Chapter 2

Knock, Knock, Knock!

My entire body is shaking.. Why am I so nervous?! I mean, it's only-

"Robbiee!" yelled a very energetic Cat.

"Well, hello there!" I said in the goofiest voice I could make.

"Come in!" she said.

I walked awkwardly into the room and sat on her couch.

"Hey, Cat?"

"Mhhm?" she asked, bouncing up and down as she spoke.

"Can I ask you something?"

"Yeah! Of course, Robbie!" she said, still very energetic.

"Uh, can we not do this here though?"

Cat's mood seemed to dampen a little.

"Robbie, what's wrong?" she asked. "Did I do something?"

I stood from the couch and rushed to her, gently placing my arms around her. I looked at her. Her beautiful face was makeup-less. Yet she still looked stunning.

"No, no, Cat, it's not you! I'm fine, I promise!"

Her face brightened to normal. I expected her to pull away and start bouncing again.

But she didn't. She stood there with me. My arms wrapped around her petite body.

"Where should we go?" she asked, her voice delicate.

"Anywhere quiet." I replied. It felt so good to have Cat in my arms.

"Come on, we can talk in my room." She pulled away from the hug and took my hand, dragging me up the stairs.

Up, up, up.

And in a moment, we were inside her bedroom.

"So, what's up Robbie?" she asked.

I looked her up and down, taking in everything about the moment. She was wearing dark purple sweats, a baggy white shirt hanging on only one shoulder. Her hair was down, and pin straight, the way I like it. She didn't have to be wearing skin-tight jeans or a flashy shirt to be beautiful. She's perfect being herself.

"I don't wanna be like those cheesy romance books and movies where they take forever to get their point across so… Cat, I've been thinking a lot and when I think of you.. what I feel is so much more than just a crush. It's love, Cat. I love you, and I want to be with you."

Cat looked stunned.. Her eyes welled up with tears.

Oh my God.. What did I just do?

"Robbie.. I didn't know you felt that way" she started.

So many tears fell from her eyes. I was going to back away, but before I could go anywhere, she touched my arm.

"I didn't know how to tell you before. I figured you could see it in my eyes when you talked to me or-or told me a joke.. The day you sang the song to me.. You didn't notice.. You never did. I thought, 'Maybe he doesn't feel the same way. That's why he hasn't noticed.' I almost gave up trying. But now.." she cried.

I wrapped my arms around her again.

She spoke softly, but clearly.

"I love you too, Robbie."

I let go of her slowly and kissed her gently on the forehead. I took her hand from her, and knelt to the ground.

"Caterina Valentine?" I said.

Her name is so beautiful. It fits her perfectly. It's soft, subtle. Just like her.

"Yes, Robbie?" she replied.

"Will you be my girlfriend?"

There was a pause.

"Of course I will." She smiled.

I stood, grabbing her once more. I lifted her in my arms and spun her around, kissing her as we moved.

That couldn't have gone more perfectly.