Katharina
I was standing at the vanity mirror in my room. My eyes were puffy, my hair was a tangled mess. My nose was red from all the crying. I just stood at the mirror, eyeing my depressed, forlorn reflection. Maybe I should run away from here? Anytime I thought of school, I felt myself curl up in shame and panic. The stigmatizing agony I was going to be put through. I could already hear students laughing and mocking. I could hear the hushed tones of them calling me a thief. The accusing fingers wherever I went. The boys had been my source of confidence. When I was with them, I could take anything. From Lucas' bubbly nature to Zach's crazy behavior to Aaron's calm, encouraging smiles. Even Trenton's cold, aloof attitude was oddly supportive. I was used to hanging out with them, but I guess all that was gone. I was alone again. Or maybe I should try one more time.
Maybe they would listen. I needed them. I would not be able to survive school without them. They called me a Salvatore, I wanted my family. Maybe I should meet them differently, knock on their doors and have a one on one discussion.
Walking to the bathroom, I tried to make my appearance presentable. I washed my face and applied some cream round my red rimmed eyes.
I walked out my door when I was done and began the nervous walk to their own rooms. I took a deep breath as I got to the first room. Taking a deep breath, I rapped on the door.
No answer.
I rapped again.
It opened to reveal a curious expression that quickly morphed into anger when the eyes landed on me.
"Hi"
My voice was hoarse from too much crying.
"What do you want Katherina?"
I felt tears well. Lucas had never called me by my name before. He was really angry at me.
"I'm sorry Lucas but I didn't do it. I didn't steal the phone."
"The evidence is overwhelming, Katherina. And few minutes before it was found in your bag, you were nervous."
I opened my mouth, then closed it. The evidence was truly overwhelming but I just wanted someone who would believe me regardless of what evidence had depicted. And if possible, help me find out who had framed me for this crime.
"I know it was but please, believe me."
"Sorry Katherina. I am not quite myself right now, I have to think things through."
"Please Lucas."
"Just go."
And the door was shut in my face. I quickly wiped the tears that gushed out.
My next stop was Trenton. He had barely even talked to me when everything was still fine. Would he even talk to me now? I squared my shoulders, there was no harm trying.
I knocked on the door, it was a small scared knock. It barely made a sound so I took a deep breath and knocked louder this time.
It opened to reveal the signature scowl was used to but it frightened and made me feel small and insignificant this time.
He didn't say anything, he was waiting for me to talk.
"I know you have never talked to me before Trent."
He raised his eyebrow at what I'd called him.
"Sorry Trenton." I corrected. "Please I want you to believe me. I did not do it. I wish I can explain how it happened but I can't. Please can you just…"
The air whooshed In my face as he closed the door with a loud bang. Well, I had tried my best. Remaining two persons.
One of them scared me the most.
I knocked on the third door, nerves knotted painfully tight.
"What are you doing here, Katherina?"
So no more 'hot legs'. I willed myself to keep the tears at bay.
"Please, I want you to listen to me Zach. I know how bad everything looked right now, but please I need you to believe me. I did not steal that phone. Why would I steal a phone when I have mine? And what would I have done with it in the end? Please believe me."
"Katherina you don't understand what is at stake here. The Salvatore has never been involved in any form of crime, you came and a phone was found in your bag, how do we explain that?"
"I know the evidence is quite glaring, but please. I need you right now please."
"I don't know Katherina. It's all still fresh and still hurt. I'm quite disappointed if you ask me. Maybe just let me for now."
Before I could say anything else, the door had closed in my face.
The last person.
I knocked softly on the door.
No reply.
Another louder knock.
Still no reply. By now, nerves were making me wring my hands.
"What do you want?"
I jumped out of my skin and almost lost my footing but the person held me and swerved me that I was facing him.
Our eyes locked on each other.
Then he let go of me abruptly.
"What do you want?"
His voice was harsh.
I tried to steady my breath for what had just happened. His stare still had that same effect on me.
"I came to talk to you Aaron."
"I don't want to talk to you. Now leave."
"Please, I'm sorry. I did not do it. Please believe me."
"Believe you? The phone was found in your bag."
"Yes I know."
"How can you explain that?"
"I can't. I truly can't but I swear it was not me. Not me. I did not steal the phone. I have mine. What do I need someone else's for? Please you have to believe me."
"Just leave. Leave here."
He commanded.
"Please, I…"
"Get out!"
I jolted in fear and tears streamed. I was rooted to the spot. I could not move, my whole body was feverish. None of the brothers had listened to me. I was going to be made a laughingstock, I had thought I did not need the boys but I realized I needed them. I needed them to make me laugh and cheer me up. I was already missing the fun times and the protection they gave me.
I was already missing being a Salvatore.