As I headed downstairs, I caught a glimpse of Catherine's party outfit in her room. It was a stunning anime-inspired dress. I went closer to the entrance of her room then I closed my eyes, picturing myself as Catherine. I imagined the feeling of having an exciting birthday party surrounded by friends, being the center of attention. Having every boys eyes on me. But my prince charming would definitely not be Mark, who Catherine is obsessed with, it would be Matthew.
I had no idea what Mark looked like for Catherine to be so obsessed, despite him not showing up to any of her parties. It just wasn't adding up, how do one ignore a boy as nice looking as Matthew. As I admired the dress, I realized I'd rather spend my birthday with Matthew than invite the whole class. I didn't like any of them anyways, they were just as mean as Catherine. I just have to wait for resume school to see who the heck Mark was. After admiring the dress for while, I turned around and headed downstairs.
Now you understand why it felt so empowering to stand up to Catherine, let's go back to the present day.
The Present Day…..
Just as I was enjoying the moment, Catherine's voice snapped me back to reality. "You should have done what earlier? I'm talking you, but you seem so busy mumbling things I don't understand." Catherine said angrily.
"What's with the smile on your face" She added.
My triumphant mood evaporated when I realized that the scene I had thought unfolded, was just my own imagination.
"Lucy! What's wrong with you" Catherine yelled impatiently.
I responded, "Nothing's wrong. You were saying?" trying to hide my disappointment at the turn of events.
"I was saying? Are you serious?" Catherine asked angrily. "Didn't you hear a word I said right now,"
I nodded, looking down. I recalled a previous incident where I pretended to have heard her but didn't. She hadn't taken it well, so it was better to admit it. Than lying to regret it later.
"I see, you have started daydreaming again right?" Catherine said, "but please save it for another day."
I nodded again.
"Did you confirm Mark would be at the party?" She asked.
She had sent me to Mark's house early this morning, but I just couldn't go seeing how early it was. It would have been so impolite to wake people up for something as a birthday party. I planned to check back later since it was too earlier but I haven't gotten any chance to leave the house yet. Now, I had to lie.
"Yes, I did. His dad said he'd make sure he comes," I said.
"That's good. Well then, don't just stand there daydreaming, get back to work." Catherine said as she walked away.
Catherine seemed satisfied to hear Mark would finally attend her birthday party, but I still saw the anxiety etched on her face. She's clearly still hoping Mark would show up. I would be in so much trouble if I don't get Mark here.
"Why on earth did I tell such a big lie? If Mark doesn't come, Catherine would kill me for deceiving her." I thought to myself.
"Good for you Lucy," I said as I picked up the things I dropped on the floor.
I knew I had to find a way to check on Mark as as possible without getting caught by Veronica. I was currently trapped between a rock and a hard place, I just can't offend Catherine nor her mother.
Today was Catherine's birthday, and she wanted everything to go perfectly. She had already made it clear to everyone that there'll be consequences for any mistake. I knew she meant it when she said,
"Pain would be an understatement for what you'd feel if things don't go perfectly."
Those words have kept everyone feeling like we were all walking on eggshells around Catherine, especially me. I was the most clumsy but given the entire major task. It felt like Catherine was waiting for me to flop in any of them, then she'd make me the clown for her birthday party
I couldn't afford any mistakes today; it felt like my life depended on it. I just knew today would be a long and stressful day.
By noon, I managed to sneak out for a short time, which seemed enough. Mark's house wasn't far, I just had to be quick. I rushed out of the house and rode my bike as fast as possible.
When I arrived, I knocked on the door and waited impatiently. After few seconds, the door opened, and I found myself face-to-face with the ring leader. I was taken aback, "what was he doing here? Was he related to Mark?" I wondered.
"Yes? Can I help you?" He asked.
I took a deep breath and responded calmly, avoiding his gaze in the hope that he wouldn't recognize me.
"I'm here for Mark," I said firmly.
"What do you want him for?" He asked, his tone unfriendly.
I thought to myself, "What's with the question?" But responded, "I have a message for him."
He stared at me expectantly. "Alright then, spit it out. I'm all ears. I really don't have all day," he said, sounding impatient.
"What's his problem? I'm the one running out of time here, I should be the one sounding impatient." I thought.
