Chapter 7
“Your cat is so cuddly and cute,” Todd said as he held Cathy in his lap, stroking under her chin.
“Isn’t she?” Surla took that compliment for herself. She opened her Chemistry book as they sat on Cathy’s bed.
Cathy felt nice having a guy hold her. It was the first time ever. That realization made her feel a bit sad, but then she just focused on his fingers running down her back and forgot about it. Without trying, she began to purr and imagined Todd was Craig.
“So, what are you having troubles with?” Todd interfered with Cathy’s fantasy as he took her off his lap and put the Chemistry book in place of her.
“Eeeverything,” Surla said, hopeless. Science never made any sense to her. Dealing with magic all her life was much more easy.
“Okay.” He lifted an eyebrow. “Why don’t we take it from the top then. Open to the beginning of the chapter.”
As they worked together, Cathy observed how Surla handled conversation and movements with him. So far she looked cute and comfortable. How does she do it? Cathy envied.
After a while, Cathy looked at the alarm clock on the small dresser beside her bed. It said 4:30. My mom should be coming home from work soon. I don’t think she would like to see me alone in my room with a boy! I have to let Surla know somehow.
“Hang on. Repeat what you just said. I don’t understand.” Surla leaned looking over Todd’s notes.
“Okay, you see this formula?” He pointed to a scribbled mess.
“Um, yeah, but it’s kinda unclear the way you wrote it.”
What do I do? Oh my gosh. Cathy tried to think of a way to get Surla’s attention. “Meeow! Meeeoow!”
“Your cat sounds like it’s sick.” Todd looked at Cathy and rubbed her back.
“She just likes the attention.” Surla’s eyes were glued to the notes. “What does this say, so I can write it on my paper.”
Can’t she tell what am doing? Cathy became frustrated. “Me-owww!” Her little black body pounced at the clock, knocking it over.
Todd laughed. “Psycho kitty. What’s the matter with her?”
Finally Surla looked up to find Cathy nudging the clock with her nose.
“Ooh.” Surla’s mouth dropped when she noticed the time. “Oh, I think Licorice is trying to tell me it’s time for you to go now.”
“Your cat…,” he looked at Cathy quizzically and continued, “is telling you it’s time for me to go?”
“Well, uh…” Surla set the clock upright. “Some people have watch dogs; I have a clock cat.” She laughed. “Look, it’s 4:33 and my mom will be coming back from the post office soon. I didn’t tell her you were coming over, remember?”
“Oh, okay.” He stuffed his notes and books into his bag. “Well, how about you ask your mom tonight if it would be all right if I tutored you tomorrow? We didn’t even get halfway through.”
“Sure. This time I won’t forget, I swear.” They walked to the front door.
“I really liked coming over and getting to know you better. You’re really interesting.” He unlocked the door. “And so is your cat.” Todd laughed when he saw Cathy at his feet, rubbing against his ankles.
Just then the door opened, scaring the three of them. A woman stood there with the same look on her face. “Hello?” she said, seeing Surla behind Todd.
“Mom!” Todd said. “I mean, uh, Cathy’s mom.” He nervously looked back to Surla. “Uh, Cathy, I-uh better be going. See ya ’round.”
He started to go through the door, but an arm caught him.
I am in trouble now! Surla and Cathy thought in unison.
“What’s going on here?” Julie ignored Todd’s attempt to leave.
“Mom, I have an explanation.” Surla forced a smile on her face while Todd brushed a hand through his dark hair. “He came over to help me with Chemistry.”
“Chemistry huh?” A look of disbelief was in her eyes. “Show me your work.”
“I wouldn’t lie to you.” Surla looked sincere, and walked to the room to get the proof where she could hear Cathy’s mom talk.
“What’s your name?” she heard her say.
“Todd. Todd Wilkenson.”
“My name is Julie,” she answered back. “My daughter is having trouble with Chemistry?”
“Yes.”
“She never did before. Her problem subject has always been History.”
“Really? She’s been doing good in that class. I know because I have that class with her, too.”
Surla rushed back to the living room with her spiral notebook. “Right here—the study of acids and bases.” She pointed. “Todd has helped me a lot.”
“Okay, Cathy.” Julie glanced at the work. “Maybe Todd did come over and help you with Chemistry, but you still didn’t ask me if it would be all right, especially since I wouldn’t be here.”
“I know. I forgot and I’m sorry.” Surla tilted her head.
“I’m sorry, too, Mrs. Phillips,” Todd interjected politely.
“Well, a sorry is nice, but you’re still going to be punished for this, Cathy.”
Punished? Surla was scared. How do humans get punished? Are they not fed dinner for a couple days, like Idis did to me? Am I going to have to live in the garage? Or get hit with a broom—she quickly looked to the kitchen, spotting the prickly, yellow devil that was hooked to a long stick. A long stick to reach the victim’s backside, she knew from experience.
“Is Todd going to get punished also?”
“I’m serious.” Julie reopened the front door. “You won’t be able to see my daughter out of school for about a week,” she spoke to the apologetic young man. “If you still want to help my daughter, then you can do it in the school library.”
“All right.” Todd left, waving bye to Surla. Soon after the door was shut, his dark blue truck was heard leaving.
“Cathy!” Julie’s voice raised considerably since a stranger had left the house. “What were you thinking? Letting a boy over without my consent!” she continued, barely taking in a breath. “You thought you would just sneak him in and out before I came home, didn’t you?” It looked as if Julie’s eyes would never blink again. She paused, then walked off to her room flustered. “And you heard me when I said you are grounded this whole week!”
Surla sighed deeply. “I messed up…”