Robbie stormed into the school, angrily arguing with his puppet. He froze when he saw Cat standing at her locker. No one else noticed it, but Robbie could tell something was wrong. She was moving slower than usual, and she was wearing wide sunglasses inside. Cat never did that. She always liked to see the world for what it was. She didn't like the sun in her eyes, though, so sometimes she did where them outside. Robbie dropped Rex, not bothering to feign his moans, and rushed to her side.
"Cat… Are you okay?" he asked softly. She said nothing, only shook her head and took off her glasses. Her left eye was black and blue. Robbie's throat hitched. "Cat, you're hurt.". Suddenly she crumbled into his arms. Tears flowed down her cheeks, and he held her tight, stroking her hair gently. "Its okay. Its okay" he whispered over and over. A few minutes later she pulled away and started to talk.
"I-I-it's my step- dad. H-he got drunk last night, and hit me. He told me I was an ugly stupid…" she whispered the last word in his ear: Bitch. "He hit me in the face, and c-cut me with his steak knife." She rolled up her sleeve to reveal a large scab. "He hasn't hurt me like this before. He just drank…. Robbie I'm scared." She looked up into his eyes and he looked into hers.
"Cat.. I.. I .. can't stand to see you like this. You deserve so much better that that. You're smart and beautiful and nice, and you always have something nice to say. Never let anyone tell you otherwise. I just wish I could stop him. I wish I could take you away from that place." Robbie sighed, and continued, "Don't be afraid. You will always have me. I promise you that. I'll always be your best friend." She rested her head on his shoulder and cried until the bell rang. She reached for her glasses, but Robbie was faster. "You don't need to hide. You are surrounded by friends who love and care for you. They'll understand."
Several Weeks Later
Robbie was sound asleep when his phone rang.
"Hello?" he slurred.
"Robbie, its Cat. I'm scared. I ran away. My step- dad threw a dart at my arm. It missed, but I think he is really going to hurt me. Help." Robbie was on his feet and getting dressed.
"Cat, where are you?" he asked.
"The asphalt café" Robbie was quiet, so he wouldn't wake his parents. He ran out to his car and drove to H.A. as fast as he could. He grabbed the shivering red- head and put her in the passenger seat.
"Its okay, Cat. I'm here. I'm always here." he spoke the same words of comfort as he drove her to his house. He made up the pull out couch and she took it gladly.
"Thank you, for everything", Cat smiled weakly.
"Anytime." Robbie answered and began to walk back to his room to get some sleep.
"Robbie?" Cat called.
"Yes?"
"Am I beautiful?" she asked.
"Of course you are. And you're funny and smart and playful and… when you smile the stars shine just a little brighter" He replied. As he left he could hear a barely audible whisper.
"I love you, too"