"Places everyone…" Sikowitz called out. There was a flurry of movement.
This is it. The scene in which I die.
By arrow from Beck/Achilles.
With Cat cradling me. Bawling her eyes out. And all the others looking on.
Then Cat's going to order Andre to kill Beck. And he succeeds.
Pretty bloody for one scene. I can't wait for Cat to yell "Kill him!"
That's going to be awesome. It's so unlike her. She wouldn't hurt a fly.
Yeah she would…she's knocked Colton out with a frying pan, slapped me and causing me to bleed. She's accidentally/ on purpose knifed Michael. And has hit everyone else short of Jade.
Turns out, life with Cat Valentine is hazardous to your health.
"Action!" Sikowitz yelled.
"Ready the infantry!" Beck yelled to the men gathered behind him.
"Charge!"
I methodically sliced thru all of Beck men, not getting sliced myself. There were about 6 men in total.
After the last one, I saw Beck get out his own sword.
"I've been waiting for this ever since you brought that woman onto my boat." He growled.
Quickly, we were at each other's throats.
"I knew that your actions would bring us to war…but to betray your COUNTRY! For a woman! How dare you!"
"Oh shut up Achilles. You had to cheat to even get in the walls. You know you can't win." I snipped as our swords flashed, trying to knock each other away.\
For a brief moment it looks like Beck has me pinned, but I finally knock his sword out and kick him hard in the chest, sending him flying.
I quickly scramble towards the discarded sword. I meet no resistance. I quickly snatch it up and turn to Beck.
He's got his bow. Ready to fire.
Thud.
The arrow, tip covered with a plastic ball hits me in the chest and flies off.
I fall onto the ground in a heap, dropping both swords. The best way to describe it is like I was actually shot.
Now that's acting people.
"NOOOO!" Cat yelled maniacally from the balcony above.
"Kill him!" She shrieked, pointing at Beck. Andre quickly came out, and chased Beck away.
"NO,nononono…can you hear me?" Cat said quickly, after running to me.
"I can…I'm sorry Helen."
"No. Don't say sorry…I'm sorry I got you into this mess. We should have just ran away. Can you get up?" She asked quietly, grabbing my hand.
Her hand is actually shaking. This is why I love her acting, but worry about her.
"No…I can't." I said, looking at her.
"You can't die! No! You can make it!" Cat cried out, moving towards my "injury".
"Make sure Achilles pays for what he's done. Ok?"
All Cat did was sob, and she dove on top of me. I relished the moment before I put my head on the floor with a thud.
The lights dimmed and we quickly scurried off the stage to make way for Beck to die. I'm kind of relishing this in a weird way. You killed my guy, you should die too!
The lights got bright again and I stood off stage, next to Cat. She was wiping her eyes and looking out of sorts.
"You murderer!" Andre yelled.
"You ok Cat?' I asked in a quiet voice.
She looked up at me, eyes slightly bloodshot. Then she shook her head.
I quickly hugged her. "It's ok. I'm fine…I'm fine."
She seemed relieved, but her hands were still shaking. She slowly gave into my hug, and during the whole fight scene between Beck and Andre, she was turned away, hugging me. Still shaking.
I looked to Jade, who had a concerned look as Cat still clung to me. She then looked at me with a questioning look. I tried to say 'I don't know…' by barely shrugging my shoulders, but I don't think she noticed.
Suddenly, on stage, Andre's men surrounded Beck. Beck yelled something and then bang. Arrow in his Achilles, then heart, neck, heart, Beck down. End scene. Curtains.
"Ok everyone! That was very very good. A few minor tweaks, but overall very solid. Come back here on Wednesday and we'll get ready for the debut next Monday." Sikowitz said.
Wait…it starts on Monday? Wow. That means that the next Wednesday is Cat's recording session. Can't wait for that. With her kind of flitting around, hopefully that will help her out. Plus she's an amazing singer. Can't wait to see her musical creativity with like the live instruments and stuff. It's a really nice idea, and I can't wait to see what she's thinking of.
I grabbed my stuff and checked my phone.
2 new messages.
"She looks ready to faint. It looked like she was shaking." –Jade
She was. She texted me this weekend and she said she missed me. I was only gone for like 48 hours. IDK what is up with her. She's going to come over today and I'll talk to her.