But responded, "I'm sorry, but I'd like to talk to him personally."
He raised an eyebrow. "Well, you are looking at him. Now speak," he said.
I took a step back in shock. "You're Mark?" I asked, surprised.
"There's no other Mark living in this house except me, Missy," he said.
I was shocked to discover that the person I had despised being the ringleader of the group of boys who were always teasing every girl they see pass by them. It seemed fitting, giving his personality, that he would be a perfect match for Catherine. They would definitely make a formidable pair, like Lucifer and Lily.
After being stunned few seconds, I tried to pass my message. "Well, Catherine….", but he shut the door in my face as soon as he heard Catherine's face. I was shocked by his rudeness.
"What's your problem? I haven't even passed my message yet. Don't you know it's rude to slam the door in someone's face" I yelled in frustration.
Mark responded from the other side of the door, " Well, I know what you want to ask, and my answer is No. You can go now.-
I was enraged by his attitude, and turned around to leave. But I knew I couldn't afford to give up, If he didn't attend Catherine's party, things would go terribly wrong for me. I walked back to the door and knocked again. When he opened it, he tried to close it again as he saw me. I quickly held the door to stop it from closing.
"Take your hands off! Don't you have any manners?" he asked angrily.
"No I don't, you left we with no other choice." I retorted.
"I know you don't attend any of Catherine's birthday parties, but can you please just make it today? I'm begging you," I pleaded.
Mark raised an eyebrow, seemingly unimpressed. "And why should I listen to you?" He asked.
I continued to beg, hoping he would take pity on me. "I know you don't have to, but please, I'm begging you."
"I still don't understand why she keeps inviting me every year," Mark said, his voice laced with frustration.
"I'm not a celebrity or anything. I already have my parents nagging me about it, and now you?" He paused before continuing,
"I didn't listen to my parents, should I now listen to Catherine's minion?"
"Minion, who are you calling a minion?" I asked.
"You of course," Mark replied. "And Catherine is your villain. You should go, I don't do anything with anyone close to her."
I tried to think of a solution. "Then put an end to it. You should go to the party and confront her, tell her to stop sending invitations because you'd never attend." I suggested, hoping he'd take the bait.
Mark raised an eyebrow. "Put an end? Are you silly or what?" He asked,
"Going there is obviously starting something I'm not interested in finishing. Don't you know her expectations would only increase if I show up?" He added, and I knew he was right.
"I want to believe you're sensible minion, so please take your dumb advice and leave my porch." Mark said rudely.
I was enraged why the tone he spoke to me but given the circumstances, I just had to plead with him. "It's not my place to ask you for anything, but I really need you to come," I said.
Mark's curiosity was piqued. "Why?" he asked.
I hesitated before responding, "Because I can't imagine anything going well today if you don't come. Catherine wouldn't take it lightly with me."
Mark's question followed, "So you're scared of her?"
I remained silent as the answer was obvious.
Mark's gaze lingered on me before I urged him again. "Look, Mark, I don't have the time to keep up this conversation. Just tell me, would you come?"
"Would you be there?" Mark asked.
"Are you allowed to join the party?" He asked again.
"I won't, and I couldn't care less," I replied.
Mark's response was immediate. "Then I won't go," he said, closing the door.
I quickly stopped him. "Wait," I said. "You have to come: I didn't come here to get a no."
Mark's smirk grew wider. "It's my choice, Minion. You can't make me," he said slamming the door shut again.
I felt a wave of frustration wash over me. I had no idea what to do next, and I'd already spent too much time here.
In desperation, I banged on the door and called out to Mark. "If I join the party, do you promise to be there?"
The door opened once more, and Mark looked at me suspiciously, "I guess I would." He said.
I moved backward, emphasizing my point. "Fine, but you can't go back on your word. You must come."
Mark's response was casual. "Sure, you can go now."
I rushed to my bike, feeling a mix of relief and resentment. I'd rather endure being the object of fun at the party than face consequences of Mark not showing up. The thought of being humiliated by Catherine and her friends was scary, but the consequences of Mark's absence seemed even worse.
As I rode away, I couldn't help but feel angry at Mark for demanding such a t
hing. It seemed like he truly wanted me to be humiliated, but that was what I should expect from him. I just hopped Veronica hadn't noticed my absence.