Back to School

I never imagined that I'd be stepping my foot back inside the high school where I locked my memories. It wasn't all that bad but it also wasn't pleasant. High school wasn't really the best for me and Catina, both of us went through hell but mostly Catina. She loathed the place after what had happened to her. Bad memories, that's all I could say.

Now, here I stood before the massive institution along with the others. Caleb has gotten a little bit better to stand on his own since the drive to here wasn't quick. It's already about eight or nine in the evening, so we traveled for quite long hours. I glanced at Catina, I could already see the uncertainty.

I shake my head "come on" I said as we all grabbed our bags, Leo being helpful once more. His actions really weren't hiding anything, I could see how hard he was trying to prove that he's worthy of a little shit like I am. We teleported inside thanks to Ryker's help and started walking towards the abandoned building of the campus.

"you said it's hidden? why another abandoned building?" Mason asked as we entered through the broken door "it's not in the building but we have to pass under it" we followed Catina through the hallway. The pace was just as I remembered it to be but this time, there were more graffitis painted on the peeling wall, a lot of debris scattered on the ground.

"If this place collapses, where will we go then?" Leo asked as he narrowly avoided a loose cable "my bunker is connected to the underground tunnels connected through the city so we don't have to worry about this place collapsing" We started descending down the stairs, we entered a dark empty room.

"Ey. Fire Prince, mind a little light?" And as if on cue, Leo's body started glowing. My eyes widened "won't that burn our things?" I asked him, he shakes his head "I'm just turning up my body heat darling" I reluctantly nodded and watched as Catina went to a specific batch of floorboards, she pulled it open revealing a metal door.

"this door will self destruct as the building collapses," she said as she caught the others eyeing it. Catina typed in the passcode and it slid open revealing another batch of steel stairs. We started descending down, Leo being Last. The door closed itself as we walked in deep.

When we reached the last step, there was an archway lined with fluorescent lights, the walls were medievally designed, we started trudging down the mysterious space, Leo had stopped glowing by then. Catina leading us throughout the maze of twists and turns in the tunnel until we got to the Rusty colored steel doors. She typed in her passcode and did her retinal scan then the door unlocked. She pushed it far open as we followed her in.

The place was far different than I remembered it to be. Back then, it was a tight space with just handmade beanbags, self knitted blankets, and her crappy collection of old technology which I helped re-designing after a while of knowing her. But now, it looked like an expensive apartment with the walls cleaned and bleached, covered with pastel blue wallpaper. The whole place was divided into four sections.

on the far right corner was the comfortably upgraded living room with expensive looking furniture scattered around, and four doors probably leading to available bedrooms. On the far left corner, it was transformed into her dream of having a bar area filled with wines, strong alcohol, and beer. On the other left corner was the small kitchen filled with appliances needed then lastly, the dining area.

"Woah" Meira and Farren exclaimed as they looked around

"How could you keep this place wonderful when you're not even using it!" Mason gasps in amazement, joining in the girls as they looked around, surely, the exhaustion from the long drive already gone the moment they entered. Ryker dropped his bags and walked towards the couch, face planting himself on the seemingly comfortable cushions. Caleb and Leo followed him.

I looked at Catina "it wasn't easy not to drive anyone's attention, but with the money I gained after helping people, I just felt like I had to do this" she whispered. I know coming back here frequently drives her memories haywire, especially a dark past she so wanted to remove. So I commend her for her courage and bravery to face what she always feared, and to accept the past that formed her into the woman she is today.

Hearing the girls squeal, I looked over at them and saw them open one of the four doors. I walked over to them "Oh my god! Can we please have this room?!" They simultaneously exclaimed. I examined the room, the walls were pastel pink and the furniture is just too girly for my taste, "hm... I actually made it pink for Lydia" I looked at Catina who smirked "you know I hate pink, how dare you insult me like this" I grumbled making her laugh.

She motions the girls "make yourself feel at home" Meira and Farren squealed and giggled, gathering their bags and entered the room in one quick motion. Mason opened the door next to this girly room and gasped "Holy shit! Ryker, check this room out bro!" Ryker stood up and hurried to his side

"Holy Fuck!" he looked at Catina with a smirk "You are so my favorite person!" then rushed in with Mason behind. I looked at Catina with a questioning brow, she chuckled "game room slash bedroom" oh darn.

There were only two doors left and I know Catina owns one, filling it with her hacking equipment. I looked at her and saw her staring at Caleb, a longing expression on her face "hey" she looked at me, pursing her lips "It's okay, I'm sure he means well" she frowned

"I know, that's what I'm scared of" she sighed "you know what happened when I gave a chance" I gave her a comforting smile, patting her arm "just try with him, and tell me if he does something wrong" she gave me a small smile.

"okay. But it wouldn't be that easy" I nod

"I know, just baby steps Cat, baby steps"

She sighs, taking in a deep breath, she approached a sleepy looking Caleb "Come on big guy, it's bedtime" I heard her mumble as I approach the couch. Catina helped Caleb up and disappeared into her room, "Am I seeing things? Or is Catina really rooming with the person that caused her blood pressure to rise through the roof?" I looked at Leo and chuckled

"Come on, we also need our rest"

Picking our bags, we went inside the last bedroom and I am quite happy with how the room looked. The once gray walls were covered with pastel teal wallpaper, it wasn't as spacious but it holds the vanity with a tri-fold mirror, a wardrobe, and a door leading to the bathroom.

Placing our bags aside, I stared at the king-sized bed with white covers. I know I should probably throw a fit at the fact that I'll be sharing a bed with a handsome, hot hunk for who knows how long, But I don't. I gave him a chance and I would consider this as an exam. If he really does respect me, then he wouldn't do something that would practically ruin everything for him.

And I honestly want him to pass this test than I would like to admit.