Re: Delving into Another World

by Guest Thu Apr 16, 2009 12:45 am

Catalina noticed Zoe's anxiety as the girl fidgeted with a loose strand on her bag. Slightly smiling, Catalina was glad she wasn't the only one having trouble with nerves.

One thing I have learned. You can learn a lot from someone by just listening to them rant. There is never no telling what might come out. Its a little funny at times but really good also. Catalina nodded in reply before murmuring softly, "Yes, I concur. Body language is also a good sign of how someone truly is." She paused for a moment. "I enjoy reading people's expressions. It is quite fascinating how sometimes they do not think you notice where their eyes drift to, but that can say a lot. Did you know that if someone is telling you something and their eyes drift down and to the left, it means that they are lying? And, if they look up and to the right, it means they are trying to remember something? I have always found that piece of information rather useful at my parents' parties. Especially when some random male my age is trying to impress me. Imbeciles. They never took the hint."

Yea I get lonely. But then again I get lonely here filled with all these people. So I've gotten use to it."I hate being lonely. You know, it is different from being alone. Being alone gives you peace and lets you feel relaxed while feeling lonely fills you with sadness. They are two entirely different things. But, I love being alone. It helps me to find relief."

But when I go home, I stay busy. I draw. Or I have visitors. So it isn't really all that bad. I also like having time to myself. My brother is really the only person who come visits that is family. "I have always been busy at my house. But, I usually sneak out at night when no one would notice, eager to escape for just a fraction of a second, to feel that freedom I so long for. I am trapped in my own house, Zoe." With a sigh, she was silent for a long time. Then, her eyes swiveled back up to meet Zoe's. Her warm blue puddles melted into Zoe's slightly reminiscent orbs. "You are lucky to have a brother. I have no siblings at all." Another pause. "You draw? I love to draw. Maybe you could see some of my sketches later? I do not have them with me, apparently, but I would love to show them to you." She smiled faintly.

So you did escape from the parties. Looks like you will fit right in here. "Just barely. I only managed to once, Zoe, and there were numerous parties. I cannot even remember how many I have attended." A desperate sigh escaped through her lips. "I hope I can fit in. I have never really felt that I could, you see, and I was hoping that by coming here some kind of miracle would happen where people would actually listen to me and not look at me like I was nothing but a 'pretty girl stuck in a pretty dress'." Her blue eyes seemed to flash angrily in the single second before melting back into the soft blue. He had said those words to her . . . the night he left her . . . His face had fluttered through her mind yet again, causing her heart to shock itself with pain.

I believe that he almost killed me.

Oh, and don't worry. Stick with me and you will be visiting and hanging out and stuff soon. I do it a lot. I mean don't get me wrong I do my work. But I also enjoy having a good time. Life is too short not to. Catalina gave a sort of defeated grin. "I always worry. It is one of my faults." She laughed dismally. "Oh, Zoe, you are so reassuring and kind. I wish I had met you sooner . . . and, yes, life is indeed to short not to fully live."

Although, the last time I truly lived, I got my heart broken into a million of irreparable pieces.

by Guest Sat Apr 18, 2009 9:50 pm

Zoe sat listening to Catalina's comments. "You know I don't think I have ever heard that before." When they were discussing the movement "I knew about body language but never really thought about eye movement. I guess that could work pretty much the same way. Thanks. I'll have to use it sometime." Zoe said with a small smile. She could definably use that little bit of information to her advantage.

Listening to Catalina talk about being lonely reminded her of all the times she spends alone. A lot of it isn't by choice either. "You have a point there. I like to spend time alone so I can draw. But when I have to spend a lot of time alone because I have no one to be with. Now that is a totally different issue all together." This was the truth. The past couple of nights she had spent with a certain someone. So maybe the lonely part would soon be coming to an end.

