-CHAPTER THREE-


LATE


Tuesday 13th October 2009

ANASTASIA

"ANA, FOR FUCK SAKES cheer up." Kate said as she fell onto my bed. Her hand went straight to my head, as she stroked my hair which had become a birds nest through no lack of trying.

"What are you on about? I'm cheery. I'm happy. And. Not. A-wake! Go away!" I mumbled into my pillow.

"Hmmm really Steele?"

Her over exaggeration didn't leave me, I wanted to sleep but Kate was a touchy feely kind of girl. This morning it started with my hair which we don't need to elaborate on, gradually working down my neck and along my back. With her long manicured nails she began outlining the letters H, A, R, V, A, R, D.

"I see you're wearing that friend's sweatshirt again."

"Shut it! Kate do you realize…" I slowly opened one eye and stared at my clock, "it's 8:21am."

8:21am!

Oh God, I have class at twenty to nine. Factor in getting ready and breakfast, which gives me, negative eleven minutes to get there. Fuck, fuck, fucketty FUCK!

"Kate, I'M LATE!" I growled into my pillow hoping the nylon fibers I was inhaling would do some kind of damage.

Dramatic Ana! Just get up, get your shit sorted!

"Why didn't you wake me? Oh my God, class." Cringing at my tardiness, I jumped out of bed almost losing my footing. I swiftly moved through my bedroom sniffing my laundry hoping it was clean and attempting to tame my knotted hair with my old brush.

"I tried." Kate shrugged, "Your alarm was ringing for ages. I thought you must have taken something. So I took it upon myself to check, but it was clear." She flipped her thumb to my trash can with a few balls of paper and tissues surrounding it.

"You went through my trash!"

"Well, you were out cold! You're… different, I didn't know what you were thinking, you never can tell these days!" I gasped, did she really believe I would hurt myself? "Honey look, if the panda eyes don't explain it I can. You're fucking exhausted. Too much, too quick?"

Maybe I was working too hard, burning the candle at both ends.

"Maybe drop a class, there's no need to graduate this early. These stress levels are wearing you down, we need to think about your complexion, you don't want to lose your flawless look," she said calmly lying on my bed. Me on the other hand was running around like a headless chicken. "Take a fucking breath." she wrapped her arms around me into a hug.

I needed it, but I didn't need the tears which were building. I didn't want to cry. Crying gets you nowhere. So what's the point!

Lets get the facts Ana. You miss him but he doesn't miss you. He was only a "fuck and flee" kind of guy!

Kate maybe a pain in the ass but she knew when I was off key, especially in pain. To think I can hide my period from her, you are wrong. She truly has become my rock over the last two weeks, since I've been neglecting everything. Cleaning has been far from my agenda and making anything more complicated than toast, ramen noodles or tomato soup was a challenge. I couldn't even remember when I last showered.

This was the fourth time I had slept in and Kate might be horrible at these menial tasks but she has stepped up her game. My mind just has been on other things: how I've fallen for a guy I've only met once.

…..

27th September 2009

"WHO IN THEIR RIGHT MIND would leave?" I repeated to myself as I walked the final few blocks to my apartment.

He was muscular, hypnotically gorgeous, smart and naked. But. I. Chose. To. Leave! In a way, why does it feel like I've abandoned him? But what the hell happened last night after we fell off the piano stool? For the life of me I can't remember. I recall, great conversation, pizza, too much Vodka, and the piano. Oh God the piano! I made a fool of myself, why did I think I could win at playing chopsticks!

Yet I believe something happened, possibly monumental last night. The facts were: I'm exhausted, some muscles a little strained, a few grazes and overall a soreness to my body. Seeing his sheets made me think we must had sex, the faint blood stains made it clear. C's ass was scuffed with carpet burns wearing, and my knees didn't fare much better. Maybe it was just that, oozing carpet burns.

Possibly yes, probably no. You're dreaming Ana!

