Neko

6

The weather was getting warmer so I ditched the baggy pants and chose to wear a skirt today.

A choice i would regret later on.

•••

"A field trip?!" I question loudly and excuse myself for cutting the teacher off

"That's gonna be awful" Ashley whispered into my ear and I nod.

It was bad enough to go on a trip with a single class but the whole grade?! The teachers were just asking for a disaster to happen at this point,

"... adventure and team building field trip to get rid of those walls between you students and get you to be more open to each other" our teacher continued.

3 days and 2 nights. Great.

Now how am I supposed to help Charlie when I'm literally miles away?!

•••

I was using my free period to do my homework so I'll be able to spend enough time with Charlie and solve this mystery about him shapeshifting into a fricking cat.

I was looking for a book that could help me with my homework.

I went to the more abandoned side of our relatively large library and found it. It was on the highest shelf and my silly ass really thought I could reach it by jumping.

Sighing in defeat I was about to look and ask for help when I saw a 3 step ladder a few aisles from me.

I went to grab it and tried to reach for the book and almost grasped it-

"Well well well, who do we have here" I heard an all too familiar voice say

"What do you want Steve." I ask rolling my eyes while reaching for the book again.

"Mmm a little bit higher and I get to see more"

I heard Steve say from behind and I almost fell off the ladder and quickly had to brace myself,

"You're not only the worst but a pervert too?!" I state pushing my skirt down as I walk down the ladder only to end up missing a step.

"Woah careful there" Steve murmured into my hair as he catches me by my waist,

"Ew get your dirty hands off me!" I sassed pushing myself off him

"A 'thanks' would've been fine too" Steve said crossing his arms "that's the book you want?" He asks before I could even reply and reached for it with ease

"Here" he said holding the book towards me
"Thanks" I mumble snatching the book out of his hand.

I don't bother continuing this useless chitchat with Steve and was about to leave when that dumbass had to open his mouth again,

"While you're already at it, I hope you don't mind a little bit of extra work" Steve muttered taking two long strides to stand in front of me

"You can't bully me into doing your homework anymore Steve, I thought we were past that" I snap turning back around only for Steve grab my wrist and yank me against the shelf.

"What the-!"

"Shut up and do as your told if don't want any problems" he growled into my ear

"S-Steve let go of me" I squirm

"You got 2 days" Steve said harshly, pushing a folded peace of paper against my chest.

•••

"Everything alright? Nala?"

Tommy one of the freshman's I was tutoring asked

"Huh? Oh yes of course, sorry for dozing off" I say playing with the strings of my joggers

"We can continue this the next time, I still have 2 weeks until my next test" Tommy said starting to pack his stuff

"Are you sure?" I ask warily

"Get some rest Nala"

Was all Tommy said before leaving the empty classroom.

I started packing up as well when a crumbled sheet of paper fell out of my bag. I picked it up remembering who it belonged to,

I sigh sitting back down and started doing his homework.

•••

"Mom?" I call for her to moment I stepped a foot inside our home. It smelled delicious in here.

I walked further inside and heard laughters coming from the kitchen,

"Mom? Oh-" I say shocked by the fact that she was with another man

"I-I didn't know you had company" I add quickly

"Uhh Nala this is Richard, Richard this is my daughter Nala" My mom introduced us

"Nice to meet you, Nala" The guy who I now know his name is Richard greets holding his hand out for me to take

"Nice to meet you too" I mumble forcing myself to shake his hand.

"Well I hope you're hungry? We cooked dinner" My mom said with slight fear in her eyes.

It's been 8 almost 9 years since my dad died. We all grieved his loss, but for my mom? It was as if she lost a part of herself.

She wasn't eating, talking or sleeping. It got somewhat better? Over the years, especially since my mom started drowning herself into work.

She says she's doing it since we need the money but I know she's trying to keep herself busy that way she can forget about that empty feeling, even if it just temporarily.

It wasn't until 6 years after his death that my mom started or at least tried to date again. But all these relationships went to shambles because my mom... well how do I say... she was struggling to commit and would eventually just ghost all these poor man who thought they had finally won her over.

But there was one big difference.

She never brought any of these men home. Ever.

"Uhh I'm not really hungry right now. Maybe later" I say clutching the straps of my book bag

"Uh sure, okay" My mom said giving Richard that look.

That kind of look that says don't take it personal

•••

"Charlie?" I whisper "Charlie!" I said this time louder.

He came out of my closet in his cat form,
"Don't transform! My mom got company and they could hear us" I say quickly

Meow

I drop my bag on the floor and plop down on my bed, Charlie quickly following after me.

He meowed again nudging my shoulder with his head and I smile weakly as I pet his soft fur.

"I'm so tired" I say out loud as I felt myself yawning

"I don't know how to help you Charlie, and that's messing with my head. Now I'll be going on a field trip too" I explain to Charlie who purred softly

"What if I can't help to bring you back home?" I ask not expecting an answer

"What will happen to you then?"

Meoww

I chuckle at his response,

"Gosh I'm so tired" I yawn as I felt my eyes close on their own

"May-be we should take yawn a nap first" I say right before I doze off.