Katrina Johnson

I kicked off my warm boots before stepping into my parents' house. There was no one home as it was Monday and everyone was working. With a sigh, I took off my scarf and hung it along with my coat before making my way to my bedroom.

It had been two days since I came home due to the snow. The Waltons wouldn't let me leave and my parents were all for it, not wanting me to drive in the snowstorm. Not that I was complaining. That weekend with Mason and his parents was amazingly good and relaxing. They were happy for us and gave us space as much as we needed saying we were in that 'honeymoon phase' and they noticed we wanted to be left alone.

They were right. It felt like we were teenagers again, stealing kisses here and there, sneaking around to make out and the longing stares. It felt genuine and special, nothing I had experienced before.

What I liked the most about my weekend with them was the fact they made me feel welcome and at home and never once did they say or do anything to hurt me. Even when Helena called and learned about my presence there, Zachary Walton was true to his words and spoke to her in private. I never knew what he told her, but I received a text from her with an apology and a promise of having lunch together soon.

Saying I was surprised by this sudden change of heart was an understatement. But I was glad nonetheless, I liked Helena from the start and I knew she was just trying to protect her brother. Something I would do too if Noah would let me. I could never be mad at her for doing that. I'd actually be upset if she didn't.

The sky cleared out, the sun came out and we were finally able to leave the house. I took Mason to his Doctor's appointment and thankfully, they took off his cast. We went out for breakfast afterward and it felt like the most normal thing to me. Being out with him like every normal couple, alone in our own bubble of love.

There was still this tiny little voice in my mind that kept reminding me how different we were, but I was able to tune it off every time. I wasn't sure when or if I'd be able to completely get rid of my insecurities, but I was proud of myself. It was a start and I had faith in myself, knowing that one day I'll get there.

After breakfast, I dropped Mason back at his parent's house and came home to change. I was to meet him at his office so we could go to Mason's favorite restaurant 'The gazebo' and have lunch with his friends. We were supposed to meet Jason and Tara, Adam and Helena, Johnny D and Kayra. He said something about his cousin Serena going through a tough time so she wouldn't be able to join us.

To be honest, the second I spotted my bed all I wanted to do was fall into it and sleep like a baby. But I couldn't do that now, could I?

I pulled out warm clothes from my closet and proceeded to get changed quickly before being tempted by the bed trying to seduce me. Time flew by as I got ready and I only realized how long it took me when I received a text from Mason.

MW: Where are you?

I rolled my eyes at Mason's text, I wasn't gone that long was I? I checked the time and gasped. It took me two hours to get ready, and I was going for a simple look. That was a first for me. Usually, I didn't take that much time to get dressed and ready.

KJ: I'm on my way. Missed me?

I took a cab and headed to his office where I was supposed to meet him. On my way there, I kept checking my phone waiting for a reply from Mason but got nothing. I didn't think much of it, knowing that it has been a long time since he went to the office so he probably was busy with paperwork or maybe clients.

Stepping into the fancy lobby, I took a deep breath trying to calm my nerves as I suddenly felt a wave of panic take over me. I held onto the railing in the elevator and took a few deep breaths. I wasn't sure what was happening to me. Everything was perfect, I was in the best of moods, now why would I have a panic attack? I felt the walls closing down on me picking up my heartbeat even more and my head was buzzing.

I bolted out the second I heard the ding of the elevator feeling relieved and trying to catch my breath. I leaned my back on a wall and closed my eyes breathing hard.

"Focus on happy things... focus on my voice."

That voice was so comforting that whenever or wherever I heard it I'd recognize it. I thought about my mom's genuine smile, my dad's laughter at my silly jokes, my sister's stupid grin, my brother's comforting arms, and Mason's eyes... Mason's beautiful eyes...

"Open your eyes, Katie, look at me, I'm right here, I got you..."

I opened my eyes, my vision still blurry, and tried to focus on Noah's voice. The buzz in my head started to fade. My heartbeat was evening.

"My savior" I whispered with a lazy smile before resting my head on his chest as he wrapped his arms around me. My comfort zone.

"Always, little sis." He chuckled and pulled me away at arm's length inspecting me. "What happened?"

"Trust me, I have no idea. I was so excited to come and see Mason, and suddenly I felt like the world was closing down on me. It was a slight panic attack but an attack nonetheless. And it's scaring me because... it happened out of the blue and I've been so relaxed and happy lately. I don't know."

