Ch 4: Encounters of the Worst Kind

I look over and to my disgust I see Lorelei coming over to talk to Oliver. She's squishing her arms to push her breasts up, and I see Oliver cast a fleeting look at her pressed up bosoms. I nearly gag as I watch their exchange. I can't hear what they're saying, but I can imagine. 'Oh, Oliver. You're so big and strong! Dance with me then take me!' I snort out loud at my inner dialogue.

"What's so funny?" I hear Nick whisper into my ear. His hot breath tickles my ears, and I feel like scratching them off.

"Oh um," Think Katie, THINK! "Just remembering my old days at Hogwarts, and all the weirdos and jerks on the other Quidditch teams," I say.

"Oh right, you went to Hogwarts. What house were you in?" he asks. How does everyone know about Hogwarts and yet no one knows anything about Durmstrang or Beauxbatons? It's starting to get annoying!

"Gryffindor," I say proudly. I think everyone can agree Gryffindor was the best house. I think the only people that would care to disagree would be the Slytherin's. Pfft, damn dirty filthy men those Slytherins. Them with their little streetwalker girlfriends.

"Oh. I have a few teammates on the Magpies from Hogwarts. I think they were in Slytherin," Nick comments. Gah! Quit tickling my ear with your stupid breath!

"Really, who?" I ask, leaning back and looking up at him. Hah! Now you can't whisper in my ear anymore! Bwuahahah!

"Let's see...There's Adrian Pucey and...hmm who else? Oh yeah! Marcus Flint," he says. I stop moving for just a second, until Nick kicks me when he's trying to move to his left. Before he can apologize I'm on him like stink on a monkey.

"Marcus Flint is on your team?" I ask. Ew, I didn't think he was good enough to be on a team. He was rough enough, but he lacked skill. I remember very clearly how he had a very, very small amount of goals on Oliver. Then again, time can change people.

"Yeah. He's one of our best chasers. He actually talks about you quite a bit, Katie," Nick says quietly. Dammit! Please don't lean in! Wait...Flint better not be saying crap about me! I'll kick his butt! Then a thought struck my mind. Me holding my dress up, walking up to flint, and stabbing my high heeled foot into his toe, and him yowling in pain. I laughed inwardly at the joke, but my inner mirth stopped to hear what Nick had to say.

"He says you were the best Chaser he had seen in all his years at Hogwarts, and he says he's surprised that he hasn't seen you on any teams. He thought for sure you would end up on the Holyhead Harpies," Nick explained. So, Flint thought I was talented, eh? That's a change. I can still remember all the times he tried to get me to kiss him. Hmm, maybe Slytherin's do respect prudence.

"Right. I've been meaning to ask you. What are you, a Magpie, doing here with the Puddlemere United squad?" I ask. Surprise, surprise, I couldn't control my curiosity.

"I went to Durmstrang with Alex. We were best mates back in our school days,"

"Makes sense," I mutter.

"Hey Katie?"

"Yesh?" I say. I'm such a weirdo. Sometimes I'll randomly add an 'h' to words and just be weird like that. Oh well.

"You want to come out to one of our games sometime? I'm sure Marcus would like to see you after all these years," Nick said. He might want to see me, but do I really want to see Marcus? He might not be such an ass now, but then again...

"I guess so. When is your next match?" I ask. Yup, way to go Bell. Now he'll be all hot and bothered and owling you asking what seat you're going to be in and all that jazz.

"A week from today, at Montrose stadium," Nick said clearly. A little too clearly, if you ask me.

"Who will you be playing?" Might as well ask...

"Caerphilly Caterpillars," he says. I giggle audibly. I sense an impersonation coming...

"I pity the foo' who has a name that dumb!" I say, doing my best Mr. T impersonation. I don't think Nick really knew the impersonation, but he laughed anyways. What can I say, I'm a witch who lived in the muggle world for far too long.

"Haha, that's great," he says, wiping a fake tear of laughter from his eye. "But hey, I think I can pull a few strings and get you a free ticket," My ears perk up. Free? Anything free is good to me! Hey! That rhymed!

