The Chain (A Catherine Diary) - Stamfield. Complete

Chapter 81

81

Our conversation ended shortly afterwards, I showered, dressed and had some breakfast. Mum didn't come out of her room, but I could hear her walking about upstairs. It was a good thing, I didn't really want to be put in the position where I would have to lie to her.

*****

On the journey to college, I met up with Preeti, we had one of those strange relationships where we struggled for conversation. It was another early start for me, the sun had already risen and I knew it was going to be a hot day, but I was on a mission, this time when I arrived at college I wouldn't be heading straight to the cafeteria, instead I was heading to somewhere I rarely frequented, the library. In fact, the last time I was there was when the college librarian came and gave the whole class a tour of their facilities and registered us. As I walked along silently with Preeti, I hoped their were enough books on sports therapy for me do the necessary research.

'I saw the video of you running naked', Preeti said and it took me by surprise, the most stimulating conversation I usually got from her was the clothes I was wearing or the food that was served in the cafeteria. Once she actually tried to discuss a hockey match we had lost the previous weekend, but we had such differing views, she never tried that again.

'You did?', it was all I could think of to say. It didn't surprise me, it wouldn't have surprised me if everyone in the college had seen it.

She didn't answer me, in fact that was the end of the conversation. We walked on in our comfortable silence.

We said our goodbyes at the college entrance and as we walked off, I found myself heading in her direction.

'Where are you off to?', she asked clearly surprised by the direction I was heading.

I didn't want her thinking I was following her, so I explained to her how I needed to learn sports therapy in order to pass as an assistant physiotherapist at a rugby match.

She looked at me strangely, then smiled. 'You've changed. But I can't help but admire you. Can I help you do the research?'

An initial reluctance generated, born of the limited association I had with her. To call her a friend would defiantly be stretching the truth, she was an acquaintance I got on well with. However, I needed all the help I could get.'That would be brilliant, thanks.'