Chapter 17 - October 29, 2017 - Tempest I’d been running errands for Mom for the past half half hour, since she was helping Kelsey with a science project. As I walked over to the grocery store parking lot, I heard a faint wailing sound, like that of an agonized creature. My feet carried me over to the sound’s source. It was a little kitten, scrawny and sad. I considered leaving it there, but my heart for animals couldn’t resist its forlorn, yet adorable expression. I called my mom about the cat; I figured I’d ask her since she worked on weekdays at an animal sanctuary, so she’d always had a heart for them. I think I get my love for animals from her. “So, Mom,” I said, “I found this alley cat that needs a bit of help…” Mom sighed. “Knowing us, I’m sure we can take him in.” I nodded, even though I knew she couldn’t see me. “Alright. Thanks. Bye.” Mom said goodbye as well and hung up. I wasn’t sure where to keep the cat, so I carried him into the car, hoping that it’d work out. When I arrived home, Mom helped me clean off the kitten. Once he was settled in, I immediately thought of some names for him. He was pure black, with piercing green eyes and smooth, silky fur. I thought for a while. Black things. Names for pets. Once I had a good amount of ideas, I quickly wrote a list of names on the back of the grocery list I was still holding onto: 1- Ebony 2- Raven 3- Pitch 4- Midnight I’m not sure why, but the name Pitch stood out the most. “Pitch-black,” I muttered to myself. Then, I looked at the cat. His fur, sure enough, was as dark as dark could get. Perfect, I decided. “Pitch.” I whispered the name to myself. It was unique, and fun to say. Pitch looked at me. I set him down on the carpet. He hopped back on the couch. Never mind. I guess I’ll do my homework with a cat sitting by me. It felt good, to be in touch with someone like that again. Kelsey and I hardly talked anymore, so maybe I’d found a new friend. I sighed happily. Then I remembered. Royce. So is he chasing after me, or what? I thought. I tried to focus on my to-do list for the time being. After about an hour, I stopped work on my project to call Geni. I texted her first to see if she was free. She didn’t reply, so I just went on my computer and watched some random videos out of tiredness and boredom. Please don’t find me in my weird phase, I thought. Royce has kind of been on my mind lately. What if he knows about the date?
