by C. A. Kunz
“Mr. Thomas and I will get the pizza, right Matt?” Cat joined in.
“Yes we will, I’ll bring a pepperoni, you get an all cheese.”
“Great!” Cat exclaimed. “Saturday night here we come!”
Later that evening, Cat, Julie and Linda were having their bi-weekly hang-out, to catch each other up on the latest gossip. Sitting on Cat’s bed Linda was going on about her date for the junior prom. “I can’t believe John asked me!” she squealed.
“I know! And he’s quite the looker too!” Cat said, looking at his picture from Linda’s page on Teenspace, an online social network for teens.
“Well, all I have to say is he has great taste, my friend,” Julie assured her.
“I’m still on the hunt for my prom dress. I think I’m going to need your help guys. You’re my best friends, and I know we can find something perfect! So will you go with me?” Linda asked.
“OMG, we totes will! We should make a day of it next weekend!” Cat exclaimed.
“Sounds like fun. Oh, I can’t wait. It’s been ages since I last went shopping,” Julie replied. Looking at the computer screen Cat noticed that Becca, one of the missing girls, was one of Linda’s friends on Teenspace.
“You’re friends with Becca?” Cat inquired.
“Kind of. She’s friends with Mindy. They swam against each other,” Linda explained somberly.
“I don’t remember swimming against her this year.”
“Well she quit the swim team last season, after losing badly to Kirsten. Kirsten kind of cheated and stole the regional meet right out from under her. She was so broken up about it that, she just quit. Mindy tried to talk her out of it, but it didn’t help. She really was, I mean is, an amazing swimmer.”
“And here I thought Miss Leader of the Trifecta couldn’t stoop any lower,” Cat said shaking her head.
“Anyway, Cat didn’t you get your license recently? So where’s the new car?” Linda asked.
“No car yet unfortunately. But Matt drives us around, so I guess it’s better than having Taylor complain about having to take us everywhere.”
“Hey Linda, do you still walk home through the woods from school?” Julie asked.
“Yeah, why?”
“Don’t you think it’s a little dangerous, especially with all the disappearances recently?” Julie asked.
“Doesn’t your mother or brother pick you up?” Cat queried right after.
“No. But I’ve been walking to and from school for years now, since it’s so close to my house and all. Besides, the disappearances have all been far from Madison and we have no curfew like there is here,” she explained.
“But Linda, it’s still not safe!” Julie expressed with a worried look in her eyes.
“Oh Julie, you have, and always will be, the mother of our group,” Linda stated smiling. “But I can handle myself. Plus I don’t always walk home alone. Bonnie tags along every now and then.”
“If you ever find yourself in trouble or you need anything, you call okay?” Julie said with Cat nodding in agreement.
“Yes ma’am,” Linda replied jokingly and all three girls smiled.
“We really miss you. Not Madison Prep of course, but you!” Cat playfully whined.
“I miss you guys too! It’s just not the same without you guys there! I mean I still have Bonnie, but I miss our little group. I know I sound like a broken record, but it’s true.”
“Yeah we had some great times, that’s for sure. But I had to get out of there, I mean you know that,” Cat said focusing on Linda.
“And where Cat goes, so goes my nation,” Julie interjected.
“Well, I wish it was that easy for me to leave. But my mother insists on me being ‘protected’ from the outside world. She has it in her head that a private school education is better than public. I don’t know.”
“So she wants you to be protected, but she lets you walk home alone from school?” Julie asked pointedly.
“I’ve really missed your motherly ways Julie. You always have the best intentions for us.” Linda smiled.
“I try,” Julie replied returning her smile.
