Kat791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zYvVUZCc7
791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW40pX3qZaN
February 14, 2005
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2 weeks later
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791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVXUAyGp2F
"Do I really have to go?" I plead with my best friend, hoping to stay in tonight. 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpcbH8RCRT
"Yes." She gives me a "don't question me" look that I'm sure she will use on her children someday. 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSn8cX48Dyu
"But... will he be there?" She knows exactly who I'm talking about. 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqct2rRdVuH
"Oh, I don't know... Probably not?" I can sense her hesitation.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAe74Kf9NqS
"You are a terrible liar." I roll my eyes as I continue getting ready.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80Rny2IzcU
"Listen, just don't think about that jackass tonight. Have fun with me!" She grabs onto my arm, bouncing with excitement.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv3E7f3gbcy
"Oh please, like you will have time for anyone other than your Valentine." She tries to object, but I hold up my hand to stop her. "We both know I will be sitting in the corner by myself, probably watching him with some skank... silently praying for a quick merciful death." 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFcySVzkAVa
"God, you are so morbid. Come on! It's Valentine's Day!" She turns to the mirror to finish her makeup. "Plus Luke and Soph will be there and Kai is really excited to see you." Kai had grown on me, despite our rocky start. 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAnTgoWN3kp
"Crap... He is totally going to be there." I figured he would be, but knowing everyone else would be there only cemented it.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBNEgWbR4M
I had somehow managed to avoid him, at least directly, for over a month. It was quite an accomplishment since I enjoyed being around his friends so much. 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhrAZu5mEF
Must have been by the grace of God. Oh no... now I sound like Mom. Dad would be so proud, the thought leaving a bitter aftertaste in my brain.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvK0L3FFlY
This is so not what I need tonight.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWSgJSKfyQ
"Well, I actually know someone who might take your mind off of him. He's been wanting to meet you for weeks." She isn't meeting my eyes and she's biting her fingernails. Crap, she must be really nervous. 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMFe432DWn
"Ness... what are you talking about?" I'm not actually sure I want to know. 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWiRJCMyH7t
"Well... this guy... Jonathan... He's seen you around... and well... he kinda wanted me to introduce you... tonight." She paces the room like a caged animal, as she continues to chew the skin on her fingers since there's nothing left of her nails at this point.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYncdV7tRZ
"Ness, calm down. Please stop, at least for the sake of your poor hands." I try to process what she just dropped on me, as I grab her hand, forcing her to stop pacing. "Okay, so, why does this Jonathan guy want to meet me so badly?" I take a seat on her bed.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ352EPPBI84
She scoffs, sitting next to me. "Come on, Katie-bug... Even you aren't that dense."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6I7JP5QX7Z
I just stare at her, completely confused.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ2SB1vu2d7
"Ugh... Seriously? He thinks you are hot and he wants some of that." She gestures towards me. 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5056DXIU2
"What?!? Jeez, did you really have to put it like that?" I can feel my face burning from embarrassment. 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwhf0zZP5k7
"Oh god, Katie-bug, you are such a prude. I swear! Maybe Johnny can help with that." She giggles and bounces on her bed. "Ooooh, maybe he's into some kinky shit! You know, it's always the pretty boys." 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUBkoZK1Zr
My mouth pops open as I feel the blush take over my face. I know I'm only feeding fuel to her fire, but I can't even try to hide my shock. I am pathetic.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7LjebG40b
Vanessa doubles over in laughter, nearly falling off the bed. "Oh. My. God!" She's barely able to get each word out between her giggles. "Look. At. Your. Face!" She points at me, continuing to mock me.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Ui8KGfFdo
I push her arm that's extended, throwing her off balance. She falls, landing face first on the carpet. It's my turn laugh, my eyes water and I can barely breathe, but it's totally worth it.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhcqQtFDy3j
"Fuck! That fucking hurt you fucking bitch!" She hops back up on the bed, punching me in the arm before joining in my laughter. 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAOclPWcG6Q
"Okay, okay." She tries to calm us down. "Alright, if it wasn't me, that would have been pretty good, but seriously that fucking hurt!" 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1I8OFFB1j
"Well, at least you got the rug burn a different way this time." I smirk, proud of my quick wit.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8qGTsjgq3w
"Ah! You skank!" She throws her pillow directly at my face. Even though it's soft, it still stings.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDnpnYm27c
"Pretty sure, I'm not the skank in this room, whore!" I throw the pillow back, but miss. 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbncHkBNsRm
"Pretty sure Ben would disagree!" The proud look on her face immediately vanishes. I feel like I've been punched in the stomach.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa58oyBY0X7
"Shit, Kat. I'm sorry. That was really insensitive. Please forget I said that." She moves closer to me, probably to comfort me but all I feel the need to get out of the room. 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMH3H2nrP7
"Don't worry about it." I run out the door, into the safety of a bathroom stall. 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwk4HsMskhj
Okay, so it's not super private, but when you live in a dorm with a roommate, it's about as good as it gets.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY8yedoDdh5
I sit there long enough to calm down, but I'm still not ready to go back to the room. Unfortunately, I know if I wait much longer, Vanessa will come find me.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnNsWzacNc
"Kat?" I hear Sophie's voice echo through the bathroom.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFCdnI042GX
