In a Ditch

When I woke up the next morning I was quite relieved to see Alphonse still soundlessly asleep. Perhaps he won’t wake up as early as he did yesterday. When I looked at my alarm clock I saw it was only five in the morning, but when I tried to get back to sleep I simply couldn’t. Instead, I got ready for the day and sat at the kitchen table for a while. I was all ready and spiffy by six-forty; everything was done except for breakfast.

And as soon as the thought came to me, knocking came to the front door. I rushed to the door so no one would wake up. “Yes?” I said as I opened the door.

“Good morning, Caitlin. I actually thought you’d still be asleep, but I thought a try was well worth it. How are you?”

Immediately, a smile came to my face. “Good morning, Officer Smith. I’m good, you?”

“I’m wonderful, Caitlin. And please call me Trevor.” There was a pause were we just stood there awkwardly before I invited him in.

“Oh, no, sorry. I can’t. I have to be on duty from six in the morning until six in the evening,” he explained apologetically.

“That’s fine. I should’ve known you’d be on shift for a while. I guess I thought it started later. Which, of course, it didn’t. Right? So... yeah... alright, then...” I shut myself up before I could ramble anymore. At first I thought Trevor would frown at my strangeness, but he didn’t. Instead, he just looked down at me and smiled.

“I came here to ask you something.”

My heart fluttered. “Yes?”

There was a small pause wherein he looked down and shuffled his feet for a bit. “Uh, would you consider going out for dinner or lunch sometime? Maybe this weekend?” I felt heat rush into my face and I instantly looked down. “Caitlin? Is something the matter?” he asked worriedly and bent down to see my face. To check if there were tears, perhaps? But I was smiling and my face felt hot.

“Thank you for offering, Trevor. I’m happy you asked. I’d be honoured to go,” I said after I had closed my eyes.

He chuckled lightly and rested his hand on my head. My eyes opened and I froze. “You’re so cute,” he said matter-of-factly.

He took his hand off and I stood upright, facing him. “When would you like to go, sir?

“Anytime is fine. I have a busy schedule, but I’d really like it if it was bent to yours.”

“Well, err, I’m leaving back to my homeland later today for ten days. Maybe after that? When I come back?”

He smiled. “I’d love that.”

“Okay, then, Trevor. See you in ten days.”

“Goodbye!” he called as he turned, waved, and left. I stared after him, forcing his image to stay in my head forever.

“Who was that?” I spun. It was Harms.

“No one of importance. Just some rascal pranking everyone. I wish the police got onto it quickly. I was going to make breakfast when he bothered me.”

“Aw, man! No food?”

I laughed. “I’ll get to work on it right away, Harms.”

“No way, missy. I ain’t eating anythin’ you cook unless all you’ve done is stir,” she said dramatically and began to climb up the stairs again,

I laughed. “Fine, I’ll go out and buy something. Ask for some money from Edward or Alphonse.”

“I don’t wanna! Go find that man from yesterday and get him to buy food!” I sighed and looked at the still open door. Actually, that didn’t sound like a terribly bad idea except for the fact that he might not have money on him.

After a while of thought I closed the door and headed upstairs. “Alphonse? You awake?” I asked as I knocked on the door.

“Yeah, I’m up.”

“Are you dressed?”

The door swung open. “Yeah, I’m dressed.”

“Great. Can I have some money to go buy stuff to eat? Or do we already have something in the fridge? Harms wants something fresh.”

“I never said that!” Harms shouted from behind her closed door. Alphonse and I stared at the door for a moment before continuing our conversation.

“Why not I come with you?” he asked politely.

I nodded. “That would be fine.” He smiled and went back into his room to pick up a jacket. I slipped on a white sweater on top of my green long sleeve v-neck. “Do you have any places in mind?” We exited the building and Alphonse locked the door.

“No, not really. But I suggest the market.” He began leading the way.

“Oh! I know how to get there! Follow me!” I jolted in front of him. “Race you there!” I called back playfully.

I couldn’t see his reaction but I knew he was surprised. So were the people around me. A few people were appalled that a ‘lady’ was running in the streets in jeans. Hell, did they even know about jeans? Most women around were wearing long skirts or dresses. All below the knees and a little above the ankle. Was that the rule?

