Hi everyone! I am so glad I was able to write another chapter. I have a very busy schedule, but it will hopefully get better. Thank you for reading my stories, even though the MBC fandom is quite dead.
Disclaimer: I don't own MBC nor the characters. Rated T for strong language and mature themes.
The vibe of the chapter: Should've Been Me by Naughty Boy - Well, this was that, it seems, 'cause you don't think of me that often. How could I let you leave me? Well, it's too late to stop you...
Cathy's POV
Growing up is not that exciting, as I used to think it is. When I arrived on Earth, I was 11. I was excited about everything and everyone. Sam told me about puberty and I recall wanting to have periods and acne as the normal human teenage girls do. I used to not care what people think about me, but 6 years later I am still considered a weirdo and I hate it. There are more and more things I have to manage and I am struggling. Being a teenager annoys me.
I thought that having a relationship with Danny is the only thing that makes sense and now it's the main reason why I am so sad and lost. There's no one I can speak to on this matter. Sam seems to be as confused as I am when it comes to love. I would say she lacks the ability to love. I envy her. Chris is the rational one - he sees science in everything, but there are things that cannot be explained and love is certainly one of them. I don't feel like having a conversation with him, even though I know he could give good advice.
Danny is the source of my problems. He is the reason, he is the end and the beginning. He is the answer. I feel so hurt and at the same time, I want to forgive him for everything he did, for everything he is and for everything he will do, because he is not going to change. I can't change him. I won't change. And I am not sure if I can forgive him.
What we had was special. But I had to let him go.
After the cheer try-outs, by the lockers
"Can you please tell me what on earth made you think that I am the perfect cheerleader material?" Danny was furious at Sam. Sam was standing calmly while looking at him without a sense of fear. Strong and cold, as we know her. I was standing next to Chris, who was watching the whole scene in silence.
"Are you fucking insane? Don't you know, how are the boys doing cheer treated?" He was in a rage.
"Maybe if you got your head out of your ass for once, you would know why it's necessary to have you on the team!" Sam answered while still being calm.
"So this was all planned? Everyone knew this was going to happen the whole time except for me? Why am I always the last one to be told about the important things?"
"Because you are like this! This is all your fault, you never have a clue on what is going on, because you don't simply care. It's simple as that." Finally, Chris said something. Danny was clearly surprised, that he spoke his mind.
"Stop this crap, we are not the team anymore. I understand that the monster busting was the greatest time of your life, but it's time to move on."
"And that brings us to the problem. After Sam or Cathy gets killed, you can move on. Move to Australia as Tom and leave me here alone living with remorse! But we can still do something about it. We can't give up until it's over."
"What are you talking about?" Danny was confused as hell, looking at all three of us, then he turned back to Sam. "Would you mind explaining it to me?"
"Why me, I am as mad as Chris and Cathy."
"I know you are mad. But you are also very calm since your brain has a problem with managing emotions."
That was rich coming from him. I finally said something. "You are the one who needs to manage emotions."
He didn't even look at me. It was as it never even happened. He carried on. "Maybe if my mother died and my father left me, I would be the same." He was looking directly into Sam's eyes when he was saying that. I wondered if he knew, how inappropriate and cruel that sentence was. "You weren't always like this."
"You weren't always like this either. You used to care, when someone was in danger, you tried your best to help them. Maybe this is just your post-breakup phase. Say whatever you want but I know who you are and I know you have a heart of gold. I know that you are hot-headed and you shot before you ask, but you should know how it hurts." It was clear that Sam wanted to calm him down a little by saying that he is not that bad. But sometimes he is.
"I am hurt too. You always left me out. And you know you are the only friends I have."
"Do you want to know the whole story?" Asked Chris. Danny nodded and we told him everything we have known so far, with the last lead being Glitch Girl, who probably has a connection to the police department.
"Would you mind if I went home? I have a lot to think about." I understand that the explaining took us a long time and he was obviously shaken by the fact that we could be dead. Still, I hoped that we'll have time to talk. Just two of us.
Chris stayed at school to do something on the school's computers. Sam went home. I wanted to stroll around the school hallways a little, as it became a favorite place to think of mine. First I went to my locker to pick up several things I needed. When I opened the door I realized I still have a photo of me and Danny as a couple in the locker. I don't know if someone can imagine how it feels to love someone who hurt you so much and what it feels like to talk to that person every day, even though you would prefer to not ever see them again. I tore the photo down like a plaster. I put it in the science book, which I hate and at all costs avoid to open.
I took my books and continued on walking. I wanted to go home already when I started being nauseous. I had an urge to puke. The first idea that came to my mind was that an alien wants to poison me. I ran to the restroom, kneeled by the toilet and threw up. When I was done I heard the sounds of throwing up next to me. I ain't gonna lie, it calmed me down a little because it led me to think that it's probably just a food poisoning from the school lunch. I wanted to talk to the person, who was sick, to find out if we have eaten the same food. I waited quietly by the sinks when the other door opened. Guess who it was. Wendy f*cking Walters. Dear lord.
"Hi, Wendy... did you by any chance had meatloaf for lunch?"
