15

Being Normal on the Outside

Hey, youre new, right? I am Madison.
Catalina looked up from her Biology text book. There stood a girl with brownish red hair
and tiny freckles on her cheeks. Catalina smiled at her. Im Catalina.
Thats a name I rarely hear of! she laughed light heartedly. May I sit here? she asked,
looking pointedly to the empty seat next to her.
Sure! Catalina said, moving over to give Madison more room.
So.where are you from? We actually expected you yesterday, Madison said.
Oh, I went home early. Im from Spain, Catalina replied smoothly.
Madisons eyes widened. That must be really cool! Ive never been to Spain!
Catalina smiled again at her enthusiastic reply. She was starting to like her new friend.
Well, if you are not one for the mountains, then you didnt miss much.
Madison laughed. Im guessing that you lived in the mountains then?
Well, Catalina began, choosing her words carefully. I am from Cuenca. But at some point
of my life, I did journey into the mountains. For food, Catalina added in her head.
There was a chuckle behind them. Catalina and Madison turned around to see Christopher
Blackwilde seated two rows behind them. Catching Catalinas eye, he gave her his signature
smirk. Catalina rolled her eyes and turned around.
I see youve met Chris, Madison said.
Yes, we talked yesterday, Catalina replied quietly, knowing that Christopher would be
listening to their conversation.
Wow, Madison exclaimed under her breath. He must be into you or something. He
usually never looks at a girl twice.
Catalina was surprised to hear Madisons remarks, but then again, she knew deep down
that Christopher was too arrogant to consider others worthy of his time. He probably
ripped out the throats of his victims without blinking.
You didnt miss much, Madison. Hes a pain in the ass, Catalina said, loud enough that no
other humans except Madison could hear and Christopher, who could easily overhear
them.
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B l o o d s c e n t

Madison giggled as Catalina heard Christopher muttered liar under his breath to her.
But you have to admit, he is incredibly hot! Madison squeaked as Mr Wilson, their Biology
teacher entered the class.
Throughout half of the class, Catalina couldnt help but wonder to herself if Madisons
remarks actually mirrored her own.
*
The school bell rang loudly, signaling lunch time. Madison led Catalina down a hallway she
had already familiarized with, towards the cafeteria. Catalina only bought a bottle of iced
tea, giving the excuse of not being hungry while Madison piled her tray with sandwiches
and salad.
As soon as they sat down at a table, two other people came up to them and sat down as
well.
Oh hey guys! Let me introduce Catalina. She is from Spain.
The girl smiled politely at her while the boy with dark blonde hair offered her his hand.
Catalina shook it.
Im Josh, and this is my sister, Anna.
Its nice to meet you, Catalina smiled and nodded at them both.
I am sorry if I seem rude, but is the Lamborghini yours? Josh asked meekly.
Catalina laughed. Yes, it is. My family in Spain owned a great fortune.
I say, are they in town? Anna inquired.
Catalina focused on her poker face as she answered, No, they have allowed me to live on
my own. They believe in me being independent.
Well, then your parents are really cool people! Madison exclaimed.
Yes, she was.
All three looked at her in the same instance. Slowly, Josh reached out to her and held her
hand.
Im truly sorry for you, Catalina, he said sincerely.
Catalina looked into his eyes. Unlike hers, they were green and filled with so much
humanity that they reminded her of her mothers. So innocent, so human.
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17
Thank you, Josh.
Well, Madison began, trying to lighten the mood. How about we drag Catalina for a
lakeside picnic this weekend as a welcome celebration?
Im totally in! Anna exclaimed.
How about you, Kitty Cat? Madison chirped and giggled.
Id love to. Just dont call me that in front of the teachers. And the dogs, too.
The group at the table exploded in laughter.
Meanwhile, at the other end of the cafeteria, Christopher sat at his table, looking up at
Catalina and her group of new friends a little too often.
I was right, she wasnt wearing any talisman, Elizabeth announced as she sat directly in
front of him, blocking his view completely from Catalina.
I know that you are. Go on, throw a party then, he said sarcastically, annoyed that he was
interrupted.
Elizabeth sighed. I was afraid that I would be right.
Now thats something we dont often hear.
She glared at her brother. How could you still be so calm after what you have done?
Christopher shrugged. Relax. From what I observed, she seems harmless. Perhaps we over
estimated her.
Elizabeth stood up, annoyed. Fine then, if we do die, I shall know that it was on your
account.
Weve already been there once. How bad can it be? he snapped back at her.
Dont you have football practice? she added just as she was about to leave.
Nope. The whole team got held back in class.
And you are sitting here, why?
I am having lunch, he said pointedly.
Elizabeth raised her eyebrow.
Christopher sighed. Alright, I convinced the teacher that I did complete my homework.
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B l o o d s c e n t

Of which you didnt.
Twelve years ago, I did. It was the same question.























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