Hate Me (Black Mountain Academy)

by Ashley Jade

Sadness fills my chest as I hang up and grab a bottle of water from the fridge. I have the best news and no one to share it with. A smile touches my lips. On second thought, that’s not true. Placing the water on the counter, I rush outside and run around to the basement entrance. Knox said he’d leave it unlocked for me so I can take care of Whiskers, and I’m glad he stayed true to his word. “Hey, you.” I pick the little kitty up from her blanket and cuddle her. “Guess who got into Stanford?” Whisker’s purrs a little, nuzzling her head under my chin. I run my fingers through her fur, which is much softer and healthier than it was when I found her. “At least you’re here for me.” Maybe I can convince Knox to let me keep her hidden in the basement for the next few months and save up for an apartment near campus that allows pets. “Would you like to live with me and be my college study buddy?” She purrs again, and my heart does a little flip. “And people say cats have attitudes.”