Chapter 14

Lucinda's POV

"Is it just me or was I expecting her to say something like mittens or fluffy"

We were all sprawled on my living room couches when after the whole kitten fiasco. I was laying on Chase's chest with Evgeny in my arms, Lynn of Donavan's, Melissa on Victor's after they joined us shortly and Diego on Mathias'. Diego as always with his questions and everyone seemingly interested in something else.

"I'm glad she didn't"

I turned to Chase with a perplexed look on my face.

"And why is that?"

"You're unique, I wouldn't expect you to name him anything but"

I smiled up at him. Donavan made some gagging noises and Lynn slapped him on his chest which made Diego snicker.

"Why Evgeny though?"

"It means 'well-born' in Greek"

I explained. Considering the cat wasn't actually well-born it got adopted into a family of royalty in the underworld. Not that any of them would ever learn that fact, I was not exactly planning on sharing that information.

"Or noble aristocrat in Russian" pipped up Melissa.

Way to go my book smart, artistic and lively friend!

"So no matter what his name means he's rich?"

"Yeah"

"Bet he's excited that he got picked at the pet store today huh"

Evgeny purred in response and I giggled.

"What do you guys wanna do?"

"We could play truth or dare"

"What are we... Teenagers?"

"We could watch a movie"

"Sounds good but which one?"

"What about the Notebook?"

"No!" me and the boys screamed in unison.

They all turned and looked at me strangely.

"See, told you she was cool"

I chuckled.

"Fast 9?" I suggested.

We all nodded except for Lynn as she grumbled about how she could watch the Notebook. While the boys set up the movie in my living room, me, the girls and Evgeny went into the kitchen to grab some snacks.

Diego went ahead to get some blankets from my room. We took out a couple of bowls and I made some popcorn and they filled the others with whatever snacks they could find in my cupboard.

After a small fight over which candy to take we decided on Skittles. After grabbing some soda, water bottles and all the snacks we placed them all on the living room coffee table.

After we all the couples receive a blanket, snacks and some drinks we started the movie. Not even two minutes into the movie Lynn asked a question.

"So why are they at a ranch"

"They wanted a simple, quiet life after fast 8"

After that we fell into another silence for most of the movie with the occasional pausing if someone wanted to go to the bathroom.

"Okay I'm confused, why are they so happy that this Han guy is alive"

"Because he was dead"

"When did he die?"

"Fast and furious: Tokyo Drift"

"When was that?"

"Before fast 6"

"Why was he dead?"

"They're about to explain that"

"Okay but-"

"Brendaline!" We all screamed at the same time.

"Sorry"

A few more minutes went by before she said something again.

"I'm hungry"

"Order a pizza"

After getting fours boxes of pizza from the door and a box of chocolate muffins from Tia's Café, courtesy of Diego, and each couple receives a box of pizza and some muffins we finally resumed the movie.

We somehow managed to get to the end without Lynn asking another question because she was scarfing down some pizza.

"I just don't get how they managed to build a space shuttle from a car"

"It wouldn't be fast and the furious movie if they didn't have ridiculous stunts that make no sense at all"

"But they were still cool"

"Who was in the blue car"

"No idea, maybe it was Jacob"

"Nah I heard they're trying to bring back Brian O' Connor"

"Isn't he like dead in real life?"

"Apparently, but who knows, over the top is their specialty"

Considering that was true none of us said anything to counteract it. After refilling on snacks we watch the Notebook much to our dismay, Lynn was very adament and refused to let anyone leave before we watched it. For good measure she locked the door and put the keys in her bra.

One long boring movie almost similar to the Titanic later she relinquish the keys and people could finally go home and I could get some shut eye.

Chase stayed behind to help me wash the dishes and tidy up the place. After folding my last blanket I put them back in the cupboard I bid Chase goodbye and took Evgeny to my room.

I'll have to buy him a bed, cat food and other cat essentials. After I changed into some pajamas I cuddled up on my bed with my purring kitten.

I let out a sigh.

I have a boyfriend... My first boyfriend.

Was this what I was doing wrong in the past?

Back then I would go for the average fling and assume the best but maybe if I give the feelings time to develop into something strong enough to grant me my freedom I'll stick it out.

Time is very precious so I have to spend it carefully.

My dearest Chase... sweet, kind, love sick, naive Chase. I'm sorry for using you. You'll probably never hear this apology but I have to be selfish just this once. I know it will cost you a lot and you're so young and have so much to live for. You deserve so much better than me.

I've always wanted a cat. I looked down at Evgeny and admired him sleeping soundly with a soft smile on my face. I always assumed I would get one once I got my freedom but this feels nice.

I didn't want to be a monster but I must do what is necessary to get what was once taken from me.

With that final thought I closed my eyes and succumbed to the very welcoming darkness.