Saturday afternoon dragged by. Cat spent the morning cleaning her room and helping her mom with chores. At noon she had taken a shower and then nothing. Nothing to do until five. She tried to study for a test she had on Monday but kept reading the same paragraph over and over until she threw herself on her bed in frustration. Opening her mini fridge and taking out her medicine bottle, she laid back on her bed deep in thought, staring at it. “I wonder if these pills were the answer to my problems. I haven’t had one episode since taking them. I guess all that craziness from before were just wild side effects of my disorder. Wow Cat, you’re definitely making yourself sound insane! But I can’t deny that since taking these things, my life’s been pretty normal. And everyone says that the old Cat’s back. But I don’t feel like the old Cat, I feel different somehow. But different how?” she asked aloud as her cell phone rang. Grabbing it off her night stand she saw that it was Linda. “Hey Linda, what’s up?” She grinned as her old friend replied “the sky.” “Really corny, can’t you think of a better one?” Cat asked.
“No, all out today. So have you cleaned your room for your big movie marathon tonight?”
“Yes I have, just finished! And if you weren’t such a wuss, you could join us. But no! Little Miss Linda, don’t like the scary stuff.”
“I don’t see how you can enjoy being scared. Life is scary enough without making up weird creatures to scare us more. Mr. Jerkins, my biology teacher is weird enough for me,” Linda answered.
“It’s your loss, but seriously, we’ve got to get together next weekend to go dress shopping.”
“Totally, I’ve already picked out three stores we definitely have to hit up,” Linda said excitedly. “So get this, my mom and dad mentioned last night when I got home that we’re renting a lodge this summer. They asked if you guys would like to come and stay for a few weeks. They said they’re going to call your parents later. So how about it? Sound like fun?” she asked finally taking a breath.
“That would be awesome! I know my parents would be fine with it! Oh, I can’t wait!”
“It’ll be in July, probably sometime after the Founder’s Day celebration. I’ll let you know the exact dates as soon as they tell me. Hope you guys have fun tonight.”
“I’ll talk to you later. Can’t wait until dress hunting!” Cat exclaimed.
Sitting on the bottom step of the stairs, watching the grandfather clock slowly tick away the seconds, Cat rested her chin in her hand waiting for the next half hour to go by. She heard voices coming from outside the door and rushed to open it, thinking some of her friends had come early. Inserting his key, Taylor was startled as the door flung open. “Hey Red freak! Trying to give me a heart attack?” he asked staring at her, as her smile turned to a frown.
“Oh, it’s just you. And look you brought the people who you pay to be your friends,” Cat quipped smiling at the crowd behind him. She liked Taylor’s friends. They always treated her like she was their sister too, even coming to her defense when he gave her a hard time.
“Good one, Cat,” Trish said laughing at Taylor’s sullen expression. “You asked for that one babe!” she said grabbing his arm, pulling him toward her. Cat stood aside to allow the group to enter. Devin grabbed Cat around the waist and started swaying with her, humming the tune to What’s New Pussy Cat.
“Hey little Cat, what do you say you and I go to the dance tonight?” Cat danced for a minute with the jokester of the bunch, and then gently pushed him away.
“I told you, I’m not your type Dev. Anyway you and I could never be, as my big bad wolf of a brother would not allow it,” Cat said dramatically putting her hand to her forehead. Taylor scowled at her as she batted her eyelashes at him. “See him scowling. I am sooo afraid, as you should be too, Sir Devin, my darling knight.” She curtsied as he bowed low causing the foyer to be engulfed with laughter.
>
“That’s enough you dorks! Don’t encourage her Dev,” Taylor said rolling his eyes to the ceiling. “Let’s go into the kitchen and start the feast!” he announced, continuing to walk down the hallway with Trish on his arm and Jonathen and the rest of their group in tow.
“‘Til we meet again my sweet fire-haired lady,” Devin said bending down and kissing Cat’s hand. With a wink he followed the laughing group through the kitchen door. Cat could hear them greeting her parents and commenting on the food Rachel had laid out for them. Taylor and his friends decided to forego the dance as well to spend the night hanging out, eating and watching movies in their dad’s enormous study. Cat knew it made her mom happy when the house was filled with her kids and their friends.
“I definitely don’t get tired of watching that one! When he turns into a werewolf it looks so real!” Matt piped up while standing to remove the DVD and put in the next one. Saturday night started out great. So far they had watched two movies, and had left Wolvesbane until last. Cat stretched and groaned.
“Way too much food!” she complained out loud.
