Sam and Cat

Chapter Two: Life by Design

I've heard stories... "Get off me!" The alley was dark as the woman struggled, trying desperately to escape her attacker, though his grip remained firm. Lightning struck above the scene, blinding us all for just an instant.

Bad stories... Feeling her spine and the back of her neck collide harshly with the cold, damp, very real brick wall, the woman clenched her teeth to shield her from the pain, and her eyes to shield herself from reality. Forcing himself closer, the man violently groped at his victim, slowly throwing her onto a bottomless puddle on the filthy, grimey ground. Laying himself atop the woman, the beast's breath grew heavy as the thunder of night struck loud.

Then, on September 29th, 1994, I was born. Her little body red and coated in amniotic fluid, the infant cried for her mother, who lovingly recieved her into her warm arms. "Catarina," the young woman whispered, stroking the tiny, soft little hairs on her daughter's head. But there was the part I wasn't supposed to know... "I don't want this!" the woman screamed, looking down at her swollen stomach. "I don't want to carry his child! I want an abortion!" But they said 'no', and now I'm here.

I sat quietly and patiently as my mother slowly poured the red dye into my hair, then mixed it in. "Just like a cupcake," the girl's mother said with a smile, making her daughter smile as well. I love my mom...and I know she loves me. She told me every night. Until I had to go away...

Rain fell hard on the nearly-flooded ground as the red velvet-haired girl turned her head back for one last look at her mother. They gently guided her into the car, closed the door, and let her look out the dark tinted window. Still waving to her child, April Valentine felt the burning tears stream down her face, drowning out the freezing impact of each drop of rain. Then, the car drove away, and never turned back.

I did okay living with the man, but I missed Mommy so much. I've never had a father, even though I never said it out loud. Then, after a couple of years, I left to live on my own. I was far enough away so that nothing was familiar, but it was still Los Angeles. I went to Hollywood Arts High School, made my first friends, took my first steps, sang my first song, wrote my first poem, and said my last goodbye...

Their names were Tori, Jade, Trina, Andre', and Beck. They were my best friends. We graduated together, played together, and cried together. They'll always be my friends, even though we don't talk or hear from each other anymore; it's better, that way. The pretty picture stays, that way.

I moved into an apartment with my grandma, even though she wasn't there. I got used to living alone, and made money babysitting. I love working with kids; they're always so sweet. The first little girl I ever held liked to run her fingers through my hair, saying it was beautiful.

Beautiful; that's what life is. It's all a gorgeous picture. Every moment lasts a lifetime; every sunrise, every sunset, every rainbow after the storm. That's how I live. I live a good life, and I wouldn't trade it. Sitting on her mother's lap, Cat watched Clark Kent rip open his coat and become Superman.

I don't see my mom anymore...I don't have a family, and there's no way anyone can find me. I'm just here. I used to watch Superman cartoons with Mommy, and Clark never got caught as Superman. I took a walk down the street one day, and knew I wouldn't see anyone familiar. I'd love it if I did, but I just don't want to; it's prettier this way; it's a happy ending this way. Everything that's happened is perfect, and I like it that way. That's how I get through every day before I fall asleep.