Kat810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLrzPADQETV
810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9PjAzm8G5
February 14, 2005
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2 weeks later
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810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1msi7YDCCN
"Do I really have to go?" I plead with my best friend, hoping to stay in tonight. 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVI1WxhoML1
"Yes." She gives me a "don't question me" look that I'm sure she will use on her children someday. 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4Y1xxKh61
"But... will he be there?" She knows exactly who I'm talking about. 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNX7sy8ECMR
"Oh, I don't know... Probably not?" I can sense her hesitation.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ48IZci8iaw
"You are a terrible liar." I roll my eyes as I continue getting ready.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFfMJz65MB
"Listen, just don't think about that jackass tonight. Have fun with me!" She grabs onto my arm, bouncing with excitement.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ42EZMkQoKf
"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." 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLIJ2bqg86g
"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. 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFCm00pCuCN
"Crap... He is totally going to be there." I figured he would be, but knowing everyone else would be there only cemented it.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgupbPlRAPx
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. 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0UtXlGGGS
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.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCY7h0sIdAG
This is so not what I need tonight.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkr7zzEV2Uk
"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. 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmuWvmY0Sg0
"Ness... what are you talking about?" I'm not actually sure I want to know. 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbYjErAvhbo
"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.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6TOZOgLrd
"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.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡol7Fs0Zixl
She scoffs, sitting next to me. "Come on, Katie-bug... Even you aren't that dense."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBDDqPoAtd
I just stare at her, completely confused.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkwqeMTgLZe
"Ugh... Seriously? He thinks you are hot and he wants some of that." She gestures towards me. 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡah4lBcUKRs
"What?!? Jeez, did you really have to put it like that?" I can feel my face burning from embarrassment. 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEapw5MhV69
"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." 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡljlZXoUtlU
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.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0zM7jfPp6n
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.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhvRDjgR22l
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.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlS6Hj90ELx
"Fuck! That fucking hurt you fucking bitch!" She hops back up on the bed, punching me in the arm before joining in my laughter. 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqoLbEmgte2
"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!" 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVTWeafI0i
"Well, at least you got the rug burn a different way this time." I smirk, proud of my quick wit.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegZ72nF55o
"Ah! You skank!" She throws her pillow directly at my face. Even though it's soft, it still stings.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡExI3KCnoi4
"Pretty sure, I'm not the skank in this room, whore!" I throw the pillow back, but miss. 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr0LqBfzlzw
"Pretty sure Ben would disagree!" The proud look on her face immediately vanishes. I feel like I've been punched in the stomach.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOyuUCQ5ZNM
"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. 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVLAkNq0jIE
"Don't worry about it." I run out the door, into the safety of a bathroom stall. 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgyYqBMAQFC
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.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVTnZin96d
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.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPtcYxo4nr
"Kat?" I hear Sophie's voice echo through the bathroom.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJEBYfKiLDh
"Yeah, Soph?" I almost didn't respond, but she obviously knows I'm in here.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJwRe7buHl
"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. 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzvZbFTpld
"Yeah, just a second." I flush the toilet to make it seem like I wasn't just a weirdo sitting in here. 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fTTE7imP9
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. 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2bsJng5rwg
"Are you okay?" She seems concerned and I wonder if Ness sent her to check on me. 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjusSlYzgLz
"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. 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnPxAprOe0p
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."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSIiXNrUD8N
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. 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBptnTgEBX
Yes, he's a jerk, but seriously it's not that big of a deal. 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYzyRYC2PU
Yeah, keep telling yourself that. Maybe someday you will actually believe it.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3lqhZlW9V
"I'm good. Really." I try to give her my most convincing smile as we finally make it out the door.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajD4LEMJ45
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.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSKGuAgGAQ
I spot him, across the room sitting at the kitchen table. Surprisingly, he's alone, engrossed in his phone.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3mtf4A3Ug0
Yeah, like that's going to last. Cue the blonde bimbo who's probably on her way back from the bathroom right now.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2LNlg5XCh9
I sit on the couch with Sophie and Vanessa, as Nate hands us each a drink and squeezes next to my best friend. 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIYj5fm1XKN
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. 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡilefSkVjLS
"Here, sit here." I stand, gesturing to my seat. 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhCFv8Wn1c9
"Oh no, Kat. Don't worry about it." He's so nice, but I honestly don't want to sit there anymore.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXn73gfuEdp
"Please, I insist. It is Valentine's Day after all." I smile as I step away. 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNv3vdQ5TN
"Okay..." He hesitates, but only for a moment. 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqIuFWmo0Et
I move to the love seat to sit alone. How pathetic am I? 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7t8sbVRxB
"Hello, my lady." I feel the seat move next to me. I look up to find Kai, smirking. 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFIoIIQgeTY
"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.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNZBEGXsf9
I look over at him, out of habit. I try not to watch him, but for some reason my eyes always find him. 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWMqxnhc3LP
Because I'm a stupid girl.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5BAylsmPu
Our eyes meet, for just a second and I feel the air rush from my lungs.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7zlxRFni1
Wait... was he just staring at me? No way, he must have just happened to look up at the exact wrong time.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTpeUAHwn6
I totally didn't notice that he's still sitting by himself. Nope, I didn't notice that at all.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Wy3oyehNB
I head to the bathroom, annoyed with my unusually small bladder. I barely drank anything. I try to mentally count the cups. 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡswCVy1Wt7I
Okay... so maybe I drank more than I realized. Oops. What would Dad say?810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrKiG66usf
Nope, not going down that mental path...810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXPLIGqME7X
When I return to my seat, I find it's taken. Kai looks at me apologetically. "Katarina, this is Barbie." 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOeptWQE9me
"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.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGtDkHHE74
"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. 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPC4fjMkcyk
"It's Kat. And my best friend is dating Kai's roommate." I guess that's who I am? Hopefully it's good enough.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILCUk1xcRp
"Babe, your kinda in Kat's seat." Her face falls slightly. Oh god, now I feel awkward. 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDArPV1WZq
"Oh no, don't worry about it. It's all yours." I back away, hoping she doesn't see me as a threat.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAT1WZ4OXxD
"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. 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjs64KsiJ6
"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?810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnOt6IdwtA6
Well, there goes all my friends, lost in the daze of their significant others... I need to get out of here. 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHYks0z5Ord
But where can I go?810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gWoH86Ge3
I find my feet leading me to a familiar room. I open the door slightly.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ422kQw5JrD
"Hello?" No answer. 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6jmnUbCTO5
I don't even bother to turn on the light as I crash into the bed. 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡux1zUUdRTw
Thank God. Alone at last.
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