“If I eat another thing, someone please punch me in the face!” Amanda whined. Elle laughed and got up to get a drink, the sight of her werewolf slippers made the others start giggling like they did when they first saw them.
“I just love those slippers Elle!” Cat said grinning. Elle did a model pose, pirouetted and curtsied.
“When my mom and I went shopping yesterday after school I saw these in the bargain bin and just had to have them. Mom really didn’t want to buy them, but I reminded her that my birthday was coming up soon, so she finally gave in!” Elle said grabbing a bottle of water from the mini fridge. “I think for Halloween next year, I want to be a werewolf. Yeah, definitely a werewolf. I could wear a tight, long, black dress and high heeled shoes. I saw the most awesome mask at the Ye Old Costume Shoppe!” she smiled smugly, plopping down on her pillow.
“Elle! What’s happened to our shy little caterpillar? What will you do next? Ask the most popular guy in school to go exclusive?” Elle picked up the nearest pillow and flung it at Matt.
“You’re just jealous that I’m coming out of my cocoon and left you behind, Matthew Ian Thomas,” she replied jokingly.
The room was quiet as everyone slept. Cat opened her eyes. They were glazed over and milky white, she was still asleep. Her body suddenly leaned straight up into a standing position, her feet flat on her bed. Stepping off of her bed she made her way through the open bay window and out onto the balcony. Cat climbed over the railing and gracefully floated to the ground. Oblivious to the cool breeze and cold wet grass, she walked toward the road, her eyes staring straight ahead.
Driving home from the Spring Fling, Ryan had the sudden urge to drive by Cat’s to check on her. As he approached her house, he noticed a figure walking out into the street. By the light of the lamp post Ryan saw the figure’s fiery red hair blowing in the breeze. He realized it was Cat. He sped up to see what she was doing outside in her night gown. Seeing a car in the distance barreling right for her, he threw his car into park and leapt out running in her direction. He could hear the car’s brakes squealing as he dove, grabbing her by the waist and pulling out of the way. His body cushioned the fall. Ryan looked at Cat and realized that her eyes were open but they were rolled back in her head. She was non-responsive. He called out her name and shook her, trying to wake her up, but she wouldn’t. The man from the other car approached them and Ryan assured he would take care of her and to just go on his way. The man didn’t say a word. He turned around, got into his car and drove away, not once looking back at them.
Picking Cat up off the ground, Ryan ran to her front door. Holding onto her with one arm, he banged on the door with the other. He was relieved to see the foyer light turn on followed by the porch light. The door opened revealing Sam in his pajamas. “Ryan what in the world?” Ryan heard other voices coming from above as he carried Cat into the house.
“Mr. Colvin! I was driving down the street, and saw Cat walk out in front of a car! I pulled her out of the way! She seemed like she was sleep walking or something, and wasn’t aware of what was going on!” he explained frantically, holding Cat’s limp body in his arms.
“Put her in my study young man.”
“Oh my God, Cat! Sam what’s wrong with her?” Rachel pushed her way through the crowd. “Sam she’s burning up! Trish get me a wet washcloth. Taylor call Dr. Bane and tell him to meet us at the hospital!” Cat moaned as the cold washcloth was placed on her forehead. Her eyes fluttered open and she gave a weak smile.
“Why does everyone look so scared?” Cat whispered confused. No one spoke. “Ryan, what are you doing here?” She asked wearily.
“Mom! Dr. Bane said he’ll meet us at the ER.” Taylor’s voice came through the door of the study.
Cat looked at her mom and dad, “What happened? I feel so groggy.”
“Yes honey. Just relax, Taylor will go start the car and I’ll carry you,” Sam said.
“Don’t be silly, I can walk.” Cat struggled to sit up and then immediately fell back on the pillows.
“Mr. Colvin, I think we’ll go home now, but please call us when you can.” Matt grabbed Cat’s hand, “You hang in there kid, we’ll talk to you tomorrow, okay?” The other three took turns squeezing her hand and then they all left the room. Cat saw Julie turn and wave, worry in her eyes.
