It happened one night

chapter 3

Cathy POV

Mom has gone home.

We had some tears and hugs before she drove out of my sight.

The day seem to stretch out before me. I have never felt so aimless. I already miss the comfort of my own room and Mom's baked cookies. I guess I am hungry. I should go out and grab something to eat. Looking down at my cream color top and pjs, I decide to change.

As I shimmy into my worn out black jeans and a loose-fitting Tee, I make my way to the wardrobe and look at the mirror beside it. My midnight blue hair stuck out at odd angles... I like it messy, I smile pleased with myself as my hand rumpled them up more.

Stuffing some bucks into my pocket, I pick up my phone and walk out of the room.

It was a damp overcast morning. The campus was huge, the gothic building stood in the middle magestically decorated on both sides with green lawns, some girls sat in groups talking and writing. Far at the right, there was a big ground where about a dozen guys were playing with a ball. I watched the children sitting on the grass near me as I walked past them towards the gate.

There's still 19 days left for the college to start. I wonder how I would spend these days. A frown dawns on my face as I think about the lonely idle time that seemed endless now. Library. I have to find a library in this town. Hmmm.. I must go out and explore this place. I giggle slightly as I imagine Jen's horrified face whenever I say "Dude, lets explore."

Uh.. I miss those two idiots.

"Hey the ball please, pass it this side" some gangly tall fellow shouts in my direction.

"Here you go," I add with a smile as I send the ball flying with a kick.

He gives me a small salute and grins before turning to run back to his friends.

The smell of garlic and cheese hits me suddenly and my stomach makes a gurgling sound. Am I hungry?! Oh!! It makes me I look up and I soon spot the food joint ahead of me. I break into a short run... I dont bother to think about the people who stop to stare at me and the small girls who whisper and break into giggles behind me, as i run towards the shop. I am that hungry! And besides, running comes naturally to me.

When I have finished gorging on two burgers, a small fruit cake, a garlic toast with coffee; finally I look around me and absorb my surroundings. I push my hair off my eyes and lean back on the chair feeling heavenly with the soft wind blowing on my face. People seem to be relaxed in this town. I watch a couple talking softly at the farther side.

Beep.. My phone rings. Bess.

"Yeah.. hightime you called me now" I say, feighning disinterest.

"Cath.." she pauses and sighs before continuing, "We need to help Ching."

"What? Ching.. why?" I ask as I sit up straight at the seriousness of her tone and voice. When Bess speaks in a serious tone, it means trouble.

"Her uncle died last Tuesday.... he left her the villa in his 'will' and she.. her family too actually wants her to stay there..."

I cut her off, "Wait, her uncle died? But how? He wasnt that ..."

"Old? Nyah.. he committed suicide... but thats a long story.. even I dont know why he did that.. the thing is we have to stay with her in the villa.. she cant stay there alone .. after the death and all you know.." she trails off.

"Where is the villa?" I ask while planning in my head as to how the three of us can shift to the villa and wondering whose permission we have to take for that.