Everything Broken (A 5SOS Fanfiction)

Chapter 14

Catherine's POV:

        "Hello, is this Sapphire Crystal Waters?" I found Sapphire's number on the paper she wrote on when we first met. After about one dial, it picks up.

        "Yes, it is. Who's calling?" She aks.

        "It's Catherine! I just saw your parody and it's so funny! Since you mentioned you were in town for another concert, would you and Jen like to go on a date with Calum and Luke?" There is heavy breathing, and then silence. I'm worried that Sapphire passed out until Jennifer takes the phone and responds.

        "Oh my gosh! Sorry about Sapphire, she's kind of hyperventilating, so yes! As long as Luke's mine, tell us the details!" I immediately give them the specifics and after some tears and cheers, I'm off the phone.  Proud that I've made some fans happy, I go tell the boys that the plan is in motion. Luckily, they're all sitting in the back of the bus, playing Fifa. Ashton is out doing some errands, so just Michael, Luke, and Calum are here. Their screaming doesn't stop with my entrance, so I have to shout a couple of times to get their attention.

        "Guys! I just checked with the girls, and it's a yes!" I cheer. Luke and Calum both look nervous, and Michael is sharing in the celebration.

        "So, can we finally see our dates?" Luke asks. 

        "It will be a pleasant surprise, I can assure you!" I reply, but they look uncertain. But I can't waste any time, especially when there's a group date to get ready for. Emma comes back from the mall, and I give her a thumbs up, and immediately she starts squealing. Michael goes over, gives her a peck on the cheek, and we run into a separate room to get ready. For about 2 hours we doll ourselves up. Emma wears a white lace sundress with cork wedge heels and a huge purple statement necklace, while I wear a red blouse and black pencil skirt with black heels. We step out with light makeup and Emma wears her hair natural, while mine is straightened for a change. When the boys get us, they're all really handsome, especially Ashton. I'm starting to think that even a hot dog suit would look good on that boy. When we get in the car and drive, Emma marvels over how beautiful the city is, and we just laugh because she looks like a child on Christmas morning. When we pull into the restaurant, I'm amazed at how beautiful it is. Everything is so casual yet sophisticated. Ashton looks at me and squeezes my hand, so I squeeze back and smile. Outside of the restaurant, we see Sapphire and Jennifer get out of their car. Since they were far away, they offered to drive themselves. They look amazing. Sapphire is wearing a flowy red dress with gold heels, while Jennifer is wearing a turquoise sundress with tan wedges. I look over at Calum and  Luke, and they look amazed. I have to whisper to Luke to stop staring, because it was actually starting to get creepy.

        "Please tell me my date is in the red dress." Calum whispers. I nod and he smiles. Both guys walk up to their dates who, surprisingly, keep their composure and blush. We follow the two couple, and get escorted to our huge table in the back. We sit down, and soon everyone sinks into deep, easy conversation. At one point, Emma starts to laugh so hard she chokes on her water, and Michael pats her on the back. Ashton and I are talking about new date ideas when a guy walks up to the table. Oh no. No. This can't be happening. My face pales immediately. 

        "Catherine? Is that you? Gosh, it's been, what? Two years since you left? How are you doing?" The man, a former volunteer at a homeless shelter I visited, asks. Is it Craig? or Jim. At that time, all those strange faces have blurred together.

        "I'm great, thanks." I reply, trying to sound easygoing. I send Emma a look, and her eyes go wide. 

        "How do you know Catherine?" Ashton asks. Oh Craig/Jim, please leave, or spontaneously combust. Or both.

        "Catherine lived at the homeless shelter I volunteered at for some time. Six months, was it?" Too late. the secret I've wanted to keep for so long is shattered. The table goes silent. All eyes are on me. Craig/Jim seems to realize the awkward situation and excuses himself, wishing me the best. I start to feel tears, so I run out into the bathroom hallway. I sit down and just start bawling. I can't believe this is the second time I've sobbed in front of these guys. They're going to think I'm crazy.

        "Catherine, can we talk?" I hear Ashton ask from the opening of the hallway. I might as well explain, so I nod and he leads me to the back door. We sit, and all the words tumble out.

        "I was born in a really poor section of New York. My parents loved me, but we never had enough to eat, and they were always struggling to bring money in. At one point, we couldn't pay rent and, since my parents immigrated from Italy, we had nowhere to go. We were homeless for a long time, until, my parents sent me to live with their friends while they tried to get cheap housing down south. Their friends were nice, but it was obvious that they weren't rich, so I felt that I was a financial burden. I left a note, and ran away. I lived in a homeless shelter for six months after two years of being on my own. Emma found me roaming the streets when I left, and took me in. I wrote to my parents, who found an apartment six months ago. They offered for me to live with them, but I wanted to pursur music, so I could pay them back for all they did for me." Ashton looks thoughtful, and pulls me in for a long hug.

        "Why didn't you tell me?" He sounds like he's about to cry.

        "I was ashamed. My past is something I don't like to dwell on. Emma was the only one I trusted for so long. She's like my sister." I explain. We sit there together for a while, until Emma comes and tells us that the food is here. She grabs my hand, and Ashton holds the other. The three of us walk back into the restaurant. Everyone smiles at me. Emma goes over and whispers in my ear.

        "I told them. I'm sorry, but you shouldn't be ashamed of your past. They understand. Be strong, okay?" She squeezes my hand and then sits back down next to Michael. The rest of the evening goes on smoothly. And at the end of the night, I feel like a weight's been lifted off of my shoulders.

The Next Day:

        Catherine's POV:

        I wake up the next morning feeling full and happy. When I make my way to the kitchen, I see Emma sitting down at the time, looking nervous. Immediately I pester her with with questions, but she just takes a deep breath and pauses before speaking.

        "Since the boys are having a show near Orlando in two days, Michael invited me to go to Disneyland with him for a couple of days. It will just be us, as well as Calum and Sapphire. I know you don't really like theme parks, so I wanted to know if you were okay. Being alone, I mean. " Emma eyes me. In the two years since our friendship, we haven't really spent time away from each other. Emma's parents and sister were great, but she was my rock. And I was hers. I wasn't good enough friends with Jennifer yet. Only Ashton would be here with me. I really didn't want her to go, but then I realized all the sacrifices she's made for me. Missing dates, events, even trying out for the soccer team when she hated it, just because I didn't want to be lonely. Even if I was lonely, I wouldn't want her to sacrifice things with people that really made her happy.

        "Go. Have fun! I'll be fine!" I try to say it airily, but my voice is choked. At least Ashton and I can hang out and spend time with each other. That I was looking forward to.