My feet were done after all the walking as the blisters were visible and stinging. Feeling exhausted from the last twelve hours, a warm river flushed through my body, unaware if it was nerves or the awful hangover clouding my judgement. My palms were blotchy, covered in sweat as I wiped the moisture down C's sweatshirt, that familiar jittery sensation was back. I wasn't prepared, yet alone ready to face the walk of shame.

Kate's name circled in my mind, as I tried to tackle a half-assed explanation. Automatically the holes, and a lack of alibi would be the lamb for the slaughter to the Kavanagh inquisition, I'll be far from a free woman for weeks. Gulping down the bile, so last night's pizza doesn't make an encore performance, my shaking hand grasped the front door. With what courage remained in my lethargic system, I turned the key. Before I had the chance to open the door, a tall blonde did the honors. Surprisingly it wasn't of Kate's variety.

"Oh Banana!" His voice was low, entirely filled with enthusiasm as his arms swung open, "You're home!"

It was as if we were long lost friends, in a much needed warm hug. I was slightly weary, since not knowing the man. My mouth dropped as I observed his torso. The bare skin shocked me as my line of sight fell below his hips. Oh, he was naked alright, and his man limb was also just as enthused to see me.

C was bigger, he was a raging bull between his legs.

Groaning of the faint memory, I quickly shook off the thought of C's… penis. And there was another in the flesh in front of me.

"Who… What, umm?" Holding my breath trying not to faint. It's not every day you possibly lose your virginity and then discover a very naked guy in your apartment's doorway. "Oh my God! Where the fuck are your clothes?" Pointing at his groin as my face flushed.

Why is there a naked man in my apartment?

The mysterious blond quickly ran to the couch and grabbed… Don't you dare, my favorite green throw. He meticulously wrapped my hand made throw below his hips.

"KAAAATE!" I fumed.

So much for sneaking in!

"Banana, shut the fuck up… she's sleeping," he hushed me while pointing at the couch.

On our couch laid a very naked Kate.

Pits, crack and flaps for all to see.

"Oh come on!" I flicked my hands up, pissed at what was happening.

It could have been the long walk causing my blisters, or the blonde using my things but it was seeing my best-friend naked which tipped me, pissed me off. Pointing my anger at this unnamed blond wrapped in my green handmade throw, giving a clear single instruction. "Her room. NOW!" I strained through my teeth seething at what was happening.

A simple military salute was all he gave, and carefully scooped Kate from the couch. Rolling my eyes as he looked puzzled with where to take Kate.

They didn't even make it to the bedroom?

Pointing with force, my muscles tensed in my hand as my face was painted red in full of rage.

The blond mouthed back, "thanks banana" as if he was to cool my rage.

What's with the banana? The banana you saw earlier between his legs Ana!

Giving zero fucks, I hobbled my tired blistered feet straight to my bedroom collapsing on my bed.

…..

ROLLING OVER, MY ARMS and legs were sprawled over the comfy bed. A warm glow filtered through my window showcasing the colors of fall throughout the room. Turning to my clock I was surprised to see it was 5:44pm. Lying on my back, breathing deep I could hear voices beyond my thin walls. It was time to face the music.

"Good evening Ana," Kate smirked as she snuggled into the blond's arms. Thankfully they were both dressed this time.

"Banana… Hey I'm so sorry about earl—" With a single hand, I cut him short.

"OK. So Kate. One, why were you naked on the couch and two…" I turned pointing to the mysterious blond.

"Can I start with three?" Kate asked.

"Three," baffled by her reply.

"Like, where the fuck did you go? I was so worried!" She huffed, pacing the room, "You only sent one message. One! That's no where near enough… and then your cell was off!" She snapped, "And, this friend… who the fuck is this FRIEND ANA!" I jumped at her forcible screech.

What, she has no right to speak to me this way. I wasn't the one naked in our living room. I saw her vagina for fuck sakes!

"Oh no," shaking my head, "No. No. No. Kate," She was going to listen to me for once. "We are not going to talk about me, this is all about you. Oh and you buddy!" My finger shook as I pointed to them both.

Kate was ready for our fight. As failure never was an option for a Kavanagh.

"Friend? Who is this friend Ana?" She raised her brows as her voice rose.

