2nd Year Dramas

by Gracerine

2nd years at college always go smoother than the first. But that doesn't seem to be the deal for Cath Avery as she speeds towards the marriage of Levi's sister in October. Combined with ever-growing pressure in her fiction writing class, her dad's growing insanity and the arrival of a new girl, Lily. When Lily begins to show connections to Cath's mom, it tips her off the ledge.

6. Chapter 6

CHAPTER 6: COLD PEAS

The adrenaline of the moment wore off and the guilt began to sit in about lunchtime the next day. It was meant to be Fajita Friday, but the Fajita bread hadn't come in time. The leftovers from last night were main course today. The peas were disgusting, all mushy. It didn't help Cath's mood.

Wren poked Cath "Hey, what's up?" Cath looked back. "What? Nothing? Is something up with you, don't lie to me! Okay? Nothing's up, yeah." She looked down. "You've heard about my little rough patch with Lily."

Wren nodded. "I can't lie, you went over the top. But she did too. And you have confused the hell out of Levi; he can't decide which side to take. I suggest you apologise, before it gets out of hand."

Cath sighed. "You're right. "

"About what?" said a bubbly voice from over her shoulder.

"Cath, don't be sorry about what happened. I was overreacting. So don't freak out, no hard feelings."

Lily wore a bright pink summer dress and white thick-strapped heels. Her ombre was parted down the centre, and metallic blue eyeliner wrapped her eyes like a cord. Levi stood behind her, face down, ears red.

Cath felt stupid. How could she have been the smaller person? When the twins were little, they had had a doll called Lolly. When Wren had snapped off Lolly's neck, Cath had been the one to reglue it. When Wren had spilt hot fudge all over Lolly's clothes, Cath had been the one to smile and wrap some toilet paper around Lolly. When Wren dropped Lolly in the middle of the road and a truck had ran over her and smashed Lolly to bits, Cath had been the one who had sat next to Wren and told her it was ok all afternoon. The role of the bigger person had switched places many times, but Cath had generally always been the one to be more sensible.

Now here Lily was messing that whole scale up. "Ok. Thanks." Cath choked out. Levi looked up for a second at her, but then looked back down. Those blue eyes. Lily smiled sweetly. "Mind if I join you for lunch?" Wren nodded and Lily sat down.

"Mmmm, these peas are delicious, don't you think Cath?"

"Yeah Lily."