Chasing Kate

Chapter 3. Uncomfortable.

Paralyzed by my dream last night, I fall back to sleep.
Needless to say, I climbed off my high.

I guess with the added stress of finals, preparing to go home for the first time this summer and the weed, my body went into overdrive.

I hope this summer goes by fast. I haven't spoke to my mom in a week or so and I haven't asked about Kate-Anna in a while. I really hope I don't run into to her this summer, but who am I kidding. Compton is a small town, we have one grocery store, I'm doomed.

I don't even know what to say to her, after left the way I did. Maybe I wouldn't have to say anything. It's been 3 years since I saw her. She's probably married or something by now, right?

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3 days before I'm due to head back to Compton, my moms rings me up.

"Lucas, it's mom. Just seeing how you are holding up with finals ? You're still preparing to come home for summer right? I know your dad and gramps are looking forward to fishing with you." Her sweet voice said.

My mom was such a kind hearted woman. She didn't deserve the shit I've put her through.

"Yeah, ma. I'm coming. Leaving late Friday night and driving down."

"Oh honey, I wish you didn't drive in the dark."

"I'll be fine."

I cleared my throat and took a second to muster up the strength.

"So, Mom. I know Kate-Anna is back, working right? For Compton Memorial? How's she? I don't want to run into her. You know, make it uncomfortable?"

"Oh, Luke, you're not making it uncomfortable. You're coming home to see your family. Yes Kate-Anna works as a nurse at Memorial but I've hardly seen her around with those crazy hospital hours and all. "
She trailed off.
"I'm sure if you wanted you could always call up Joey to see about meeting up with her."

Ugh. Joey Holt. Kate-Anna's first cousin who was more like her older brother. He despised me and I hate the ground he walked on.

"Yeah, no. Mom, not going to happen."

"Well honey, I'm sure you don't have to worry about it. I'll have your bed linen ready for you on Saturday. Call before you leave and Luke? Be careful, would you?"

After hanging up the phone with mom, I decided to skip tonight's house party and go to sleep for my last final tomorrow.

I changed into my sweats, walked over and locked my door, grabbed my headphones to drown out the thump of the stereo down stairs and took a shot of whiskey before laying down.

Ear phones in, I drifted off to sleep to five finger death punch and hoped I wouldn't dream of "her."