Zoe couldn't help but feel a little sad for Catalina when she said she was trapped in her own home. "I'm really sorry. I wish I knew what to say to that. I never had that problem. It was always as if I didn't exist. Sorry." She said with a small shrug. She didn't know what to say after all. "Yea I am the baby. I have two older sisters and a twin brother. He is older than me by only a few minutes." Zoe said with a small nod. "And they are not the best of siblings. The only one I get along with is Louis, my brother."

Just then Zoe heard that she drawed too. "Really you draw. That is so good. I love to draw. Its my out. When things get bad that's what I turn to." The first time in as long as she could remember she was without her draw book. She couldn't believe it. HOw in the world had she actually came with out it? "I can't beleive it. The first time I can actually show people my drawings and I leave my book in my room. I would love to see your drawings sometime."

She watched as Catalina talked about the parties. "I am sure you will fit in here. There are some to stay clear of and some who stay to themselves. I am sure you will find you niche here soon. Don't worry. I feared I would come in living in my sisters shadow. But I have proven that I'm not like them." Zoe told her with a smile. Trying to help her feel at ease. "Plus we seem to have a few things in common. So you never know."

by Guest Sun Apr 19, 2009 9:26 pm

You know I don't think I have ever heard that before. Catalina nodded, understanding almost instantly. "I have had so much time to read in my private schooling. I did not much else besides reading. Of course, my parents disapprove of my sketching, so I could not do that around them. Whenever I found a chance to draw, it was not for very long, but I have made quite a few pictures since I have been here."

You have a point there. I like to spend time alone so I can draw. But when I have to spend a lot of time alone it's because I have no one to be with. Now that is a totally different issue all together. "It is terribly sad, is it not? To not be surrounded by at least one person. Of course, not at all times, but when you start to get used to being alone, you lose communicating skills and how to interact with people your age. I am very wary of that. I have noticed that I talk very proper, and I doubt that I will be able to break out of that for it was how I was taught to speak," Catalina said, momentarily glancing out of the nearby window to escape the eyes of Zoe. It was odd opening up to someone like this but Zoe seemed understanding. Catalina felt herself cringe when she thought of the other person who had proclaimed at being understanding as well.

I'm really sorry. I wish I knew what to say to that. I never had that problem. It was always as if I didn't exist. Sorry. Catalina gave a grim but graceful smile. "It is quite alright. I have partly brought it on myself, I suppose, for attempting to be perfect in every way, simply hoping for adoration." She let out a sigh, still not looking at Zoe.

Yea I am the baby. I have two older sisters and a twin brother. He is older than me by only a few minutes. And they are not the best of siblings. The only one I get along with is Louis, my brother."You are lucky to have siblings. Others to share the burden of the same parents and problems with you rather than holding all of it on merely your shoulders."

Really you draw. That is so good. I love to draw. Its my out. When things get bad that's what I turn to. For the first time in many moments, Catalina's blue sapphire eyes flashed back to meet Zoe's, wavering with apparent excitement. "Yes, drawing is one of my many desires. I believe that I more turn to books when I am feeling rather down. After all, opening up a book means opening up someone else's views or opinions, always sinking into another world."

I can't believe it. The first time I can actually show people my drawings and I leave my book in my room. I would love to see your drawings sometime. "I know how you feel. I have left mine in my dorm as well. I concur. I would find it agreeable to see yours also." She paused. "What is it that you normally draw? I usually draw faces. I am still working on landscapes and scenery."

I am sure you will fit in here. There are some to stay clear of and some who stay to themselves. I am sure you will find your niche here soon. Don't worry. I feared I would come in living in my sisters shadow. But I have proven that I'm not like them. "I hope so," Catalina said after flashing another fake smile. "My parents are well-known in the wizarding world, though, Zoe. I cannot fail them by acting out. They will know. They always know." She sighed desperately, wishing for the millionth time why she had not been born into a different family.

