Stray Kitty

Mothers Secret

Kitty Johnsen was almost there. Just one more month as she grinned happily at the pink and yellow highlighter that circled the date. One month and then she would be turning 18. Everything was going as planned. University applications had already been sent in, just waiting for the replies. She quickly blew a secret wish at the pamphlet for the university that had been her first choice.

Her parents had met there and fallen in love in the second year. She knew they preferred to be together, but that just hadn't been in the stars. Shortly after Kitty had been born, her mother needed to return to Jamaica, her home country.

Kitty was raised by her all but single father as he navigated most of her childhood alone. But it was clear, He still loved her mother more than anything. Every school break was spent visiting her mother and her father made sure to video call for life events. Kitty never felt that she was lacking anything, knowing how much she was loved between them.

She picked up her mother's gold chain that held both a golden crescent moon, and her initial K. She had been named after her fathers' grandmother. Great grandma Kitty. While her mother gave her the middle name Munlaik. She had told her it was important to her family in Jamaica. It meant Moonlight in the native language, Patois, of her people. Kitty Munlaik Johnsen. An unusual name, but it was chosen with love, and it was hers.

She glanced at her watch, cursing at the time. When did it get so late? She quickly threw on the rest of her outfit, trying to decide between sweaters. Her Aunt Amy meant well, but the grey often clashed with her warm brown skin. She instead opted for her peach-colored sweater that complimented her skin tone. She pulled her braids back out of her face, wondering if she should change up her hair for her birthday.

She grabbed her phone off the charger, snatching her bag off her desk. She hurried down the stairs trying to ignore the sounds in the kitchen as her father made breakfast. Closing the door behind her quietly. She skipped over to her small orange jeep, bought for her 16th birthday. She smiled as she started her trusty steed, heading off to school. Today was going to be a good day, she decided as she cranked up the radio playing her favorite song.

The parking lot was packed forcing her to opt for street parking. It would be a walk to get to class, but she would make it if she hurried. She snagged her bag off the seat beside her, squeaking when she tripped on her own two feet trying to close her door.

"You alright?" A cool voice asked calmly causing Kitty to glance up at the most popular boy in school. Xavier Washington was the star player on almost every sports team in school. Kitty was impressed by the amount of determination and dedication by a single athlete. He watched her quietly with his steal grey eyes, his dark curly hair, perfectly cut and styled out of his face. He would never be as dark as she was, even if someone left him out in the sun to cook, but he still had a rich brown complexion that caused him to stand out.

"I'm fine." Kitty said quickly, giving him a jerky nod as he watched her.

"Are you a transfer student? Your accent is unique." He said catching up to her as she tried to walk to class. He laughed at her offend glare, causing her heart rate to quicken. "I am just kidding Kitty. I know who you are. You punched my best friend back in second grade." He hummed amused.

"Yeah, well he deserved it." Kitty grumbled. Though she didn't remember the exact incident. She did remember getting in a few fights with people over her cultural project.

"Yeah, she probably did." He agreed, making Kitty frown at him. She didn't know why he was walking with her to school through the parking lot as he seemed to match her speed whether she slowed down or sped up. "Do you believe in the paranormal?" he asked abruptly causing Kitty to hesitate.