Chapter 7

Ann had invited Katherine for lunch on a Sunday morning and suggested spending the afternoon watching chick flicks with random, girly talks. Katherine, initially refused the idea but later accepted since she wanted to talk to her friend about her stalker. She woke up at nine o'clock in the morning, took a quick shower and changed into a yellow polka dotted dress which reached her mid thigh. She tied her hair into a loose pony tail, letting her ringlets hang near her ears. She looked pretty even though, her face lacked basic make up.
She texted Ann telling her that she would reach her house in twenty minutes and started walking towards her destination.
Reaching her friend's house, she was greeted by Ann's brother Rider and her parents Mister and Miss Watson. Mr. Watson was a dentist and Mrs. Watson was a primary school teacher. They had heard a lot about Katherine from their daughter and hence, they were really anxious to see her. The Watsons received Katherine with warm and cheerful smiles. Ms. Watson pulled her into a tight hug and invited her inside. 
“Have a seat, dear.” Said Mr. Watson while Mrs. Watson called Ann down to the living room.
Ann came down the stairs, running towards Katherine and hugged her affectionately.
“Come let's go to my room.” Spoke Ann dragging Katherine to her room. “Mom we will be in my room. Call us when lunch is ready.”
Ann's house was not huge but perfect for a small family of four. Her room walls were painted in purple which had a small bed in the middle and a study table to the side. One of the walls had a wooden window and the curtains where pushed to the sides letting the sunlight illuminate the room brightly.
“Your room is really nice.” Said Katherine looking around.
“Thanks girl.”
Katherine's eyes fell on the pictures hanging on the wall. It had pictures on Ann and her family members framed and arranged neatly. Katherine looked at them with longing eyes. She had always wanted a perfect family like that but that would always remain a dream that would never happen in reality.
She had always wanted to be a part of a loving family. She never remembered her father's face since, he left them when she was still very young. The only family she had was her mother who didn’t show any affection towards Katherine. Looking at her friend's sad expression, Ann tried to cheer her up.
“Do you think, we should have called Hudson? He will be throwing a fit if he knew we spent the day without him.”
“Hell no. He is definitely not a big fan of rom-coms. He will be happy that we let him be.” Said Katherine laughing.
“How about we nag him a bit?” Amused Ann giggling.
“leave the poor guy alone, Ann.” 
“Come on. What's the fun in that.” Ann took out her mobile to call Hudson, turning on the loud speaker.
“Hello.” Came Hudson's voice groggily.
“Hey Dumbo! Are you still sleeping?” Chided Ann.
“Not anymore. Why have you called me so early in the morning?” asked Hudson peevishly.
“Early? Are you kidding me? It's eleven idiot.”
“So? It's Sunday. So it is still early for me.” 
“Anyways. Guess who is with me?” questioned Ann playfully.
“Huh? Brad Pitt?” mocked Hudson making the two girls giggle. “Is that Katherine? What are you girls doing without me?”
“Enjoying the day without you.” Spoke Ann 
“Hey Hudson.” Greeted Katherine.
“ Did you two not think of calling me?” said Hudson. They knew he would be pouting by now.
“You are welcome, but on one condition.” Added Ann.
“And what's that?”
“You need to watch chick flicks with us. You can join us if that's okay with you.”
“Thanks, but no thanks. I will happily spend my Sunday afternoon sleeping, rather than watching some boring chick flicks.” Snorted Hudson.
“See this is why we did not invite you.” Coaxed Ann.
“Hey Hudson, Will you be able to join us in the evening, if you are free? We can all spend some time together, then have dinner together at burger inn? “ suggested Katherine, glaring at Ann, feeling bad for leaving him out.
“That sound better. I'll join you two at five near the town park.” Said Hudson.
“Okay.” Squealed the girls in unity, ending the call.
Throwing the mobile aside, Ann slouched on the bed.
Both the girls talked about random things for a while before Catherine felt like telling Ann about the recent events happening in her life.
“Ann. Ahh.. I wanted to tell you something.” Started Catherine slowly.
Ann paid her whole attention towards her friend. “Tell me what?”
“Do not panic by what I'm going to say. Okay?”
“You are scaring me, Catty. Don't tell me you are a cold blooded murderer.” Joked Ann.
She smiled slightly before starting, shaking her head, “Ah.. I feel like.. I'm being followed by someone.” Said Catherine carefully.
Ann's eyes widened, throat became suddenly dried and she felt speechless at the moment. She blinked a few times not knowing what to say.
“Ann? Are you listening to me?”
“Ho.. how do you know for sure?” stuttered Ann
“Because I've been seeing the same grey car follow me from the cafe to the hostel for more than a month now.” Finished Catherine with a slight fear visible in her eyes.
“For more than a month? Why did you not tell me earlier, Catty?” Exclaimed Ann.
“Shh.. shh..” Catherine jumped on to her and covered Ann’s month trying to muffle her voice. “InitialIy I thought, I was imagining things but then after sometime I confirmed it.” 
“Who do you think is following you?”
“I have no idea, Ann.”
“Girl, do you really think you should go to the cafe to work anymore? Is it even safe for you?” Questioned Ann.
“I have no other choice left. You know, I'm saving money for college.” Murmured Catherine.
“Did you try to see the driver's face atleast?” inquired Ann.
“No.”
“Then should we talk to someone, like my parents or Hudson?”
“No. No. Ann.. Promise me you will not tell anyone. May be it is all just in my head.”
Ann sighed and nodded her head “ okay I won't tell anyone but you have to promise me that you will call me every night after you reach your room safely.”
“I can do that.” Assured Catherine, smiling at her friend.
After lunch, the two friends watched princess diaries. At four in the evening, they left the house to the town park to meet their other friend. They reached the park ten minutes early and bought some snacks. Hudson got there on time.
“Hey besties! How was your day?” cooed Hudson.
“Great though, we missed you.” Said Catherine.

"Aww... How sweet of you two to miss me.' He joked while taking a seat next to them.

All three friends spent the evening together, laughing and talking.
“Come, let's have some ice cream before I leave for my work.” Called Catherine, pulling her friends up from the bench.
They reached the inn and had an early dinner before Hudson dropped Catherine at the cafe.
Ann took out something from her bag and placed it into Catherine's hands saying, “be safe, call me once you reach home.”
Hudson looked at them with confusion, then shrugged away before he drove the car to drop Ann.
Catherine opened her palms to see a small pepper spray can. She smiled at her friend's loving gesture. She thought she was lucky to have friends like Hudson and Ann.
After her shift at the cafe, Catherine helped Mr Randel with closing the cafe and started walking towards her hostel. She spotted the grey car at the end of the road. Fearing for her dear life, she got hold of the pepper spray can from her bag and started walking as fast as she could. She tried to look back and have a look at the person driving the car but failed miserably since the glasses were tainted pitch black. She increased her pace and reached the hostel gate with a record breaking speed.
As soon as she reached, she released her breath which she was holding for a very long time now, and decided to call Ann.
Ann, on the other end was relieved hearing her friend's voice.
Changing into her night wear, Catherine jumped onto her bed and drifted off to sleep.