"You still on for today (hopeful face)" –Cat
You know it sunshine. :)
"Sounds good. She was shaking? Good grief, something is wrong. We need to find out. If she doesn't talk, I'll meet her at her place and try to get info from her a la Michael style." –Jade
Going way back…
"Yayayayay! When can I come?" –Cat
Now if you want.
I drove, softly playing some music that I didn't recognize. Suddenly, I had a view full of a Cadillac Escalade that pulled in front of me. It led me straight to my house.
I was laughing the whole time. She can't see me because my car doesn't reach the minimum height for her to pick it up in her mirrors. I just have to be really careful.
I noticed that Cat was very eager to get there, judged by her hitting the gas as soon as she could. I really need to figure out what is bugging her.
"Wow, you're right. That is going way back." –Jade
I glanced at her message and smiled as I pulled beside Cat and hopped out.
"You followed me?" She asked, going pink in the face and sounding pleasantly surprised.
"It was hard not to, you pulled out in front of me."
"Oh." She said, mainly to herself I think. She went the same pink as her walls and looked away.
Why is she blushing and being all shy? She is really out of sorts.
"Want to go inside?" I offered as a cold gust of wind blew by. She shivered and nodded.
I quickly opened the door and Cat scurried to the living room, snatching up the throw blanket I had out and wrapped herself in it.
"So how are you?' I called out, making my way to the kitchen to make some tea, which surely will warm her up.
Before you start going on about me making her tea, I believe every person has the right to be warm, well fed and happy at all times. I'm just holding up my end of the bargain.
"I'm ok, how was Lizzie?" She called back as I got the water on the stove.
"She was…a two year old. What you expect basically." I sighed.
It was a long weekend. I love her to pieces but she did end up getting on my nerves.
"Oh. Did you enjoy Shamu?" She asked.
That reminds me…
"Just a sec!" I called out to her, dashing to my bedroom. I bought something I thought she would like. Especially after her being all Debbie downer about me being gone.
I came back with a soft Killer whale stuffed animal behind my back. "Close your eyes…"
She did so and I dropped it into her arms before I ran back to make sure the water wasn't boiling over.
I heard a squeal and feverish footsteps toward the kitchen. I barely got the water poured into the cups and the teabags in them when she slammed into a hug.
"" She said quickly, still hugging me behind my back.
I turned around to see her with tears in her eyes and handed her own cup of tea to her.
"Anytime. I just thought you'd like it."
We moved back to the living room where Cat curled back up into the blanket and held her tea close to her.
"So what's been going on with you Cat? Good weekend?"
A streak of guilt flashed across her face and her eyes suddenly filled with tears.
"Cat, I—" I began, then the look disappeared.
"It was ok. Kind of boring." She said sadly.
"Did you really do anything?" I asked, trying to loosen her up.
"Not really…" She looked away.
I know that reaction. She's lying. Straight up lying.
I moved to the side her face was showing and picked her chin up. "Cat…what's wrong."
"Mmm mmhh." She mumbled, eyes at the carpet.
"Can you say that again?' I asked.
"My mom yelled at me again."
She's seeing her family again?
"You WHAT?" I yelled, shocked.
Immediately her face turned into a mask of fear and she ducked into a pillow, and a sob came out.
"Cat? When did you start seeing your family again?" I asked, more curious than anything. My mind is already made up about them. I hate them. Her dad, insane brothers and wacko mother. I hate them all.
"A couple of days after we…" She trailed off, clearly uneasy with the topic.
"I get it." I said calmly.
Broke up.
"Are you mad at me?" She squeaked, looked frightened.
My stomach turned and I felt ready to throw up. I caused her fear. Me.
"No, no sweetheart." I said, cupping my hand on her cheek to get her to look at me. "I just don't understand why you would do that after they basically kicked you out."
"Well, I thought you didn't care about me anymore. That you would start taking your own family away from me. So I played it safe and made up with my parents." She said, sounding defeated.
"Cat…I would never do that. My parents wouldn't let me anyway. They absolutely adore you sweetheart. And I will never ever EVER not care about you. You are the most special girl in the world to me and even if I don't want to sometimes, I still care about you ok?"
She curled herself next to me. "Ok…"
"So are things ok with your parents?" I asked kindly, trying to change the topic of conversation.
"Not really. My dad doesn't seem to care, and my mom is worse than ever."
I am going to lay the smack down on them. Right after Cat leaves.