"Really? That would be great! Thanks Nick!" I say, hugging him. This might be deemed as flirtatious, but hey, does it look like I care?

"You're very welcome. But I must ask you something on behalf of a friend," he says as I let go of his neck. Bah! I was hoping there wouldn't be any strings attached. Humph, what am I saying? In this day and age, even buying milk has strings attached!

"Oh?" I say. Please elaborate dear boy.

"Just say you'll meet him after the game," I quirk an eyebrow.

"Who will I be meeting, exactly?" I ask.

"Now if I told you, it would take the fun out of it!" Nick smiled. Grr, he either knows me well or is taking a lucky guess. Any of my closest friends could say confidently that I'm more curious than a cat, but hey, haven't died yet!

"Fine," I agree.

"Oi! Katie!" I hear Oliver's voice yell. I turn around and see him beckoning me over. Lore is by his side, looking as nasty as ever. I walk over briskly, trying to walk sassily, swaying my hips as much as possible without being too noticeable.

"Yes?" I say, making the ending 's' more pronounced, like the hiss of a snake.

"I'm going to take Lorelei home. Elliot said he wanted to stay here for a little while longer, and I'm a bit tired. But you can stay and enjoy yourself. I'll see you back at the apartment," he says before holding his arm out to Lore. She takes it and smiles at him and they turn and walk away.

"Fine, Oliver, don't ask if I want to go. I mean, I'm the life of the party after all," I mutter bitterly as I hear the loud pops of them apparating. I stalk back over to Nick.

"Hey there, I'm going to be going now. I'm tired and I have to get up tomorrow to run some errands," I lie. Nick nods and offers to take me home.

"No thank you, I'll be fine," I say. He nods silently and I stalk over to pick up my purse from my chair. I pull out my wand and step out of the restaurant, the maitre'd looking down on me from his raised desk-thingy. I stick out my wand and turn and see him flare a nostril at me. The Knight Bus pulls up shortly after, and I turn around.

"What're you looking at?" I spit at the old man. He raises an eyebrow and tilts his head as I step aboard the bus. Stan smiles weakly at me as I make my way to stand behind him. The bus lurches forward and we're speeding through the city. I make out my shop from all the blurs whizzing by, and I know we're not too far.

The bus lurches again, and I start falling forward. Stan doesn't react fast enough and I fall flat on my face. My chin stings as I feel Stan pulling me up off the ground.

"You alright there, Katie?" he asks. I frown. Does it LOOK like I'm alright?! I smash a few coins in his hand a little harder than I should have, and exited the bus. I didn't stumble this time! Take that society!

I stalked up to our apartment and shove the key into the lock angrily. I twist the door handle and slammed it behind me. I look up and see Oliver and Lorelei separating from what appeared to be a rather passionate songfest. I felt a sudden tightness in my chest and I narrow my eyes in disgust. I will not have this filth in my living room!

"Oh get a room!" I yell, slamming my bedroom door behind me. I threw my purse down onto the floor where it skidded up against the wall. I felt tears of anger spilling down my cheeks and thought sarcastically about how much time Angelina spent making me look perfect. For what, though? So I could look like an idiot in front of such 'prim and proper' people? I unlaced the leather straps of my heels and picked it up, chucking it across the room. It hit my night stand and fell with a loud clunk. I was now crying openly as I untied my left heel. I picked it up and threw it extra hard at an empty wall. It smashed into the wall, the sharp heel puncturing the wall and falling to the floor revealing a deep hole in the wall.

"DAMMIT!" I screamed angrily. I tossed myself on the bed and shoved my face into my pillow. Maybe I could smother myself to death. No one would care. Oliver's out there making out with Lore-slut McSlut-Slut and I'm in here; hungry, uncomfortable, and miserable.

