AN: Well, back in math tutoring and I register for my last semester of undergrad in like 5 minutes. Joy.

Disclaimer: the Victorious characters belong to Nickelodeon and Mr. Dan Schneider and all others either are mine or someone else's.


{{ It's hard to be clear about who you are when you are carrying around a bunch of baggage from the past. I've learned to let go and move more quickly into the next place. (Angelina Jolie) }}


"Welcome Hollywood Arts High School Class of 2011!" Principle Helen announced. "I hope you're all enjoying the festivities we have for you tonight! Before we move onto karaoke and the dance battle, we'd like to first show a video we made before you all graduated!" As the Blackbox Theater went black, everyone gathered into the room.

"Hollywood Arts High School?" Sikowitz's face appeared as his voice boomed over the speakers.

"Hollywood Arts!" A bunch of students shouted as the camera panned to them, complete with stills of the school and campus.

"What was the greatest part of being a part of Hollywood Arts?" The first question appeared.

"The great classes and teachers!" One of our former classmate's stated.

"Access to state of the art equipment and instruments." Andre answered before strumming a few chords on his guitar.

"Coffee." Jade smiled wide, holding up her cup from the JetBrew truck. "And Beck. My boyfriend."

"I am the boyfriend." He smiled and looked at her. You could really feel the love oozing from my personal OTP.

"Where do you think you'll be in fifteen years?" the screen read, surrounding by flashing question marks. As the people and their predictions flashed by, we all laughed and awed at their thoughts.

"Bird seed commercial star." Sinjin nodded.

"I think I'll...um...probably be a singer! Oh, and have a unicorn!" A video of me with bright red hair appeared on the screen. I immediately turned a similar color in the face and hid behind my husband.

"Awww love, it's not all false. And you could still find a unicorn." Harry softly rubbed my back.

"But my hair! Why did I think that was a good idea!"

"I think it was cute!" He kissed my cheek. "Very Caterina Valentine!" As the video continued with more questions and students, we continued to reminisce in the high school memories. Once the video had concluded, the party continued on and karaoke was set up outside on the Asphalt Cafe stage.

"We still on for 'Give It Up'?" Jade asked as she passed by me.

"You know it!" I exclaimed, really excited to be singing that song again, especially with my best friend.


"Where'd your husband go?" Robbie took a seat next to me on one of the lunch tables.

"He went to go get my jacket from the car. He's still not too familiar with the inside so I told him I'd stay out here."

"Here-" Robbie placed his own coat over my shoulders- "I don't think Amanda will mind too much. She went to the bathroom," he informed me, anticipating my next question.

"Can you believe it's been fifteen years since we graduated?" I looked up at the man who was my boyfriend the last time I was here with no kids.

"It's insane!" Robbie shook his head. "Feels like just yesterday we were seniors graduating."

"And now my daughter's in her own senior year! Robbie-" I looked down to the ground then back up- "you're not disappointed with how these last fifteen years turned out, right?"

"Never! I have three amazing kids and you've got six. We have thee best fourteen year old anyone could ever ask for!" Robbie smiled to himself then looked worriedly at me. "Are you happy?"

"Absolutely! You know my kids and Harry are my world! It's just-" I hesitated for a moment- "my hair hasn't been that color for almost fifteen years. I feel like that was a completely different person on the screen."

"Cat, people change. That was nearly half your life ago!" Robbie stressed, noticing that I was getting worked up.

"Exactly! I hate that I was a completely different person and then one thing happens and it's like I'm not even me anymore! That girl had big dreams and knew she'd end up with you, Robbie. She knew!"

"And your dreams have always been larger than life! You're doing it, Cat! You're realizing your dreams. Dreams change. Even if I had stayed around and we did get married, we would've still had a child to take care of!"

"I just don't know, Robbie. I think it was a mistake to come here tonight. Why don't you go find your wife? I'll be okay here." I smiled reassuringly, though I don't think I fooled him one bit. Curses for letting him know me so well!

"Cat! I've been looking all over for you!" Harry rushed over to me. "Wait, whose is this?" He tugged at Robbie's coat.

"Oh, it's Robbie's. I ran into him and he offered it to me while you were getting mine. I'll have to go return it to him. Thanks for going to the car."

"Are you okay?" My husband looked at me very concerned. Again, curses for letting these people know me so well!

"I'm okay. Just...thinking about the past is all. This school has a lot of memories for me. It's been a while since I was that girl you saw in the video. I guess I'm still coming to terms with that." I sighed deeply.

"Well, I'm always here to talk if you need it, love. If it helps, I think this Cat is just as great as the old one."

"Harry! You sap!" I playfully hit his shoulder. "Of course you're gonna say that! You should know better than anyone that I need to stay on brand!"


Dear Diary,

Hi it's Cat! It was really great to see everyone from Hollywood Arts again. Our little friend group never really lost touch (except for Tori of course), but there were so many people I used to see every day, and, once we didn't have to be in the same place at the same time, it was like we didn't exist in each other's world. It's weird looking back on the people we used to be. I feel like I'm a completely different person than I was fifteen years ago. Back then, my biggest goals included being on Broadway and having a pet unicorn for my own castle. Though a bit more realistic now, I still miss when I had such innocent and naive hopes for my life. If I were to go back to my old self and tell her what my life was like this far into the future, I'd probably think I was crazy (and that's really saying a lot!). Though it's been a rough and busy decade and a half, I'm really happy with where I am in my life. There a plenty of people who'd love to be in my place and many people I know whose life didn't turn out as great as mine, even if this isn't what I expected. I have always been able to adapt to changes very easily (a good asset to have as an actress and singer) and that's exactly what has gotten me to where I am today. Here's to you little red haired Caterina Valentine. You don't get the unicorn (just yet) but you do get six wonderful kids, an amazing husband, and really great friends!

Love,

Caterina


AN: I'm nearly at my 5 year high school reunion and that just feels so weird. I don't wanna be that old yet.

-Sami