"Then why are you still going to them?" I asked, bewildered.
"They're my family. I am stuck with them."
"No. No you are not. I don't associate with a lot of my family. As bad as it sounds, you can pick and choose. You aren't required to speak to your parents. I don't speak to most of my uncles and aunts, all they want is my money. You know how I feel about Mamaw. It's up to you sunshine."
Her face suddenly lit up and she scrambled to her feet. "Can I ask you something?"
"Anything. What's up?" I replied with a reassuring smile.
"Why are you calling me sunshine again?"
I am? Oh crap…I did. In the text today…and just now. I'm not supposed to.
"Oh. I'm sorry. I forgot that I'm not supposed to call you that Cat. I'm sorry. Won't happen again."
I feel like I just stabbed myself in the heart. My nickname for her. No longer allowed to be said.
Damn it!
"It's ok. I don't mind or anything. You can say it, I just wondered why you were saying it at all." Cat mumbled, shivering.
I instinctively pull my jacket off and offer it to her. As expected, it looks bigger than she does, but she accepted it and added the blanket on top.
"I…don't know. I really don't sweetie. I just came up with it and it describes you so well…I can't help but use it."
She smiled and laid her head on my thigh and sighed.
"You make everything make sense. Everything that's going on…and you are like the internet."
Huh? That makes no sense.
"Thanks?" I said, unsure of myself.
"No, it's a good thing. I can always go to you for something and you know exactly what to do."
"I'm not that good Cat…I'm wrong some of the time too…"
"But still. You are amazing." She sighed, curling herself fully to me. I could feel her warmth flow to me, and I instinctively relaxed. Soon we had the TV on and spent the next couple of hours just watching TV, enjoying each other's company.
At around 4, she said she had to go home, something important, and I made up some excuse to leave as well, and after a hugful goodbye, I drove like a madman to Cat's parents. Makes sense. I'm a man. And I am very mad.
I park in the street, and stirde my way to her door.
This shouldn't take very long.
"Bang Bang Bang!"
The door opened to Cat's father. He looked happy for about a half a second, then his face became a cloud of worry.
"I need to speak to you. And your wife." I spat, entering the house.
"Follow me son." He said, directing me to the living room, where Cat's demented mother was watching TV.
Jesus I hate this woman.
"What's the matter?" Her mom asked once I had introduced myself.
"Not going to sugarcoat it. It's both of you."
"And why is that?" Cat's father said evenly.
"You messed her up again." I spat.
"Who? Cat?" Cat's mother asked, eyes wide. Looking just like her daughter.
"No, my sister! Of course Cat! She's your only daughter!"
"Robbie…" Cat's father said, an edge to her voice.
"Sorry sir. Anyway. Cat just told me that she's been coming back here for a few months now."
"Yes, after you two broke up." Cat's mom quipped. I gave her a deathly glare.
I'm really trying to keep my temper in check.
"I'm aware. Now that is. What bothered me was that she said you were yelling at her again."
"Yeah, she didn't clean the bathroom correctly!" Cat's mom said forcefully.
"That's it? You know, she doesn't have to come here you know. She could just go live her own life."
"She can't do that." Cat's father interjected.
"Says you." I snap at him.
"I know you hate us Robbie. But facts are facts."
"Yeah! And I couldn't care less about what you think about Cat. You abandoned her."
"Why do you care after all?" Cat's mother asked heatedly.
"Why? I seem to care about her the most out of the three of us here." I told her, striking her inquiry down.
"But you did break up with her." Her father pointed out.
"Yes. I did."
"She was crying for days." Her father told me, face set. For once, looking like it hurt him.
"I did too. It was a bad break up."
"What happened?"
"That's between us. If she didn't tell you, then I sure as hell won't."
"Don't use that language in my house Robbie."
"Ok, fine. I'm just saying that you need to stop yelling at her for useless things. You are damaging her. She's been off for about two weeks now and I finally figured out that you were the problem. Stop hurting her future. If you can't, please step out of the way. Let her sink or swim."
"No." He father said. "I'll treat my daughter how I want."
"Fine." I said, getting to my feet. "I can't make you, and I'm not really surprised to be honest. You don't love her. Why allow her the basic necessity to succeed?"
"I think it's time for you to go son." Mr. Valentine said, escorting me to the door.
