Kat740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmnnFzCwvn
740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWkWuaWmO9E
February 14, 2005
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2 weeks later
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740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBLIT3pYUZL
"Do I really have to go?" I plead with my best friend, hoping to stay in tonight. 740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4ZF3PuOhz
"Yes." She gives me a "don't question me" look that I'm sure she will use on her children someday. 740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZglNrOJD4y
"But... will he be there?" She knows exactly who I'm talking about. 740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡutXcrpgP0U
"Oh, I don't know... Probably not?" I can sense her hesitation.740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHWmmh3bQMU
"You are a terrible liar." I roll my eyes as I continue getting ready.740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgeTSRcqQfA
"Listen, just don't think about that jackass tonight. Have fun with me!" She grabs onto my arm, bouncing with excitement.740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaaLbEDZgIe
"Oh please, like you will have time for anyone other than your Valentine." She tries to object, but I hold up my hand to stop her. "We both know I will be sitting in the corner by myself, probably watching him with some skank... silently praying for a quick merciful death." 740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiEJxUuorjU
"God, you are so morbid. Come on! It's Valentine's Day!" She turns to the mirror to finish her makeup. "Plus Luke and Soph will be there and Kai is really excited to see you." Kai had grown on me, despite our rocky start. 740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyyF9oZrbRl
"Crap... He is totally going to be there." I figured he would be, but knowing everyone else would be there only cemented it.740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4qqC5MsNA
I had somehow managed to avoid him, at least directly, for over a month. It was quite an accomplishment since I enjoyed being around his friends so much. 740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAOulHQWXe
Must have been by the grace of God. Oh no... now I sound like Mom. Dad would be so proud, the thought leaving a bitter aftertaste in my brain.740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmoXx6ezyG
This is so not what I need tonight.740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UM1ztUFKr
"Well, I actually know someone who might take your mind off of him. He's been wanting to meet you for weeks." She isn't meeting my eyes and she's biting her fingernails. Crap, she must be really nervous. 740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjkZfvLkTly
"Ness... what are you talking about?" I'm not actually sure I want to know. 740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqxz0TJoGfh
"Well... this guy... Jonathan... He's seen you around... and well... he kinda wanted me to introduce you... tonight." She paces the room like a caged animal, as she continues to chew the skin on her fingers since there's nothing left of her nails at this point.740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsBpxzzVCdl
"Ness, calm down. Please stop, at least for the sake of your poor hands." I try to process what she just dropped on me, as I grab her hand, forcing her to stop pacing. "Okay, so, why does this Jonathan guy want to meet me so badly?" I take a seat on her bed.740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡACEJBJoeKr
She scoffs, sitting next to me. "Come on, Katie-bug... Even you aren't that dense."740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMZVqDVjmw
I just stare at her, completely confused.740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQQiSbFJTi
"Ugh... Seriously? He thinks you are hot and he wants some of that." She gestures towards me. 740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ261pvNmcIB
"What?!? Jeez, did you really have to put it like that?" I can feel my face burning from embarrassment. 740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNaGRQq3i1L
"Oh god, Katie-bug, you are such a prude. I swear! Maybe Johnny can help with that." She giggles and bounces on her bed. "Ooooh, maybe he's into some kinky shit! You know, it's always the pretty boys." 740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGkvPdqsHr
My mouth pops open as I feel the blush take over my face. I know I'm only feeding fuel to her fire, but I can't even try to hide my shock. I am pathetic.740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXjt5jfwLi
Vanessa doubles over in laughter, nearly falling off the bed. "Oh. My. God!" She's barely able to get each word out between her giggles. "Look. At. Your. Face!" She points at me, continuing to mock me.740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyUUbbjQPgS
I push her arm that's extended, throwing her off balance. She falls, landing face first on the carpet. It's my turn laugh, my eyes water and I can barely breathe, but it's totally worth it.740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeNa93E50ox
"Fuck! That fucking hurt you fucking bitch!" She hops back up on the bed, punching me in the arm before joining in my laughter. 740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡerwKFPNWhi
"Okay, okay." She tries to calm us down. "Alright, if it wasn't me, that would have been pretty good, but seriously that fucking hurt!" 740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfwRyDHUb3
"Well, at least you got the rug burn a different way this time." I smirk, proud of my quick wit.740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5EiQ2M9rp
"Ah! You skank!" She throws her pillow directly at my face. Even though it's soft, it still stings.740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1oOKSkx5w
"Pretty sure, I'm not the skank in this room, whore!" I throw the pillow back, but miss. 740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhsP2hUWN2P
"Pretty sure Ben would disagree!" The proud look on her face immediately vanishes. I feel like I've been punched in the stomach.740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbKbM6NuysS
"Shit, Kat. I'm sorry. That was really insensitive. Please forget I said that." She moves closer to me, probably to comfort me but all I feel the need to get out of the room. 740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDEYj17tNwj
"Don't worry about it." I run out the door, into the safety of a bathroom stall. 740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgT2Dm5U0R
Okay, so it's not super private, but when you live in a dorm with a roommate, it's about as good as it gets.740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxJeEXpDmp
I sit there long enough to calm down, but I'm still not ready to go back to the room. Unfortunately, I know if I wait much longer, Vanessa will come find me.740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSJhqF5DOW
"Kat?" I hear Sophie's voice echo through the bathroom.740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDRcINFOJ30