Plus we seem to have a few things in common. So you never know. "Yes, that is very true. I hope others see that as well."

by Guest Sun Apr 19, 2009 11:40 pm

Zoe looked back up at Catalina. "If you don't mind me asking. What was it like attending a private school? I've heard of people doing it, just never done it before so, I've always wondered about it." She told her with a small smile. "I'm sorry that you couldn't draw at home. But here there are tons of places to draw. Since I love to be outdoors, most of the time I draw at the lake. But if your an indoor person, check out the empty classroom. That is a perfect place to do it. Most of the time your alone too. So no distractions."

Looking back at the table she listened to how Catalina talked about losing the ability to interact with others. Did she realize how close she was to describing Zoe's life. "I know a lot about that. A lot more than I wish I did." Zoe said keeping her eyes away from Catalina. Not wanting to give herself away, not like that.
"Now trying to get your parents or family's attention. Now that one. I know. I know that one very well. But in the end. It still didn't work. At least not for me." Zoe said pulling her bag closer to her. These were the conversations that Zoe tended to stay away from. Ones that got to in depth about her family life.

The sibling comment brought Zoe's attention back to Catalina. She couldn't help but laugh at it. "Yea I'm very lucky. So lucky that they make my life a living hell. Starting all kinds of rumors and trying to get me kicked out of school. Yea those are the best." Taking a moment to breathe, she continued. "I wouldn't know anything about my family issues. I'm kept out of them. Heck I'm kept out of my entire family. All things good and bad. I only find out things second hand."

She listened to her compare drawing to reading. Zoe didn't share that particular comparison but she loved to draw. "I draw pretty much anything. It depends on my mood. But mostly landscapes. I have been told that my drawings are so lifelike that they cannot tell what is real and what is only a picture." Zoe knew that being prideful wasn't always good but she couldn't help but take pride in her work.

"I hope that you still feel like you can somewhat have a good time here. I mean school work is good but one has to have a life, also." Zoe said with a small smile. "Also I have learned this, if people want to lie on you they will anyway, no matter what you do. So I do like I want. People are going to talk. It will always happen." Finishing Zoe shrugged her shoulders. She didn't really understand the entire thing about not wanting her family to know anything. Not being close to hers kept her from this issue.

by Guest Mon Apr 20, 2009 11:26 pm

If you don't mind me asking. What was it like attending a private school? I've heard of people doing it, just never done it before so, I've always wondered about it. Catalina cringed, memories of him flashing through her mind again. She had made life worth something back then, but everything changed so suddenly. With a sigh, she murmured, "It was horrible, Zoe. Sure, the lessons were fantastic, but the people there were horrible. I did not interact well with them. There was this one boy . . ." She trailed off, her eyes fogging up with reminiscence. She did not continue.

I'm sorry that you couldn't draw at home. But here there are tons of places to draw. Since I love to be outdoors, most of the time I draw at the lake. But if your an indoor person, check out the empty classroom. That is a perfect place to do it. Most of the time your alone too. So no distractions. Catalina shrugged before saying, "I only prefer outside if it is night. If you have noticed, I am very pale. Sunlight is not exactly my best friend. I am burnt very easily. Besides, I am not really fond of heat, either. I could draw in the library, too, if I wanted to take a break from homework or something."

I know a lot about that. A lot more than I wish I did. Catalina nodded knowingly, staring deep into Zoe's eyes. It was odd to be this alike. She had never encountered such familiarity in another person, and one her age as well. The only one that had was a liar. And she could see in Zoe's eyes that she was telling the truth. She had been foolish with him for believing every word he spoke. Poisonous words.

Now trying to get your parents or family's attention. Now that one. I know. I know that one very well. But in the end. It still didn't work. At least not for me. "I wish mine could just leave me alone. It is so frustrating to never have a moment of rest. I do not even know what it means to be relaxed anymore. Actually, I do not think I ever did."

