Throughout the next few weeks Caleb and Sarah had been on the outs, but they were slowly working it out. Tyler and Valerie took turns taking Pogue to the hospital for his therapy. He and Kate were still doing badly and it only seemed to get worse since they'd stopped talking all together. She insisted that he was hiding something and he neither confirmed it nor denied it.
Valerie did her best to steer clear of it. She also steered clear of the Danvers house being Caleb's father had died. Somehow, she knew it, but she just kept her mouth shut.
Overall, things attempted to go back to normal in their own way.
"I am so glad Spring Break is coming up. I can't wait to get out of the country." Kate said as she sat down across from Valerie who had one earbud in
Reid had taken the other one and kept flipping through her songs.
"Surprisingly, I agree." Reid said "When do we leave?"
"I have no clue since I have no idea who all is going." Valerie answered "You don't have a choice in going."
"And I have to go to see Reid get told that he's just not right for Mommy's little girl." Kate chimed in
Valerie stifled a small laugh as Reid glared at her.
"Then there's Tyler." Valerie said
"Tyler?" Both Reid and Kate said at the same time
"He came along last time, I figured it was only fair." Valerie said
Both of them looked at her skeptically.
"Look, this isn't your vacation here. Hell, it's not even a vacation when your mom's getting a divorce and she demands your presence in front of the rest of your family." Valerie huffed "I need the back up."
"Relax." Reid chuckled "You'll be as good as new when we get there."
Valerie just nodded. She didn't want her mom asking why she had strange cuts on her back. Her ankle had been doing better so, she didn't worry about it too much.
"Yeah. Plus, I'm still wondering how that happened?" Kate said
"And once again it was an accident with my car." Valerie said
"That you fixed?"
"Of course. You think I'm going to let someone else touch my car?"
Reid chuckled. Even with a lie she was protective over that damn thing.
"Careful Garwin. It sounds like this girl is more in love with her car than you." Tyler said as he came in on the conversation and sat on Valerie's other side
Valerie elbowed Tyler in gut making him laugh.
"So classes end tomorrow for Spring Break." Tyler said
"Good. That means we can leave tomorrow."
Reid looked at Valerie who seemed to be deep in thought.
"You're thinking about leaving sooner aren't you?" he asked
"Thinking about it. Then again when I picture seeing my mom I change my mind." she replied
Kate looked down at her cell phone.
"Oh, I got to go." She said
Kate hurried off leaving the three of them there at the library table.
"You've been through worse. You've even lost your mind." Tyler said "I think you can handle your mom."
Valerie looked at him like a retard.
"Have you met my mom? She's extremely controlling and she has this whole guilt trip thing that makes you feel horrid." Valerie said
Tyler snorted.
"C'mon miss dramatic before we miss class."
Tyler dragged her from her seat. The two went on and on arguing as they went to history. Reid just sat there with the orange IPod she left behind. He had a free period so he had no plans in going anywhere. It's not as if anyone would actually find him in here. A few seconds later Valerie came rushing back in.
"I forgot something." she said as she grabbed the music player
"And take my source of entertainment?" he whined
"What am I supposed to do in class if you have it?" she countered
He just grinned as he brought her down to meet him. She lingered on his lips for a moment before parting.
"I'm going to be late as it is and the librarian is glaring at you." Valerie mumbled
"Your point?" he said as he kissed her once again
"My point is that I should probably go."
She pulled away and ran off leaving Reid to groan unhappily.
Valerie snuck into class earning a glare from the teacher. Tyler snickered.
"Forget something I take it?" he whispered
"Something like that." she replied
He took one of the earbuds knowing that it was going to be one of those days that the whole class would have to listen to a lecture. Valerie on the other hand doodled throughout her notebook. She was thinking about her final. She was almost done. She'd often looked through it.
Valerie had almost forgotten what classes were like.
"Don't fall asleep now." Tyler nudged her
"Ha ha." She said unamused
He just grinned as he handed her back the earbud and gathered his books. Was the class over already? By the time her art class came she pulled out the large canvas she'd been working on earlier.
"I think this is the best yet." Miss Harlot commented
"Me too." Valerie said
"Then why are you so sad?" she asked
"Because I'll be leaving it soon." Valerie answered realizing that she'd basically answered a question she asked herself what felt like a long time ago
She would in fact be going to school after this. She didn't know how it'd all work out.
Valerie bit her bottom lip as she twisted the pencil into her hair.
"I think it's perfect." The teacher said
"Me too."
"Yo acid."
Valerie turned on the stool to see Pogue in the doorway. He gestured for her to come with. She just looked at Miss Harlot.
"Go. Please be a normal teenager and ditch class." She chuckled
Valerie smirked. She'd miss this class the most. Grabbing her bag she darted out past the other kids deep in tune with their own paintings and drawings.
"What now?" she huffed as Pogue just draped an arm around her shoulder
"Did you forget?" he asked
She looked at him blankly.
"My last appointment?"
"Oh, right. I don't see why we're going. You can walk apparently." Valerie said
"Can't agree more." He said "I get my bike back today."
"And here I was getting used to you taking over my radio." Valerie said sarcastically
Pogue chuckled. The drive was quiet on the way to the hospital. Pogue as always fiddled with the radio and got smacked upside the head by Valerie for doing it.
