at me, was Haley.
“Oh-my-gosh, Kitty! What did they do to you?” She knelt down by me and inspected the B’s handiwork. “I can’t believe they did this to you.” I continued to cry as she grabbed handfuls of toilet paper and dabbed at my mouth, pulling it back bloody.
How could I be so foolish to think they wouldn’t get me? Haley pulled out her phone and began texting. “I’m texting Reed, telling him to hurry and bring the car around to the back door.”
“I can’t let anyone see me,” I managed to say through the tears, reaching to touch my butchered hair.
She thought for a moment, looking down at her clothing. “Here, wear this,” she said, snatching her hoodie off and helping me into it. Once it was zipped up, she pulled the hood over my head. “See, no one will know a thing. Now, let’s get you out of here.”
I put my hand on her arm, stopping her. “Why are you helping me? I thought you hated me.”
She shrugged. “I guess I did….
.at first, but now I’m not so sure. Reed is my friend, and he really likes you. When I saw the B’s leaving the bathroom laughing, I felt like maybe you were in here, especially since Reed couldn’t find you after class or in the lunch room. I couldn’t just let you stay in here not knowing if you were injured. Besides, I’m beginning to agree with Reed. You’ve been through enough. Just don’t hurt him, okay?”
I nodded. “Thank you, Haley.”
“It’s no big deal. Now, let’s go.”
She helped me to my feet, and we made our way out and through the back door. Reed’s car was waiting.
“What’s going on?” Reed demanded once the car door was open and I was settled inside.
“Get her out of here,” was all Haley said before shutting the door and heading back into the building.
“Kitty, what’s wrong?” He took hold of my face, turning it toward him. “What the hell!!! Who did this to you?!!” He demanded, noting the blood all over my lower face.
I started to cry again. “That’s not all,” I said, slowly removing the hoodie.
His eyes grew wide and quickly shifted to angry, until he registered the fresh tears drenching my face. “Oh, Kitty, I’m so sorry.” He pulled me into his arms and cradled me against him. I couldn’t tell what he was thinking, but he didn’t say a word, he just held me while I cried, rocking me back and forth. Finally, he sat me up and studied my hair. “Well, it’s not that bad.” He suddenly smiled. “I have an idea.”
I wasn’t sure where he was taking me, but since I couldn’t go back to school looking like I did, I guess it didn’t matter. He was quiet during the 25 minute drive. We parked in front of a nice-looking salon called Feast Your Eyes. He held my hand as we entered the elegantly decorated salon located in the nearby city called Happy.
“May I help you?” A young woman with blonde hair and blue streaks asked from behind the counter.
“Yes,” Reed answered, “We’re here to see Maggie.”
“Oh yes, she’s expecting you. I’ll get her.”
“Thanks.”
A moment later, a tall, thin woman with short cropped hair and lots of makeup came out of the back room. She was a very pretty woman. “Reed!”
He smiled, wrapping his arms around her for a hug.
“I’m so glad you messaged me you were coming.”
“Aunt Maggie, this is my girlfriend, Kitty.” I turned to look at him, surprised by his choice of words.
“Kitty, it’s so nice to meet you. None of us have ever met a girlfriend of Reed’s before. I’m glad you came to see me.”
“Yes, it’s nice to meet you too. Thanks for fitting me in.”
“Of course, dear. Now let’s take a look. She gently took the hoodie off and gasped. “So, they don’t call these girls the B’s for nothing, huh? I’m horrified you had to go through that, Kitty, but don’t you worry about a thing. I’ll take care of this. You’ll look like a leading lady in no time. Come with me.”
Chapter Nineteen
Reed
It seemed like it was taking forever as I waited in the small waiting room in the front of the salon. My Aunt Maggie was styling Kitty’s hair to cover the botch job she got from those psycho Bee Hives. I stood and began pacing. Someone needed to teach those stupid girls a lesson. My mind was reeling. I stopped in front of the glass double doors, staring out just as it began to rain. There was a storm coming. Just then my phone rang.
“Yeah.”
“Reed,” Mark began, “I have Levi’s number if you want to call and talk to Charity. Jordan wouldn’t give me Charity’s number. He said you needed to talk to Levi first. Weird, huh?”
“Yeah, a little, but he doesn’t know me so I guess he’s just being cautious.”
“Yeah, you’re probably right. Well, call him and let’s see if this Charity has some info that can help us with the B’s. Haley told us what happened. I hope Kitty’s okay.”
I quickly jotted down the number as he called it out. “She’ll be fine once my aunt finishes with her. Thanks for the number. I’ll keep you updated. Later.”
“Okay, later.”
I ended the call and dialed the number to this Levi dude. A deep voice answered. “Hello.”
“Um, hello, Levi. My name is Reed. I go to school at W.W. High, and my girlfriend is having some trouble with the Bee Hives.”
“Man, them again? Someone seriously needs to teach those girls a lesson.”