Yea I'm very lucky. So lucky that they make my life a living hell. Starting all kinds of rumors and trying to get me kicked out of school. Yea those are the best. "But," Catalina began slowly, "Family is all you have left when you really get down to it. That is why I have chosen to give my parents the benefit of the doubt. I know they mean well, but good grief! Cut me some slack for goodness' sake!" She blushed at her raised voice and looked down at her hands for a moment. "I apologize. That was unnecessary."

I wouldn't know anything about my family issues. I'm kept out of them. Heck I'm kept out of my entire family. All things good and bad. I only find out things second hand. Catalina was supremely interested in Zoe's life. Although it was different from hers, it seemed also so familiar. "Unfortunately, my parents choose to think our life is perfect. Anything that seems to threaten that perfect is not spoken of at all. Especially with the Death Eaters and the Aurors. They have not chosen a side. But, I do not believe it is because of fear. They merely have chosen to believe that there is no such thing as a Death Eater or an Auror. All myth, or superstition, as Mother says."

I draw pretty much anything. It depends on my mood. But mostly landscapes. I have been told that my drawings are so lifelike that they cannot tell what is real and what is only a picture. "Really?" Catalina's eyebrows raised elegantly in interest. "I draw mainly other people. I have been told that as well by the few who have laid eyes on my work . . . but now, I wonder if he was lying to me." With a frown, she paused to ponder.

Then, rather suddenly, she looked up at Zoe and flashed another fake grin.

I hope that you still feel like you can somewhat have a good time here. I mean school work is good but one has to have a life, also. "Yes, I believe that I will feel that way soon, Zoe. I enjoy school work." She paused, waiting for a surprised comment. "It takes my mind off of my thoughts."

Also I have learned this, if people want to lie on you they will anyway, no matter what you do. So I do like I want. People are going to talk. It will always happen."I usually do not listen to what people say about me. It is their problem if they choose to not like me. I just do not want my parents to find out everything that I do here, Zoe." With a sigh, a trembling pale hand ran through her dark brown waves. "If they do, I will feel trapped here as well. I will never be able to escape."

by Guest Thu Apr 23, 2009 2:09 pm

Looking around, Zoe noticed many people coming and going from the library. Slowly turning her attention back to Catalina. Watching Catalina cringe at the mention of private school made Zoe wonder if she shouldn't have said anything. Listening to her talk about it. Maybe it wasn't such a good idea to bring up such painful memories of others. "I am so sorry. I didn't mean to bring up such memories. I was just wondering."

Zoe nodded. Each artist had the place that they prefer to draw. "Oh. I see. It's nice to draw at night as well. But then again. I love being outside at any time. Day or night. I hate being confided to the indoors." Taking a moment to look around. "But indoors is also nice. Just so many people come in and out of the library that it can get very distracting. At least for me it is."

Noticing Catalina giving her more of her direct attention to Zoe, Zoe looked back. This was making her a little uncomfortable. She never really did like it when people stared at her. It was almost as if she was being read or something. But Zoe held her ground and didn't look away.

"Trust me. Having them completely ignore you isn't the best thing either. I would almost give anything to have someone actually care about me. Wonder how my day was. How school was going. But no one." Taking a few moments to rest and think on it. Zoe remained quiet. She could only guess how it was to have parents that were always worrying over them. That wasn't something she would ever know for herself.

Looking back at Catalina. "But that is just the thing. They are not there. I am not allowed to visit. I am not allowed to contact any of them. I only get to see Louis here at school and if Victorie or Dominquie either see us together, they run and tell mom. And then he gets in more trouble. He use to visit with Dad but now neither of them come visit any more. They are my family by blood but that is as far as it goes. Otherwise I'm alone." She said looking back at the table. There were times when she just wished people understood what it was like to have your family within arm's reach and have them hate you so much that every day they wished you were dead. "Oh it's ok. I think we all get a little passionate when talking about family."

