Chapter Three: Kitty: Memories
A few weeks had gone by and, unsurprisingly perhaps, some of the gloss of Kitty's job had evaporated. Not that there was very much gloss to begin with. It turns out that performing sing-a-grams is not a very productive way of getting noticed. She had performed dozens of the blasted things by now and, apart from a thank you and maybe a nectar-fuelled request for an encore, no-one had really remarked on her voice or talent. She was, frustratingly, still as far away as ever from achieving her dreams.
Kitty knew logically that she was being impatient, that she couldn't expect her dreams to come true overnight, but Kitty had only just turned into a young adult, and there still lingered an echo of her teenage self, the pre-Accident self, who wanted things now.
Kitty resisted the urge to bang her fist on the bar. It was so upsetting at times to remember the life that was. Kitty wasn't exactly spoiled as a child, but she had never lacked for anything either. Her parents had ensured that both of them could explore their natural talent with singing lessons and dance classes (though it wasn't long before Steven begged them to let him do piano lessons instead).
Kitty knew logically that she was being impatient, that she couldn't expect her dreams to come true overnight, but Kitty had only just turned into a young adult, and there still lingered an echo of her teenage self, the pre-Accident self, who wanted things now.
Kitty resisted the urge to bang her fist on the bar. It was so upsetting at times to remember the life that was. Kitty wasn't exactly spoiled as a child, but she had never lacked for anything either. Her parents had ensured that both of them could explore their natural talent with singing lessons and dance classes (though it wasn't long before Steven begged them to let him do piano lessons instead).
Sigh. Nectar always made her reminisce. Despite trying not to, Kitty thought back to the day Steven got his piano. It was second hand, badly scratched, and in need of a good tune, but in true teenage fashion Kitty sulked and complained jealously, scowling at her brother as he ran his hands across the keys lovingly. ”It's so unfair – why does he get a piano, but when I asked for a scooter, you said no?”
”KittyKat, you know you only want a scooter because your friend Alicia has one. You can get around the town perfectly well on your cycle” rebuffed her dad. Besides, your mum and I do have a gift for you”.
Kitty pouted, but overcome with curiosity she turned to her mother, who was holding a small wrapped box. Quizzically Kitty opened it. Inside, nestling in a silk scarf, was a beautiful gold brooch, in the shape of a star. Kitty fingered the tips of the star and looked up at her parents.
”KittyKat, you know you only want a scooter because your friend Alicia has one. You can get around the town perfectly well on your cycle” rebuffed her dad. Besides, your mum and I do have a gift for you”.
Kitty pouted, but overcome with curiosity she turned to her mother, who was holding a small wrapped box. Quizzically Kitty opened it. Inside, nestling in a silk scarf, was a beautiful gold brooch, in the shape of a star. Kitty fingered the tips of the star and looked up at her parents.
”This star represents our promise to you sweetheart,” explained Kitty's mum, her eyes shining. You have an amazing voice and your father and I know you're going to set the world alight with your talent. We promise to help you every step of the way, to pay for auditions, for your music course at Simversity and to be there for every moment of your success.”
”You have that much faith in me?” said Kitty, incredulously, embracing her mother.
”All that, and more, darling” smiled her father.
”You have that much faith in me?” said Kitty, incredulously, embracing her mother.
”All that, and more, darling” smiled her father.
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”...to be there for every moment of your success.” How those words felt mocking, empty now. Kitty reached into her pocket and wrapped her fingers around the gold star. The one piece of jewellery that Steven wouldn't allow her to sell. She hadn't worn it since the Accident – couldn't bring herself to – yet it was always with her, a constant reminder.
Kitty sighed again as she ordered another drink. The music course at Simversity never happened, and instead of gigs, here she is performing ditties for people who barely glanced at her. Maybe it was best that her parents couldn't see her now, she thought darkly. She should leave the bar and go home. She would feel better if she talked to Steven, the only other person who'd understand her right now. But her twin still seemed really happy with his new job, and had even made a few friends. 'He's probably hanging out with them tonight anyway,' thought Kitty, as she drained her drink, maybe a little too fast.
Kitty sighed again as she ordered another drink. The music course at Simversity never happened, and instead of gigs, here she is performing ditties for people who barely glanced at her. Maybe it was best that her parents couldn't see her now, she thought darkly. She should leave the bar and go home. She would feel better if she talked to Steven, the only other person who'd understand her right now. But her twin still seemed really happy with his new job, and had even made a few friends. 'He's probably hanging out with them tonight anyway,' thought Kitty, as she drained her drink, maybe a little too fast.
As she was contemplating paying up and calling a cab, a voice behind her ear made her start.
”May I buy you another one of those?”
Kitty turned around and was met with the most piercing violet eyes she had ever seen...
”May I buy you another one of those?”
Kitty turned around and was met with the most piercing violet eyes she had ever seen...
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