Chapter 3 Bargaining With The Unexpected

As I headed downstairs, I caught a glimpse of Catherine's party outfit hanging in her room. It was an anime-inspired dress that looked stunning. I closed my eyes and let my imagination run wild, picturing myself in Catherine's shoes on her birthday. I envisioned having fun with friends, being the center of attention, and having all the guys look up to me. But my imaginary prince charming wasn't Mark, the guy Catherine was obsessed with, it was Matthew.

I wondered what Mark looked like. Catherine was so fixated on him, despite him not even showing up to her parties. It seemed strange that she'd ignore someone as nice-looking as Matthew. As I admired the dress, I realized I'd rather spend my birthday with Matthew than invite the whole class. I just have to wait to resume school to see who the heck Mark was. After admiring the dress, I turned around and headed downstairs.

Now you understand why it felt so empowering to stand up to Catherine, let's go back to the present.

The Present Day.....

Just as I was savoring the moment, Catherine's voice snapped me back to reality.

"You should have done what earlier? I'm talking to you, and you're busy ignoring me. What's with the smile on your face?" Her tone was impatient and annoyed.

My triumphant mood evaporated as I realized that the scene I had thought unfolded, was just my own imagination.

I responded, "you were saying?" trying to hide my disappointment at the turn of events.

"You were saying? Really now Lucy" Catherine asked angrily. "So you didn't hear a word I said?"

I nodded, looking down, recalling a previous incident where I pretended to have heard her when I didn't. She hadn't taken it well, so it was better to admit I hadn't been paying attention this time.

"I see you've started daydreaming," Catherine said, "but please save it for another day."

I nodded again.

"Did you confirm Mark would be at the party?" she asked.

I'd been sent to Mark's house early that morning, but I'd planned to check back later since it was too early to disturb them. Now, I had to lie.

"Yes, I did. His dad said he'd make sure he comes," I said.

"That's good. Well then, get back to work and stop daydreaming." Catherine said as she left.

Catherine seemed satisfied but still looked anxious, clearly hoping Mark would show up. I knew I had to find a way to check on Mark later without getting caught by Veronica. I was caught between a rock and a hard place. How unfortunate for me.

Today was Catherine's birthday, and she wanted everything to go perfectly. She'd made it clear that any mistakes would have consequences, and I knew she meant it. Her warning still lingered in my mind:

"Pain would be an understatement for what you'd feel if things don't go perfectly."

I couldn't afford any mistakes today; it felt like my life depended on it. As I went about my tasks, I felt like I was walking on eggshells around Catherine. I knew today would be a long and stressful day.

By noon, I managed to sneak out for a short time, which seemed like enough. I had to be quick. I rushed out of the house and rode my bike as fast as possible to Mark's house. When I arrived, I knocked on the door and waited impatiently. After a few seconds, the door opened, and I found myself face-to-face with the ringleader from earlier. I was taken aback, what was he doing here? Was he related to Mark?

"Yes? Can I help you?" he asked.

I took a deep breath and responded calmly, avoiding his gaze in the hope that he wouldn't recognize me.

"I'm here for Mark," I said.

"What do you want him for?" he asked, his tone unfriendly.

I thought to myself, "What's with the question?" but replied, "I have a message for him."

He stared at me expectantly. "Alright then, spit it out. I'm all ears. I really don't have all day," he said, sounding impatient.

I thought, "What's his problem? I'm the impatient one here, and he's wasting my time." But I responded, "I'm sorry, but I'd like to talk to him personally."

He raised an eyebrow. "Well, you are looking at him. Now speak," he said.

I took a step back in shock. "You're Mark?" I asked, surprised.

"There's no other Mark living in this house except me, Missy," he said, confirming my worst suspicions.

I was shocked to discover that the ringleader of the group of boys who consistently teased and taunted girls on the street was indeed Mark. It seemed fitting, given his personality, that he would be a perfect match for Catherine. They would make a formidable pair, like Lucifer and Lily.

I tried to speak, saying "Well, Catherine...", but he shut the door in my face before I could finish. I was taken aback by his rudeness.

"What's your problem? I haven't even passed my message yet. Don't you know it's rude to slam the door in someone's face?" I yelled in frustration.

From the other side of the door, Mark responded, "Well, I know what you want to ask, and my answer is no. You can go now."

I was enraged by his attitude, but I knew I couldn't afford to give up. If he didn't attend Catherine's party, things would go terribly wrong for me. I walked back to the door and knocked again. When he opened it, he tried to close it again as soon as he saw me. I quickly held the door to stop it from closing.

"Take your hands off! Don't you have any manners?" he asked angrily.

"No, I don't," I retorted.

"I know you don't attend any of Catherine's birthday parties, but can you please just make it today? I'm begging you," I pleaded.

Mark raised an eyebrow, seemingly unimpressed. "And why should I listen to you?" he asked.

I continued to beg, hoping he would take pity on me. "I know you don't have to, but please, I'm begging you."

"I still don't understand why she keeps inviting me every year," Mark said, his voice laced with frustration.

"I'm not a celebrity or anything. I already have my parents nagging me about it, and now you?" He paused before continuing,

"I didn't listen to my parents; should I now listen to Catherine's minion?"

"Minion? Who are you calling a minion?" I asked.

"You, of course," Mark replied. "And Catherine is your villain. You should go; I don't do anything with anyone close to her."

I tried to think of a solution. "Then put an end to it. You should go to the party and confront her when you see her there," I suggested, hoping to be helpful.

Mark raised an eyebrow. "Put an end? Or you mean start something I can't finish?" he asked, his tone skeptical.

"Hey minion, are you dumb or something? Don't you know her expectations would only increase if I show up?" He added, and I knew he was right.

Given the circumstances, I had to plead with him. "It's not my place to ask you for anything, but I really need you to come," I said.

Mark's curiosity was piqued. "Why?" he asked.

I hesitated before responding, "Because I can't imagine anything going well today if you don't come. Catherine wouldn't take it lightly with me."

Mark's question followed, "So you're scared of her?" I remained silent, as the answer was obvious.

Mark's gaze lingered on me before I urged him to make a decision. "Look, Mark, I don't have the time to keep up this conversation. Just tell me. Just say yes or no."

"Would you be there?" Mark asked.

"Are you allowed to join the party?" He raised an eyebrow.

"I won't, and I couldn't care less," I replied.

Mark's response was immediate. "Then I won't go," he said, closing the door.

I quickly stopped him. "Wait," I said. "You have to come; I didn't come here to get a no."

Mark's smirk grew wider. "It's my choice, minion. You can't make me," he said before slamming the door shut again.

I felt a wave of frustration wash over me. I had no idea what to do next, and I'd already spent too much time there.

In desperation, I banged on the door and called out to Mark. "If I join the party, do you promise to be there?"

The door opened once more, and Mark looked at me suspiciously. "I guess I would," he said.

I moved backward, emphasizing my point. "Fine, but you can't go back on your word. You must come."

Mark's response was casual. "Sure, you can go now."

I rushed to my bike, feeling a mix of relief and resentment. I'd rather endure being the object of fun at the party than face the consequences of Mark not showing up. The thought of being humiliated by Catherine and her friends was scary, but the consequences of Mark's absence seemed even worse.

As I rode away, I couldn't help but feel angry at Mark for demanding such a thing. It seemed like he truly wanted me to be humiliated, but that was what I should expect from him. I just hoped Veronica hadn't noticed my absence.