The day before....

"Lucy? Lucy? Lucy?" Catherine angry voice called out to me repeatedly.

I hurried to the dining room where she was, "Yes Catherine, I answered."

"I really don't have to call you repeatedly before you answer Lucy. Do you want me to strain my voice before my birthday party?" Catherine said.

"I'm sorry, I'd be quicker next time." I said.

"My birthday invitations came late this year and it's just so annoying. Do me favor and send one to Mark's house this morning, you can send the rest later. I know they'd still come no matter how late it gets to them. But make sure you send it today." Catherine passed her instructions.

"Where on earth do invitations arrive the day before an event. My birthday is tomorrow, how frustrating. You need to get someone more reliable next year, I can't imagine this happening on my sixteenth birthday." Catherine continued, letting out her frustration.

"Did you hear me?" Catherine asked, with a serious look.

"Yes I did. I'd look for someone more efficient before then." I said.

"Well then, don't just stand there. Get going would you?" Catherine said.

"Sure, I'd go right away." I said, leaving immediately.

As I rode my bike to Mark's house, I witnessed a scene of three boys harassing a girl who walked by. I slowed down to hear them properly. They said mean things to her and I felt enraged. When I was a little distant from them, I turned around to watch the scene. It was something I couldn't bare to watch. I was already used to being belittled and made fun of, but watching it done to someone else, I felt angry about it. Sadly, there's just nothing I can do about it. I just continued my journey. But as I turned around to get going, one of the boys suddenly turned towards me, his eyes sparkled like diamonds. He just glared at me, and gave a faint smile. The way he looked, I just knew he was the leader of the group. And it wasn't the first time I had seen him and some boys in the same act. Just because they are rich or look good doesn't give them the right to belittle others. I quickly turned around and left before I become their next target. I already had enough problems to deal with.

When I arrived at Mark's house, his mother received the invitation from me. It was no surprise as Mark never attended any of Catherine's birthday parties before, but she never stops sending him an invitation every year. I had seen his entire family, mother, father, younger brother but I never Mark himself.

One of them always received the invitation from me on his behalf but never him. I couldn't help but wonder if he deliberately did that. There was a time Mark's friend, Matthew received the invitation. Oh Matthew, he was truly a beauty to behold.

Matthew never gets invited to Catherine's birthday parties but he always showed up. And then he gets thrown out. I have never spoken to him personally before, so he didn't know me. But on Catherine's thirteenth birthday, I spoke to him for the first time personally when he received Mark's invitation from me. My heart skipped a beat and I felt my face flushed red. I remembered how he showed up with Mark's invitation and got ridicled by Catherine and her mean friends. I felt so sorry for Matthew, he really seemed nice and kind boy, not like the rude boys I passed by earlier.

After delivering Mark's invitation, I decided to deliver the rest. I had snuck out without permission, and if Veronica found out, I'd be in trouble. I never forgot a time when Catherine had me run an errand for her and didn't want her mother to find out, so I couldn't ask for permission before leaving. When I got caught, Catherine denied it, leaving me to face the consequences alot. That day was one of the most unforgettable days, Veronica left me with a scar that linger in my memory. So I remember it clearly.

After delivering All the invitations, I arrived at the last house on my list, Emma's house. She was Catherine's best friend, I often wonder which one of them was more cruel. I always kept Emma's invitation last because she always has a humiliating surprise for me. As I entered the gate, I saw her sitting in front of her house. I approached her prepared for what was coming.

"Hey Emma, here's your invitation for Catherine's birthday party," I said, handing her the invitation.

Emma stretched her to take it from me, only to let it drop. I bent down to pick it up only for her to pour the glass of juice she was drinking on me.

"Emma, you!" I said in anger, raising quickly.

"What?" Emma said, "You've never tasted something this nice before, you might as well get the chance to know what it smells like, don't you think?" Emma said with a wicked grin.

"Why do you have to be so mean? Can't I ever come here without you doing something humiliating to me?" I asked.

"No, but I'm surprised you can now talk back." Emma said, "let's see how brave you are."

"What do you mean?" I asked, wondering what she was up to.

