Prologue

Samantha "Sam" Puckett was sitting on the couch watching television when she heard the front door open. Before she could look up to see who it is, she heard shouting, loud shouting. Turning her head, she saw her roommate Caterina "Cat" Valentine screaming at her best friend Jadlyn "Jade" West. Her face was so red with fury, it nearly matched the color of her hair.

"I don't get what the big fucking deal is!" Cat shouted, catching a silent Sam off guard. She had never heard her roommate swear. Ever.

"Oh, you so fucking do!" Jade shouted back, "You always get your hopes up when this shit happens, and they always just end up pissing all over you!"

"You don't know what you're talking about!"

"Caterina…"

"Oh, shut up! You're not my Mom!"

"Like your real Mom's any better!"

"Don't talk about my Mom like that!"

"You're impossible!"

"Bitch!"

"Asshole!"

A silence then fell between the two girls that Sam couldn't describe. The blonde thought about saying something but didn't. She decided to do her best to stay silent to see how the scenery would unfold. This was an entirely new side of Cat Valentine that Sam never even knew existed. It was hard to believe such a powerful, angry voice could come out from such a tiny body. Tears came to Cat's eyes, and within seconds she was full-on sobbing. Jade stepped forward anddid something Sam never thought she do, Jade hugged Cat.

"I'm so sorry, Jadey."

"It's alright, Kitten."

"No, it's not! I called you such mean names!"

"So did I." She reminded, stroking the girl's hair, "But it's okay. You're okay." She pulled the crying girl closer and rested her chin on top of the shorter girl's head. Slowly, Cat hugged back. Jade planted a motherly kiss on the crown of her friend's head.

"Why am I like this?" The redhead questioned meekly, "Why am I so weird?"

"Oh, shut up. You're not weird." Jade scolded, "You're perfect." Parting from the hug but not fully letting go of Cat, Jade smiled. "You're staying with me for the next couple months. No getting out of it."

"But my parents—"

"They won't be getting near you." The raven-haired girl assured, "And I won't be letting you near them." She bit her lower lip, "Do they know where you live?"

"... Yes."

"Fuck." Jade scolded, "Whatever. Just… go pack your suitcase." She paused, "And Puckett?"

Sam Jumped at the use of her last name, "Y- yeah?"

"Don't let anyone into this apartment for the next two months."

"Why should I listen to—?"

"Sam, please!" A shy, little voice pleaded. The blonde turned around to see her roommate staring out her, looking vulnerable. "Listen to Jadey. Listen to me." Her voice was less high and airy than usual. Also, something about this change radiated maturity.

"Ugh, fine. Whatever."

"Thanks." Cat smiled softly, "Wait here, Jadey, I'll be right back!" She said with a wave of her hand, walking into her room and beginning to pack her things. Meanwhile, Jade took a seat next to Sam on the couch. "You don't know anything about Cat." She stated, "You think you do, but you don't." Before Sam could interrupt, Jade held up a hand to silence her. "She comes from a very fucked up family. Her parents don't give a single shit about her. Once I heard her Mom say that she was an accident, and the only reason they kept her was so she could be her brother's personal caretaker." Jade continued, "Her family has a history of mental problems, but she's definitely the sanest one in her family." She took a sip of the coffee she had been holding the entire time, "Cat's actually the smartest person I know."

Sam scoffed, not believing it.

"Whatever." Jade said, rolling her eyes, "But for the record, Cat knew you were here the entire time."

"I'm done!" A voice called out, and they saw a certain redhead walking around the corner tugging a suitcase behind her. "I couldn't get my hair flattener to fit in there…" She sighed sadly, "Jade, you wouldn't mind if I borrowed yours, would you?"

"No prob." Jade nodded, "Now come on, Kitten, let's go." She gestured to the door. "Here, let me help." She offered, taking the suitcase from her best friend, and walking out the door. Cat smiled gratefully and was about to head out when she paused, "Hey, Sam?"

"Yeah?"

"It's not nice to spy on people."