The Chain (A Catherine Diary) - Stamfield. Complete

Chapter 10

10

'Get changed out here', Gemma suggested, clearly excited by the new development.

We had made our way closer to the changing block. I reluctantly followed them, unsure of the implications of their suggestions. To put it simply, fear had captured me and anything they might have said made no sense to me. A cloud had blocked out the sun, casting a shadow on us and my mood. Regret would have been an understatement, I was angry at myself, I could easily have stated I wouldn't do it and my friends would not have persisted. It wasn't like me to do anything like this. Probably the most daring thing I had ever done up to that day, was to take my mum's Gucci watch to a school dance. I had wanted to show it off, but as it turned out, not many twelve year old girls were impressed by a Gucci watch and worst still, not many twelve year old girls were in possession of something so expensive. The latter resulted in the watch being confiscated and my mum being informed. It was a year later that mum told me the watch was a replica.

'No way', I stated adamantly, 'What if someone comes out'

'Why don't you go round the back of the block', Jane suggested.

'Yeah, go round the back', Pat concurred.

I was about to remain firm about the fact I was not going to further embarrass myself by changing outside, although there was a part of me that wanted this over and done with and to get home as quickly as possible. My decision was made easier, as the first football player exited the changing block, spotted me and gave me a huge grin.

My body sank within, this was how it was going to be. Everyday at college I would have to endure guys looking at me knowingly, probably whispering things behind my back and like the game of Chinese Whispers, the story of me streaking across a football pitch, would get exaggerated beyond belief.

'Give me my bag, I'm going round the other side', I finally announced.

'Monica, the bag', Pat said.

'The bag. Oh no...., the bag. Sherry did you pick up the bag?', she asked, tension spread throughout her.

My body went tense, apprehension built up inside, fighting it's way out of me, emerging in the form of shakes. Uncontrollable ones, nervous ones, as I waited for Sherry to reply.

'I didn't even know we were supposed to bring it'

'Shit...sorry Catherine, I left it on the bench'

A consolatory arm went around me. Gemma, rested her head on my shoulder, it felt comforting, but not enough to ward off the anger I was suppressing.

'I'm so sorry Catherine, me and Sherry will go in and see if we can get it back', she said and I could see Sherry's face light up with excitement and I was forced to suppress the anger further.

'I'll come too', Jane said, clearly enjoying the adventure.

I didn't say anything, for fear that if I opened my mouth, profanities would attack the friendships that I held so precariously at that moment.

Carla must have urged them on with her eyes, because they all turned in unison and headed to the door. Carla and Gemma directed me away from the door, a safe distance away from the emerging boys. Pat followed closely behind.

'Catherine, I know you're a bit stressed at the moment, but I just wanted to say, when the girls get back, I'm gonna have to go. I'm supposed to be going shopping with mum later today'.

Again, I didn't reply. However, at that moment I wanted to leave there and then trudge home in just Moinca's coat, less people for me to get angry with. Not to mention, the more I hung around Pat, the more I came to realize I never considered Pat to be a close friend, she was just part of the group I hung around with.

'Don't worry girl, this will all be over with, in no time', Carla said and I could tell she was being serious and was conscious of my feelings, as she had dropped her Jamaican accent.

For some reason I didn't have a problem responding to Carla.

'Thanks Carla, but even if it works out today. I still have the rest of the year left at college'.

'I know girl, but this will blow over. In a weeks time no one will even remember', the other girls mumbled their agreement, 'next week Jane will thrust her breasts into some unsuspecting boy and she'll be the talk of the college'.

That made me smile. It was a hesitant smile, but it was one none the less and I could feel a tiny bit of my anxiety being chipped away.