About a block before reaching the market I was stopped by a few Nazis. “Halt. Where is your escort, miss?” he said and held up his hand. He had blue eyes and blonde hair. So did most people around here.

I stared at them with a straight face. Now they enforce the rules? “He’s back there.” I pointed behind me with my thumb. “We’re racing to the market. Now, will you let me pass, please?” I asked quickly, tiptoeing my way through them.

A Nazi held me by my arm. “I’m sorry, ma’am. I can’t let you enter the market without an escort. Please let us take you back home,” the first man said with a sly, evil smile.

I stared at him. “Pardon? You expect me to come quietly?” My voice elevated with each word.

“Excuse me, gentlemen. I’ve been looking for this madam for a little while, now. I was taking her home when she ran off. Would you mind handing her over to me?” I stood on my tiptoes to look past a few men and their odd hats. I mouthed my savour’s name in awe.

“What is your name, young man?” the first Nazi asked.

“Officer Trevor Smith, sir.”

“Show me proof,” the Nazi ordered.

Trevor took out his proof—which was simply a piece of metal I could not recognize from the distance—and the men left. “Are you alright, Caitlin? Did they bother you?”

I shook my head. “Not really. I hope they don’t tell on me.”

“Who would they tell if you were in my custody the whole time?”

“I don’t know, but they might report to their supervisor. Or even your supervisor for doing a poor job ‘escorting me’.” I laughed. He laughed.

“So where were you headed this time?”

“Towards the market. I was with a friend of mine, but then I wanted to race him and, um, I guess I outran him!”

He laughed. “Are you a fast runner, then? The force is looking for fast people. Too bad you’re a woman, though.”

I was about to protest to the sexist comment, but deemed it true enough. They must not allow women to work as police, yet. “Yeah.”

“Would it be alright if I walked you?”

A nervous and innocent laugh passed my lips. “I, um, have no money. He was the one buying the food.”

“Ooh,” he breathed and nodded his head. He understood, I assumed. “Of course. You’re new, right?” I nodded my head. He took off his cap and ran his fingers through his hair. “Tell you what, I’ll buy your groceries if you go out on a date with me before you leave.”

I could only smile like an idiot and nod. “Great! Let’s go.” He held out his arm and I gladly took it. He was such a gentleman in my eyes.

We bought eggs, bread, milk, and celery. He bought me some chocolates, too. By the time I deemed it fit to leave it was late morning. We had spent four hours together already. On our way heading up to the Elric’s home we ran into Alphonse. Literally.

I had collided into a man running in the opposite direction. After we fell to the ground I saw it was Alphonse. “Oh, hi, Alph—”

“Where were you?” he shouted. “I was looking all over for you! Did you know there have been cases where woman have gone missing over the past few weeks?”

“I’m sorry, Alphonse!” I stuttered and helped him up. “I didn’t know you’d be this worried.”

“Of course! What do you think brother would say when he found out I lost his fiancé’s best friend?”

“That’s a bit of a trek, Alphonse.”

“What?”

“Is this the man you were racing with?” Trevor asked.

I perked up and looked up at him as he stood beside me, grocery bags in his hands. I giggled at his appearance. He seemed serious, but the produce made him look like an average family man. “Yes, this is him.” I turned to Alphonse. “This is Trevor Smith, the man I’ve been hanging out with lately. Trevor, this is Alphonse. The younger brother of my best friend’s fiancé.”

“Nice to meet you, Alphonse,” Trevor said and held out his hand after he had set down a bag or two.

“Likewise.” They shook hands and I felt giddy inside. “I see you went ahead and did the grocery shopping, Cat.”

“Yes. Trevor paid for it all.” Alphonse glanced at Trevor curiously.

“How much was it? What do I owe you?” He started shuffling through his wallet.

Trevor held up his hand. “Nothing.” He handed him some of the bags. “Here. Help us carry this to your place and I’ll explain.”

“Couldn’t we explain while we walked?” Alphonse asked, taking the two bags.

“Nope! I want everyone to hear!” I shouted and briskly took the lead.

