Kat739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8x8Rg7hMYt
739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFlPT16U0S
February 14, 2005
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2 weeks later
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739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63IyT17LEF
"Do I really have to go?" I plead with my best friend, hoping to stay in tonight. 739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRiVDUzqeH
"Yes." She gives me a "don't question me" look that I'm sure she will use on her children someday. 739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ297NMn8sAH
"But... will he be there?" She knows exactly who I'm talking about. 739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdUrmUb90xO
"Oh, I don't know... Probably not?" I can sense her hesitation.739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLZ48UwDFw
"You are a terrible liar." I roll my eyes as I continue getting ready.739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeGlCizh4bO
"Listen, just don't think about that jackass tonight. Have fun with me!" She grabs onto my arm, bouncing with excitement.739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡriYgA8BTNS
"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." 739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPf5Q3s4Y1
"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. 739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIfFj2ZroF4
"Crap... He is totally going to be there." I figured he would be, but knowing everyone else would be there only cemented it.739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ67Ag1uBEVa
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. 739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6x0mU29Rop
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.739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXDO2GiQR1
This is so not what I need tonight.739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnGlZWBRZ7
"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. 739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRkmOPCMBN
"Ness... what are you talking about?" I'm not actually sure I want to know. 739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdxflg33xj
"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.739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGjrNx4QbPb
"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.739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTz7pkylzlJ
She scoffs, sitting next to me. "Come on, Katie-bug... Even you aren't that dense."739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJriYXSU0e4
I just stare at her, completely confused.739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKfO2DOnGpO
"Ugh... Seriously? He thinks you are hot and he wants some of that." She gestures towards me. 739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6pj929pYG
"What?!? Jeez, did you really have to put it like that?" I can feel my face burning from embarrassment. 739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23YTUknH1h
"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." 739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKQsmq8nAR
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.739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNlkhjsiu8T
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.739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWWnJVuoP4
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.739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBJGKk6l3i
"Fuck! That fucking hurt you fucking bitch!" She hops back up on the bed, punching me in the arm before joining in my laughter. 739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnwEU31w9TS
"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!" 739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd69x8DnsiN
"Well, at least you got the rug burn a different way this time." I smirk, proud of my quick wit.739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQ1FBtwV0l
"Ah! You skank!" She throws her pillow directly at my face. Even though it's soft, it still stings.739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLiO8kWm9ei
"Pretty sure, I'm not the skank in this room, whore!" I throw the pillow back, but miss. 739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡepAVq0Frcz
"Pretty sure Ben would disagree!" The proud look on her face immediately vanishes. I feel like I've been punched in the stomach.739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYs1M6wDlz
"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. 739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YyEqaNqqF
"Don't worry about it." I run out the door, into the safety of a bathroom stall. 739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xcyYVwzPh
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.739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMlaC1FlkT
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.739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsyXEjbxuqr
"Kat?" I hear Sophie's voice echo through the bathroom.739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmrl3ACzjk
"Yeah, Soph?" I almost didn't respond, but she obviously knows I'm in here.739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9RPtcV1qLi
"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. 739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMVVj7AsN6
"Yeah, just a second." I flush the toilet to make it seem like I wasn't just a weirdo sitting in here. 739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8vde3AU3y
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. 739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡihsyPnquzw
"Are you okay?" She seems concerned and I wonder if Ness sent her to check on me. 739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoiMPOaxwKY
"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. 739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡetVLygmmby
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."739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOoIaJ6u3VB
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. 739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRACWteEu7Q
Yes, he's a jerk, but seriously it's not that big of a deal. 739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmaDxk2eIJR
Yeah, keep telling yourself that. Maybe someday you will actually believe it.739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdOJpXSutO
"I'm good. Really." I try to give her my most convincing smile as we finally make it out the door.739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFChBoyGM8h
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.739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoaxBz9Bag5
I spot him, across the room sitting at the kitchen table. Surprisingly, he's alone, engrossed in his phone.739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMievjFeOSW
Yeah, like that's going to last. Cue the blonde bimbo who's probably on her way back from the bathroom right now.739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDTU1JMYo6r
I sit on the couch with Sophie and Vanessa, as Nate hands us each a drink and squeezes next to my best friend. 739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ELunkXirQ
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. 739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡedv6CCIUoU
"Here, sit here." I stand, gesturing to my seat. 739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1lQrEdikJG
"Oh no, Kat. Don't worry about it." He's so nice, but I honestly don't want to sit there anymore.739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡocTqAEuyli
"Please, I insist. It is Valentine's Day after all." I smile as I step away. 739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdYVZ8UzowC
"Okay..." He hesitates, but only for a moment. 739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWh4cuPkxJ9
I move to the love seat to sit alone. How pathetic am I? 739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwAdsqX6UM3
"Hello, my lady." I feel the seat move next to me. I look up to find Kai, smirking. 739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnEuTki8d4
"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.739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopCKQ5bkyI
I look over at him, out of habit. I try not to watch him, but for some reason my eyes always find him. 739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7uFXN2MvOy
Because I'm a stupid girl.739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG2LNFmncZG
Our eyes meet, for just a second and I feel the air rush from my lungs.739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVbZ1nPQBa
Wait... was he just staring at me? No way, he must have just happened to look up at the exact wrong time.739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfKzOKnJLtL
I totally didn't notice that he's still sitting by himself. Nope, I didn't notice that at all.739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj0vuG330kI
I head to the bathroom, annoyed with my unusually small bladder. I barely drank anything. I try to mentally count the cups. 739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKI0RKYtub
Okay... so maybe I drank more than I realized. Oops. What would Dad say?739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBtCOtuh6iG
Nope, not going down that mental path...739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXeUt5he5l5
When I return to my seat, I find it's taken. Kai looks at me apologetically. "Katarina, this is Barbie." 739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8LiKnhGm2N
"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.739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgVMsnQApw
"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. 739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyEMpoB9efd
"It's Kat. And my best friend is dating Kai's roommate." I guess that's who I am? Hopefully it's good enough.739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3fyXhRLZd
"Babe, your kinda in Kat's seat." Her face falls slightly. Oh god, now I feel awkward. 739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLuWQb4whTE
"Oh no, don't worry about it. It's all yours." I back away, hoping she doesn't see me as a threat.739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelBA1Gwn4I
"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. 739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJoOfmddC8k
"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?739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJqtxWTTbp
Well, there goes all my friends, lost in the daze of their significant others... I need to get out of here. 739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38l4NcYvlH
But where can I go?739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3HU5VuIOzT
I find my feet leading me to a familiar room. I open the door slightly.739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnCq7vj3dH
"Hello?" No answer. 739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWUq0O2IiOb
I don't even bother to turn on the light as I crash into the bed. 739Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8t3JB8fNL
Thank God. Alone at last.
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