I laughed. “Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. Well, I was told that your wife, Charity, had a run in with Bunnie last year. We were hoping she might be able to give us some pointers on how to deal with this crazy girl.”
He laughed. “Yeah, she and Charity had a run in that’s for sure. More than one actually. I’ll give her your number and have her call you. I’m sure she’d love to talk to you guys. She really has issues with that girl.”
“Great. Thanks, man. I really appreciate it.”
“No problem, Reed. Nice talking to you.”
“Yeah, you too.” He was much nicer than I thought he’d be. Just as I finished that thought I heard someone cough from behind me. I spun to see my Aunt Maggie ushering Kitty in from behind her. My mouth fell open. I thought Kitty was beautiful before, but this new hairstyle made her look like an angel. It was short and layered around her face, framing it perfectly. I suddenly wanted to kiss her so bad.
“Perfect,” I managed to say in a whisper.
My aunt chuckled in amusement. “I think that means he likes it, sweetie,” she said to Kitty. This brought a smile to Kitty’s face as she reached up to touch it self-consciously.
“So you like it then?” She asked, hopeful.
I stirred from my daze, making myself focus on her question. “I love it.” Then I burst into laughter.
She smiled nervously. “What?”
I laughed harder, doubling over. I managed to get my words out, realizing Kitty was becoming alarmed. “If only Bunnie knew how her little plan backfired, and now you’re more beautiful than before. I can’t wait to see her face tomorrow.”
Then Kitty started laughing too, along with Aunt Maggie until the room was roaring with laughter.
Chapter Twenty
Kitty
I sat in Reed’s car, both of us wet from the downpour. He turned to me and smiled. “You’re new hair even looks good wet.” His face turned serious as his eyes devoured me. “Can I touch it?” He was inching closer even as he asked.
I turned nervous. “Um, sure,” was all I could manage to say as he inched closer still.
His fingers gently skimmed my neck as his hands inched into my hair. I closed my eyes and leaned into him, and he moaned softly. I opened my eyes to see his lips moving closer. “You smell so good,” he whispered, his lips against my ear. I was breathing heavier. I couldn’t help it. He was so sexy, and his close proximity was driving me mad. I knew I shouldn’t, but I couldn’t take it anymore. I turned my head, pressing my lips to his. His reaction was powerful. He tilted my head so he could get better access, his hands still in my hair. His lips ravaged mine hungrily—almost desperately. One hand moved down my neck to my shoulder and then my back as he pulled me closer. “You are so beautiful,” he murmured against my lips as the kiss deepened. I moaned as I felt his tongue against mine. Suddenly my phone rang, startling both of us. We peered at each other in surprise, realizing we were taking things slightly too far too soon. Or maybe we were just disappointed with the interruption.
“Um, sorry,” I said, reaching and answering my phone. “Hey, Mom. I’m just leaving the salon where I just got my hair cut…….Oh, I didn’t tell you I was getting it cut?” I looked at Reed and grimaced. He covered his mouth to hide is laugh. “I’m sorry……..yeah, I’ll be home soon…….I’ll be careful…….Love you too…….Bye.”
I closed my phone and studied Reed sitting quietly, looking down at his hands. “Is everything okay?” he asked without looking up.
“Yeah. She just worries when it rains so hard like this. Yo
u know how moms are.”
He smiled then. “Yeah. I have three sisters too. I know how they worry.”
I realized then that I didn’t know anything about this boy sitting across from me. I only knew he was gorgeous, sweet, and had rescued me more than once.
“So, I guess I better get you to the school to get your car then?”
“I guess so.” We stared at each other a moment longer before he turned and cranked the car, backing it out carefully as the rain continued to pour.
Chapter Twenty-one
Kitty
School had been out almost an hour when Reed dropped me off at my car. He nobly followed me most of the way home, making sure I was safe in the storm. He made me promise to text him when I arrived home.
Once I was parked in the driveway and the car was off, I sent him a quick text and darted through the rain and into the house.
“There you are. I was worried,” my mom said, taking my backpack from me and hanging it up. She gasped, covering her mouth with her hand. “Oh, Kitty, you cut all your hair off.”
“Yeah,” I said, touching it, remembering Reed’s hands in it and shivered.
She turned my face to her and studied it. “Actually, I think I love it!” She smiled. “It really suits your face nicely. We should’ve thought of this style sooner. What made you decide to cut it?”
“Just needed a change I guess. Reed really likes it like this,” I said lost in thought, a smile playing on my lips.
She smirked. “And who is this Reed you’re talking about?”
“Oh, I forgot. I haven’t mentioned him, have I?”
She nodded, still smiling.
“Well, we’re sort of dating, I guess.”
“Kitty, that’s so nice. I hope we’ll get to meet this one.”
“We’ll see,” was all I said as I dashed up the stairs.
Exposing Kitty Langley Page 6