Listening to Catalina talk about the take her mother has on things. It made her smile. "Wow. Sounds like she enjoys to live in a world of fantasy. Because trust me. They are both very real. Very real. I know first hand on that one." Zoe had to fight the sudden urge to rub her left arm. But she did. It was a struggle but she won it. That made her happy, because usually when Death Eaters are mentioned she gives herself away.

Once the conversation turned back to drawing, Zoe was happy. She could talk about drawing all day. "Really. It does sound like we have a lot in common when it comes to drawing. We will really need to exchange glances at the others work. I would love to see yours."

All Zoe could do was nod. She had a few subjects that she enjoyed but other than that she hated school work. Not knowing what to say about that she just kind of sat there and smiled. "Not a big school work person myself. I mean don't get me wrong I do my work. But that is about it."

"Maybe you won't feel trapped here. It won't be good if you do. Not sure what I can say to help. But I also know. That if your parents listen to everything they hear, you will in for it. Cause there are a lot of people, students and staff, that like to start trouble." Zoe knew this fact first hand.

by Guest Fri Apr 24, 2009 2:37 am

I am so sorry. I didn't mean to bring up such memories. I was just wondering. Catalina looked away for a moment, her blue eyes flashing angrily. Why did he have to reside in her brain forevermore? It was completely frustrating, and he never seemed to go away. What was she to do? Move on? It seemed impossible. With a smile, she looked back at Zoe. "Oh, no! Do not be sorry. I merely stubbed my toe on the table leg." She knew it was a lie, but she was careful to keep her face alight with happiness. Nothing betrayed her.

Oh. I see. It's nice to draw at night as well. But then again. I love being outside at any time. Day or night. I hate being confided to the indoors. But indoors is also nice. Just so many people come in and out of the library that it can get very distracting. At least for me it is. Catalina nodded vaguely before saying, "I am very skilled at drowning out noises, Zoe. Years of practicing at parties, just to keep myself sane, has allowed me to be in such a crowded place and still be able to hear the silence."

Seeing Zoe's discomfort, Catalina softened her gaze, trying to keep her expression light. She didn't want to make her new . . . acquaintance uncomfortable.

Trust me. Having them completely ignore you isn't the best thing either. I would almost give anything to have someone actually care about me. Wonder how my day was. How school was going. But no one. Catalina gave a small smile and reached across the table before placing a porcelain hand over Zoe's wrist. "Know that I will be here to listen if ever you need me. I mean, I just told you that I usually spend my time in here so it will not be that difficult to find me."

But that is just the thing. They are not there. I am not allowed to visit. I am not allowed to contact any of them. I only get to see Louis here at school and if Victorie or Dominquie either see us together, they run and tell mom. And then he gets in more trouble. He use to visit with Dad but now neither of them come visit any more. They are my family by blood but that is as far as it goes. Otherwise I'm alone. "Louis? What year is he in? Do I know Victorie or Dominquie? I am sorry you feel that way, Zoe, and I am sorry that I feel that way about mine as well. It just gets so bothersome when you are stifled for so long that you cannot breathe properly any longer."

Oh it's ok. I think we all get a little passionate when talking about family. "It just seems so wrong to be against them like this, Zoe. I do not know why. They have done nothing wrong by me . . . It has all been for the betterment of my life, yet they have no idea what they have done to me."

Wow. Sounds like she enjoys to live in a world of fantasy. Because trust me. They are both very real. Very real. I know first hand on that one. Catalina retracted her hand from Zoe's wrist. "What do you mean you know first hand, Zoe?" She lowered her voice and leaned closer, her brown waves falling delicately around her ceramic face as she murmured, "What side are you on?"

Really. It does sound like we have a lot in common when it comes to drawing. We will really need to exchange glances at the others work. I would love to see yours. "Well, if we have any classes together, then we could surely do that. I concur."

Not a big school work person myself. I mean don't get me wrong I do my work. But that is about it. Catalina nodded, saying, "Yes, I understand that. My background persists me to do my best, though. I must not fail at anything, otherwise there will be punishment."