"Yeah, Soph?" I almost didn't respond, but she obviously knows I'm in here.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj1ojO0oHx9
"You coming? We are all riding together." Her voice is soft and sweet, just like her. Instantly, I feel relaxed and ready to spend time with my new friends. 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTXvqH8K7c
"Yeah, just a second." I flush the toilet to make it seem like I wasn't just a weirdo sitting in here. 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1RwNjTaC2
I make my way to wash my hands because it's a public bathroom and it's disgusting not to after touching anything in here. 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFAOnzrq99
"Are you okay?" She seems concerned and I wonder if Ness sent her to check on me. 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmkc0Jp0Zq
"Of course. Let's go." I don't need her to be worried about me. I will be fine. I'm just being a stupid girl. 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡinADvPospd
I throw the paper towel into the garbage can as I turn to leave, but Sophie stops me by placing her hand on my arm. "Hey, listen, I know it's tough, but I'm really glad you are coming."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4tw0OfBuLH
I love her to death, but I am so sick of everyone treating me this way. I just want to be normal, but everyone seems to be worried I'm about to break. 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQiEl9mX8Ib
Yes, he's a jerk, but seriously it's not that big of a deal. 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9VH82OOLbQ
Yeah, keep telling yourself that. Maybe someday you will actually believe it.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZviWAQ5M5r
"I'm good. Really." I try to give her my most convincing smile as we finally make it out the door.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡop1mB4WCfw
Traffic was slow, but we finally made it to the stupid Valentine's Day party at Nate's. The house is overflowing with people holding plastic red cups and couples making out everywhere. I can already tell I'm going to hate this.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIXggfYVJcQ
I spot him, across the room sitting at the kitchen table. Surprisingly, he's alone, engrossed in his phone.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVLzJqsWfK
Yeah, like that's going to last. Cue the blonde bimbo who's probably on her way back from the bathroom right now.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xKOkoUFW9
I sit on the couch with Sophie and Vanessa, as Nate hands us each a drink and squeezes next to my best friend. 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxsv4H2c2kE
As Luke walks in, he only has eyes for Sophie. He leans down to kiss her in greeting and I suddenly feel awkward sitting there. 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Yl3XHL0jG
"Here, sit here." I stand, gesturing to my seat. 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ747omDcE5U
"Oh no, Kat. Don't worry about it." He's so nice, but I honestly don't want to sit there anymore.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnBd0lIJnC
"Please, I insist. It is Valentine's Day after all." I smile as I step away. 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6IquuvUzaI
"Okay..." He hesitates, but only for a moment. 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQJMKHrkY2
I move to the love seat to sit alone. How pathetic am I? 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVR64NcE5fW
"Hello, my lady." I feel the seat move next to me. I look up to find Kai, smirking. 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhfXyh3E87
"Hey Kai!" I lean in to hug him as we continue to make small talk. As happy as I am to see the blockhead, I find myself longing to spend my time with someone else.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡobMjz9n8MJ
I look over at him, out of habit. I try not to watch him, but for some reason my eyes always find him. 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9XVL5IZBw6
Because I'm a stupid girl.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx7NZp9Elg8
Our eyes meet, for just a second and I feel the air rush from my lungs.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkPwbsiT4wA
Wait... was he just staring at me? No way, he must have just happened to look up at the exact wrong time.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpy2LfN7RMW
I totally didn't notice that he's still sitting by himself. Nope, I didn't notice that at all.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5UvOGymLhp
I head to the bathroom, annoyed with my unusually small bladder. I barely drank anything. I try to mentally count the cups. 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPzUT2fpSb
Okay... so maybe I drank more than I realized. Oops. What would Dad say?791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6R1RCa63M
Nope, not going down that mental path...791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCykWn9PWLR
When I return to my seat, I find it's taken. Kai looks at me apologetically. "Katarina, this is Barbie." 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHYcl7vMImG
"Oh! The girlfriend. It's so nice to finally meet you." I reach out to shake her hand, but she just grimaces at me like I might give her a disease.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPwhXbPx9wW
"And who are you, exactly?" I'm not sure how to answer her... But the disdain in her eyes says she doesn't really care anyway. 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzL03bVNsZV
"It's Kat. And my best friend is dating Kai's roommate." I guess that's who I am? Hopefully it's good enough.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgtZHVPD311
"Babe, your kinda in Kat's seat." Her face falls slightly. Oh god, now I feel awkward. 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3EjT2zcN0Z
"Oh no, don't worry about it. It's all yours." I back away, hoping she doesn't see me as a threat.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmVMKTaLfx
"Yeah, well I am his girlfriend, after all." I can't say I disagree with her, but it's still shocking she said it out loud. 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRHUF51n3Q
"Of course." I mumble, as I walk away from her hateful gaze. I understand why not even Luke or Sophie can stand her. What on earth does Kai see in her?791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGT7yMEOK4Z
Well, there goes all my friends, lost in the daze of their significant others... I need to get out of here. 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs0RFqAnn5W
But where can I go?791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcK6jgv6JFZ
I find my feet leading me to a familiar room. I open the door slightly.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVE9dH2tvX
"Hello?" No answer. 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvIx3ueGcmM
I don't even bother to turn on the light as I crash into the bed. 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjluP0dPyth
Thank God. Alone at last.
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