Cather Carries On… 03
Cath pressed the button labelled "Ground Floor." Her heart was thumping aggressively inside her rib cage like a caged lion, hungry. She was so worried about hurting Levi, if Abel took things too far…
She switched herself back on, wiped her mind clear of worries and walked to the canteen. The canteen was mildly busy – people were chatting to their friends over a cup of tea or coffee – probably full of good news to tell… And there was Abel. Sat alone, his eyes alive and bright, scanning the room, eventually locking on hers. Cath couldn't face any awkwardness so she tagged on the end of the line and pulled her phone out. She glanced up over the top of the screen. Abel continued to stare at her. Cath never responded. After about five minutes she had to face her fears. Walking towards him, with a tray carrying two mugs of steaming coffee was Cath, blushing from his intense stare. She sat down.
"Hey Cath."
"Hi."
"How are you?" He gave a shy smile.
"Great. Um, how are you?" This was getting more awkward by the second.
"I guess I'm better. Listen, I actually wanted this to be a meal, so I um… What d'you want?"
"I guess soup would be good." Why was she being so cold? Just because she was taken didn't mean she had to be rude. "Please." Abel chuckled.
"There's my Cather." My Cather?! Who did he think he was?! Maybe Cath needed to be rude to teach this guy a lesson. He walked off, giving her time to think over what she was going to say next. This needed to be good. By the time Abel was back, she knew what she was going to say. This was going to be harsh. It needed to be.
"Abel?"
"I know what you're thinking… I'm being very… How do I put this? Forward? But I really think this can work. I mean, us." This was Cath's chance. She filled with hot, bubbling rage – she was a volcano of fury…
"Abel. You better listen and listen good-"
"I know things are moving fast-"
"Hear me out!" Cath shrieked. A few heads had turned. She waited for people to look away. "You come out of nowhere, newly dumped – try to turn things around with you ex – namely me! And then you apologise for being so forward!" Cath spoke in a low, dangerous mutter. Abel was looking bewildered. "I wish I could say this in a nicer way but I have a boyfriend and we're very happy so don't you try and tear things apart just because you're already broken!" She was crying now. Black streaks painted her cheeks, slowly, making her face appear pale and ghostly. "There was a time when we were good together. That time was long ago."
"Cath," Abel coaxed, his voice soft. "Cath, I didn't know about your boyfriend… Oh God, I've made a mistake," Abel looked down at his meal, untouched. "I don't think you know what I've done…"
"What is it?" Cath glanced up, drying her eyes with a napkin.
"I'm moving to your college. And staying in your campus. This campus."
Cath went to bed hungry.