How I Met the Cat

"Train we're here."

"Mmm-mmm..." Train groaned as he stretched himself awake. "That was a good nap," he said cheerily.

"Lazy cat," Eve commented in the backseat. "Hey, unlike you I take my sleep seriously," Train retorted, pouting at the girl's judgement. He glanced outside his car window. "Where are we Sven?"

Sven looked at him, exasperated with Train's carefree attitude. "For the third time, we're in Houston, Texas. Our latest target seems to be heading somewhere downtown."

"Yes!" Train cheered in delight at this. "What are you so happy about?" Sven asked. "We're in Texas! I'm gonna buy some fresh milk first thing." Both Eve and Sven sweat dropped. "Train," Sven started slowly. "Didn't you just look outside the window? We're in the middle of Downtown Houston. There isn't a cow around here for a good thirty miles." He turned back to focus more on driving. "If there's anything special about this place, it's its crime rates. Half the homicides in the U.S. Come from around Houston."

Train, now fully aware of what was going on, had a thoughtful expression on his face. "Well then, this will certainly be an interesting visit, won't it?"

The Next Day, About 10 Miles Away

"Awww, come on Luna. Can't you take me with you this once?" Ryan whined.

"For the last time, Ryan," I called passed the closet door. "I'm leaving you at Nathan's place while I'm at work today. Got it? It's too dangerous for you around that part of the city. You know that." I said as I changed into my work uniform. "Besides, the manager doesn't like it when I take you with me. You cause too much trouble in the kitchen."

"I only made one small explosion!" he protested. "How was I supposed to know that was cooking wine? It looked just like the balsamic vinegar bottle." "The sprinkler system soaked everything! It took me a full week to dry all the carpets 'cuz of you." He was quiet for a minute, thinking of something else he could use to try and convince me. "Then...I can stay in the customer area," he said. "The customers love me there."

I opened the door of the closet and stepped out in my cook's outfit. I was trying to check my jet-black hair in the mirror when my brother side-stepped in front of me, blocking my view. He got on his knees and put his hands together as he begged, "Please take me with you? Nathan's apartment stinks! At least have some mercy on my nose, Sis. PLEEAASE." I sighed as I straightened the ribbon at the end of my braid. "Really, it's hard to believe you're sixteen the way you're acting." Though, he was right about the neighbor's apartment stinking...

I looked down at him. "What's so great about going with me anyway? Papa's isn't exactly the funnest place on Earth." "It's better than staying next door," he answered. "And, wouldn't – " He stopped before finishing his sentence with a guilty look on his face. "Wouldn't...wouldn't Mom and Dad want us to stick together, too?" I stiffened at that. His trump card. We both knew I would cave whenever he mentioned our parents. Finally I gave in. "Okay...you can come with me," I said. He smiled, though he still looked a little guilty for what he said."Thanks, Sis." I ruffled his hair to lighten the mood. "Don't worry 'bout it. You're right; Mom and Dad would want me to take you." Then I grabbed my keys from off the side table and headed for the door. "Now come on. I'm gonna be late if we don't hurry up."

Ryan grabbed his duffel backpack, and we hurried down the stairwell of our our apartment building. Ryan and I lived on the third floor, so we reached the parking lot pretty quickly. Ryan took shotgun while I got into the driver's seat. We pulled the sun visor out from behind the windshield and tossed in the back. Then I started the engine. "Remember. No funny business at work, got it?" "Got it," he replied, smiling. Somehow, his answer wasn't as reassuring as I'd hoped. We drove out of the parking lot and into the busy streets of downtown. I concentrated on navigating past the crowds and lines of parked cars. But thanks to the blessing of side-streets and shortcuts we reached Papa's in a matter of minutes. I checked the clock inside the car. 5:55. Five minutes early. I raised a fist in victory. "New record timing!" I cheered. Ryan smirked when he saw what I meant. "You know what that means," he said. I didn't even need to ask. Our eyes flashed with determination as we stared each other down. "Challenge accepted." I killed the engine and opened my car door. Ryan was already out and tightening the straps of his backpack. We got into our starting positions in front of the car. I started the countdown. "3...," "2...," "1...," "GO!" We both shouted as we raced off in the direction of the back entrance. I jumped over the plastic bags that drifted around, while Ryan dodged the trash people left in the lot. I'd made it a habit to park in the very back of the parking lot whenever Ryan came with me so we could race just like this. And who could blame me? Racing my brother was one of the few things I had to look forward to in my busy schedule since we started living on our own.

We were both in the last stretch of the race, neck and neck, just a few yards from the finish line. I reached my hand out to try and grab for the door handle but at the last second, Ryan gave a last burst of speed, and..."I win!" He was grinning triumphantly. I slowed down as I caught up with him, laughing and giddy from the short thrill of the moment. "So that makes 10 wins for me," he counted. "And 12 for me," I finished with crooked smile on my face. "You're catching up Li'l Bro'." "Maybe you're just slowing down," he teased. I laughed at that. Unlike most people, I could take a joke at my expense. Plus, I was glad to see him this happy. It'd been hard on both of us since we moved out of our family's house.

I turned around before we went inside. I wanted to double check the parking lot to see how busy it'd be inside today. My spirits dimmed as I saw the rows and rows of cars that filled the parking lot. "Hey Luna, hurry up!" Ryan called behind me. "I can smell Sarah's mud pie from out here." I turned back towards the door. "I'm right behind you," I said, hiding the worry behind a cheery smile. "Let's go." God, it's gonna be a long night, I thought in the back of my head.

I had no idea how right I was.