Maybe you won't feel trapped here. It won't be good if you do. Not sure what I can say to help. But I also know. That if your parents listen to everything they hear, you will in for it. Cause there are a lot of people, students and staff, that like to start trouble. "Those kind of people are everywhere, are they not? Unfortunately, there is nothing I can do to stop them but I will face them if I must."

by Guest Sun Apr 26, 2009 7:10 pm

[[OOC: ok this was the second time I typed this message. Of course, they ended up being two total different messages cause I lost the first one. The board decided to restart itself in the middle of posting. Really not happy about that. Sorry venting. Sorry it took so long]]

Zoe watched as Catalina seemed to be remembering something. From her reaction it must have been a very painful memory as well. Quickly she looked away not wanting to seem over bearing or anything. Catalina quickly came back with a reason for looking so upset. "You stumped your toe. Ok." Zoe said with a confused tone to her voice, but she let it go

Listening to Catalina talk about having the ability to drown noises out made her fell a little out of sorts. Zoe tried her best not to get a little mad at the comment. She knew that Catalina hadn't meant for the comment to cause Zoe problems. "Yea. I guess I just distract very easily." Not knowing what else to say she left it at that.

Watching Catalina place a hand on her wrist she had to smile a little. "Thank you and I'll keep it in mind. I don't really like to talk that much about it. Brings up way to many bad memories for me. So I just block them all out."Looking back at the table for a moment thinking about things she quickly shook her head trying to get the imagines out of her head.

"Let's see. Louis is my age, we are twins, so that makes him a 5th year. Dominique. Well you might know her or you will probably see her around more. She is in Ravenclaw, a 6th year. Victorie, mother's favorite, is a Hufflepuff 7th year. I can't even get away from her at school. She seems to be everywhere." Talking about her siblings like that didn't make her feel any better. Letting out a long sigh.

"Have you tried talking to your parents? I mean telling them how you feel. Explaining how they are making you feel. I mean being punished for not doing as well as they think you should even though you gave your very best is crazy. Sorry. It is. I've been told that sometimes it works." Letting her comment trail off. Zoe didn't want to say that that was the thing that had given her mother the motive to give her, her walking papers. That was something that Zoe kept to herself.

Watching Catalina's reaction to the fantasy part, Zoe was even more nervous. She didn't want to run this girl away. So she didn't say what she wanted to. "Let's just say this. They are people out there that are not as good as others. I wish I had the ability to remain neutral." Glancing down at her left arm in a very quick glance. She would give anything to be free of them.

"Maybe we will see each other. Even if we don't have classes together. The school might be big but it's not that big. We are bound to run into each other from time to time. I mean. We both have to eat. And of course study. So we will run into each other." Zoe said with a smile. "I normally always carry my drawings with me. So I'm sure the next time I'll have mine so you can look at them."

by Guest Mon Apr 27, 2009 2:29 am

OOC: It's okay! I understand technical difficulties. Don't worry about it.

IC:

You stumped your toe. Ok Catalina heard the disapproval but merely smiled and nodded in response. It was not time to reveal that much of her past. She didn't want to let it resurface again. Ever.

Yea. I guess I just distract very easily. Catalina tilted her head to the side when she noticed a flash of anger zap through Zoe's eyes, and she whispered, "I apologize. Did I say something wrong?"

Thank you and I'll keep it in mind. I don't really like to talk that much about it. Brings up way to many bad memories for me. So I just block them all out. Catalina nodded, understanding completely. "I do not have many happy memories about my parents. But, honestly, I do not think I have had that many memorable ones to think twice about. It is only other people . . ." She trailed off, thinking of him again. "I wish blocking them out really worked, Zoe, but goodness! It has not for me anyway."