"Who is he, KATE!" I forcibly whispered pointing to the blond.

"Banana. I am in the room. There's no need to whisper." He chuckled. "Don't you remember? I'm Elliot." He tapped his chest, proud to make the point, "We met last night. Kate and I kind of hit it off and we got back here…" His arms waved around hoping he makes some point, "And I couldn't help myself. Damn that dress, I ripped it off and then we started to fu—" I stopped him before I could hear it.

"NO MORE! I get the idea, I did see you both naked." Rubbing my hands over my face, "Honestly most of last night is still a blur," embarrassingly I confessed.

Fuck you Vodka!

The penny dropped, "Oh my God, you're Ell?" Rubbing my head, I needed more Advil.

"Banana, I'm sor—"

"My name is Anastasia. Do not call me Banana." I gritted my teeth.

"Banana," he winked.

"KAAATE!"

…..

NEEDING A STRONG CUP of loose-leaf tea ASAP, I made my way through the apartment to our small white kitchen. With each step I noticed items occupying my path: women's heels, men socks, a ripped dress, jeans, panties, boxers, and an unbuttoned dress shirt.

"Kate, please tell me you guys didn't," Pointing around the kitchen I'd only deep cleaned a week ago.

"Yep." She popped the p, "Ok, maybe don't touch the bench, oh and the… dish-washer," Kate said while her face crinkled.

What!

"I swear I'll get the couch professionally cleaned tomorrow. Oh and there's behind the front door too."

"KATE!"

"Just putting it out there. If you want to use the handle of the front door, I would use industrial strength gloves." Elliot pretended prepping for surgery, snapping gloves over his large masculine hands.

"OH MY FUCKING GOD! You two are disgusting!" I screamed since it seemed useful at the time.

Elliot snickered at the word 'fucking,' I guess he lacks any form of maturity and it's really pissing me off. He continued to chuckle at the profanity, obvious believing it was humorous and elbowed Kate. She could only frown at his action.

"Ana," she sighed, "Elliot was jo-king," she punched him in the chest as he let out a groan, "about the handle," punching him harder this time, "we're sorry about the rest of the apartment. Aren't we…." She looked at him and suddenly his behavior changed quickly when her knee went straight into his groin. Instantly he mouthed his apology of 'sorry' to both of us.

Fuck this, I give up and wandered to my bedroom hoping the loud slam of my door would show them how I feel about the situation.

Finding my cell dead, I plugged it into the charger and waited. Waiting for a message from C. As I paced my room, I knew I would more likely get one from God than C. Staring at my cell, the sound of music caught me off guard.

It's raining men! Hallelujah! It's raining men! Amen! I'm gonna go out to run and let myself get absolutely soaking wet!

The Weather Girl's song repeated.

What the fuck?

Popping my head out of my doorway, I watched Elliot give me the biggest smile. Honestly I thought he was going to wet his pants since he looked so excited. What is wrong with this guy? Is he really five but trapped in an adult's body? But I was intrigued, and sat back and listened.

"Ell are you going to answer that?" Kate was dazed as to why he wasn't answering his cell. Shaking his head, a single finger was pointing at the cell.

"Just one more time," he chuckled, this time mouthing the words to the song.

It's raining men! Hallelujah! It's raining men! Amen! I'm gonna go out to run and let myself get absolutely soaking wet!

A single press of a button he answered the call, "Ahh, good evening baby bro. I thought you would have called sooner," he chortled.

What's with his ring tone?

"Why? Ha I needed to absorb the power of your ring tone."

"What? Huh?"

"Take an Advil, you're hungover I…"

"Fuck bro, slow down I can't understand you…"

"What are you talking about, fairies?" he looked puzzled.

"Christian. Slow. Down." Elliot started to stare at Kate.

"Who's gone?"

It seemed Elliot didn't speak for over two minutes but he continued to laugh at this person's expense. What ever was being said was rather entertaining to him, tears of joy fell from the corners of his eyes.

"Ahhh, someone finally popped that cherry, who's the guy?"

"Hahaha, chill I'll be there in 30 ok."

