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~malka
TeflonPixie@aol.com

Cat Tales (Tails)
Summary: Madeline POV, short little scene

I chomp my gum loudly as I wait for Mr. Hamilton to arrive and start class. Normally I wouldn't be so excited about class or anything; it's just that Paris has been on the warpath lately and even Greek Mythology is better than listening to her rant on about "worthless relationships" and "high school romances never last."

Anyone can tell that she's projecting her feelings about Tristan. She's been in love with him since like, the third grade. But does she have to project her lust to me? And so damn loudly? Sometimes she can just get really tiresome.

That's why I'm sort of glad Rory's in this class too. I mean, I know I'm supposed to hate her or whatever, but really, I don't see why. It's Paris who has the problem with her. Besides, she was really cool to invite us to that concert with her, and even though we did end up ditching her and getting torn by her mom, well, even that was sort of cool. I'm not used to people caring. It's nice that Rory and Lorelai have that kind of relationship.

God, now she's muttering something about misbegotten teen hormones. She is really on a rampage today. I think what set her off was seeing Tristan cornering Rory before.

"I heard somewhere that one male dog can have like, a hundred puppies in just over a month," I contribute. As usual, Paris and Louise ignore me and continue dishing about the latest couples, and non-couple, as it were, of the moment. And speak of the hotness...

Paris is about to drool, I swear. It's all I can do to stop from laughing. The bell rings just then, with Rory getting in just a second after it, no doubt prolonged by Tristan's ill-fated attempts at romance. With her, I mean. 'Cause if he trying to get with someone else, she wouldn't have been late. You know? Luckily, Mr. Hamilton still isn't here.

Rory takes the only seat available, which happens to be next to Paris, behind me. Paris shoots her one of her scathing looks. I wish they would just become friends. I thought maybe they were at the concert, but since then, the Tristan and Rory thing has escalated a little and I don't think she can handle seeing them together.

It's not like it's Rory's fault, though. If anyone's to blame, it's Tristan. But, no. He can do no wrong in Paris' eyes. I glance quickly behind me and give Rory a little wave. I know Paris saw me, and that she'll probably treat me like a dog for the rest of the day, but for once I don't care. I'm way too happy today to be bothered by anything.

See, my cat was supposed to be put to sleep, but by some force of nature, whatever icky disease he had was gone when we took him to the vet yesterday. I wouldn't tell Paris or Louise that. They'd just laugh. Or worse, make some snide remarks about cats having no impact on Harvard applications or rich older men or whatever. Sometimes I think they're completely empty inside.

The class goes on, Mr. Hamilton finally arriving. The bell signals a change of class, and everyone gets up to leave. I linger behind a little, even after Paris and Louise urge me to hurry. Finally they just leave me behind. Once they're out the door, I turn and say a cheery hello to Rory, who's still here.

She smiles faintly and says hi.

"So, how was your weekend?" I snap my gum, grabbing my history book from under my desk.

She sort of laughs. "Not un-interesting."

My eyes light up. "Ooh, much time with the boyfriend?"

She smiles and blushes a little, so I know that it's true. "Kind of. I mean, yeah. Plus I had to kitten-sit for my neighbor and then Apricot got lost and my mom and I spent at least two hours looking for her."

"Where was she?" I ask.

"In the piano, of all places." We both laugh, and then there is a moment of silence.

I hesitate before saying, "Cats are so cute."

"They're the epitome of all things cute," Rory agrees. I can't tell if she thinks I'm being stupid or not. The thing with Louise and Paris is, they let me know. But I decide to go on anyway.

"Yeah, I have a cat."

"Oh?" We're out of the classroom by now and walking down the hall towards our lockers.

"Yeah," I affirm. "I almost didn't. I mean, he had like, this thing and we were supposed to put him to sleep."

"Oh." Rory looks concerned, biting her lip. "Is he okay?"

"Now he is. We woke up yesterday, and he was all cured." A rush of warmth passes through me at the thought of my safe, happy little cat.

"That's really great," Rory says sincerely. "I'm happy for you."

"Thanks," I answer. We stop because we're at her locker. "Well, see ya!" I wave cheerfully and head down the hall to my own locker, sandwiched between Paris and Louise's. After changing my books, I trot down the hall just in time to catch up with them, trailing after them through the doorway. Just like usual.