Fire Princess

CATCHING CATO

I feel like hardly slept at all, so when I arrive at school the next day with bags under my eyes, it earns me a scolding from Jayce who complains about all the effort he's put into this plan.

"you're lucky I plan ahead" he says, grabbing my hand and towing me to the empty theatre room.

"I'm sorry" I tell him like I have any control of it.

He works fast but with care as he helps me pull on the black dress I had to smuggle out of the house under my mother's nose. His fingers weave my hair into place into an elegant bun with a strand of my bangs loosely curled along my face before starting on my makeup.

I watch his reflection as he paints my face, giving my eyes dramatic wings and berry pink lip gloss on my lips. The foundation is not caked on at all, and the makeup doesn't feel heavy on my features as I look over his masterpiece. I can hardly recognize myself in the mirror. The girl staring back is someone right out of a movie. A young Black Widow.

What is everyone going to think of me. I blush and look at my feet.

"Oh, no babygirl." Jayce says, coming to stand in front of me. His hand resting on my shoulders, giving them a soft squeeze. I meet his hazel haze, "you look sexy as hell. Own it" he tells me, and I blush again, about to look down when he turns to me, putting a hand under my chin.

"don't let anyone ruin my masterpiece" he says sternly, and I know he means that no matter what happens out there, there is no reason to be ashamed or embarrassed.

"okay" I nod, trying to stop my eyes from watering.

The halls are much busier now and everyone is staring. I blush trying hard to follow Jayce's lead, looking straight ahead and not meeting anyone's gaze.

"Crap. what do I say" I'm in full on panic mode the closer we get to Cato's locker. Apparently, I was not the only one dressed differently today so that made me feel a little better. But not for long once it dawned on me why all these girls were dressed up hanging around Cato's locker. Each one of them better looking than me. I stop dead in my tracks, pulling Jayce with me. He looks down at me, shaking his head.

"don't even say it. I know what you're thinking but you're wrong" he tells me before I can get out any words. "You look amazing. Remember what I said" he tells me and decides we should linger a little ahead of the locker where he's bound to walk straight passed to get there. That way I'm the first one he sees.

I pull at the hem of my dress, very aware of how short it is, and everyone is still staring. Jayce smacks my hand away, doing a last-minute check "you'll do great" he smiles encouragingly.

Theplan is simple and doesn't leave much for me to actually do besides stand herelooking the way I do. Jayce is going to casually meet the soccer team,separating Cato from the rest so he can walk straight into me on his way to his locker. I'm supposed to wait here for him and let his boy brain work out the rest. If he doesn't catch on then Jayce told me to drop subtle hints without going too desperate.

I'm still freaking out. This whole attempt is desperate and anyone who disagrees is actually insane. What everyone must be thinking of me right now. I mean at least I'm not alone, but I'll go down in history with the rest of them looking just as desperate for the failed attempt to catch Cato's heart. I pull at my dress again while I wait for Jayce to return, only I know that it will be Cato who comes first but I might cry if I have to think of doing anything more than just standing here.

I'm so wrapped up in my own world that I don't realize Renny has walked up behind me.

"Hey Addy" I've never been fond of that nickname.