She called out to her dog laying behind her, "Chelsea chase!"

I dropped the invitation and quickly ran out of the gate, closing it behind me before the dog could catch up. But just as I flew right through the gate, I bumped into someone.

I quickly apologized, "I'm so sorry." Then look up to see it was Matthew.

"Oh Lucy, it's you," Matthew said with a smile

I froze, admiring his charming appearance, forgetting I was covered with juice.

"Are you okay? What happened to you?" Matthew asked.

From the disturbing looks on his face, I quickly remembered the juice. "Oh no" I thought, quickly looking away.

"I just came to deliver Catherine's invitation to Emma but I'd be going now," I said trying to leave.

Matthew held my bike, asking, "No invitation for me this time too?"

"No, you didn't get one," I said riding off quickly to avoid feeling more embarrassed

I wondered why every boy in Catherine's class always gets invited to her birthday party but only Matthew wasn't.

I didn't know why, but it seemed like all the guys in Catherine's class got invitations except Matthew.

"Why did Matthew have to see me like that?" I thought, as I rode away. I couldn't help but feel embarrassed and sad.

Thankfully, Veronica wasn't home when I arrived. As I headed to my room to clean up, I ran into Catherine, who burst into laughter when she saw me. I knew Emma must have already told her about the prank. Catherine's cruelty was matched only by Emma's.

I tried to brush her off and head to my room, but she stopped me. "Why are you walking away? I have a question for you," Catherine said.

I turned to her, wondering what she wanted. "Did Mark receive my invitation?" she asked.

"His mother received it from me," I replied.

Catherine's smile grew wider as she pulled out her phone. "I see."

"Emma really got you good today. I think I should capture the moment," she said, aiming to take a picture of me covered in juice.

I quickly ran to my room, locking the door behind me. Catherine's laughter echoed as she went downstairs. I leaned against the door, squatting down, and wrapped my arms around my legs.

"Those two are just so evil, what did I do to deserve this?" I thought.

I buried my face in my body and cried, feeling overwhelmed. I was used to their cruel behavior, but seeing Matthew after being humiliated by Emma was a different story. What would he think of me now that we'd be attending the same school?

After a while, I composed myself and headed to the bathroom to clean up.

As I headed downstairs, I caught a glimpse of Catherine's party outfit in her room. It was a stunning anime-inspired dress. I went closer to the entrance of her room then I closed my eyes, picturing myself as Catherine. I imagined the feeling of having an exciting birthday party surrounded by friends, being the center of attention. Having every boys eyes on me. But my prince charming would definitely not be Mark, who Catherine is obsessed with, it would be Matthew.

I had no idea what Mark looked like for Catherine to be so obsessed, despite him not showing up to any of her parties. It just wasn't adding up, how do one ignore a boy as nice looking as Matthew. As I admired the dress, I realized I'd rather spend my birthday with Matthew than invite the whole class. I didn't like any of them anyways, they were just as mean as Catherine. I just have to wait for resume school to see who the heck Mark was. After admiring the dress for while, I turned around and headed downstairs.

Now you understand why it felt so empowering to stand up to Catherine, let's go back to the present day.

The Present Day.....

Just as I was enjoying the moment, Catherine's voice snapped me back to reality. "You should have done what earlier? I'm talking you, but you seem so busy mumbling things I don't understand." Catherine said angrily.

"What's with the smile on your face" She added.

My triumphant mood evaporated when I realized that the scene I had thought unfolded, was just my own imagination.

"Lucy! What's wrong with you" Catherine yelled impatiently.

I responded, "Nothing's wrong. You were saying?" trying to hide my disappointment at the turn of events.

"I was saying? Are you serious?" Catherine asked angrily. "Didn't you hear a word I said right now,"

I nodded, looking down. I recalled a previous incident where I pretended to have heard her but didn't. She hadn't taken it well, so it was better to admit it. Than lying to regret it later.

"I see, you have started daydreaming again right?" Catherine said, "but please save it for another day."

I nodded again.

"Did you confirm Mark would be at the party?" She asked.

