Really More of a Cat Person

Simple

A/N this first chapter is LuckyEnough19 (Amy) writing, but we'll be switching off each chapter(:

It's funny, really, what can become of a simple introduction. My day had started off regular. Ordinary. Just another pointless day in the life of Mitchell Grassi. But, little did I know, my world would be flipped upside down by none other than Scott Hoying.
As I said, my day was usual. I woke up around 8:00 in the morning. Even on weekends I tend to get up earlier because school has corrupted my sleeping schedule. I dressed in a long sleeved, brown sweater with patterns covering it and skinny jeans. At the animal shelter they'd make me cover it by wearing a smock. I have no problem with that, though. I mean, it keeps the animal hair off, which I'm definitely grateful for.
The animal shelter, also referred to as the Kingdom, was very laid back and I knew the only creatures I'd be socializing with would be the animals, and possibly the owner.
Since my hair wasn't cooperating as I had hoped, I shrugged and headed out the door, yelling a goodbye to my mom. My keys dangled around my neck, further decorating my sweater with a deep red lanyard. I pulled it off my neck and unlocked my car. Eager to get out of the chilled morning air of November, I hopped inside, starting the car immediately and turning up the heat. I waited a few seconds, hands pressed together between my thighs so my fingers could keep warm.
The fastest way to get to the Kingdom was to go through town, but I always enjoyed the more scenic route and taking back roads. Even if I got lost, at least I'd be lost in nature.
It took about twenty minutes to get there, and I mentally prepared myself for the duties ahead. I was the only volunteer, as I believe many people forgot we even had an animal shelter nearby. I had especially a lot to do that day because somebody had brought in a sick dog they found on the street. We often get cases like these, and usually I'm the one who offers to help out. But between caring for that dog and the regular jobs I had to accomplish, I was going to be swamped.
I strolled inside the Kingdom after shutting my car door and taking the short sidewalk to the front, but only to find the owner talking to a new boy. He looked familiar. The school was relatively large; I didn't know everybody in my grade. I think he went to school with me. In fact, I was sure he did. I had seen him in the hallways, maybe even shared a class. I never really paid attention.
"Oh hey Mitch," the owner, Timothy, greeted. "We have a new volunteer here. Mitch, this is Scott Hoying. Scott, this is Mitch."
"Hey," he said casually, nodding politely.
Scott Hoying... oh god. A popular kid. Great. I knew him. Well, from what I knew of him, he was kinda a jerk. I didn't know him personally.
Realizing he was standing before me and my hair was a complete disaster, I quickly attempted to smooth it out.
"Hi," I responded after a second. Never having the chance to really look at him before, I glanced up. His blond hair was styled up, but not spiked. His placid, blue eyes shone brightly, but it seemed there was something more behind them. Devastation? Hope? I wasn't sure.
Timothy, sensing the awkward tenseness surrounding us, caused by our reserved stances, pressed lips, and quite a few feet of distance between us, decided to explain some things about me to Scott. "Mitch has been working here for years! He's very friendly, so if you have any questions, I'm sure he'd be happy to answer them. He knows just as much as I do, I'm sure." Timothy smiled wide, trying as hard as he could be super welcoming.
Scott nodded. "Okay, thank you."
"Well I'm gonna go do some top secret business," he said, laughing. Then he whispered, "That being getting out of trouble with the wifey. Gotta go pick out some flowers. I really screwed up this time. Anyway, have fun! Good luck."
He fluttered about the store, grabbing things to pack up. I assumed he had gotten here early, and was now just leaving me in charge as he often did.
Scott and I walked silently into the room with all the kennels through a swing door.
Feeling it was my job to break the quiet that had overcome the room, I began to speak. "Okay, so, the jobs here are dog walking, cat brushing, litterbox cleaning, feeding and watering, giving medication, playing with the animals, just cleaning up in general..."
"Oh! Dibs on cat brushing duty!"
I stopped walking and spun around to face him. "Whoa, there. Cat brushing is mine. You can have dog walking."
"But you just said..." Scott trailed off.
"I have seniority here, I get cat brushing."
"C'mon on, I'm new here. Let me have the easy job. Petting cats for two hours sounds like heaven."
I grabbed my cerulean colored smock hanging on a nail hammered in the wall. My fingers absentmindedly tied it behind me without thought. "Scott, I..."
"Alright boys, I'm leaving," Timothy announced, popping his head in. "Any questions before I go?"
"Timothy, can you please tell Scott that he must listen to me?" I asked, as sugary sweet as I could.
"Scott, please listen to Mitch here, he knows what he's talking about, okay?" He assured, stepping out, not waiting for a reply.
"Okay," Scott said seemingly sincere, but turning around to roll his eyes.
I could already tell I would not like working with him.