Let's see. Louis is my age, we are twins, so that makes him a 5th year. Dominique. Well you might know her or you will probably see her around more. She is in Ravenclaw, a 6th year. Victorie, mother's favorite, is a Hufflepuff 7th year. I can't even get away from her at school. She seems to be everywhere.Catalina frowned, trying to put a face with each name. When no one came to mind, she made a mental note to remember these names to try and seek them out if she could. "I will be sure to remember the names. It will be interesting to meet them."

Have you tried talking to your parents? I mean telling them how you feel. Explaining how they are making you feel. I mean being punished for not doing as well as they think you should even though you gave your very best is crazy. Sorry. It is. I've been told that sometimes it works. Giving a brief smile, Catalina said, "They do not listen, Zoe. I have tried. They only hear what they want to hear. I believe that is part of the reason that they live in a world of fantasy. They see what they want to see in our world. The perfection of it, whatever that perfection may be . . . for I certainly do not see it."

Let's just say this. They are people out there that are not as good as others. I wish I had the ability to remain neutral. Catalina was startled, but she kept her face calm and as still as stone. Was Zoe a Death Eater? It seemed unlikely . . . but Catalina was never really good at seeing deep into someone. Just reading their eyes. What was her soul like? What was she really living for? "You will always have a choice, Zoe. Whether it be right or wrong in your eyes or someone else's, that decision will still be there for you to make. I am only neutral because I do not know yet what side I am for. I only know that whatever side I choose, it will be the side I would be willing to die for."

Noticing Zoe look down at her left arm, Catalina's eyes grew wide. "Are you a Death Eater?" her voice was only a whisper, and she stared at Zoe's countenance closely, ready to read any change of her expression.

Maybe we will see each other. Even if we don't have classes together. The school might be big but it's not that big. We are bound to run into each other from time to time. I mean. We both have to eat. And of course study. So we will run into each other. "That is true. Are we allowed to eat at different tables from our Houses? I was unsure of this, but afraid to ask a professor. I am glad of it. You seem to be a very kind girl, Zoe. I am lucky to have met you."

by Guest Mon Apr 27, 2009 3:20 am

Looking back at Catalina, Zoe took in a deep breath and let it out very slowly. "No not really. I think it was the way you said that you had drown people out. I think it made me feel almost. ." She couldn't find the right word. Finally letting it go. "You know what. It's ok. No biggie. Don't worry about it." Giving a smile to show that it wasn't anything.

Zoe nodded as she listened to Catalina talk about her memoires. "I think everyone has different ways of dealing with their memories. What might not work for one might work for another. It's always good to share experiences. You never know what you might learn from someone else." This was actually a lot truer than Zoe had actually realized until it came out of her mouth.

Watching Catalina attempt to place her siblings actually brought a small giggle from her. "Oh come on. Don't strain yourself. You will see then soon enough. Especially my sisters. They like their presence known. Louis. Now he is like me, or is that I'm like him. We try to blend in." Running into her sisters was not something Zoe wanted to do any time soon.

Zoe listened as Catalina told her about the fantasy that her parents had been living in and that they refused to listen to her. "I'm sorry. I really am. Sometimes parents don't like to hear things that they don't like." She knew this fact all too well.

"Oh yea. We can eat with our friends at times. A lot of the time, especially during the week. We tend to stick to our houses. But during the weekend or a holiday, we sit where we want." A smiled filled her face. "You are always welcomed at our table. So don't worry about it."

Zoe listened to Catalina talk about choosing a side and sticking with it for life. Looking down at the table, her next comment took Zoe by complete and total surprise. She guessed it. Without Zoe having to say anything at all, she guessed it. Not looking up she only nodded. It took her a while till she finally found her voice. "Yes I am. And I can guarantee that the reason I joined them isn't anything that you are jumping conclusion toward." She looked back up and directly at Catalina. "If I had the choice to do over. I would never have done what I did. But I have no choice. Not now at least. It's done." Quickly she looked away. "I suppose you want me to leave now." Not looking back at Catalina she grabbed her bag, preparing to leave at the word.

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