A Little Bit of Both

Chapter 5

After the phone call ends, Rae-Ann and Hayden decide to go to the station to meet their aunt Leighty, whom they haven't heard from for five years...

***

"Rae-Ann?" She looks even more surprised than me. I believe she has lots of things to tell us.

I can't even say a word that Hayden, all of a sudden, mutters, "How are you?" He looks pretty embarrassed.

"There's no need to be embarrassed at all," replies Aunt Leighty. "We can talk. But not here. Let's go. This freaking train station is getting way too crowded for my liking!"

We obey and all follow Leighty and Cale without even saying a word. As soon as we are out of the station, our aunt restarts talking, "So, guys, tell me a little bit of you. How are things going?"

"Perfectly," replies Hayden. He is going to start high school this year, and is very excited, because he's unaware of which treatment freshmen are usually subject to. I hope his friend James won't confuse him with absurdities about high school, because, believe me, it's hard, but it's worth the chance of making friends and trying new experiences (though, I often tend to hate it).

"Perfect," says Leighty. "And you, Rae-Ann?"

"Let's not talk about it now. It's gonna start tomorrow. Senior year will kill me," I comment. "It'll be pure shit. I'll have little to no spare time. My teachers expect me to do a full immersion in books all the time, 24/7."

"What you're saying is not true," she disagrees. "Senior year does prepare you for college and is hard, but, if you are dedicated and enjoy yourself, you'll like it. Believe me, this is the truth."

However, I am not very convinced. My high school is tough, and students usually judge you for what you do. People's judgement seems very important for everyone, barring my friends and I. Standing out isn't appreciated that much.

Though, I don't voice my frustrations and let Leighty talk instead. "Ok, Rae, is there anything else that you want to tell me? For example, are there any guys on the corner?"

I shake my head. "No, Aunt. No guys, sorry."

"Though she's had a relationship last year," intervenes Hayden. "In fact, she was dating K-"

I cut him off. "Shut up!"

Suddenly, Leighty and Cale start laughing loud. Hayden immediately follows them, whereas I just roll my eyes, hoping they will stop soon.

As soon as we get closer to our area, Leighty stops for a moment. Hayden asks, "Is everything ok?"

But she doesn't answer directly the question and just replies, "Look. There is a stray cat."

"And so?"

"We could take it home."

"Or bring it to the animal shelter," I suggest, quite annoyed, but only because I know Mom will never approve of me and my siblings having pets. Though, I'd love to break that rule and prove her wrong. "Wait, you may be right. Cats don't need so much affection. They are independent."

"So? Do you agree? Are we gonna take it home?" My aunt is now squealing and showing a creepy smile. I don't know whether to laugh or be scared, as she is too unpredictable.

"I have no problem," states Hayden quite calmly. It seems that he likes the idea of having a cat at home. Though, I am quite worried, because I know that Mom will surely throw a tantrum.

"Come on, Rae," insists my aunt, again with her shrill-like voice. "Do you trust dogs' homes?"

The truth is, no, I don't trust the owners of the dogs' home. Once I heard it's not a clean place and they don't treat animals properly. Maybe Leighty is right. We should keep it.

"Ok, Aunt. You won. We will keep the cat. But, if Mom doesn't want us to keep it, we'll find a new place for him or her," I decide. "And we'll call the vet. We must make sure this animal is healthy."

"You're right. I don't think your mom wants to deal with a poor sick creature..."

"...because we will take care of it," I finish the sentence for her, much to Hayden's disbelief. The latter, indeed, exclaims, "Are you really saying that you are going to take care of the cat? Wow. Great job. I've never seen you acting so responsibly."

"Shut the fuck up!" I hiss, as I am very bewildered (and a bit disappointed) by his words. He should have kept his tongue held. I know how to handle a pet, if we just forget a little accident I had with some goldfish...

Never mind. I don't care if Hayden or Mom will criticize me, and I don't care if Jessica shows it off like a puppet of hers. What cares is that I've just granted Leighty's strangely normal but absurd wish.

***

Later...

Mom hasn't returned home from the shopping yet, but I have to assume she is about to come. Meanwhile, Hayden is giving the vet a call, so that we make sure the cat is healthy. I, on the other hand, am trying hard to be helpful and therefore ask Leighty if she needs help with her baggage, but she refuses it. "Don't worry, Rae. I can handle it by myself."

"Ok... I guess I will just tidy up," I decide. At the same time, my aunt and uncle disappear back upstairs. However, since I don't quite trust them when it comes to the accomodation, I follow them, to make sure they find a room that's good for them.

When they reach the guests' room, they immediately sit down and start doing obscene things... maybe something that involves sex. I know, it's disgusting... I decide to leave them alone.

Naturally, I hope the cat is ok, and that Mom will let us keep it.

***

Later...

I haven't heard what the vet said at all, but I must guess the cat is ok. In fact, Hayden confirms, "She is well, and it seems she has got no diseases, and-"

"Is that cat a female?" I exclaim. "I thought it was a male... but never mind. Anyway, do you think Jess will be happy? At least, she can mistreat her, instead of us."

"Listen carefully. Do you think you can come up with a name?" he asks, but I suggest, "Why don't we find a name when everybody is here? Naturally, Mom has to know. We can't leave her uninformed forever!"

"Ok."

As soon as Hayden pronounces the last word, I hear someone opening the door and I deduce it must be Mom. In fact, my guess is correct. She is handing a lot of bags, and I find her quite in trouble. I decide to go and help her.

Meanwhile, Jess also comes in, handing just one bag. When she spots the cat, she starts shouting, but Hayden tells her off, "Shhh! Stop shouting! Do you want Mom to hear us?"

As soon as my sister mutters, "Sorry," Mom looks at me, pretty unconvinced. She asks suspiciously, "What's going on, Rae-Ann? Has Leighty come yet?"

"Y-yes," I stutter. I am trembling, and things are made worse when the cat starts miaowing. Mom stops doing what she's doing and reaches the living room. I follow her.

When we arrive, the cat is hissing at Mom. She, however, instead of taking him outside on the spot, like I expected, just shouts, "Leighty!"

Continues on the next chapter