CHAPTER 3:

Later on that day after school, the gang met up at Tori's house, all except Jade & Beck.

"So you found out what's up with Cat?" Andre asked her Tori as she got some refreshments from the fridge.

"Her Skystore addiction's back," she answered, followed by a series of groans from the group. "She seems so sad, and her parents canceled all of her cards."

"Well, it just sucks to see her sad like this," Robbie added.

Tori nodded. "So I thought we could all pitch in to find something else to keep Cat occupied."

"I got nothing at the moment," Andre shrugged.

"What about you, Robbie?" Tori asked with a sigh.

"Maybe what Cat could use is a pet of her own," Trina said as she came downstairs. "Sorry, couldn't help overhearing." She paused, looking around. "I see Jade isn't here."

"Yeah, she had things to do after school," Tori said plainly.

"The pet idea might work though," Andre added, and Tori nodded in response. "We could buy her a dog."

"A puppy," Robbie suggested. "She's always been telling me how she really wants one!"

"Fine then!" Tori said with a smile. "A puppy it is! I'll pick one up from the shelter when I've got the time."

Tori updated her status on the Slap which read: "Cat's gonna love this! - MOOD = Hopeful".

"Cat," Lane spoke, looking up as the door of his office opened. "What's wrong? Take a seat."

Cat looked up at him, hesitant, but sat down on the couch as Lane took a seat in his large hanging chair. "So, what's up?"

"Well," she began. "I don't really want to be here. Tori made me come. And my Nona's at a bingo game." She pouted slightly.

"Tori's concerned about you?" Lane asked.

Cat didn't hesitate to nod. "But everyone thinks that I have a Skystore problem," she said.

"And do you?" Lane asked.

"Yes, and my parents canceled my cards, and all," Cat admitted. "But Skystore's so cool! They've got the most awesome gadgets in the world."

"Cat, Cat, Cat," Lane muttered under his breath.

"What, what, what?" Cat asked back, irritated.

"You need to take a moment to examine what's around you," Lane said, "You've got friends. You've got school and you've got a career to think about." – Cat sighed – "Surely, there must be something you can shift your attention to other than Skystore."

"I don't know," Cat muttered. "It's so cool."

"Come on, Cat," Lane said. "You can beat it. Skystore is nothing," Cat looked at him questioningly, but he continued.. "Like I said. Find yourself a hobby. Something that's worth your while."

"I'll try," Cat answered in a small voice as she stood up.

"Let me know how that goes?" Lane asked, and Cat nodded before exiting the office.

Cat updated her status on TheSlap which read: "I love Skystore but I can't have it :( - MOOD = Sad".

Outside Cat's apartment that next day, Tori, Robbie and Andre and a few of Cat's other friends waited for her to come home.

"I hope she likes the fish," Andre, and Tori nodded.

After long anticipation, Robbie knocked on the door and Cat answered. "Hiii," she said softly as she proceeded to open the door.

"How ya doing?" Tori asked casually.

"Good I guess," Cat answered plainly. "Nona wouldn't budge. My parents already beat me to it and warned her." She pouted and then suddenly beamed. "Say, Tori..." She poked her friend playfully in the shoulder. "Maybe you could lend me some money?"

"No, Cat," Tori said, "I'm not lending you money." She smiled as she held up the box. "But the gang and I brought you something that might be able to help you forget about Skystore!"

Cat gasped and squealed. "I love surprises!" she said with a giggle. She started to open the top. Inside the box was a big fish tank. Cat looked at it and her mood started to drop. "A goldfish?"

"We wanted to get you a puppy, but my dad told me there are rules about adopting, so it didn't work out," Tori explained.

"Oh…" Cat said, sadly. "But why a fish? They don't have a very long lifespan."

"I'm sorry, Cat. We just wanted to get you something to help take your mind off Skystore. I guess this wasn't the best idea," Tori spoke, breaking the silence.

"Tori, it means so much to me that all of you would go out of your way to try and do something nice for me," Cat said, perking up a little.

"I'd do it for any friend," Tori said.

Before long, Tori & her friends had to depart, but Robbie and Rex stayed.

Cat held the fishbowl in her hands. "I should name it," she whispered excitedly.

"You should," Robbie said, and then he had an idea…"How about we come up with some names together tonight?" he added quickly.

Cat batted her lashes at Robbie. "Are you asking me out?" she asked, almost teasing him.

"Yes," Robbie stated clearly.

"Kay kay." Cat nodded. "But only if you don't bring Rex along."

"It's cool," Rex spoke. "I don't want to be a third wheel anyway."

Cat updated her status on TheSlap which read: "Got a little fishy! #bestfriend - MOOD = Excited".