She had sent me to Mark's house early this morning, but I just couldn't go seeing how early it was. It would have been so impolite to wake people up for something as a birthday party. I planned to check back later since it was too earlier but I haven't gotten any chance to leave the house yet. Now, I had to lie.

"Yes, I did. His dad said he'd make sure he comes," I said.

"That's good. Well then, don't just stand there daydreaming, get back to work." Catherine said as she walked away.

Catherine seemed satisfied to hear Mark would finally attend her birthday party, but I still saw the anxiety etched on her face. She's clearly still hoping Mark would show up. I would be in so much trouble if I don't get Mark here.

"Why on earth did I tell such a big lie? If Mark doesn't come, Catherine would kill me for deceiving her." I thought to myself.

"Good for you Lucy," I said as I picked up the things I dropped on the floor.

I knew I had to find a way to check on Mark as as possible without getting caught by Veronica. I was currently trapped between a rock and a hard place, I just can't offend Catherine nor her mother.

Today was Catherine's birthday, and she wanted everything to go perfectly. She had already made it clear to everyone that there'll be consequences for any mistake. I knew she meant it when she said,

"Pain would be an understatement for what you'd feel if things don't go perfectly."

Those words have kept everyone feeling like we were all walking on eggshells around Catherine, especially me. I was the most clumsy but given the entire major task. It felt like Catherine was waiting for me to flop in any of them, then she'd make me the clown for her birthday party

I couldn't afford any mistakes today; it felt like my life depended on it. I just knew today would be a long and stressful day.

By noon, I managed to sneak out for a short time, which seemed enough. Mark's house wasn't far, I just had to be quick. I rushed out of the house and rode my bike as fast as possible.

When I arrived, I knocked on the door and waited impatiently. After few seconds, the door opened, and I found myself face-to-face with the ring leader. I was taken aback, "what was he doing here? Was he related to Mark?" I wondered.

"Yes? Can I help you?" He asked.

I took a deep breath and responded calmly, avoiding his gaze in the hope that he wouldn't recognize me.

"I'm here for Mark," I said firmly.

"What do you want him for?" He asked, his tone unfriendly.

I thought to myself, "What's with the question?" But responded, "I have a message for him."

He stared at me expectantly. "Alright then, spit it out. I'm all ears. I really don't have all day," he said, sounding impatient.

"What's his problem? I'm the one running out of time here, I should be the one sounding impatient." I thought.

But responded, "I'm sorry, but I'd like to talk to him personally."

He raised an eyebrow. "Well, you are looking at him. Now speak," he said.

I took a step back in shock. "You're Mark?" I asked, surprised.

"There's no other Mark living in this house except me, Missy," he said.

I was shocked to discover that the person I had despised being the ringleader of the group of boys who were always teasing every girl they see pass by them. It seemed fitting, giving his personality, that he would be a perfect match for Catherine. They would definitely make a formidable pair, like Lucifer and Lily.

After being stunned few seconds, I tried to pass my message. "Well, Catherine....", but he shut the door in my face as soon as he heard Catherine's face. I was shocked by his rudeness.

"What's your problem? I haven't even passed my message yet. Don't you know it's rude to slam the door in someone's face" I yelled in frustration.

Mark responded from the other side of the door, " Well, I know what you want to ask, and my answer is No. You can go now.-

I was enraged by his attitude, and turned around to leave. But I knew I couldn't afford to give up, If he didn't attend Catherine's party, things would go terribly wrong for me. I walked back to the door and knocked again. When he opened it, he tried to close it again as he saw me. I quickly held the door to stop it from closing.

"Take your hands off! Don't you have any manners?" he asked angrily.

"No I don't, you left we with no other choice." I retorted.

"I know you don't attend any of Catherine's birthday parties, but can you please just make it today? I'm begging you," I pleaded.

Mark raised an eyebrow, seemingly unimpressed. "And why should I listen to you?" He asked.

I continued to beg, hoping he would take pity on me. "I know you don't have to, but please, I'm begging you."

"I still don't understand why she keeps inviting me every year," Mark said, his voice laced with frustration.