Elliot slapped his phone onto our coffee table smiling at Kate.

"Babe, I need head off. My baby bro is having abandonment issues. I'll call soon," He grabbed her, embracing her face and my heart dropped.

You could have had this Ana. But. You. Left!

As she came up for air, her arms wrapped around his shoulders, "What's with the ring tone?"

"He's gay, but totally denies it. He avoids chicks like the plague," he winked at her. "I can't help it, and I have a feeling it was raining men last night for him."

"Ok, whatever," shaking off his revelation, "until next time," she whispered into his lips.

"Laters baby."

…..

Tuesday 13th October 2009

"HELLOOOO?" Kate waved a hand in front of my face. It was all such a whirlwind those few weeks ago. "Banana? Are you with me? Fuck, I thought you were just depressed but evidently exhausted too." She stroked my hair, "I lost you for a second there didn't I." I nodded.

"Why didn't he call Kate?" A single tear fell down my cheek.

Lifting my head to the ceiling, trying to keep my emotions balanced kind, but it was impossible. My sight clouded as the tears offset, heavy burden resting on my chest. To this day I've kept my silence about that night. She's maybe my best friend but she gossips like any trashy magazine reporter. I want to keep my private life private, since nothing remains a secret from Kate.

"Aww honey," Her words eased my tears, "Stay home today. Ok, I've got it all planned," she continued using too many hand gestures for my brain to cope, "I''ll clean, grocery shop and cook tonight." It was obvious she was trying, especially since she mentioned about making a meal. This never happens, I'm not sure it was the best approach.

"Please don't cook," shaking my head, "You tried that last week, and do I need to remind you what happened?"

"Jesus, yes. Fucking stomach flu," she held a strained smile, "Still I can't believe you had that for most of the week." My hands instantly cups my mouth as the memory of acidic bile destroyed my esophagus.

"It wasn't bad, but lingered. So please no cooking."

"Soooo, is that a definite yes you're staying home today?" She said as her eyebrows rose.

"Yes!" And my drained body fell into my pillow.

"Ana. Ana. Hey!" Kate repetitively tapped my shoulder, "You'll be proud, look."

Removing my face from my pillow, my eye creaked open. "Well done Kate, you have discovered a piece of paper!" She pushed the crumbled page in front of my face.

"Funny, it's a shopping list silly! What do you need? Now I borrowed a box of Tampax last week. Do you want me to replace them?"

"Well I don't want you to return them used, so replac—"

How did this happen, without noticing? I have everything timed, especially only having enough products for me. Fuck! Lunging out of bed, it caused my head to spin. I stopped, trying to make sense with what was happening.

"Ana what's going on? It's ok, I didn't realize you were so touchy with me using your tampons! I'll just buy more, easy fix!" She blurted, but my head was puzzled and slightly panicking.

Dashing to my desk, I held my 2009 diary.

"Girl, forget about the papers you have due. I'm sure your professors will understand…" Kate continued to speak but I couldn't hear what she was saying.

I flicked the pages, counting back the days. No. No. No. Thirty-three.

FUCK!

Quickly snapping back the pages, August twenty-eight, July twenty-eight, June twenty-eight, May… each month was regular, it was clear my period was late.

"Kate I think I need you to add something to your list." All the blood drained from my face.

"Yeah, I've already added the Tampax? I know I should have asked, but my period was really heavy this month. I was desperate, you know when the flow is on the go, plug the hole… or something like that," She laughed at her stupid analogy.

"Shut it. No, Kate" Gnawing on my lip, "A pregnancy test."

For the first time I can remember I have made the one and only garrulous Kate speechless.


A/N:

SONG MENTIONED:

1. It's Raining Men - THE WEATHER GIRLS. It can be found here youtube watch?v=l5aZJBLAu1E

Thank you for reading the new reworked/beta-ed "Misplaced & Found." If you haven't already done so, please favourite, follow, review and PM me regarding any M&F questions or concerns. Pinterest will be live soon. See you soon for chapter 04 'Pixie Dust'.

missmusicteach