A few minutes later Sean was sitting waiting for Katie to come out of the change room when a girl came up to him and sat down. Who are you waiting for she asked? I am waiting for my friend, she should be out in a few minutes responded Sean. Oh well maybe I can keep you company until then said the girl. You are not from around here are you she said. Where are you from she asked? I am visiting from Ireland said Sean feeling very uncomfortable. This friend of yours is she pretty asked the girl? Sean without missing a beat said that yes his friend was very pretty and that she would be out of the change room in a moment and got up from the bench he was sitting on and walked towards the door to the change room.
The girl did not get the message. She walked over to Sean and started to slide up beside him. Would you like me to go in and see what is taking her so long to come out to you she asked? It wouldn't be a problem. No that is fine said Sean. Oh by the way my name is Lorraine. Sean just looked at her. What is your name she asked? My name is Sean. Oh it is so nice to meet you Sean. Maybe we can meet up somewhere later for a coffee or something. No I don't think so unless of course you are inviting my friend along. Hey no problem bring her along I am sure I can find someone for her. Sean just looked at her in disbelief.
Just then Katie came out of the change room to see Lorraine with her hand on Sean's leg and the two of them talking. Oh no she thought not her. Lorraine was Jennifer's sister. She is the one who was spreading all the rumours through the high school. Katie had faith in Sean that he would not fall for her lines so she just walked over to him and stood in front of him. I am ready she said. I am sorry it took me so long but I wanted to get all the chlorine out of my hair.
When Lorraine saw Katie she just gasped. You she yelled. You bitch it is because of you that my parents are having to mortgage their house. She started to stand to go after Katie. If you lay one finger on her I will have you arrested said Sean. It is not because of Katie, it is because of your sister and yourself that your parents are in this mess. If the two of you were not such hateful little girls there would not have been this problem.
I believe it is because of you Katie was almost assaulted by a sixteen year old boy. She was eight years old at the time. What had she done to you he asked? Well what had Katie done that would warrant you causing her such upset? Nothing is the answer. I think you were just jealous of her. I can understand that as Katie is a very beautiful girl who happens to be very intelligent. She will go somewhere someday. Where on the other hand you and your slut of a sister will always be trash. The two of you accused Katie of being a slut only it was your sister and yourself that have offered yourselves up to me. Me a total stranger I can just imagine what you offer to boys that you know.
After his speech he took Katie's hand and they walked off towards the door. How dare you speak to me like that said Lorraine!! Sean turned around and looked at Lorraine. Oh you don't like hearing the truth do you said Sean. Well I would suggest that you get used to it as your act will wear very thin with anyone who has any class at all. I do hope you have lots of fun at your new school. I am sure it will be worth it to your parents. Oh just so you know it is because your sister could not keep her big mouth shut that you will be going to private school, not because of Katie. She gave that big mouth a second chance to correct herself but no she had to be the big woman and run her mouth. That is what happens when you can't control yourself.
Sean then turned took Katie's hand and walked out of the door from the pool.
Katie started laughing. What is so funny asked Sean? You are said Katie. You really told her didn't you she said. I don't think she has ever been told the truth about herself or her sister. Well I couldn't let her say nasty things about you could I he said smiling. You are so wonderful said Katie as she gave Sean a big hug. How did I get so lucky to have you as my friend? Well I guess you must have been born under a lucky star said Sean laughing. Really I am the lucky one. I have a beautiful, smart and sweet girl pop in on me when I really needed a friend. I have the most loyal friend in you. If it had been the other way around you would have done the same thing and I think you may have done even more. I don't doubt that you may have beaten up anyone who had hurt me like that said Sean. I would have said Katie. I wouldn't want anyone to hurt you she said. I know that but you know that I can't beat up either Lorraine or Michelle don't you he asked? Yes I know, you are too noble to do that and anyway boys shouldn't beat up on girls. Exactly said Sean. Now if I ran across that boy who tried to hurt you that would be another story. Then he had better run because I could do some major damage to him. I would take my chances with the ministry about underage magic. Either that or I would teach you the jinxes and you could get him back for all the fear and hurt he caused you said Sean looking down at Katie.
You are a very wonderful person said Katie as she took his hand and they walked home. After they had taken a few steps she stopped. What is it asked Sean? Katie just went up on tiptoe and kissed him on the cheek. What was that for he asked as they walked on? It is for being the best friend a girl could ask for. You know that if I didn't have you I wouldn't have anyone she said with tears in her eyes. I am so lucky that you didn't tell me to go away that day four years ago. Why would I have done that asked Sean? Well most boys who are ten years old don't really want to be friends with a little girl of six. They think that girls are yucky and they don't want to have anything to do with them. Why would you think that he asked? Well my brother didn't want much to do with me when I was six. He thought of me as a pest always wanting to do the things he was doing. He just didn't understand that I wanted to be big like him. I wanted to spend time with him but he just saw me as a little girl who was a pest. Well I never saw you as a pest I saw you as a very sweet little girl who was a lot of fun. You were always happy and you never asked me to play dolls. Katie laughed. That is because I knew that boys never liked to play dolls. Anyway if we were to play dolls I would have to bring all my dolls and they can get heavy. Sean just laughed.
Once they got home Katie told her mother and brother about what had happened at the pool. It was so cool said Katie. He just told her off. She didn't know what to say, I just wanted to jump for joy that she was so upset said Katie. Katie you know that is not nice said her mother. I know she said but it was the two of them that caused all of these problems. If Jennifer could have kept her mouth shut then they would be going to the same schools this year but she couldn't and that is not my fault said Katie. I know you are right but it still is not nice to find enjoyment from others misery said her mother. I guess so said Katie.
Don't you worry about it , I think it is hilarious said Bill in a low voice. I wish I had been there to cheer him on. Katie heard this and smiled. Really you would have cheered on Sean asked Katie? Of course said Bill. I wish I had been the one to tell her off. I didn't know that you cared that much she said. No one will hurt my little sister if I have anything to say about it. I can say and do what I want but no one is allowed to hurt you. I wish I had been there when that idiot tried to grab you I would have taught him a lesson. If I could have I would have walked you home everyday to make sure you were safe but I had classes until four o'clock that year. Really, you would have said Katie surprised. Of course you are my little sister. Thank you said Katie as she gave her brother a big hug. Let go of me he said. Why all the hugging. Alright said Katie laughing. No more hugging. Good said Bill and he went down to his room. You are not as disagreeable as you let on she said to his back. Oh yes I am he said as he turned around to speak.
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