The Lioness and the lamb chapter 3/part 4

Catherine/

The lingering sound of my phone replays without delay inside my head, like a haunting melody. While I want to know if it's Jyn contacting me or not, I also know resisting the urge to respond would be impossible. Our feelings should be true but if they aren't how would I cope with it after getting so deep. I know how my heart sings for her yet falling fast and hard was always my problem. Hungrily desiring things to be mine, filled with a lust of pure greed which is one of my many flaws in life I couldn't fix. This caused many problems with my friends from back then which may explain my overwhelming anxiety building up. Seated behind her once more holding on while trying to calm myself, facing the past is terrifying.

After a soothing morning drive, we arrived at the old spot we once treated like a clubhouse. After stepping inside Jenny leads me to our usual table in a back corner, giving us a view of everything here. My eyes couldn't resist looking over every detail as the nostalgia hits me, yet I notice Kyle isn't at the bar today.

" Who is the new Barkeep?"

" Ah, Monica. Kyle had to retire due to a work injury, so she's in charge more or less. She's cool people."

So much I have missed in these years and while everyone's life was moving, mine was standing still. Never accomplished much in my life but always learning things that felt pointless in my life. Changing or hiding myself with every new person I met hoping it would feel like old times when things were great. The shaking of the table pulled me for my thoughts as a woman sat down next to Jenny. Before I could speak Danny had slid in also, which is a surprise he hasn't changed his style yet.

"Okay, Cat this is Laura, and you know Danny already. Beth said she will be on the way shortly so that's basically everyone."

My eyes fell into a staring contest with this woman who wanted to devour me. While I couldn't grasp the hostility she was holding until she and Jenny kissed. The woman she left in bed to come out for me which explains her distaste for me. I was hoping this to be a happy gathering but nothing is ai simple but maybe I can calm her down.

* Hello, Laura. It's nice to meet you."

" Same to you."

Short and threatening her eyes could easily mimic the menace of a vipers own. She wanted to pounce on me I could see it.

" So Cat, long time no see. how's the life of your choosing going?"

When Danny tried to guide me I always threw that in his face trying to be defiant, yet it failed miserably.

" Still making trouble and finding messy situations."

Giving a ghost-like chuckle which was so hollow anyone could see the deflect. Before I could say anything else my phone was going off again which startled me. So I had to sit it on the seat next to me.

" You okay Cat?... Seem a little jumpy."

" Sorry, Jenny. It's nothing-"

" Alright I have, twenty minutes maybe thirty."

" Hey, Beth you made it."

Everyone was exchanging hugs with her but I didn't dare move or speak till I found my voice. Beth was a goddess now compared to before which stole my breath in several ways.

" Cat, it's been a while. We missed you around here you know."

"Yeah it's been a while, didn't think I would be missed though. You look great, Beth. Much different from school days for sure... So with everyone here now we can chat and catch up."

My phone was set to vibrate which it did three or so more times while we chatted. Danny got involved with a real popular youth center, he used his people skills to make use of old buildings. In a way, he made use of forgotten buildings out of commission and has big plans happening. He couldn't help making side comments of how I was an inspiration case which we all found funny. Jenny was a tattoo artist now which makes sense but her talent could take her further. She's happy with this path in life which is enough either way. All that remained was Beth but before our conversation got to her, Jenny answered my phone which I had forgotten about.

" Hello, who is this."

Her grin was dangerous and everyone was laughing as I tried to reclaim my phone. She kept talking but I knew who she was talking to just by the sound of her voice when I got close to the phone. Jyn sounds angry which is my fault but the jealousy is another reason I'm certain of that.

" Sorry but, Little kitty is busy right now."

Everyone erupted in laughter while I sunk in embarrassment but she gave my phone back. She hasn't called me that in a long time which everyone here agreed was perfect for me. I hated and loved being called that but Jyn will surely lose her mind over this. While I desperately open my text screen to respond my phones was snatched away again, this time by Beth.

" Who's the woman, gotta spill the juicy details."

" A friend... Well, a lover may be more accurate I guess."

All eyes fell on me in confusion at my stumbling and uncertain answer. Something I expected but it kind of hurts when they know how to feel about this kind of situation.

" Your dating or not, I mean you have always had trouble with relationships but... How are you not sure of the relationship?"

A direct hit to my heart from Jenny who knew me best and always made sure to call me out. She wasn't wrong but I didn't want them to think badly of Jyn either, so I explained. From our first meeting while excluding the intimate details till now, managing to skate by Jyns job or business information.

" Holy shit..."

" Danny, language."

" He's not lying though Beth, I mean like holy shit Cat. How did you get worse in relationships after school?"

Ouch, Jenny knows how to tell me straight but it hurts more when you deny things and someone tells you directly. Everyone's attention was focused on me now and tried to help me gather my thoughts. Nothing could be done about my situation but it help clear some things up. However, being the focus of attention was wearing me down so I tried to put the attention on Beth. I still didn't know what she did now.

" So, Beth. What job are you doing now?"

Before she could answer the door to the bar shot open and Jyn was entering with two people. One was from her security detail which I kind of knew about but the other I don't know. She was making a beeline to our table and her face screamed calm buy the hands trembled quietly with rage. Perhaps jealousy or pain even but either way this situation just got terrible.

" Jyn, I was -"

" Wait you know her Cat?... Don't tell me this little shits who was calling you and such, the same person you told us about."

Before I could speak Beth cut me off and was now directly in Jyns personal space. They clearly know each other but Jyn didn't recognize her at first till she stepped in front of her.

" Beth, how pleasant to see you meddling again. Don't you have some snob-rich people to attend to?"

" When people like you exist my job becomes difficult since you and those people working for your father are scum. It's a shame you amount to the same as your father though, neither of you are worth much."

Jenny was the first to jump up and over the table separating them both. But my jaw just hung open at what I was seeing and hearing.

" Alright enough, this isn't the place for a street fight nor is it a place to talk down to people. Respect this place, or ill be forced to escort you both out."

Jyn made eye contact with Jenny but backed down after a few moments, which doesn't happen often. Beth withdrew from this place saying she has meetings to attend to anyway. I'm still not sure what just happened but it was far too hostile.

" Uhh... Jyn maybe we should leave now, we caused enough problems here."

" Sure..."

" Wait, look I don't know who you are or what you may be into. But Cat explained the situation, figure it out quickly. Because if you hurt her in any way, I'll find you."

Jyn doesn't take threats lightly but she just nodded and escorted me outside. With hasty goodbyes, I finally see the mess this situation has become. My plate can't handle much more piling up before it tips over, What will become of us after this though.
© Seekerxxlight