Chapter 9
1163 Words
Natalia
"I don't hear it anymore. Whatever it is, is gone," Mia whispers.
Rustling again.
I gasp and almost jump on Michael.
"Who is there?" Jace shouts. His voice shaking a little.
More rustling.
"Should we get closer and investigate? Maybe someone is hurt?" I say.
Mia looks terrified. Jace shakes his head.
"Have you lost your mind, Nat? That is a psycho k1ller out there, and frankly, you are giving psycho vibes by even suggesting that," Mia sounds terrified. I would laugh if I wasn't terrified myself.
"Everyone just stay behind me," Michael says as he begins to work his way through the bushes.
I follow behind, because I am not going to get lost and end up here alone and afraid.
All of a sudden, Michael stops. He just freezes.
"What is it? Why did you stop? I can't see anything," Mia whisper shouts.
"Meow," I hear softly.
"It's a cat," I say.
Jace is next to me in a second, trying to find it.
"I hear it, but I think it's a baby kitten. Flash the light here Mike," Jace says.
"It's tiny," I say, holding Michael's hand steady, as we finally get a glimpse of the kitten.
"It's so cute," Mia gushes.
I reach down to grab it, and it lets me.
I hold it up to my chest.
"I think it's abandoned," Jace says.
"Did your mommy forget about you, little one? Did she leave you here all alone to fend for yourself?" Mia asks the kitten.
Her words hit me like a gut punch.
"Let's take him back to the cave," Mia says.
"Yes," I say quickly. They all give me a look.
"I mean, we shouldn't leave it out here. It's going to get cold and what if it gets eaten by a bigger animal? Where is your mommy? Why are you out here all alone?" I pet its little head.
"Do you want to bring it home?" I shake my head.
"I can't. I'm not allowed to bring animals home. I really wish I could though. This cutie's hair is almost as red as mine's is. Look," I say, holding the cat up next to my head. All 3 of them nod in agreement. "It's like we were meant to be, but my parents wouldn't be okay with it, and I would have to set it free," I really wish I could bring this kitten home. I'm sure this kitten feels as lonely as I do. I'd like to think I'd be a good cat mom and it would be a companion to me.
"Why don't we bring it back to the cave for now? You can visit it there," Michael tells me, and I jump up and down. "Are you serious, Michael? I would love that," he smiles brightly. "I thought you would. Do you want to carry it back?" he asks me and I nod.
"I want to hold it too," Mia whines at some point on our walk back.
"You can keep the cat once we get to the cave," Michael tells her.
She just pouts.
We get back to the clubhouse and I hand Mia the kitten, because I need to get home already. I have been gone for a long time, and I don't want to push my luck.
"I have to go home now. I will see you guys at school tomorrow. Take care of this little one," I say and pet its head. Mia shoves the cat in my arms again, and I close my eyes and give it another squeeze. I really wish I could bring it home with me tonight. I sigh. I open my eyes and I swear it looks like someone took a picture of me. I could have sworn I saw a flash. I begin to panic and give Mia the cat back.
I wave and rush back home.
"See you tomorrow," they all shout once I am some feet away.
Michael
She rushes away in such a panicked mode.
The red flags Billy has taught me to look for in people are waving wildly right now.
More than they have already.
Why did she suddenly act weird and take off so violently? The same way she always does? Why is she always looking over her shoulder? Why does she always look like she is running from someone? Why does she always look scared?
It hits me hard.
Natalia is in trouble.
That's the only explanation. No-one else that I know acts afraid of their own shadow the way she does.
"Nat didn't name him," Jace says.
"How do you know it's a boy?" Mia asks.
"How do we check?" I ask. I can't get Nat's reaction out of my mind. It is really bothering me.
"Here, give the kitten to me. I will check," Jace says.
I give him the kitten, and he flips it over and keeps talking, but I am thinking of what I need to do.
I need to act fast. I need to speak to her right now. I need to know what it is she is afraid of. I can protect her.
"I forgot to give Nat something. I'm going to try to catch up with her. I will be right back. Keep that cat safe," I tell them, and run the way Nat left, hoping I can find her. I can hear Jace shouting my name, but I need to get to Nat. Something inside of me is telling me to go and to run faster.
Blake
"Alright man, if you hear anything, please let me know. I need to get a place asap." I dab up my coworker and leave to stock the shelves. "Hey Blakey babe," the hottest girl working at this grocery store has gotten used to calling me by that nickname. I don't really like it, but I like her, so I allow it. "Hey," I give her a wink. She giggles and blushes.
"So, a bunch of us are going to a house party at Marti's after work. I was hoping you'd be down to come with me? You can be my plus 1," She looks hopeful. She doesn't realize how great this is for me. This will actually give me something to do after work. I have nowhere else to go. I have no place to live yet.
"Sure. I'd really like that," Her face lights up, and she hugs me and gives me a kiss on the cheek.
"My break is over, but I will meet you in the employee lounge upstairs once our shifts are over," she waves and blows me a kiss as she returns to the cashiers.
"You lucky mother*cker. You finally get your turn. Just be careful. I have heard stories and don't want you to get caught up in bad habits. Just take it easy and have fun," My manager, Joe, laughs. I have no idea what he means, but I am excited.
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