Chapter Nine
1064 Words
CATHERINE'S POV
The darkness of my room was my only comfort. I tried to find solace in the silence of my room but my mind was loud, too loud. My thoughts refused to settle as I thought about the chaos that had become my life.
I missed my mother. Not just her presence, but the warmth, the love, the safety she embodied. Now, she was gone. Her absence left a void no one cared to fill except Mason.
Two weeks.
That was all it took for my father to remarry—her. Ann. My mother’s best friend. I felt betrayed and hurt at the same time. The emotions choked me every time I thought about it. I couldn't believe them. My mom was a good person. She didn't deserve any of this.
Mason stirred beside me. His tiny frame curled into mine like a cat looking for warmth. He had climbed into my bed earlier, saying he couldn’t sleep.
"Kit Kat," he murmured.
I smiled faintly at the nickname. He always had a way of making me smile, no matter how hard life was.
"Hey, buddy," I whispered, brushing my fingers through his soft hair.
He mumbled something low, then drifted back to sleep. His even breaths calmed me for a while. For a little moment, I felt at peace. I cuddled into him and held him tightly.
But my thoughts were restless. They drifted to Tyler. A smile tugged at my lips despite how hurt I was. Tyler had been a bright spot in a dark week. His charm, his easy laughter—it was intoxicating. The ice cream date wasn’t just a first for me; it was a glimpse of something I thought I’d never have.
Still, I felt doubtful about our relationship.
Could someone like Tyler genuinely care for me? What if this shattered like everything else in my life?
The creak of my bedroom door pulled me from my thoughts.
"Hey, beautiful," a voice said.
My stomach twisted as soon as I saw who it was. Jack stood in the doorway. He wore only in briefs and he had an evil grin on his face.
"What do you want?" I spat. I had to keep my voice low for Mason’s sake. I didn't want to disturb him.
He leaned against the doorframe, smirking. "Just checking in. Thought you might be in the mood tonight."
His words irritated me. What the hell was his problem? How could he be so disgusting?
"Get out, Jack. My brother is literally here. How can you say things like that?"
"Because it’s true," he replied with a shrug "You should get prepared for this, Cathy. I won't always be this nice. I'm going to have my way with you soon"
I gasped in horror.
"What did you just say to me?" I whispered.
He just smiled evily "You heard me"
I felt trapped. The walls around me felt like they were closing in. In that moment, I knew I had to do something. I had to tell someone about this.
I stood up and shoved past him despite the panic in my chest. I moved down the hallway and I didn’t stop until I reached my father’s bedroom door. I knocked on it.
"Come in," my dad said.
I stepped inside. Ann laid on the bed with her eyes closed, while my father sat up. His brows furrowed in confusion.
"What’s wrong, Cathy?" he asked.
"I—" My voice faded.
"Spit it out, or leave," Ann snapped, her eyes still closed.
I took a deep breath, summoning courage I wasn’t sure I had. "It’s Jack. He’s been saying things... doing things. He told me tonight that he’s going to have his way with me soon."
The room was silent for a while. At a point, I thought no one would respond to me till Ann laughed.
"You’re quite the storyteller, aren’t you?" she sneered.
My chest tightened at her words. Of course, she wouldn't believe me.
"I’m not lying," I insisted, my voice trembling. "I would never lie about something like this."
My father’s expression was conflicted. His hands twitched as if he wanted to reach for me but didn’t dare. And it was all because of Ann.
Ann rose from the bed, walking towards me "Let me get this straight. You’re accusing my son of... what exactly?"
"I’m telling the truth," I whispered
She leaned in till her face was inches from mine. "Why would he bother with someone like you? Have you looked in a mirror lately?"
"Ann," my father said in a warning tone.
"I’m talking!" she snapped at him before turning back to me. "You’re lucky I even let you live under this roof. Say another word, and I’ll make sure you regret it."
Her hand shoved me hard, and I stumbled into the wall. I winced as I hit the floor. Pain spread throughout my body.
"If I hear another accusation like this, you’re out of here," she hissed before slamming the door behind me.
Tears blurred my vision as I dragged myself to my feet. My back throbbed, but the ache in my chest was worse. I made my way back to my room, where Mason still slept soundly,
I curled up beside him, clutching his small frame as if it could shield me from the world.
TYLER'S POV
Cathy occupied my every thought that night. I replayed the way her eyes lit up when she smiled, the sound of her laughter. She ass perfect.
When I saw her at her locker the next morning, I felt my heart race.
"Hey, beautiful," I said with a grin, leaning casually against the row of lockers. "You know, you look a lot like my mate."
I expected her to laugh, maybe roll her eyes like she usually did, but instead, she barely glanced at me. Her expression was guarded and I noticed how stiff her movements were. I became worried at the sight of her.
Was she okay?
"Cathy, what’s wrong?" I asked.
"Just leave me alone," she snapped.
She slammed her locker shut before walking away.
I stared after her in confusion. What had changed? Things had been perfect. Now, she was shutting me out.
But I wasn’t giving up. Whatever it was, I’d figure it out.
Cathy deserved someone who wouldn’t walk away and I wasn’t going to.
- Writer