"What are you talking about?" Wendy clenched through her teeth.
"I think we have food poisoning."
"Finally something we have in common, huh? We should be best friends then." Could she even be more ironic and harsh? I was annoyed but keen on finding out, what is going on. If there is a problem with the food, you bet I want to know.
"I saw you going to the restroom after lunch. If you had a snack and you threw up again, I should probably take you to the doctor."
Suddenly, there was horror in her eyes. "Don't tell anyone. Especially not Sam, if she found out I am bulimic, she wouldn't let me compete."
This wasn't what I expected to hear. I knew what bulimia is. It's an eating disorder. You throw up after eating in order to not gain weight.
"But you are... beautiful. You don't have to do this to be popular." I didn't know what to tell her exactly, I just wanted to calm her down a little.
"You are clearly doing it as well, so stop preaching."
"I am not bulimic. I can't control when I throw up like you, but lately... I feel sick nearly every day."
Wendy let out a sigh. "And your period is missed?"
"Yes! I am so glad I am not on my period anymore, it was such a waste of time. I hate cramps."
"For how many months?"
"I don't know. Maybe three. Why do you ask?"
"You want to know why you are sick? You are pregnant." Wendy grinned.
I was in denial at first. "I am not pregnant, if I was pregnant, I would know it!"
Wendy smiled and said. "I guess we both have a secret that Sam doesn't have to know. But you know what? I won't tell her about your little bundle of joy if you won't tell her about my mental state."
"I think that your body is in a bad state as well. You don't look healthy." She was really skinny. I was worried she will faint during competitions and I'll have remorse for not telling Sam. Unfortunately, it could happen to me as well. The situation started getting to me.
"When I lose 10 pounds, you will probably gain 30." Said Wendy while applying her lip gloss.
"What are we going to do?" I was terrified.
"Nothing. You should maybe consider aborting it. You are still young. Tell Danny, he is the father, right?"
"Yes," I said as quietly as I could. I saw the grin Wendy made, but I could also sense compassion. Now that I know she is bulimic I don't think of her as an enemy. Not until she breaks our promise.
"I'll tell you something I've never told to anyone yet. I was pregnant last year. When I told the boy, he broke up with me. I made the decision and went to the abortion clinic alone. I was scared. So be glad it's Danny and not some jerk who would leave you in that situation alone."
Her story and the fact she shared it with me touched me. Still, I wasn't certain about Danny's reaction. "I am not so sure about it."
"Trust me in this. That bad boy persona is just his image. When he finds out, he will be more concerned than you are. You should let the doctor examine you though." I was surprised how calming her words were. I thought that being mean is the only thing she can do.
"You should go to the doctor as well, Wendy." She gave me the "I know" smile and left.
I wanted to talk to someone about my pregnancy. Wendy made it very clear, that I shouldn't tell Sam. I won't tell my grandpa either. I knew someone with a scientific point of view who is still in the building. I was a little concerned he will tell Sam though. I hoped he can keep a secret.
I knocked on the door of the IT lab. "Chris? Are you still there?"
"Is that you, Cathy? Come in."
I went in and saw him sitting by a school computer searching through some database.
"Why are you here? I bet you have a better computer at home than our high school does."
"Can you keep a secret?" Chris said after a while.
"I wanted to ask you the same thing. I can keep a secret, but can you?"
"I can keep a secret. If it's not a life-threating situation."
I sat next to him. "Maybe it is.. I am pregnant." His face turned pale.
"Wait, what? You slept with Danny and he... impregnated you? Why are you telling me? You should tell him, your grandpa and Sam, she knows about it more than I do."
"You just named the people I avoid talking to on this matter."
"Why did you chose me?"
"You are the only person who is close to me and isn't on that list."
"Makes sense. Plus you have nothing to lose with me." He sighed. It sounded bad, but he was right. Our friendship was never as strong as mine with Danny or Sam. "Are you going to keep the baby?"
"I don't know yet. Wendy told me to abort it."
"Wendy knows? She will tell everyone."
"She won't. I know a secret of hers as well. Anyway, what did you want to tell me? And what are you even doing here?"
"I am trying to find who is the Glitch Girl. And I wanted to do it somewhere else than home. I wanted to be alone."
"I understand. So you don't want to spend time with Sam? Why?"
"It sounds horrible as you said it. I think that being best friends and married is against all odds. It's just weird."
"I thought you love her. You always did."
"I do. But I feel like she doesn't love me. She is always doing everything else instead of being with me."
"I think she's just trying to be a perfect wife. It isn't easy for her. What was the last time you helped her with the house chores or took her out?" Chris looked at me and I continued. "Both sides have to sacrifice the same. Relationships work only if both sides put effort into it."
"I think that the best solution is to have an honest conversation with her. Tonight."
"That's right. And the best solution to my problem is going to the doctor. Could you please go with me there?"
"You know I would... But I think it's Danny who should go with you." He had a point there. I imagined how furious would Danny be if he found out I am pregnant with his baby, didn't tell him about it and went to the clinic with Chris.
