Catherine

5. From Tears To Joy

Catherine was making her way home, sorrowfully still thinking about what happened in the class. She was worried about how upset her parents will be when they find out a teacher had to raise his voice because of her, for the first time. She is one of the best students in 5th grade from the entire school, and she was ashamed. Afraid of disappointing her parents, or her sister...she doesn't want that to happen.

The rusty sound of a bus's horn, caught her attention. It was the school bus. Catherine realized that she is not supposed to walk back home.
" What am I doing!! " she said to herself as the school bus stopped in front of a red sign. She ran as fast as she cold, to try to catch it. All this made her realize that today was probably not a good day, or maybe, she was so merged into the belief that the Universe had suddenly turned against her, that she wasn't thinking clearly anymore, just like in those cliche/dramatic and comedy movies her parents are always watching, and now, everything was falling apart. She didn't pay mush attention to her surroundings, and ended up knocking into a girl with her hands full, making her drop everything she had in her bags.

" Hey! Watch where you're going! " she shouted, brusquely.

Catherine apologized and crouched immediately to help her pick up everything. She felt a huge weight in her stomach, feeling like she had fell for a trap that the World had purposely made for her. She had to catch the bus, but she couldn't go away, her hands were shaking as she packed up everything, afraid that this young girl might beat her up for what she just did. Catherine suddenly found herself standing on the edge, her tears running down her face. She was afraid of everything now. She was afraid of walking home and find that her parents have been waiting for her to talk about everything else that happened today.

" It's you! " said the girl. Catherine looked up and got shocked as her eyes met with the same girl she met this mourning in the coffee shop. A skinny girl with black, spiky hair, and a pale skin, with a piercing on her left ear and a necklace with tree stones attached to it. She was wearing a white tank top shirt, one of those sleeveless shirts some people use because it feels " refreshing " and " weightless ". All of this along with a dark blue short.

" You again..." Catherine said, while cleaning her tears without getting noticed, trying to control her emotions and keeping her voice from trembling through her words, then she looked down, a little mad this time.

" What's wrong?" she asked. " It's not like I've been following you."

Catherine didn't say a word and kept packing up the girl's belongings.

" What now? You're mad because I got you skipping school again? " the girl giggled, asking rhetorically.

Catherine stood up, with the shopping bag on her hands and stared at her, looking very upset.

" WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU!!?? " Catherine yelled. The girl was staring at her, eyes wide open, confused. " You like bullying huh? Is THAT what you do for a living?! Picking on little girls?! What for?! Are people paying you for this?! "

" Wow, hey kid, calm down. " The girl said.

" Why should I calm down, when there's a BULLY RIGHT INT FRONT OF ME!! " Catherine yelled. " It's no so funny now is it? People are staring!! Why don't you say it louder? " Catherine stopped and stared at the girl. She didn't know what else to say, so she turned her backs, with her arms crossed and walked away " Just forget it. My day's been already ruined. "

" Wait! " she said. " Wait a second. " the girl grabbed her shoulder, Catherine stopped and looked back.

She had her eyes in tears, trying not to cry. " Leave me alone... you are bad... you're a bad... bad person... " she said, sobbing.

" No..." said the girl, crouching and holding Catherine's arms. " I don't... look, I'm sorry. " the girl took out a tissue she had in one of her shopping bags. " Don't cry, please don't cry, everyone is staring. Don't cry. " she said, a little afflicted.

" I don't care! This is what you wanted. Make me cry! You and that stupid lady! " Catherine shouted.

" N-no, no, I'm sorry, I-I'll take you home. Just stop crying, I'll take you home. " said the girl, wiping her tears. " I know you're not skipping school, you were running after the bus right? Please, don't cry. I'm sorry, I'll take you home. "

" R-really? " Catherine said.

" Yes. I'll take you home. " The girl stood up. " Come with me. My car is this over there. "

Catherine followed her, still cleaning her tears, deep breathing and sobbing, softly. " I live in J. street 45. " she said.

" That's... very far... What are you doing here? " the girl asked, surprised.

" I-I didn't want to... I was so mad I left school, and I shouldn't have... " Catherine answered.

" Is it because of me? " The girl asked. " I really ruined your day huh? "

" Not only you... my friend is been messing with me too... "

The girl stopped next to a burgundy and old looking car, slightly badly parked. It was one of those Ford Granada from the 70's. Catherine got in, once the girl opened the door.

" I know it's a little smelly, and doesn't really look decent, but you'll survive right? " said the girl.

Catherine nodded. She was feeling better, and had put some trust on the girl, for being kind, but she didn't speak. She was too embarrassed to say anything after crying and screaming with her, yet she offered her help.

After a few minutes of driving, the girl asked her name.

" I'm Catherine " she said.

" Catherine? That's a pretty name, kit kat ."

" Kit kat? " Catherine said confused.

" What? Yea, kit kat, like the... uh, well you know, when... " the girl said, trying to find a reason why she just called her that. " It's a nickname. Simple as that.

Catherine burst out laughing. " What's your name? " she asked.

" Call me Eva. " she answered. " Nice to meet you ".