Number 15 - Katie McCabe

12

When I walk out of the training centre with Leah, Katie is already waiting for me outside my car, looking down at her feet when she sees us together. As soon as I press the unlock button on the car keys, she goes inside immediately, not saying a word to either Leah or I. Weird.

"I'll see you later," I say to Leah, giving her a small smile as I start to go to my car.

"Yeah, see you," She says bluntly with an annoyed expression on her face as she walks away, which makes me wonder, did I do something? I push the thought down, shaking my head as I get into the driver's seat. She's probably just tired from training. While I move the gear to drive, it's silent between Katie and I. Her forehead is against the side window, looking at anything except me.

"Where are we going?" She asks, still focusing on what's outside rather than me.

"You'll see, we'll be there soon," I laugh at her impatience as I drive out of the training centre and onto the main road.

"You're not going to kidnap me, are you?" Katie replies while turning to face me, which seems like the first time in ages since she actually has.

"You wish." I smile, keeping my eyes on the road as I feel her gaze still on the side of my face. The short spell of words ends there, silence continuing for the rest of the drive. Trees with shades of orange and yellow drape over the roads, leaves falling occasionally to coat the asphalt. We come to a halt when we reach the cafe, my favourite cafe, close to my apartment. As soon as we get out of my car, the fresh and crisp autumn air hits my face, my footsteps crushing the leaves beneath me. When we get inside, it's packed but I'm not surprised, it's the best coffee in my area. The interior is industrial with a modern twist, concrete walls surround the room, simple light oak wooden shelves with vintage books decorate the space. Monstera plants are scattered around the room with climber vines blanketing the concrete walls. Simple, yet so elegant at the same time. The smell of coffee and caramel hits me as we get seated, thankfully there's one more table left, I was worried that we wouldn't be able to get one. I don't know why Katie's being so quiet, it's weird. Normally I'm good at starting a conversation, but I'm lost, and I'm not sure how to break the ice. I try to after the waitress comes and takes our order.

"So, are you going to tell me why you're acting so weird?" I say, pouring the complimentary water into both of our glasses, causing her head to prop up from the menu she's reading.

"I'm not acting weird," Katie replies defensively with a guarded tone in her voice.

"Yes, you are, you've hardly spoken to me all week. You haven't even said anything rude," I state, making her roll her eyes at my comment.

"Maybe I'm just being nice," She shrugs, averting her eyes back to the menu and away from mine.

"Come on, just tell me what's up," I continue to push the subject, still trying to catch her eye.

"Look, I don't want to talk about it," She says strangely calmly rather than resorting to anger like she normally does. It takes me back, her being composed in her replies, but I don't know if I like it or not.

"Okay fine, I'll drop it... But can I please ask you about something?" I ask as sincerely as possible. I need to get clarity about what happened with Beth, why she never apologised, why she acted like she didn't care. I've been trying to forget about it, but whenever I see her, it's always in the crevice in my mind, haunting me. Every word, every glance, every tackle she makes, I'm reminded of my best friend, and how badly she hurt her. And if I'm being honest, I don't think I'll ever get over it until I hear her say why she didn't do all the things she should have, not from other people. She looks up at me, her deep blue eyes piercing into mine while a curious look waves over her features, trying to figure out what I will say before I say it.