“I think I’m getting lucky later,” Stacy winked.
“I don’t want to know.” Katrina wrinkled her nose at the thought.
“You know you’ll get details anyways.”
Stacy kept their conversation going for most of halftime. She gushed about every cute thing Donovan did and would occasionally jump off topic to random school gossip.
Minutes passed and Donovan still hadn’t returned. Katrina wondered what was keeping him.
The sudden roaring of the crowd diverted Katrina’s attention to the field in time to see the players running back on. “Game’s starting,” Katrina said.
“Where’s Donovan?” Stacy looked around.
“No idea,” Katrina shrugged. “But if he doesn’t hurry he’s going to miss it.”
Stacy crinkled her eyebrows. “That’s odd.”
“What?”
“They’re short a player.”
“Who?”
“Robby.”
“Robby? But, I saw him storm off into the locker room after he got into it with Mason.”
“Maybe he got pissed and went home?”
“Maybe.” Katrina hoped she was right.
“What did I miss?” Donovan stood holding a large popcorn and Stacy’s bottle of water.
“Robby’s missing.” Stacy took her water so Donovan could sit down.
Katrina’s eyes never left the field. She kept hoping he would turn up. It wasn't like him to leave his team hanging. And her wish was soon granted.
“There he is!” Katrina heard a guy behind her shout.
Katrina looked up and was relieved. Robby was sprinting from the locker room in full attire. He bumped helmets with Mason in an awkward apology and they made their way onto the filed.
Other than Robby showing up late, the last half of the game flew by. Katrina followed it a little bit better since she could understand some of what was going on. The coldness of her butt still took most of her attention. She was ecstatic when the game was finally over and it was time to go.
Stacy and the rest of the crowd were very happy, too. According to Donovan, their school had won and by the skin of their teeth. Katrina was just thankful to be inside Donovan’s warm car and out of the cold.
Stacy and Donovan recapped the entire last half of the game the whole way home. Katrina tried to follow as best she could, but quickly lost interest. She was just happy that they were finding a common ground and hoped it brought them closer together.
When they reached her house she had defrosted enough to get out and not stumble. She was half way up the steps when she heard Stacy shut the car door and follow her up the rest of them. Both girls stood on the porch and waved as Donovan left.
Katrina opened the front door and went up stairs. She grabbed her pajamas from her room and went into the bathroom to change, while Stacy sat on her bed and called her mom to check in.
Katrina unwrapped the scarf from around her neck when her finger got caught on something. She pulled her hand out and looked closer. Her mouth dropped.
“Oh no!” The hole went all the way through. It was exactly where the amulet had been.
Katrina was staring in disbelief when Stacy’s voice startled her. “Kat! You fall in?”
“No. I’m coming.” Katrina threw off the rest of her clothes and tossed her pajamas on. She bunched up her clothes and buried the scarf deep in the middle. It wasn’t something she could deal with at the moment. When Andrew called, he would have some serious explaining to do and she wouldn’t accept vague answers any more.
She walked quickly into her room. Stacy was lying on the bed with her head propped against her hand and a big smile on her face. Katrina knew exactly where her head was. Tossing her clothes into a corner, she climbed into her bed.
“Still thinking about Donovan?” Katrina teased.
“Yup.” Stacy turned towards Katrina and wriggled her eyebrows. “And what I want to do to him!”
“I’ll bet.” Both girls giggled.
“Did you have fun tonight?” Stacy asked.
“I did,” Katrina smiled. “It was nice to get out.”
“Good. You needed it. And tomorrow night will be even better.”
“Tomorrow night?”
“The dance!”
“Oh, about that. I don’t think I—”
“You’re not getting out of going,” Stacy scolded and gave Katrina her best don’t-think-so look. “So, don’t even try.”
“But—”
“No buts about it. Like it or not, you’re going.”
“I just don’t want to be a third wheel.”
“What kind of friend would I be if I let you stay here and sulk? And besides you’re more like a spare tire,” Stacy teased.
“Gee thanks,” Katrina laughed.
Stacy always did have an odd way of making her feel better. She really didn’t know what she would do without her sometimes.
“Anytime. Now let’s go to bed. I need my beauty sleep,” Stacy winked. “Can you get the light?”
“Ugh, I guess,” Katrina protested, as she maneuvered out of the bed and shut off the light.
On her way back, she couldn’t see. Everything was pitch black and her eyes hadn’t adjusted. She walked slow and steady. Each time hoping she wouldn’t step on or run into anything. She thought she felt the end of her bed and was about to lay down when she looked up and stopped. Just off in the distance two yellow dots caught her attention.
“What the hell?” She ran over to the window.
“What is it?”
Katrina didn’t answer Stacy right away. She was focusing all her attention out the window. With her face pressed against the cold glass, she strained to make out what it was. She steadied her breathing to avoid fogging up the glass again and focused all her energy on those two little specks. She was so entranced she never realized she put her hand up to the glass until she heard it crack.
“Kat!” Stacy’s voice interrupted.
Startled by the sharpness in her voice , Katrina turned. “I just thought I saw—” Her voice trailed off, as she looked back out the window. The two specks disappeared.
