Chapter 1: Morning
Catherine hobbled into the brick building. She wouldn't truly say anything, but waking up at six-thirty every morning took its toll on her. She was sleepy, just like every teenager. What was worse, she knew she wouldn't get any relief at any point of the day, whether it's from her oblivious gym teacher first hour or her air-head biology last hour. Why? Oh, because damnéd Cain Hargreaves had to be there along with her. That junior class, student-aid, smart, sexy, drop-dead gorgeous boy named Cain Christopher Hargreaves who just loved to tease her.
"Oh, there you are, Catherine; good morning." That voice, that tongue that was one of the few to call her by that name, purred in her ear. She spun on her heels, trying to still her racing heart, as the boy of her demise slid down the staircase railing.
So what good thing about Cain that stalled her from killing him? The boy was her boyfriend.
"Hello Cain." She was tired and she expected him to know that by now, so she didn't regret the venom in her voice.
"Now, now, what is with this sour attitude of yours?" The question was joking, much like all he said, though Catherine still glared with hard eyes.
"I'm tired. Bite me." She opened her locker, not truly pushing the thought of smashing the door against her head to the back of her mind. Where and how hard? Rushed through her mind and she could just guess that's what Cain was thinking.
"Cain, I think Catherine is tired. Why not let her be?" A small smile of relief came from the kind voice of her favorite teacher's aid, Mr. Riff Raffit – perhaps the only adult she could truly stand. Not to mention her College Freshman sister's boyfriend. It was funny how roundabout things were.
"Morning, Mr. Raffit." The gratitude echoed in her tin box. She could almost feel Cain's annoyance and for that small fact, her gratitude was sort of one up-ed.
"And why are we thanking cute and adorably shy Mr. Raffit?" The boyish-nasally voice came forward rather quickly and Catherine pulled away from her locker, smiling at the untamed hair of her new-year friend, Abby.
Her friend and boyfriend met eyes and Abby's own smile turned cynical. "Hello Brat. Tell me; didn't your parents let you out of the basement already? You look like a train wreck." Cain's glare narrowed, but Abby made nothing of it. She turned her attention to her friend. "Ohayo, Neko-chan."
"Ohayo, Abby-chan." Catherine kept her eye on Cain, seeing him step closer and closer to her friend. Catherine flared her nostrils, elbowing him in the stomach. She turned her head to him slightly. A subtle gesture that meant 'BEHAVE'
"Sorry to be so rude, but I do believe you three have class. Maybe we should part now, yes?" Catherine sent the College student a thankful smile and pulled Cain along. Having Cain and Abby in the same building was risky enough. Having them within feet of each other was risky more.
"Oh, that wasn't very nice." Cain stomped before their class, effectively stopping his girlfriend's dragging. Catherine turned and saw him having that look; A damnéd pout. Cain leaned in close and Catherine felt her heart go – what was the word Abby taught her? – Doki-Doki. "Just because of that, I don't think I'll be good for you in English. Maybe I'll upset Ms. Bylut today with Rush. Or maybe I'll tip off Ms. Rush." The voice purred and Catherine bit her lip.
She wanted to say something – truly, she did – scold him for being so selfish and childish – bratty, in Abby's words – she wanted to say something! But that voice just wouldn't let hers come out.
The warning bell rang and Catherine blushed pink. She made to enter the classroom, but with that step forward came a step back. Cain's arm had wound itself 'round her own waist, lips quickly planted firmly against her own. She groaned, rather than her usual moan – which was bad enough, especially in public.
Cain pulled away as the Novocain took its effect. "I'll see you later, Princess." And he entered, leaving her behind.
The magic spell broke and Catherine breathed as her eyes un-clouded to look at the clearing hallway. "DAMMIT CAIN!" She hurried into the classroom just as the bell rung.
