Project: High School

Chapter 17 - "Do you need to rant?"

Katy carefully rummages through the dresser, looking for something that would actually fit her. Pulling out a dark blue shirt, she sighs softly, knowing that it would be like a dress on her.

As she pulls it over her head, a knock on the door makes her pause, "Who is it?"

"It's Richerson."

Katy hurries to pull the shirt over the rest of her body before opening the door, "What's up?"

Richerson pushes past her and sits on the bed. Katy watches him in confusion, but slowly pulled the office chair closer to him.

"Do you need to rant?" Katy asks softly.

Richerson suddenly stands and begins to pace. The room is filled only with the sound of his pacing for a few minutes, Katy making sure not to interrupt his train of thought.

"Nelly's pregnant," He blurts out. "4 months."

"That's wonderful," Katy exclaims, but pauses for a second, "Are you. . .ready?"

He stops for a second to give a look. Katy raises her hand in surrender, "It's a plausible question."

He falls quiet again, seemingly thinking very hard about something. A picture that's face down on the dresser catches his eye and he makes his way over to.

The picture in the frame is of Katy and her mother, Tyler, nearly a decade ago. Katy was riding on Tyler's shoulders and pulling her hair because Tyler had taken the tooth that Katy had just lost. It was clear that the two were just goofing around, but they both looked so happy to be in that moment.

"Why do you have this face down?" Richerson asks, looking it over.

Katy presses her lips together, "It. . . .hurts. To look at it and think of what could have been. The family I could have had."

She stood, walking over to a curtain on the wall, and pulls it aside. Underneath is a corkboard covered with pictures, reports, files, and wanted posters. In the middle, where all of the red string meets, is a picture of Tyler and her autopsy report.

"The family that Nightshade took from me." Katy growls, trembling with rage. "And the life they stole."

"Katy. . ." Richerson sets the photo down and takes a half step toward her.

"Don't. Just...don't," Katy snaps. "We all have things that motivates us, things that we would fight for even if it means losing our lives in the process. That's why we're here after all, to protect what we care for. And this is mine."

"What are you talking about Katy?" Richerson suddenly feels a ball of nerves form in his stomach at her words. "Does this have something to do with your house blowing up?"

Katy freezes, "How do you know about that?"

"It doesn't matter," Richerson steps toward her with a dark look on his face. "What matters is that your house got blown up the evening of the agent selection for Nightshades threat on the--"

Richerson interrupts himself as he realizes something. Fear creeps into his expression, fear and dread, "Don't tell me. . . .Oh God."

Katy watches as Richerson backs away from her, genuine terror on his face. After a few steps, he seems to snap back to reality, suddenly straightening, anger now present.

"They chose you to go undercover, didn't they." Katy opens her mouth to respond but Richerson continues. "Those fuckers! How could the--"

"THAT IS ENOUGH!" Katy yells, cutting his rant short. "I can make my own choices, and I have chosen to complete this mission."

"No, no, no, NO. You cannot go through with this, this stupidity." Richerson growls. "What would Tyler think of this, huh?"

Katy tenses, fury twisting her features into a scowl, "Do not talk of things that you don't understand. And DO NOT drag a dead person into this."

She stalks toward Richerson. "You don't get to have a say in this because you don't and never will understand."

"Understand what? Understand what you're going through? I already know that. Remember that I've been around you since before the incident. Or are you talking about the fact that I don't understand the lust for revenge?" Richerson's rage presents itself as intimidation, causing Katy to stumble backwards. "Oh honey, if that's what you're thinking of, you are thinking so very wrong. I know that lust, the lust for the blood of those who took from you. I know it so VERY well."

He stops, picking up the photo of Tyler, and looks at her sadly.

"You forget," He continues quietly. "Tyler was my first love. The first person who treated with respect, and care."

He falls quiet, looking sadly at the picture. Katy hangs her head in shame, slowly walking over to him.

"I'm sorry. I took that way too far."

Richerson sighs, setting the photo back on the dresser. He turns slightly and pulls Katy into a bear hug, resting his chin on the top of her head.

The room is quiet, the two exchanging apologies through physical touch.

"I was driving to your house to talk to you earlier, that's how I know that it got blown up."

"Oh."

Richerson hugs her tighter, "And when I figured out that you were going to be Nightshades target again, it felt like my world was crumbling around me. I truly don't know what I would do if I lost you too."

Katy stays quiet, waiting for Richerson to get everything off his chest.

"Katy?"

"Yeah?"

"I want you to by my child's Godmother."

Richerson waits for Katy to process, still holding her tight. Suddenly she jerks back to look him in the eye.

"You're joking?"

"Nope. But there is one requirement for it to be official."

Katy's eyes are a wide as dinner plates, her voice filled with wonder, "And what would that be?"

He pats her head, "You need to be VERY careful on this mission. If you so much as feel in danger, I need you to pull out, no matter how close you think you are. And let's be honest, you'd probably have enough information to find out who it is, if it gets to that point."

Katy nods slowly, then buries her head into Richerson's chest, her body shaking with sobs. Richerson wraps his arms around her, letting her release the emotions the come with a dream come true.

"I, sniff, fucking love you, Richy."

"I know kid, I know."

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Sorry for really late update. Life hit me with all sorts of fun mental obstacles, which made it hard for me to do any writing. Hopefully, I'll get lots more work done and post a few more chapter.

Until then, enjoy!

If I ever find the doctor who screwed up my limb replacement surgery. . .I'll kill him with my bear hands.

(Psst! Just wondering if y'all enjoy the jokes at the end of the chapters. Would love any suggestions as well)