“Thought you saw what?”
“I’m not sure.”
“What do you mean?”
“Never mind.” Katrina shook her head. She was tired and frustrated.
“I think you’ve been home alone too long. You’re letting your imagination get the best of you.” Stacy yawned and turned over to go to sleep.
“Yeah, I guess so.” Katrina climbed back into bed and pulled the covers over her.
She laid back against her pillow and stared at the ceiling. Her mind was racing a million different directions. She knew what she saw. There was something out there and as hard as she tried she couldn’t stop thinking about it. It was coming for her. And she had no one to protect her.
How could you leave me alone? A tear trickled down her cheek. Anger replaced her fear. Where the hell is everyone?
Katrina was reaching her breaking point. She had only been told in limited amounts what was happening and that wasn’t enough for her anymore. When Andrew called next she was going to give him an ear full.
Chapter 16
Despite what happened the night before, Saturday morning came and went by pretty fast. Katrina kept herself busy. If she didn’t have time to stop and think, then she could get through the day without an emotional meltdown.
Most of the day her and Stacy spent hanging out in town. Morgan Springs had always loved to celebrate fall and this year was no exception. The center of town was transformed into a mini carnival. Many vendors had set up little tents. They strolled by each one checking out souvenirs before moving on to the next.
Katrina had missed girl time with Stacy and that afternoon was one of the best she’d had in awhile. There was no talk of werewolves or the end of the world. Everything was just as simple as it had been before Cole. Katrina was in such a good mood, she even let Stacy do her nails when they got home.
“Tonight is going to be so much fun.”
“How many costumes did you bring?” Katrina shook her head.
“Just a couple. I wasn’t sure what I would need.”
Katrina laughed. “Well, I think you packed everything you own.”
“It’s not all just for me.”
“What?”
“I packed a costume for you, too.”
“My costume?”
“Yup. I knew you would forget, so I found the perfect one for you.”
“What is it?”
“You’ll see,” Stacy grinned.
“Stace!”
“I have to go shower, but your costumes somewhere on the bed.” And with that she ran off to the bathroom.
Katrina eyed the garments on her bed suspiciously. She was a little hesitant to see what Stacy picked. After all, it was Stacy she was talking about. She rummaged through the pile and stopped. It was obvious which one was her costume and she was suddenly having second thoughts about going to the dance. Holding up the ears and tail, she couldn’t believe Stacy. She held up the black dress and shook her head.
She sighed to herself. “Let’s see if you fit.” She barely had time to pull up the last strap before she suddenly jumped. A sharp pain throbbed on the bottom of her foot. “Ouch!” She sat on her bed and found a piece of glass sticking out. “Stupid compact!” As she slowly pulled it out, the blood started to seep onto the floor. Watching it drip she cringed. It took her back to the night she wished she could forget.
Glimpses of her brother’s face as the blood trickled down made her chest ache. Images of his blood-soaked body laying limp in Andrew’s arms sent her stomach turning. Then Cole’s face emerged, turning her sorrow into frustration. The final blow of emotion came with a vengeance, as images of her mother nearly being killed ricocheted around in her head. And she was the only one left to deal with it all.
Tears fell down her cheeks. Katrina quickly wiped her face and stood up. She needed to get it together, but her reflection stopped her. It was hideous. Disgusted, she went to turn when a shiny glare caught her attention.
The amulet dangling around her neck began to smolder a mixture of ocher and crimson. Colors swirled in the stone, disappearing in the center and reappearing around the edges. Moments passed and she couldn’t bring herself to look away. Images began to float around in her head, like a dream. Something was very surreal about the whole scene that began to unfold before her.
Before Katrina knew what happened, she was somewhere else. The familiarity of her room was gone. In its place was a much more dated and elegant place. Looking down she noticed she was wearing an old-fashioned costume. Judging by the surroundings, she was at some sort of party.
Each guest was adorned in his or her finest attire. Every woman had on an elaborate ball gown made from the finest materials. Katrina’s was no exception. It glistened like a diamond underneath the candlelit room. The gold trim accented every delicate feature. The lightly beaded top fit snugly against her like a second skin.
Katrina was lost in her appearance when she was startled by a warm hand grabbing her and leading her towards the dance floor. The stranger’s maple colored eyes glistened with excitement behind his gold trimmed mask, as they met hers. Sauntering onto the luxurious flooring alongside her unknown date, her gown flowed elegantly against her body, showing off every intricate curve. The stranger’s hands caressed along her arm and down her back, as he led her around the room.
“Kat?” Stacy’s voice interrupted.
“Hmm?”
“Want to talk about it?”
“Yeah.” She tried to wipe away the rest of her tears.
Stacy sat down on the bed next to her and grabbed her hand. “Is it your mom?”
“Yes. No. It’s everything.”
“What do you mean everything? Is there something you’re not telling me?”
Me and my big mouth! Katrina scolded herself.
“Kat?” Stacy pushed.
“I miss him,” Katrina said, realizing how pathetic she sounded.
“Cole?”
Katrina nodded her head. It was all she could do to keep from having an emotional meltdown.