"I'm not a celebrity or anything. I already have my parents nagging me about it, and now you?" He paused before continuing,

"I didn't listen to my parents, should I now listen to Catherine's minion?"

"Minion, who are you calling a minion?" I asked.

"You of course," Mark replied. "And Catherine is your villain. You should go, I don't do anything with anyone close to her."

I tried to think of a solution. "Then put an end to it. You should go to the party and confront her, tell her to stop sending invitations because you'd never attend." I suggested, hoping he'd take the bait.

Mark raised an eyebrow. "Put an end? Are you silly or what Minion?" He asked.

"Going there is obviously starting something I'm not interested in finishing. Don't you know her expectations would only increase if I show up?" He added, and I knew he was right.

"I want to believe you're sensible minion, so please take your dumb advice and leave my porch." Mark said rudely.

I was enraged why the tone he spoke to me but given the circumstances, I just had to plead with him. "It's not my place to ask you for anything, but I really need you to come," I said.

Mark's curiosity was piqued. "Why?" he asked.

I hesitated before responding, "Because I can't imagine anything going well today if you don't come. Catherine wouldn't take it lightly with me."

Mark's question followed, "So you're scared of her?"

I remained silent as the answer was obvious.

Mark's gaze lingered on me before I urged him again. "Look, Mark, I don't have the time to keep up this conversation. Just tell me, would you come?"

"Would you be there?" Mark asked.

"Are you allowed to join the party?" He asked again.

"I won't, and I couldn't care less," I replied.

Mark's response was immediate. "Then I won't go," he said, closing the door.

I quickly stopped him. "Wait," I said. "You have to come: I didn't come here to get a no."

Mark's smirk grew wider. "It's my choice, Minion. You can't make me," he said slamming the door shut again.

I felt a wave of frustration wash over me. I had no idea what to do next, and I'd already spent too much time here.

In desperation, I banged on the door and called out to Mark. "If I join the party, do you promise to be there?"

The door opened once more, and Mark looked at me suspiciously, "I guess I would." He said.

I moved back, turning to leave, "Fine, but you can't go back on your word. You must come." I said.

Mark's response was casual. "Sure, you can go now."

I rushed to my bike, feeling a mix of relief and resentment. I'd rather endure being the object of fun at the party than face consequences of Mark not showing up. The thought of being humiliated by Catherine and her friends was scary, but the consequences of Mark's absence seemed even worse.

As I rode away, I couldn't help but feel angry at Mark for demanding such a t

hing. It seemed like he truly wanted me to be humiliated, but that was what I should expect from him. I just hopped Veronica hadn't noticed my absence.

"Where have you been, Lucy?" Catherine asked, sounding angry and frustrated as soon as I entered the house.

"I have been searching everywhere for you. You better have something good to say."Catherine added.

"I went to make sure Mark was coming" I blurted out in a hurry to avoid making another statement that'd alert her mother to know that I left the house.

"Well then, is he coming?" Catherine asked not caring about my absence anymore.

"Yes he is." I replied.

"Are you sure? If you lie to me to save yourself, just know my mother would hear that you left the house without permission today." Catherine said.

"He is. I met him personally this time and he assured me that he would." I said reassuring Catherine.

"That's great then. I knew this birthday party would be different." Catherine said with a smile. "You better get busy with your chores, don't just stand there looking at me." Catherine added, trying to hide her excitement.

I rushed inside to see how other preparations were coming along. But I couldn't help but worry for my life. It was hanging on the line for a totally unreliable person. I just hope he comes.

It's almost 7pm, a party that started over two hours ago but Mark was still nowhere to be found. Thankfully, Catherine hasn't asked me about him yet. I'm sure she is just as expectant as I am. The party was already in full swing and in an hour from now, it would be ending. But Catherine was frequently gazing at the door, hoping Mark walks in miraculously. I couldn't help but think how absurd the whole situation was. Catherine was eagerly awaiting the arrival of Mark, while I was anxiously waiting for him to arrive as well. I knew I shouldn't have taken his word for it, if he doesn't show up, he'd be my sworn enemy.

As I lurked in the shadows of the party, I did my best to stay out of sight of Catherine and her friends.

