Adopted by Heathers Cast

Catlynn, Sure You're Scared, I've Been There

I was reading a book in my bedroom and Elle knocked on the door.

"Are you up for school today Sunshine?" I nodded, and said, "Yeah. I guess." I got up and went to get breakfast. I just made oatmeal, it was the only breakfast food I could eat without it hurting. I ate it slowly, then went out to Elle's car.

I sat in the front seat and played a game on my phone. When we pulled up to the school, I hid in my knees and Elle quickly pulled into a vacant parking spot.

"What's wrong, baby?" she asked. I cried and said, "My brother...my brother switched to this school..." Elle quickly pulled out her phone and called the school and explained. I was hugging my knees and trying to stay out of sight. Elle was holding my hand, and said, "I would say you could come to the theater, but you've missed too much school, and I don't want you to get taken away from me." I was sobbing, and the principal knocked on Elle's window and asked to talk to her. I wanted to run to the theater, but I didn't want to worry Elle again. So I called Barrett.

"Hey, Cat. What's up?" she said.

I took a deep breath and said, "My brother...the one that punched me....he switched to my school and Elle won't let me go to the theater because I've missed too much school already." Barrett sighed, and said, "I wish I could help you, kiddo. I really do. I'll try to come to the school and see if I can sit in on your classes with you. Just don't take it out on Elle, she loves you and just wants to keep you safe and happy."

"Barrett...you have a show." I said. "Plus, I'd much rather stay in Elle's car. It's safe in there."

Elle tapped me on the shoulder, and said, "Hey. You still have to go to school today, but tomorrow we're going to discuss if you can do school from the theater. I know it's scary, but I'm just a phone call away." I shook my head, and said, "I'm too scared to go..." Elle took my hand and said, "I know you're scared, Sunshine. Take a deep breath and pretend it's a normal day. Expect a text from me in a few minutes. I have a surprise for you."

I got out of the car finally and Elle got out too. She hugged me and said. "Good luck Sunshine." I didn't want to let go of her. Elle kissed my forehead and said, "You got this. If you need to go home, call me."

I hugged her as tight as I possibly could and said, "Please stay...please stay...I need you." I was sobbing. Elle stroked my hair and said, "Oh baby...I can't stay. I have a show to do. I've missed a lot of shows for you too. Plus, I don't think the school will let me stay." She kissed my hair and said, "I'll FaceTime you at lunch."

I got back in the car, sobbed even harder and said, "I want to hug you!" Elle held me against her chest and kept me safe for what seemed like forever, saying, "Ssh...it's okay, Sunshine, I'm right here." over and over. After every time she said it, she kissed my head, which made me feel safe. She then rocked me back and forth and sung Kindergarten Boyfriend in my ear. When the song was over, she kept rocking me, and she kissed me on the head every so often.

"I can't imagine how scary this is for you, Sunshine. You've gone through too much. I'm right here. I'm always going to be right here. I'm not going anywhere." Elle said.

"I'm scared to go to school. I've always felt like that...but not as bad as this." I said. Elle took my hands and said, "I know. But you're the strongest girl I've ever met. You've gone under anesthesia twice in one week, you had to deal with getting pinned to a wall, and I can't imagine what it was like at home."

"It's not the first time." I said.

"What?" Elle said, concerned.

"I've gotten pinned to walls before. I've gotten hit, punched, kicked, you name it."