“He’ll be back soon.”
“I know.” Tears flowed down her face.
“That’s not all?”
“It’s my mom and Jake. I hate being alone.”
“I’m sorry.” Stacy wrapped her in a tight hug. “But you’re not alone. I’m here for you, always.”
“Thanks, Stace. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“Anytime. And thank you, Kat.”
Katrina looked up, confused. “For what?”
“Letting me drag you places.”
“You would do the same for me.”
“I would. And besides, if you tried to say no, I would drag you kicking and screaming the whole way.” Stacy leaned against Katrina and chuckled. “See, there’s a smile. Now let’s get ready to have some fun.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Katrina wiped her tears. “What are you wearing tonight?”
Stacy gave her a huge grin. “You’re going to love it.” Stacy got up and headed to the bathroom. “I’ll be right back,” she called over her shoulder.
Katrina sat there anxiously waiting to see what crazy costume Stacy had found. She just hoped her costume wasn’t another cat. Themes were kind of Stacy’s thing and it always meant Katrina was in for an interesting surprise.
“Are you coming out anytime soon?” Katrina shouted.
“Ta-da!” Stacy announced, as she jumped into Katrina’s room and posed.
Katrina immediately started laughing hysterically. “Wow! Where did you get the uniform?”
“I borrowed it from Cynthia. What do you think?”
“You’re going to freeze!”
“Besides that? Think Donovan will notice?”
“Oh, he’ll notice and so will the rest of the school.”
“That’s what I was hoping for,” Stacy winked.
“Just make sure he doesn’t smash your pompoms,” Katrina giggled.
“Ha ha! They’re just extra padding for later.”
“I don’t want to know.” Katrina bent down and peered under her bed.
“What are you doing?”
“Looking for my black tennis shoes. They were under here. You haven’t seen them, have you?”
“Nope. But, you’re not wearing them.”
“Why not? They’re comfortable.”
“Because tonight you’re not a cute little kitten. You’re a sexy cat!” Stacy arched her eyebrows. She hurried over to Katrina’s closet, grabbed a pair of black pumps and held them up. “You’re wearing these.”
“Where did you find those?”
“Buried behind all your other stuff. They’re really cute. Your mom has good taste.”
“Glad somebody thinks so. Next time, I’ll tell her to buy you a pair instead.”
“I’d wear them to bed,” Stacy teased.
“I’m sure you would,” Katrina laughed.
Stacy handed over the shoes. “Here. Put them on.”
“No way.” Katrina tried to push her hand away.
“Come on. It’s one night. And they’re not even that high of a heel.”
Katrina reluctantly gave in and took them. “Fine.”
She knew when it was pointless to argue with her. After putting her last foot through, Katrina tried to stand and it wasn’t pretty.
Everything felt awkward. It felt like the heels made her a good four inches taller. She had to take few moments to adjust to the slight difference in height.
“See. You’re doing just fine. Just try to blend your cast in and you’ll look perfect,” Stacy teased. “Oh, that reminds me. I left my pompoms in the bathroom.”
Katrina wal
ked over to her mirror and stared at her reflection. She had to admit it wasn’t too bad. A knock at the front door came a second later.
“He’s here. How do I look?” Stacy asked, a she twirled in a circle to give Katrina the full effect of her ensemble.
“Like a big purple mass of cheer destruction,” Katrina grinned.
“Perfect.” Stacy cocked an eyebrow back. Her excitement was growing with another knock. “You almost ready?”
“Yeah. I just need to grab my jacket. I’ll meet you down there.”
“Okay!” Stacy shouted back, as she ran down the stairs.
Katrina took one last look at herself to make sure everything that should be covered was. The longer she looked the more the short dress grew on her. While she was admiring herself, the amulet suddenly changed color and grew very hot. This time the pain was unbearable. “Ugh! Not tonight,” she protested.
“Kat! Hurry!” Stacy’s voice interrupted from down stairs.
“I’m coming!” Katrina shouted back.
She grabbed her jacket and stuffed her cell phone in the front pocket. As she made it down the stairs, Stacy was anxiously running through the living room.
“What are you looking for?”
“My purse. Have you seen it?”
“It’s right here.” Katrina pointed to a small table next to the front door.
Stacy ran into the entry way. “We’ll be right there!” she shouted, countering Donovan’s soft knock on the front door. “Tonight will be unforgettable. I promise.”
“I’m sure it will.” Katrina followed behind her and found Donovan pressed against the wood trimmed doorway looking rather anxious himself.
“Hello,” Stacy beamed.
Katrina was beside herself at his clean-cut appearance. He looked like a male model in all black. His snugly fit black t-shirt drew attention to all the right assets and his equally form hugging black jeans accentuated his muscular physique. Donovan’s bad boy appearance was different than his regular school attire. Katrina had never seen him wear any outfit to school that resembled this one.
He took a long look at both of them. “You guys look different.”
“Thanks.” Stacy beamed, as she walked outside.
“Heels, huh?” Donovan crossed his arms and laughed.
“Of course,” Stacy said, heading over to the car.
Everlasting Bond Page 24