Just as I turned away from the door, I heard a voice call my name from behind me.

"Lucy?" the voice called.

I recognized the voice, it was Matthew. I rushed to the door to see if Mark was there, but Matthew stopped me.

"Don't bother, Mark didn't come." Matthew said.

"That good for...." I stopped myself recalling Matthew was Mark's best friend.

Matthew smiled, "Don't conclude yet. He didn't come but he sent a present." Mark said, showing it to me.

"What's the use of the present? I explained to him that it was important he came. But he still didn't." I said, feeling disappointed.

"You don't get it?" Matthew asked,

"Get what?" I said.

"Although he didn't come, he sent a present for the first time. After Catherine sees the present, I'm sure she won't mind his absence." Matthew explained.

Then I realized he was right. It was the first time Mark was sending a present to Catherine. She would definitely be pleased by his gesture. I let out a sigh of relief, "I'm not screwed after all."

"Hey Lucy," Matthew said, touching my arm lightly. "You seemed to have spaced out."

"Sorry, I'm just relieved. You should send the present to Catherine immediately." I said.

Matthew nodded and went inside the party to hand over Mark's present. As soon as everyone saw him, they all went quiet. It was definitely an awkward moment for Matthew but he kept walking, like a prince in shining armor. My kind of prince. Then someone broke the silence with an annoying statement.

"Who let the freak nerd in?" he said.

The voice was the one I knew very well. Benjamin, the third mean person I know. He was part of Catherine's flock.

"Yeah...." Catherine said. "You seem to have forgotten the lesson you were given some years back for attending a party you weren't invited to"

"I remember it very clearly, no one needs to remind me." Matthew said, "I just came to drop this off."

"Awwww, he even got you a present Cat. Isn't that nice" Emma said, just to irritate Catherine more.

"It's from Mark." Matthew blurted immediately.

"Mark?" Catherine asked surprised but yet looked excited.

She took the present from Matthew immediately. As she was about to keep it alongside her other presents,

Emma quickly said, "Cat, it's possible he's just using Mark's name for you to accept his present."

By that statement, Catherine immediately withdrew her steps but luckily Matthew had a way of proving it's from Mark.

"You can open it, " he left a note. From the note, it'd be evident that he sent it." Matthew said in his defense.

Catherine wanted to open it but she seemed convinced by Matthew's words about the note. So she just placed it with the others. If I could read minds, I would say that Catherine didn't want to open her best present in front of everyone just to prove it was from Mark. She had a content smile on her face as she turned back to Matthew.

"Thank you for sending it to me," she said, "but why didn't he come?" She asked.

"Well he wanted to but something came up." Matthew said.

Catherine was glowing with excitement on hearing that Mark would have attended if nothing came up. She held Matthew's arm and pulled him to the party properly.

"You can join us, you don't have to go immediately." She said,

Matthew looked like he had won a lottery on hearing that and he immediately joined in. Emma on the other hand didn't look so comfortable anymore. I didn't know if it was because Mark sent a gift or the fact that Catherine let Matthew join the fun.

The party continued and I was finally able to relax. Although Mark didn't show up, he was quite reasonable to send a present to Catherine. It made things turn out fine. I was free to rest, Catherine was finally so happy and Matthew was allowed to join their party. It was a win for everyone. As I went upstairs to my room, feeling so exhausted, I couldn't help but wonder why Matthew was always interested in Catherine's birthday parties even though he never got invited. I was intrigued to see him attend her twelfth birthday party, even with his broken arm.

During that time, Matthew had a nasty accident that left him bedridden for days. But because he didn't want to miss Catherine's birthday party, he leaped out of bed to convince his parents that he was okay. Due to him forcefully trying to use his arm then, he strained it and permanently damaged his little finger in the process. He arrived at the party only to get humiliated by Catherine and her friends that day.

They all called him weirdo. After that day, he still didn't stop. He also came uninvited to Catherine's thirteenth birthday,and he was also humiliated in the worst way. After that year, he never showed up uninvited. Over the years that followed, he's always hoping to get invited.

I really don't know, but his persistence made me admire him even more.