Clato: Cuts Beneath the Surface

Chapter 26

At first I am convinced Favian is chasing me. I hear footsteps thumping but when I look back there is nothing but the melting snow. Halfway through March it's surprising the snow has stuck around this long. Still i run as if he follows. I cant keep my heart from pounding. My ankle screams in protest but i ignore it.

By the time I reach the training center I am out of breath. Part of it is from running the rest is panic. I can't seem to get enough air. I know my cheeks must be bright red and my hair a mess but I don't care. What matters is the tightening feeling in my chest.

Reaching the front lawn of the training academy I spot a familiar blonde head walking across the green. Cato's deep in conversation with his friend Chase. I've only spoken to him once but he seems nice enough. When Cato turns to laugh I get a glimpse of his smile. Somehow that calms me down. At the same time he sees me out of the corner of his vision. Cato leaves his friend instantly and rushes over as subtly as possible.

He takes in the panicked look in my eyes and quickly hides me from view of the other gaping students. They judge me enough as is. Cato creates a cave with his arms without touching me. He notes the bags in my hands and his eyes cloud over.

"You went to see Favian." he spits. I can only nod. "Did he touch you?" Cato growls. I can't speak. "Did he touch you?" He demands.

"No." I squeak out. "He didn't." I surprise us both by momentarily leaning into Cato's shoulder and whispering, "I should have gone with you. I wish you had been there with me." Then I move back to my normal awkward distance.

"I know." Cato says soothingly. "C'mon, let's go home." He guides me past the stares. I hold my head high and show a knife to a particularly mean boy who flips me off. Cato gives the boy a death glare at the same time and he cowers. We leave the plaza and walk home.

I limp beside Cato. "Does your ankle hurt?" he asks. I nod. "You deserve it for putting yourself in danger again." I shrink away from him. "No Clover. I'm sorry. I just..." he pauses and takes a breath. "I can't stand the thought of him touching you. Hurting you."

"I know you care." I tell him because it is true. Why though? Why does he care? That question is left unanswered.

I offer to make dinner when we get back and manage to mess it up entirely.

Elise calls while I toil away and demands to know where i went earlier. I avoid the topic by bringing up Roni. Elise rants for a little while then invites me over to dinner tomorrow. "Ok." i tell her and she squeals. Im actually dying to see her and her family again. There's something peaceful about the Meadows.

Cato comes in as I hang up and sees the mess in the kitchen and throws flour at me. I sputter in shock as he grins. Oh that grin is so infuriating and cute. I throw a handful of flour at it. By the time my lasagna has been burnt beyond repair the kitchen is covered in flour and we have called a truce. Cato and I look like angels with our white powdered hair and clothes. He laughs and a puff of white smoke comes out his nose making me laugh even harder. By the time we abandon the kitchen and sit down with take out Chinese my heart feels lighter.

I look over at Cato and know he's the reason why.

A/N Sorry this is short. Hope you like it anyway! Please please comment and of course vote!