I sobbed into my pillow for quite a while. I looked up at the clock by chance – I had gotten home at 11:45 or so, and it was now nearing 1:30. I'd been crying for the past two hours, give or take. I felt a little better. I guess I should, because I read somewhere that tears contain stress hormones, and when you cry, you're giving the stress an outlet, making you feel better afterwards. It was true though, I did feel a little calmer.

I stood up and staggered over to my door, looking at my reflection in the mirror. I lit a candle nearby with my wand (I hadn't bothered to put it back in my purse after I used it to signal the bus) and it danced to life, casting light over my previously shadowy figure. My eyes are red and puffy, my hair's a straggly mess, and I have mascara streaks all over my cheeks. I looked like hell. I looked down at the dress, and shook with anger. I untied the dress and slid it down my waist, so I soon stood in a black pool of polyester.

Now I was only standing there with some underwear on. I shivered in silence, and picked up my clothes from before. I put on the cami and lay back on top of the bed. I'm so tired...I blow out the candle and pad over to the bed. Ow, my feet hurt. I solemnly swear to any God that is listening, that I will never wear heels that high again.

I move up so that the sheets cover my whole body up to my shoulders, and I grasp around in the semi-darkness for a familiar blanket. I find it, wrap my fingers around it. It's a quidditch blanket Oliver got me for Christmas a year ago. It always kept me warm and even in the summer, I slept with it every night. I felt tears come to my eyes again. Why is this affecting me so much? I mean, I don't like Oliver that way – at least I think I don't. But I guess that's why seeing him with that floozy has affected me so. Stupid Lorelei! Stupid Oliver! I start crying again, and I clutch the blanket to my chest, bunching it up so I could rest my head on it. I silently begged for the pain to end, and as if my wishes were granted, I had finally cried myself to sleep.

I wake the next morning, feeling like crap. My eyes feel dry, yet watery. I didn't really know it was possible to feel like that, but I guess you can. I shove the sheets back, and unwrap the blanket from around my stomach. I stand up and pad over to my mirror, looking at myself. My eyes are still red and puffy, but most of the mascara was gone. I looked over and saw my pillows stained with black. I don't really care at this point about my sheets. I can always get new ones if the stains don't come out. I take a deep, shaky breath and cast a quick glance at the clock. 11AM. I was late to work, but I'm sure it'd be alright.

I peeked out the door, and felt satisfied that Oliver wasn't there. I put a hand to my stomach and felt a pressure on my stomach. I ran into the kitchen, pushing some toast in the toaster, then ran to the bathroom. I relieved myself and got cleaned up, and slowly made my way back to the kitchen. My toast had popped up and I grabbed it, slathering it with butter that Oliver had carelessly left on the counter.

It was twelve by the time I stumbled into the shop. I had just shoved on some slacks and a heather grey hoodie, so I looked highly unprofessional.

"Katie where have you been?" Alicia asked. I could tell she was annoyed by the tone in her voice. I tried to think of a way to tell her about what happened, but all I could do was dissolve into tears on the counter. Alicia ran around the counter and placed a soothing hand on my back.

"Katie, what happened? Are you alright?" she asked softly. I could feel my shirt bunching under her hand as she rubbed my back slowly. I sobbed a little harder, but after a few minutes I was finally able to catch a breath.

"I went to dinner last night, and everyone was just awful to me. Oliver said I was embarrassing him, and the girlfriends of all the boys on the squad were giving me dirty looks. The only person nice to me was Nick! But then Oliver left without me. He said he was going to take this one guy's girlfriend home, but when I got home, I saw them making out on the couch," I said, choking up quite a few times. It seemed a little less harsh, thinking about it now, but not much.

"Oh Katie, it's alright, it's alright," Alicia said. I'm sure she didn't know what to say, because I sure as hell wouldn't.

"Come on Katie, let's close early. We can go over to my place and talk about it," Alicia said. I nodded sadly. I really wasn't in any condition to deal with customers today. Besides, it's not like we were being overrun or anything. I wrapped my arms around myself as Alicia flipped the sign to 'Closed.'

We stepped outside the store and Alicia locked it soundly. She turned to me and wrapped her arms around me.

