The Chain (A Catherine Diary) - Stamfield. Complete

Chapter 67

67

College finished with me knowing twice as many boys names, than when it started. I hoped the attention I was getting would subside after a couple of days, because I could already see that many girls weren't too enamored with me. I imagined that they would be bitching behind my back. I felt particularly sorry for two girls who were chatting to their boyfriends, when I walked past and both boys turned their attention to me. I avoided making eye contact with them, resulting in me seeing their girlfriends shooting metaphoric daggers at me.

I walked out with Gemma, who was explaining how her cousins Peter and Richard had hidden a crate of beer in the spare bedroom and were found drunk the following morning, after the barbecue.

'Mum was not pleased, but I think she was more worried about what she was going to tell her sister, who had left them in her care. Not that Aunty Edith would give a shit'.

'Gemma!'

'Sorry, it's just that those two just get me so riled up. You know, the other day they stole my makeup bag and buried it in the back garden, refusing to tell me where it was. I spent an hour digging around, but couldn't find it.'

'Did you tell your mum?'

'Yeah, but when she spoke to them, they just denied it'

'Hey gals, wait up', Carla came running up behind us.

'Catherine, you seeing Jack again tonight?'

'No, I'm going out with my dad, tonight'.

'Your dad?', the two girls looked at me for an explanation.

'Apparently, he wants to see me', I said aware that the two girls looked concerned, 'it will be okay'

'Last time you talked about him, you said you never wanted to see him again', Carla said.

'Said you didn't need a dad', Gemma added.

'I know and probably some of that still applies. But if there's a chance dad turning up can make Mum and Andrew happy, then I think I should be willing to forgive and forget'.

'Well, if you're sure'

'I'm not, but what choice do I have'

'Don't meet him', Carla said as though it was the most simple thing.

'No, I think I have to do this'

There was a moments silence as the three of us looked at each other, waiting for someone to say something.

'Anyway, if you're not seeing Jack', Carla said, 'you reckon I should have it out with him'

I didn't want that. I hadn't told Carla yet, but I was investigating a different avenue, with the person that was more likely the culprit.

'No, if he's got it, I'll get it back', I stated, hoping I wasn't overshooting.

'Well, if you could do it as soon as...., I think mum's starting to notice me not wearing it.'

I looked in Carla's face, she looked worried. I began to realize at college, she felt safe, but going home her mum, it would only be a matter of time before she realized Carla no longer had the pendant.

'I'll do the best I can', it was all I could promise, but looking in her eyes I could see that it wasn't enough.