"Fine, have a good day." I said darkly, clearing the door and stepping back into the cold wind. The door shut with a sharp snap behind me.
Man, I hate the Valentines.
Except Cat.
She's the only one that is worth saving.
Cat POV
I finally flop onto my bed, relieved and happy out of my mind.
He's the best boy on the face of the earth!
His explanation of why he's calling me sunshine again…him saying how much he still cares about me…
Even his jacket! He saw I was still cold and gave it to me without complaint.
Wait…
I look at my arms, which are covered by his jacket.
I still have it on. I forgot to give it back.
Phooey.
A rush of love flies straight to my brain.
I LOVE Robbie Shapiro so MUCHHHHH!
But things haven't changed. They aren't going to either.
I reach into my chest of drawers and pull out my diary. I flip back to see all the memories. Good, which are the majority of the book, and the most recent pages, which seem to show my growing affection for him.
The water park…laser tag…I forgot about the book of memories. I wonder where that is…
Robbie quickly came back into the room and dug thru his bedside table's little cabinet. It didn't take long to find what he was looking for.
A little book. With our picture on the front. With a title in gold curly font.
Our memories.
"This is mine; I don't care what you say." He said, marching out without further word.
Oh yeah.
God I'm such a stupid girl.
I miss that cat. He threw it when he had reached the height of his rage. He should have thrown me. That is without a doubt the dumbest thing I've ever done.
No, what about hiding Colby? That is close, if not worse.
And Colton.
And lying about Michael.
And playing him into much cuter guys, knowing what I was doing.
"Hey, forgot to tell you that you don't have to be all afraid when I 'die' in the play. I felt you shaking sweetie. I'm fine ok? If that's part of your touch on the character, then fine. But if you are afraid, please don't be. I am FINE. Love you girl :) –Robbie
Love you girl.
He can't mean that romantically. No way.
That'll never happen.
Yeah, keep thinking that and it'll happen.
I shake my head and ignore myself. I hate it when I think like that. I instead go thru my own little book I made. There are tons of pictures I have of Robbie and I. Happy. Together.
I love just flicking thru it. I remember Miami, and my birthday…us having sex…our movie nights…
Zzzz…
Zzzz…
Zzzz…
Jade POV
"Cat? You here?" I asked, closing the door softly behind me.
I look in the living room. Nope. I peek in her bedroom.
Aww…
She's asleep. With a photo album on her lap.
Wait…she's wearing Robbie's black jacket.
I guess things went well then. That's awesome.
Hold the phone…her diary is open too.
A peek can't hurt anyone? Right?
(Dated two weeks ago)
OMG OMG OMG.
I can't do this.
I just can't date anyone anymore. I don't want to. I don't have to, so I won't.
Jade said I'm dating Robbie's 'doppelgangers', whatever that means. I think it means that they look like him. I don't see it.
I know one thing for sure.
I want Robbie back.
I miss him.
I love him.
I've been crying every night. This is pure misery. I don't deserve another chance.
But I need one. That's all I need.
I need him back.
I want to do anything to get him back, but he's with Stephanie now.
Stupid girl.
Stealing my Robbie.
He's not mine. I shouldn't think that.
God I love him.
Jade would explode if she knew what I want now.
She ripped me apart for double crossing him, now this?
She can't ever find out.
…
…
…
Whoa.
This changes everything.
EVERYTHING.
Cat loves Robbie.
LOVES him. That's not puppy love. That's the same love when they nearly devoured each other in Miami. Yeah. I heard them. I heard her cry out "ROBBIE!". I thought that he finally gave in.
That's why she's been acting so weird. She's fine when it's just the tow of us, or everyone but Robbie.
But throw Robbie in, and she…
Becomes a little girl. With a forbidden crush.
This is so complicated.
I mean…it all depends on Robbie. I haevn't heard about Stephanie in a while, so maybe things aren't so hot with her, but…
Wow.
She loves him.
She really loves him.
I look over to Cat, still dozing softly. A snore barely escaping her lips.
"Don't give up girl. Don't give up." I whispered, kissing the top of her forehead and standing up.
I'll just write a post it note and stick it to her kitchen table. Saying I was here, and that we should go shopping or something.
As I reach the door I look back. She sighed and cuddled with the album.
Like she di with Robbie.
It bothered me then. I didn't want her to get pregnant. Now…
I can't really think of anything that would make me happier.