"Yeah, Soph?" I almost didn't respond, but she obviously knows I'm in here.740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPxJnxodBFy
"You coming? We are all riding together." Her voice is soft and sweet, just like her. Instantly, I feel relaxed and ready to spend time with my new friends. 740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbY0ZHZagtE
"Yeah, just a second." I flush the toilet to make it seem like I wasn't just a weirdo sitting in here. 740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd21kpOkm9o
I make my way to wash my hands because it's a public bathroom and it's disgusting not to after touching anything in here. 740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZ02Ud2CUt
"Are you okay?" She seems concerned and I wonder if Ness sent her to check on me. 740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWt5NTM2wiP
"Of course. Let's go." I don't need her to be worried about me. I will be fine. I'm just being a stupid girl. 740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmJdcx7THr
I throw the paper towel into the garbage can as I turn to leave, but Sophie stops me by placing her hand on my arm. "Hey, listen, I know it's tough, but I'm really glad you are coming."740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCelBr3uyP
I love her to death, but I am so sick of everyone treating me this way. I just want to be normal, but everyone seems to be worried I'm about to break. 740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4GS07QGPn
Yes, he's a jerk, but seriously it's not that big of a deal. 740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOa4O3NOuYS
Yeah, keep telling yourself that. Maybe someday you will actually believe it.740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZbxB6tGIr
"I'm good. Really." I try to give her my most convincing smile as we finally make it out the door.740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15SGx1EqWt
Traffic was slow, but we finally made it to the stupid Valentine's Day party at Nate's. The house is overflowing with people holding plastic red cups and couples making out everywhere. I can already tell I'm going to hate this.740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7g7weMUtm
I spot him, across the room sitting at the kitchen table. Surprisingly, he's alone, engrossed in his phone.740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmU9ZMm9Z3a
Yeah, like that's going to last. Cue the blonde bimbo who's probably on her way back from the bathroom right now.740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡprtZVlBMFa
I sit on the couch with Sophie and Vanessa, as Nate hands us each a drink and squeezes next to my best friend. 740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH1ceCAj1Tm
As Luke walks in, he only has eyes for Sophie. He leans down to kiss her in greeting and I suddenly feel awkward sitting there. 740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJ0W6yLEJ0
"Here, sit here." I stand, gesturing to my seat. 740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVWdcRZU9n
"Oh no, Kat. Don't worry about it." He's so nice, but I honestly don't want to sit there anymore.740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNlLH1e2INN
"Please, I insist. It is Valentine's Day after all." I smile as I step away. 740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97PzQSL3Tm
"Okay..." He hesitates, but only for a moment. 740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7WlBL8l2qb
I move to the love seat to sit alone. How pathetic am I? 740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFot2bQkJQY
"Hello, my lady." I feel the seat move next to me. I look up to find Kai, smirking. 740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWgiUMJQ2UZ
"Hey Kai!" I lean in to hug him as we continue to make small talk. As happy as I am to see the blockhead, I find myself longing to spend my time with someone else.740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYlfBTtz6X
I look over at him, out of habit. I try not to watch him, but for some reason my eyes always find him. 740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGgCOYSJMX6
Because I'm a stupid girl.740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEh1qr6gKms
Our eyes meet, for just a second and I feel the air rush from my lungs.740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdN2K2lMEy
Wait... was he just staring at me? No way, he must have just happened to look up at the exact wrong time.740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr12kkXJlb1
I totally didn't notice that he's still sitting by himself. Nope, I didn't notice that at all.740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNlSTF9KxIv
I head to the bathroom, annoyed with my unusually small bladder. I barely drank anything. I try to mentally count the cups. 740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx7RD9PNkxl
Okay... so maybe I drank more than I realized. Oops. What would Dad say?740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBwHuqdmd6
Nope, not going down that mental path...740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDAF9x7WeD4
When I return to my seat, I find it's taken. Kai looks at me apologetically. "Katarina, this is Barbie." 740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzs2EjhTjkF
"Oh! The girlfriend. It's so nice to finally meet you." I reach out to shake her hand, but she just grimaces at me like I might give her a disease.740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzSkKrEkg1q
"And who are you, exactly?" I'm not sure how to answer her... But the disdain in her eyes says she doesn't really care anyway. 740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwR7XEnC3d
"It's Kat. And my best friend is dating Kai's roommate." I guess that's who I am? Hopefully it's good enough.740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoAXoIBEnis
"Babe, your kinda in Kat's seat." Her face falls slightly. Oh god, now I feel awkward. 740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6KCBrC8SR
"Oh no, don't worry about it. It's all yours." I back away, hoping she doesn't see me as a threat.740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcg4lyDJCjE
"Yeah, well I am his girlfriend, after all." I can't say I disagree with her, but it's still shocking she said it out loud. 740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVLjflx6rrb
"Of course." I mumble, as I walk away from her hateful gaze. I understand why not even Luke or Sophie can stand her. What on earth does Kai see in her?740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1bhxnuJy1A
Well, there goes all my friends, lost in the daze of their significant others... I need to get out of here. 740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyUwqHROCpZ
But where can I go?740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCudmqFeGa
I find my feet leading me to a familiar room. I open the door slightly.740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjLqjcIv1YS
"Hello?" No answer. 740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfvZsagbmwh
I don't even bother to turn on the light as I crash into the bed. 740Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcIMtD21AEi
Thank God. Alone at last.
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