A World Apart

Hey guys. This chapter, as well as the previous chapter (11) were posted together!

Chapter 12


I had nervously nodded after being invited to lunch with Logan and his friends. I continued my way across campus and into the cafeteria. I made it inside the glass doors and went over to a comfortable looking couch. I sat down and watched as Logan and one of the girls went into the long line of kids waiting for school food. Another girl had stayed with me, sitting down next to me on the couch.

"What did you bring?" The girl asked.

I hadn't caught any of their names yet, so everybody was a mystery.

"Tuna sandwich," I said, showing it to her.

Before I knew what was happening, a bag of cheese was thrown my way, hitting me in the chest and landing on my lap, “Try those. The school makes them. It's string cheese and so good!"

"Um, okay thanks..."

"Sadie."

"Sadie," I repeated.

“So, how does Logan know you?" Sadie asked.

"He showed me around the school this morning along with my brothers. It's my first day," I replied.

She smiled strangely for a moment and then focused back on me.

"So, are you gay?" She asked.

I looked up in shock," What? No!"

She laughed, “Sorry. It's just not everyday that Logan lets a stranger come into the group that he barely knows. He must like you then."

I just shook my head," No!"

Sadie laughed and took a drink of soda," Calm down, okay? I'm just joking!"

Logan and the other girl joined us moments later," Scoot! Scoot!" He said before squishing in between the two girls.

I heard their groans as he practically sat on top of them," Give me some space, girls. I don't swing that way!"

He got slapped for that one, but only laughed. The girl next to me with her hair in a low ponytail, Sadie, turned my way again.

"So, what's your story?"

I raised an eyebrow," What do you want to know?"

"Oh, the usual," The girl on Logan's other side said," Your hopes, your dreams. Whatever comes to mind."

"Well. I...umm...I'm twenty-two. My name's Raven. I have three brothers. I live in a five story house. I can't believe I have to go to school. I used to be a mechanic, but now I'm obviously not. And, I've just been thrown into a crazy life," I explained.

"You sound kind of depressed," The girl farthest from me said.

I only shrugged and Sadie suddenly spoke up, “Guys. He doesn't even know our names. We're such bad hosts! Well, you know me already and I'm guessing that you know Logan! This right here is my bestest best friend, Beth."

They began talking within themselves about going to a club on Friday night. I listened vaguely, aware of the aching of my healing ribs and wondering what classes my brothers were in.

"Raven...Raven!"

I snapped back into reality to hear Logan calling my name," What?"

"Friday night we're going to the club on the corner of Holiday and Third. Do you want to come with us?"

"To a club? I don't know-"

"Oh, Come on!" Beth said," It will be fun. You'll have fun! It's a great club. They play awesome music and they've got a smoke machine and disco lights."

"Come on Raven. You know you want to!" Logan said with a delighted grin.

"Well, I...I don't know."

Logan just frowned at me, “Listen. Everybody will be there. You'll have an awesome time."

"Yeah, you should go with us!" Sadie said.

I sighed and looked up at three eager faces, “Okay I guess I'll go."

"Really!? That's great! Where do you live?" Beth asked.

"On Poppy."

"Sadie, you live close to there, right? Everybody want to meet at her house to get ready? I've got to roll out my makeup and hair stuff. I haven't been to the club for a while. What should I wear?" Beth said, getting worried.

"Anything looks good on you, honey," Logan said with a lopsided grin.

"Aw, thanks Logan, but seriously! I need to do some shopping. Sadie! Me you! After school!"

"Okay then. I've been volunteered," Sadie said, rolling her eyes.

I didn't know what I was supposed to wear, either, but I wasn't going to ask! Luckily for me, they explained everything about the club.

“This club is totally awesome, I'm telling you it is! Remember how your brother was dressed today, Robin, right?" Logan said as the group walked back outside to watch a game of softball.

I cringed," Yeah?"

"You need to dress just like that, only flashier!" He said exuberantly.

I shook my head and kept walking, but Sadie came up to me on my other side, “Raven, he's not kidding. At this club, you're supposed to dress like you own the place. It's all about style and dance. You dress to impress and you dance whatever dance you know with whoever wants to dance with you. And, I mean whoever wants to dance with you. Girls dance with girls, guys will dance with guys. You might be kind of freaked out, but this is how it is."

"Perfect explanation, Sade," Logan said.

"There really are no limitations at this club. You can pretty much do whatever you want to do. They don't let you drink though. They make virgin daiquiris and margaritas. It doesn’t cost much to get in, so everyone always goes. We've got all week to talk about it, but let’s plan for Friday, okay?" Beth said and took a swig of her orange juice.

"Sounds good. At my house, right?" Sadie asked.

"Right! This is gonna be soooo fun!" Beth said.

So I guess I was going to a real club. I'd never been to a club and didn't really know what to expect. This was going to be an adventure. The entire week went on in a busy haze. I was loaded up with homework, but managed to keep ahead. I was getting used to my life as a cat. Hard to believe? I know. Maybe it was because I didn't have any choice, or maybe it was because I had made some new friends.