A few days after the Gathering, Jayfeather sends me out to collect comfrey. I’m near the WindClan border, which is why I can see from a long way off a cat loping toward me. At first, I think it’s WindClan, but its pelt is too clearly marked. RiverClan. And its scent is familiar…
“Cherrystorm!” It’s Rushtail. My heart spins around and does somersaults in my chest. “Cherrystorm, I need to talk to you!"
My stomach flips over. Having never been attracted to anyone, this is a new feeling. And I like it.
“Um, me too,” I reply, less enthusiastically.
“Cherrystorm.” He purrs and drinks in my scent. Should I consider this creepy? “I miss you.”
“Me too,” I repeat. “I shouldn’t but I do.”
Why does he want to see me? For the same reason I want to see him?
“I know.” His purr deepens and I find myself purring. “I love you.”
WHAT.
That’s why.
My mouth moves before my mind regains control and I hear myself saying, “I love you, too, Rushtail.”
And if I can say that unconsciously, then it’s no doubt true. I have betrayed my Clan, falling in love with a RiverClan cat!
However, if we can be discreet, maybe it’s not so bad…
She says the three words I want to hear most. I love you. Then I’m off on a ride in fantasy land, daydreaming about a possible future…
“Uh, Rushtail?”
I snap back. “Hmm?”
“I need to go.”
I study her, trying to memorize every detail on her perfect face. Mossyfoot’s mew echoes in my ears. How dare you fall for a ThunderClan she-cat! You are forsaking my memory! Our kits’ memories!
Shut up, I tell her.
I imagine her exasperated sigh. “Okay. Meet me tomorrow at the Gathering Island. Twilight.”
Her eyes linger on mine for long moments. “Alright.”
YOU ARE READING
Cherrystorm's Choice
AventureAfter the warriors of the Dark Forest attacks, the Clans are left grieving. Now, it's been many moons, and ThunderClan thrives. It was only ever a Gathering. Harmless. Meant to talk and share news. But when Cherrystorm falls in love with a RiverCla...