"Fine. I will go to his place and tell him the news. But only if you will go home and try to work it out somehow with Sam."
We promised. There were serious conversations ahead of us. I wasn't sure whether it's me, who was more scared of what is Danny's reaction going to be, or if Chris was more scared of confrontation with his wife.
Normal POV
At Lang's place
Julie Lang was a mother of two sons. She got married young, so she knew how Sam feels. Sam has always been like a daughter to her, so having her as a daughter-in-law and living with her wasn't strange for her at all. What seemed strange to her was Sam's and Chris' relationship and why did they get married in the first place. They were never dating after all. Sam was in the kitchen at the moment, helping Julie with cleaning.
"Sam, can I ask you something? Why did you two get married? Not that I am not glad, or didn't expect it, but it was so fast. I didn't even know you were going out." Julie asked while washing the dishes.
"You were expecting me to marry Chris?" Sam raised her eyebrows and smiled.
"Yes. You two are a perfect match. Well, almost. Growing up you were always together, always up to something."
Sam was trying to make up a lie, to answer her question. Sam certainly couldn't tell her the truth about the main reason for their wedding. "We got married because we wanted to have sex." Julie was shocked by how straight forward that answer was, but it made sense to her. She wasn't suspicious anymore.
"And? Was that a good life decision?"
"Are you asking me if the sex was worthy of marrying your son?" Said Sam with a laugh.
Julie laughed as well. "No, I just want to know if you are happy together. You two and John are those who mean to me the most."
"What about your husband?" Sam didn't get why Julie would left Mr. Lang out of her list.
"He is always supportive, that's what I love about him the most. He makes me laugh and he is incredibly kind. But... to be honest, he is the second love of my life. And I can't stop thinking about the first one. I love my husband in a different way than my first love. Decades later I am still broken-hearted."
Sam felt so sad for her. "I think it was destiny. Destiny is sometimes cruel, but you have Chris and John with Mr. Lang. And now you have a daughter."
Julie smiled and hugged Sam while whispering, "You have no idea how hard it is. You remind me so much of her." A lot of thoughts were going through Sam's head. Did Julie have a daughter who looked like Sam?
"Who are you talking about?"
"I didn't tell anyone about her."
Sam let go and asked curiously. "What happened?"
"She died."
"I am so sorry about the loss of your daughter."
"It was my girlfriend who had died." That came as a surprise for Sam. She wasn't judgemental. Love is love in her eyes. She just wasn't expecting Julie to tell her about it without hesitation. The vibe of the relationship with her husband suddenly made sense to her. She loves him in a different way because she simply isn't interested in men.
"I feel like I am hearing about death wherever I go. Chris is still at school, trying to find someone, who knows someone, who died."
"Why didn't you tell me? I could have helped if it is a missing person case." Julie was solving missing people cases as her part-time job.
"It isn't a missing person case. It is a murder case. We know someone, who could know more, but I don't know her name."
"And is there a clue?"
"Sort of. We know her nickname is Glitch Girl."
Julie was confused. It seemed like she has heard that name already. "Why are you trying to find some Glitch Girl?"
"She was the best friend of a woman who was murdered 10 years ago. They clearly made it look like an accident, but it was a murder. We have a suspicion it might happen again this year."
"What makes you think it was a murder?" Said Chris' mom with a lowered voice.
"You will think I've lost my mind..." Sam took a deep breath. Here came nothing. "Do you believe in aliens, Julie?"
Julie's hands were shaking. "Well...I think it's possible that something lives in outer space. And I also think it could be harmful at times." After a short pause, she carried on with a shaky voice. "So you are telling me that aliens murdered someone 10 years ago? Police won't believe you."
"I don't want to tell the police. I just want to know more about it to prevent another death." Sam looked at Julie, who was nervous and slightly shaken. "I have a strange feeling you know something."
"I knew one woman who died 10 years ago. But that couldn't be her. It doesn't make any sense." Even if it didn't make sense, Sam wanted to know what she knows. In this case, every trace and clue counts.
"It seems like we both know something, that is vital for the other one. We both know that the alien cases are continental and if we know something, we can't say it. But one thing is for sure: 20 and 10 years ago a murder occurred and Cathy Smith or I am going to be the next murder victim if we don't find out how to stop it and we don't find the answer fast." Julie sat down on a sofa and took a deep breath. The conversation was tough to handle.
"I am afraid that the answer is in front of you the whole time. We both know who died and who are you trying to find and we know that really well." Julie whispered while starring on the floor. "Trust me, you don't want to know the truth."
"I know someone who died years ago. But that's just a coincidence." Sam was trying to reassure herself. The more she thought about everything she just heard, the more nervous and in denial she was. Finally, she said something: "My mom was Heather. Heather's not a flower."
"A friend of mine, Noel, used to call her Heath. God knows why, but he had a soft spot for flowers and weeds."
Sam froze and starred at Julie in disbelief. Was this the right time to face the truth?
At that particular moment, Chris came home. He saw his mom crying and Sam, who was about to faint.
So, what do you think? What will happen next? Stay tuned. I'd be glad to read your opinions in reviews.
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