"Come on, Katie. Let's go," she said quietly. I nodded and we both apparated in front of her apartment.

"I'll be right back," Alicia said, giving me a reassuring smile. She tossed me the key and disappeared. She probably went to get Angelina. I looked down at the tiny silver key in my hand, and I placed it in the door knob. The door swung open and I left it ajar, so that when the others got here they could let themselves in. I plopped down on Alicia's black leather couch, and sat there, holding a pillow to my stomach.

I looked up and could see through the door that the other two had just arrived. Angelina rushed in and threw her arms around me while Alicia bolted the magical lock on the door.

"Kate, you alright?" she asked. I shook my head no and felt more tears springing to my eyes.

Alicia and Angelina sat down across from me, on another black leather couch, and I retold the story to the girls.

"Now, Katie. I'm not trying to be mean, but you do realize why this is affecting you so much, right?" Angelina asked. I looked at her dumbly. What was she talking about?

"You like Oliver," Angelina states. I looked between the girls.

"I think you're right," I say, looking straight into Angelina's soft brown eyes. They reminded me so much of Oliver's...

"Oh Katie, you need to tell him! Nothing good will happen if you don't tell him you like him!" Alicia said, leaning forward and taking my hands in hers. I liked the touch. I'm such a sucker for human contact. I almost thought of getting into physical therapy, but Alicia got me into the boutique business.

"So I assume you two are going to coach me on how to get the guy?" I laugh as I rub my eyes with the back of my hand. I open them and see the girls grinning.

"Of course!" Alicia says.

"Duh," Angelina says, sticking her tongue out. I stand up and bring both of them into a hug.

"I love you guys," I whisper, bringing their heads close to mine so that all our foreheads are touching.

"And we love you too, Katie," Angelina whispers. The second we break apart, the girls start lecturing me.

"Ok, now you don't want to come on too strong..." Angelina says, almost unaware that Alicia is trying to teach me at the same time.

"You have to look sexy..." Alicia says. I try to listen to both of them but it's really hard. Why can't they just take turns?

"Be slow and seductive,"

"Guys like skirts, that's for sure,"

"Touch him a lot, but not necessarily suggestively,"

"And things with heels,"

"Touch his arm when you two talk,"

"And of course they like low necklines,"

"ENOUGH!!!" I yell. The two girls look at me in shock, before all three of us burst out laughing.

A few hours later, I find myself at the door to my apartment. I think I've been standing here for about five minutes, just staring at the woodwork. I sigh and pull the key out, sliding it in the doorknob. The door creaks open, and I step through quietly. I immediately spot Oliver sitting there on the couch, looking up from his book to look at me. We stare at each other for a minute, both probably looking like deer caught in headlights.

"Oliver-" I begin, taking a few steps toward him. How am I going to phrase this? What is his reaction going to be?

"I'm sorry," he said, getting up swiftly and engulfing me in a hug. I gasp, but then melt into his warm arms.

"Me too," I whisper.

"It's just...Katie...I really like Lorelei," he says. I close my eyes. That's not what I want to hear Oliver. Wait a minute...

"Oliver, doesn't she have a boyfriend?"

"They broke up. Elliot isn't mad; he said it was fun while it lasted but that Lore really wasn't his type," Oliver explained. Wow, she got over him quick, and you accepted her? And, God, you're shortening her name already? Oliver...

"Oliver, I need to talk to you about something," I said. Please let this get his attention. Please just have him drop Lorelei like a hot potato. (AN: Almost added an 'e' – how embarrassing would that have been? Dan Quail Disease! Ahhh!!! Run away in fear!) Please let him like me back...

"Can it wait? I have a date with Lore in a few minutes, and I need to pick her up right about now," he said, looking at his watch. I looked at him. I just now noticed that he was wearing black dress slacks and a multi-colored polo shirt. Why do you like her, Oliver? Why?

"Alright," I mumble. He grins and kisses me on the forehead. Don't stop. But he does. He waves at me before disappearing out the door. I see the door close and hear it click shut, but even though he's gone, I still feel his lips on my forehead. Warm, soft.

