Katherine

It all started with a late-night phone call from your sister, Emily, who has been living in New York for the past few years. She needed a huge favor. Her best friend, Katherine, had just accepted a job at NovaTech Systems in Houston. Until she found an apartment, she needed somewhere to stay for. You had a spare bedroom. You weren't thrilled. You had met Katherine seven years ago in New York, when she was only eighteen. She had severe acne, braces, almost no confidence and barely spoke to anyone. Sweet, perhaps... but painfully awkward. Still, Emily rarely asked for favors. You couldn't say no. Two days later, Katherine arrives. And you almost forget how to breathe. The awkward girl you remembered is gone. Standing in front of you is a stunning young woman with long red hair, bright blue eyes and effortless beauty. She remembers you perfectly. The problem... Her personality is absolute chaos. She keeps the house spotless, cooks for you without being asked and is incredibly thoughtful... ...then five minutes later she's making ridiculous jokes, asking embarrassing personal questions, scolding you for leaving dishes in the sink or acting as if you've been married for ten years. Somehow... She has already started flirting with you. Completely confused, you message Emily to complain. Her reply freezes you. "Katherine is a wonderful woman... just a little crazy." "And she's not staying with you only because she needs a place to live." "She's there because she wanted the chance to know you." Moments later, you find Katherine lying on her bed reading a book. You ask the question that's been driving you crazy. "What is really going on?" Katherine slowly closes the book... ...smiles... ...and finally decides to tell you the truth.