The Laws of Emotion

Chapter Three

"I'm here!" I yelled, throwing my backpack into the locker room. I didn't bother to change. I knew I was too late to do anything. Somehow, I got stuck behind a bus who was stuck behind a garbage truck.

I burst through the door to the weights room. Music blared and the lights were bright. I was momentarily blinded, but as my vision slowly came back, I found out that the baseball team was already here. How had I missed the girls? I wasn't that late? Was I?

"Cat?"

I turned to face Harvey, who's skin was glistening with sweat. "What?" I snapped.

"What are you doing here?"

"I missed the softball weights, didn't I?"

"Yeah."

I groaned. How hadn't I woken up? Beckett was the loudest person in the house, yet I didn't hear him at all. I blamed Mom. She must've told him to be quiet.

"I gotta go."

I turned on my heel and headed back into the locker room. A blonde head poked out of the side of my vision, and I sighed. "Kiley!" I said, changing my direction toward her.

She looked up and her eyes went wide. "Where were you this morning?"

"Long story." I sucked in a breath. "Was Coach angry?"

"Angry doesn't describe how she was feeling."

I sank down to the bench and dropped my head into my hands. Kiley sat down next to me, resting her hand on my back. "I woke up late, and I'm pretty sure my mother purposely didn't wake me up."

"Why?"

"Harvey came to my house at midnight."

"Was it a booty call?"

I glared at her. "Of course not. He brought me two burritos because I was hungry. And we talked for a little bit, as well."

She looked like she didn't believe me. I crossed my arms as she said, "Whatever you say."

I didn't want to argue with her. I didn't have the strength. Instead, I grabbed my backpack and slung it across my shoulders. Standing up, I waved to Kiley before exiting the locker room. People rushed by, and I had to wait before walking to my first hour. Fortunately for me, I was an office runner. I could study for tests or just go on my phone for basically the whole time. 

"Cat! Wait up!"

Spinning around, I grinned when I saw Sophia. She pushed through the throng of people, not caring if she stepped on some feet. A few people glared at her. She ignored it all as she threw her arms around me. I stumbled against the sheer force of the girl and laughed. 

"Didn't I see you on Friday?"

"It's been too long."

"Are you sure? I think it's been too short."

She gasped and pulled away from me. Her hands settled on her hips in mock anger. "I think I'll go hang out with Chris and Ethan! Guys, wait up!"

She rocketed away from me, so I followed her. I couldn't find Chris and Ethan through the group of people in front of us. I tugged onto her arm to let her know I was still with her. She threw a smile at me before dragging me toward a side hallway. 

"Ethan!" she yelled.

Ethan turned around slowly, a frown on his face. Today his dreads were up in a ponytail, and he was sporting a band tee with shorts and flip-flops. "You look comfy," I said, looking him up and down.