"Damn you, Oliver Wood," I mutter as I go into my room to read in bed.

So needless to say, the rest of the week passed like that. When Oliver wasn't practicing, he was with Lorelei. When I wasn't working, I was at home reading. Reading what? Oh umm...alright, alright, I'm reading romance novels. La dee dah! Nothing wrong bout that, is there? That's what I thought – and god dammit, I'm having another conversation with myself.

Hum, it's Thursday afternoon, 6 days since the party. I've received a few owls from Nick saying that he was going to send two tickets in case I wanted to invite anyone. I fingered the tickets in my palm under the table during lunch. Alicia and Angelina sat across from me. I couldn't really invite either of them, because the other would get jealous, not to mention I'd feel like a horrible friend for playing favorites. I wonder...

"So Katie, what's going on between you and Oliver? Is that twit Lorelei still in the way?" Angelina asks suddenly. Bah, just when I had forgotten said twits' name. Thanks, Ange.

"Well...I don't know if I told you or not, but when I went home to talk to Oliver, after we apologized, he kissed me on the forehead before he went out on his little date," I say. The girls look at each other and I take a sip of my coke.

"You didn't tell us that, Katie!" Alicia reprimanded me.

"Oi! I warned you that I might not have told you. 'Sides, you should be grateful I told you at all!" I say in my own defense. Humph. They've been jumping all over my back about Oliver lately. They both need to take a chill pill, seriously.

"Katie, you know that if you need to erm... 'take care' of Lorelei, you can always call on us," Alicia said quietly, leaning in, precariously close to her glass of water.

"And we in turn can call on the Weasleys!" Angelina adds. I giggle, knowing all too well that the job the Weasley's would do to poor unsuspecting Lorelei would be more than enough.

We laughed for a few moments before falling into a thoughtful lull.

"So what are you doing tomorrow?" Ange asks me.

"Going to a quidditch match. Gunna watch the Magpies play the Caterpillars," I tell them. I don't feel the need to mention the fact that I have an extra ticket.

"Ooh, sounds fantastic! Tell us how it turns out!" Alicia says excitedly. I nod in agreement, and then glance idly down at my watch.

"Alright ladies, lunch is over. Back to work we go!" I say. We all toss a sickle or two on the table and apparate back to our jobs. Alicia and I simultaneously appear in front of 'Flaunt' at the same time. I grab the keys out of my pocket and began to unlock the door, while Alicia starts marching in place singing.

"Hi ho, hi ho, it's off to work we go!" she sings the Snow White tune while I try to control the fit of giggles threatening to overthrow me. Finally the giggles win, but not before I can unlock the door. Alicia and I collapse on the floor, laughing our butts off, clutching our sides.

Alicia and I get up off the ground to lean heavily on the counter, our cheeks pink from laughing and our eyes tearing. I see something pass by the window, and I think I went pale.

In through the single white door, walks Lorelei, holding an expensive looking leather bag. She steps through and pushes her glasses upon the top of her head. She looks around at various garments before her eyes slide to meet mine.

"Well hello there, Katie!" Lorelei says, waving her hands at me in some sort of greeting.

"Hello, Lorelei," I say. I try not to grit my teeth but –Oh! There they go, gritted tightly together.

There we go! Hope you guys liked it! I'll have more updates tomorrow. So, guess you'll just have to wait. Review please, because I really want to reach 200 reviews with this story. Maybe if I post your names you'll be wanting to post another review, so here goes! My wall of FAME!
-BobMarley
-Kathy
-Katie
-Denise
-Aribiana
-msseileen
-Silly Bandit
-FuZzYsPaZ04
-BadgerQueen (I really like your name! Reminds me of Sean Biggerstaff ::drool::)
and of course
-phyreprincess!

Thanks SO MUCH guys! Love ya lots! and I'll be back this time tomorrow with chapter 5. Ta ta for now!

English-Foxlette