Among the Stars (Shidge AU) [Book 2]

Chapter Nine

"So, what happened to Brandon?" Katie asked.

"Brandon? He went to the nurse's office. You really left a dent." Tyler answered her.

"Sorry about that. I just lost it." Katie apologized as she figdeted with her shirt.

"Don't worry about it, Katie. Brandon wasn't my friend. And it's mostly because he is very violent. He is known to hurt people for the littlest of things. Let me guess, when Mrs. Pine reported you, she only said you did the hitting?"

"Actually, yeah." Katie answered. How would he know?

"That's because went James told on you, he only blamed you. If anyone tell on Brandon, you can expect a the least a punch or two. You are actually the first person to stand up to him." Tyler explained.

"Really?"

"Yeah, but not only did you stand up against him. You beat him in a fight. It's kind of ironic and embarrassing for him, though. He was beat by a girl."

"A girl who won't deal with his attitude. My father may be an astronaut, but he sure told me how to fight. It was mostly for defense, but sometimes I go a little over board." Katie explained a little more proud this time.

Than the recess bell rang signaling that it was time to line up in classes. "Bye Katie." Tyler waved as he went to his class.

"Bye, Tyler."

---

Matt and Katie had got off the bus as they walked to their house. Usually, their mother greeted them at the driveway, but today, she wasn't there.

It was a little odd, but Katie and Matt continued onward. Once they reached the door, Katie pulled out her house key, that she had for emergencies and unlocked the door.

Matt twisted the handle as he slowly opened the door, for he did find it a little odd.

Once they opened the door, Shiro and their mother exclaimed "Surprise!" as the house was slightly decorated.

At first, Matt and Katie had a smile on their face, that is until Katie saw Shiro. Her smile fell.

Shiro noticed her action, and honestly, it hurt a bit, but he pretended nothing happened.

Matt came running towards his best friend as she said, "Shiro! I thought you were at school!"

"I don't have to stay over night!" Shiro answered. "So your mom took me home to celebrate your guys birthday."

"Yay..." Katie pathetically cheered.

"Your father should be able to video chat, if you want." Colleen said to her children.

"Really?" Katie's excitement was restored.

"Yeah, his ship just entered within the asteroid belt again, so we can call him again." Colleen explained. She pulled out her phone and handed it to Matt and said, "Do it in the front room."

"Okay." Matt said as he and Katie rushed to the front room to call their father.

Shiro looked at Colleen and said, "It's been nine months and I think Katie still hates me. You said give it some time, but I don't see any progress."

Colleen sighed. "Look, I know it may be hard, but you just need patience. You should at least have some. Don't the Garrisons always tell you: Patience--"

"Yields focus." Shiro continued. "I know, but navigating through a bunch of asteroids in a space ship it's one thing. Trying to be friends with Katie is something completely different. She hates me no matter how hard I try."