“I’ll carry her dad,” Taylor said.
“No, son, get the keys to the car and start it up. Rachel honey go with Taylor, I will carry Cat to the car. Ryan, thank you for your help,” Sam said as he grabbed a blanket from the back of the sofa and wrapped it around Cat. Cat tried to smile at Ryan but it looked more like a grimace as Sam swept her up in his arms and quickly made his way to the car.
Trish grabbed Ryan’s shoulder, “go home. I’ll let you know how she is. I know they appreciate all that you’ve done.”
“I’ve never seen her so pale,” Ryan choked out and Trish realized Ryan had true feelings for Cat. She walked him to his car and then grabbed her keys from the study and followed the Colvin’s to the hospital.
“Well young lady you sure gave your folks and friends a scare, didn’t you…again. I just told your mom and dad that I was going to keep you overnight, but I think it would be best for you to sleep in your own bed,” Dr. Bane ordered.
“I don’t understand…I was doing fine…What happened?” Cat’s voice had become stronger.
“I don’t know, but I think we’ve got it under control now. I don’t feel any bumps on your head so I don’t think you hit it. Your friend said you just screamed and then collapsed. Your initial blood work is normal, so the anemia is not the issue. The other test results will take a little while. Until I get those, behave yourself and no more late nights and overeating.” His handsome smile dazzled Cat as he patted her arm and left the room. She laid there trying to remember going out on the balcony, but the last thing she could remember was the conversation about Elle’s slippers.
As Dr. Bane closed the exam room door behind him, Rachel and Sam stood up from their seats and moved toward him.
“So, how is she Harold?” Rachel asked anxiously.
“She is fine, but-”
“But what?” Sam asked.
“I think you two will need to monitor her more at night. It would seem that she is becoming more nocturnal, as we suspected she would,” he explained in a whisper.
“Well Ryan did say she looked as if she was sleep walking with her eyes open,” Rachel said.
“Well in the mean time we should just keep a closer eye on her. This is unfortunately all a part of the change she is going through. Now, you should all go home, it’s late, and I will call you within the next couple of days to follow up,” Dr. Bane explained looking into their tired and worried eyes.
Everyone was exhausted by the time they arrived back home. Sam carried Cat upstairs despite her protests that she could manage it by herself. Her mom followed and tucke
d her in, smoothing back Cat’s hair to kiss her forehead. “I’ll check on you in a bit. Just go to sleep honey. Love you.”
“Love you too mom and dad,” Cat echoed as they closed her bedroom door.
Cat had just shut her eyes when she heard a noise at her window. “Jewels, it’s about time you came back. You had me worried,” she said grabbing her pink robe. Cat noticed the balcony was empty. A small rock hit the window from the outside, startling her. A dark shadow stood below and she could see by the moonlight, the figure wore a letterman’s jacket. Opening the window, she stepped out onto the balcony.
“Cat! It’s Ryan,” he whispered forcefully, so that his voice would carry up to her.
“Ryan what are you doing here? You’ll get into trouble! What about the curfew?” she asked confused.
“I don’t care about that! I was driving by and saw your dad carrying you into the house. I had to see you.”
“You were just driving by, at three in the morning?” Cat asked sarcastically.
“Yeah, can I come up?”
“Why?”
“Because I want to see if you’re all right! We’re friends aren’t we?” She nodded and motioned for him to come up as she sat down on the wrought iron bench. It seemed like only a second had passed before Ryan was standing in front of her.
How did he get up here so quickly? She thought to herself still dizzy from all the tests at the hospital.
“Hey you’re looking really pale, shouldn’t you have stayed in the hospital?” Ryan asked sitting down beside her, staring intently into her eyes.
“Is my hair a mess? Do I have something on my face?” she asked self-consciously wondering why he was staring at her.
“No, I’m looking at your eyes. Do you know your eyes are different colors? How stupid, of course you do. But I’ve looked at them before and never noticed.”
“Colored contacts, that’s my secret. I just started wearing them this year. I didn’t want anyone to know about my defect. So I convinced my parents that I needed them.”