"I don't know either, maybe you should see your therapist again. Just to make sure."

"yeah... I guess you're right. You were leaving?"

"Yes, I need to get back to the office, there's been an incident with one of my writers' piece. It should have been in tomorrow's print but for some reason, it's not."

"Good luck buddy!"

He stepped into the elevator and shrugged "Good luck to you."

The doors closed before I could ask him why would I need luck. I walked to Mason's office and noticed Elsa was sitting behind her desk looking on edge.

"Hi, Elsa, what's wrong? Are you okay?"

"I said get the fuck out Celine!" Mason's voice startled me as it rumbled through his office and Elsa shrugged.

"I'm okay, but he's mad. Like super duper mad."

"What is she doing here?"

"I don't know, all I can hear is Mason yelling at her."

I got closer to the door wanting to know more. I knew what I was doing was invading his privacy, and I shouldn't be eavesdropping, but I was curious. Their voices were faint behind the thick wooden door but I still could hear them clearly.

"I don't want to leave. I came to see you as soon as I heard about your accident! Your mom wouldn't let me see you at the hospital. I even tried to visit after she left but the security guy said I wasn't allowed into your room!"

"She did the right thing, I did not want to see you, Celine!"

"Really? There was a time when you begged me to come back!"

"I don't remember ever begging you but if I did then I was a blind idiot! Now I know your true colors and I don't want you anywhere near me or my family!"

"Oh, so it's the girlfriend huh? But it's funny how I saw a few pictures online with that model, what was her name? Oh yes, Eloise. She's a beauty. And I did warn your girlfriend that it wouldn't last. You'll always pick a beautiful model but you'll never be satisfied. Your heart is with me, Mason. You'll come back to me in the end."

Mason's laugh was so loud and genuine that I looked at Elsa in confusion.

"She wants him back. I failed to mention that earlier."

I rolled my eyes at Elsa and focused on their conversation.

"I didn't leave Kat to be with Eloise. She left me. But guess what? We both knew it was the biggest mistake of our lives and got back together. I'll never go back to you, Celine. You can believe what you want, but I love Kat with all my heart. I've loved her since we were little kids, and I love her more with each day that goes by. So stop humiliating yourself like that."

"Oh yeah? And where is she now if you two are still together?"

I couldn't help it. I pushed the door open and walked in with my head held high wearing the brightest smile I could muster.

"Who? Me? I'm right here Celine." I gave her a smile and walked to Mason "Sorry I'm late, baby." I kissed him on the lips, making a show of it before gently pulling away and standing by his side.

"It's okay love, we still have a little time."

"Did I interrupt anything?" I was well aware of Celine throwing daggers at me but chose to ignore her as I looked lovingly into Mason's eyes.

"Not at all. Celine was just leaving actually. Weren't you Celine?"

"You haven't seen the last of me, Mason. I'll be back, and you'll beg me to take you back. Just remember that."

We watched her making a scene by grabbing her purse and storming outside his office before slamming the door shut. I let out a laugh shaking my head.

"Is she crazy or what?"

"I think she's getting there." He spun me around and held me tightly to him "I missed you."

"Did you now..." I smiled "I couldn't tell." I chuckled and stood on my tiptoes before pecking his lips gently.

"You drive me crazy, woman! Are you sure we have to go to lunch? I mean... We could go somewhere else. Just you and me."

"Oh yeah? Like where?" I teased by leaving small kisses on his neck.

"Like my apartment?"

I laughed pulling away "Your friends are waiting for us. They want to celebrate the fact that you actually came back from the unconscious world..." I said a little too dramatically.

"You are cruel! We can do that another time, come on, I want you, Kat!" His hands were all over me and I loved it but I managed to get out of his grasp with a smile feeling the butterflies getting crazy inside my belly.

"This might be a chance for me and Helena to get along again. And it won't be awkward between us with everyone around. I'm actually scared of going out for lunch alone with her."

Mason burst into laughter and took a step back "You're hilarious. She won't bite, you know."

He walked to his chair and picked up his jacket and scarf. "I can't say no to you. So let's go meet the gang, but then..." He was now facing me, our noses so close that I could feel his breath fanning my face. "Then, I'll have you, Katrina Johnson. And I won't take no for an answer."

I gasped at the threat he made, "I won't even dream to say no to you..."

"I promise you that I'll have you until you can't walk on your feet..."