When we reached the apartment I saw everyone was up and ready to eat. But there wasn’t much food to cook. “We’re home!” I shouted when the door swung open, successfully blasting Harms’ ears.

“Ouch! Cat! Don’t scream like that!” Harms shouted back, equally as loud.

“You stop first!” I retorted and guided the produce train towards the kitchen. I reached the kitchen right when Harms caught up with me.

“Hello, Cat. Who’s the police officer you brought home? He’s hot.”

I rolled my eyes. I prevented myself from going up in her face and saying, ‘He’s mine.’ Of course, this wasn’t like me.

“His name’s Trevor. We’re going out on a date later.”

“You lucky, bitch!” Harms shouted teasingly.

“Hey! No fighting, guys,” Holly said as she walked in and helped the two men with the groceries. A few minutes behind her was Edward.

“Who are you?” he asked rudely. Holly punched him in the arm. “Ouch! What was that for?”

“Don’t be so rude.” Edward only rolled his eyes and put away groceries. We had six bags worth.

Trevor laughed. “I’m Trevor Smith.”

“Have you been the one escorting Cat around town?” Harms asked.

“Caitlin? Yes.” I blushed at the eyes that were now on me.

“So he’s the one you’ve been hiding, Cat!” Harms glued herself to me and I shook her.

“She mentioned me? What did she say?”

“Only that you’re perfect and she’s terribly in love with you!” Harms shouted. I felt my face redden.

“I said no such words! Shut up, Harms! You don’t know what you’re saying!” I tried to cover her mouth but she bit my hand. Why was she doing this?

“She couldn’t stop talking about you! Do you know how annoying she is? She wouldn’t shut up!”

“That’s it, Harms! You’re going down!” I launched myself at her and we fell with a heavy thump on the hardwood floor. This woman’s terrible!

“Cat! That’s out of line!” Holly shouted. Two sets of steps came bumbling down the stairs.

“What’s all the ruckus?” Al asked. Harms and I stopped fighting.

“Oh, nothing. Just Cat and Harms going at it,” Holly said casually. Then she quickly whispered, “Just watch.”

The two sets of steps sped up and then a particularly loud bang. “Get off me, you oaf!” Al shouted.

“You’re the one that tripped me, liar!” Harms and I sat up and brushed ourselves off of the wrinkles in our clothes. By the time Abby and Al entered the kitchen there was no more fight. “Damn! We missed it!”

“Serves you right for falling on top of me.”

“Shut up!” I laughed. This turned into one big ball of noise and action. It gave me the feeling of being together. It felt right.

I felt a tap on my shoulder and I turned around. “Hey, Caitlin. What time are you leaving?” Trevor asked.

“Around six, I think.”

“Would you like to go now?” I nodded my head and he smiled. “Great.” He took my hand and began to lead me towards the door.

“And where are you two headed? Alone?” Holly called from the kitchen. I froze and Trevor laughed nervously. Everyone migrated to the hallway.

“We can make a break for it. We’re four feet away from the door,” I whispered. He laughed.

“You sure we’d make it?”

“Sneaking off together at a time like this! It would only lead to more chaos! Harms and Alphonse would be jealous and Al and Abby wouldn’t get a kick out of Harms being angry by herself.”

Immediately came protests from everyone. Edward slipped away up the stairs.

“I’m positive. The only person we’d have to worry about catching us would be Abby.”

“Abby?”

“The one with a ponytail. But anyway, I doubt she’d even have to motive to come after us.”

“Holly! Why’d you say those things! I so wouldn’t be jealous! Trevor isn’t as hot as Drew or Dusty!”

“Andrew and Dustin have nice bodies,” Al mumbled, agreeing with Harms. Alphonse walked back into the kitchen by himself.

“On a count of three, we’ll run,” I mumbled. He nodded and he squeezed my hand. I felt my face redden.

“Harms’ and Cat’s fights are so much fun! They’ve known each other for so long! It’s so easy for them to set the other off! And they’re so different, it’s so easy!”

“One, two...”

“It’s not right to get a kick out of other’s fights, you know,” Holly scolded.

“Three! Go!” Trevor yanked on my arm and we ran our fastest away from the building, into the crowd of shady people.