She stayed and kept him company as the nurse and him went through the usual routine. He'd ask about Kate and Valerie would just put up a hand and ignore the question. She asked about Spring Break and he just shrugged.
Valerie knew what was on his mind, but she didn't want to get in the middle of it. It wasn't because of Tyler, but because she'd gotten in the middle of things before and the ending was rather ugly usually. So she just swerved onto another topic. By the time it came to sign off on the last appointment he couldn't have been happier.
"I'm thinking we go out and get something to eat." Pogue said
"I'm thinking the same only because I am seriously hungry." Valerie replied as she started chewing on a piece of gum
"Good. To Nicky's it is."
The two laughing walked into Nicky's.
"Well, look at who it is?" rang out Aaron's voice sarcastically "Taking pity on the handicapped now Valerie? Thought I knew you better than that."
"No. I have no pity for the likes of you." She said
Pogue gave her raised eyebrows in question.
"Trust you don't want me to point it out.' she told him
Pogue just started laughing as he walked past towards the bar.
"You know, you've completely destroyed my reputation." Aaron growled
"You a reputation?"
Valerie looked past Aaron to see Reid making his way over.
"Shut it Garwin. This actually has nothing to do with you. This deals with daddy's little princess." Aaron snapped "Plus, I hear daddy is moving out."
Valerie felt Reid's arms around her as Aaron just looked at the two disgusted.
"You know usually you'd have a black eye right now, but to be honest? I'm glad he's gone. He's an asshole anyways." Valerie said
Reid smirked as Aaron just glared at them in his own failure to piss them off. as he stormed off Valerie just scowled.
"I swear he think it's his job to attempt to ruin my life. I just leave it up to you to do that though." Valerie said
Reid smiled at the accomplishment.
"Good." he said as he kissed her temple "I don't think I'd have it any other way."
Valerie smirked as they made their way over to the pool tables. Tyler was setting up for another game.
"I take it Aaron wasn't too happy about losing?"
"How much did you cheat?" Valerie countered
"Not much." He grinned "It doesn't take much really."
Valerie looked back to see Pogue sitting to join Sarah and Caleb. She could see the uneasiness easily.
"I think, I'm going to go sit with the others." Valerie mumbled
"And leave me with sad competition?" Reid said
"Hey!" Tyler complained
"Even if we did start a game you'd cheat." Valerie pointed out
"I would not." He protested
"You're not good under pressure." Valerie said
Reid didn't like it when she had point out things. His irritated thoughts were interrupted as she pressed her lips to his unexpectedly. It's not like he complained whenever he had a chance to get moments like this, but he knew where she was going and he wasn't about to go there in a public place.
Valerie wrapped her arms around the base of his neck and intensified the kiss as one hand slowly ran down his chest.
In the next instant, she felt it. It was only slightly, but he shivered. She pulled away and grinned.
"See what I mean?" she said as she walked off
"What the hell!" he exclaimed quietly
He could hear Tyler chuckle lightly behind him.
"Shut up!" Reid snapped
Tyler still laughed as Reid stared off over at Valerie while chewing a piece of gum. He paused for a second. Was he chewing gum before he kissed her?
Valerie sat down with them and picked at a few of the fries on Pogue's plate. He slapped her fingers away as she ate one. As she did she realized she was missing something in the equation. She looked back at Reid who was now chewing on the gum that was once hers. She rolled her eyes as she looked back at Caleb. He'd been quiet a lot lately.
"Wow. This is extremely awkward." Valerie said
Caleb snorted at the comment.
"So plans for the formal?" she asked attempting to start a conversation
Everyone paused and looked at her.
"Just asking…" she mumbled
"Well you helped me pick out a great dress and I am not letting it go to waste." Sarah said
Valerie smiled and so did Caleb.
"Oh my god…did you just smile?" Valerie said loudly exaggerating "He smiled! The world is going to end!"
Pogue put a hand over her mouth shutting her even though she just kept going. Both Sarah and Caleb laughed.
"Hey. I'm just glad you're doing better. For a while I thought one of you were going to commit suicide." Valerie said as she peeled Pogue's hand from her mouth
"Glad I wasn't the only one taking notice." Pogue added
"I'm just glad about break coming up." Sarah said
Valerie nodded. She'd nearly forgotten about the formal. She had plans to stay in her dorm and pack for the trip to Greece which meant that since Kate was going and so was Tyler that the trip would be postponed an extra day. Then she'd kick back and probably draw like she always did.
"I bet you're happy." Sarah added "Being out of the country sounds great."
"Oh, it'll be something." Valerie mumbled thinking about it
"I think I'm going to head back to the dorms." Sarah said randomly "Got a test tomorrow."
"I'll give you a ride." Valerie offered
She nodded.
The ride back was somewhat quiet.
"How did you handle it?" Sarah squeaked
"I ran home." Valerie answered "After getting suspended of course."
"I heard you got chased." Sarah said
"Yeah…" Valerie said trailing off
"Was it worth it?" she asked
At that question I looked at her.
"It was for me. I mean, it was a huge disaster but I don't think I would've changed a thing." Valerie answered
When she thought about all the hell she'd been through it kind of made her wonder if that was how it'd always be. She didn't want to do that to him. Being in the epicenter of things sent him on a rampage and it was the reason that when she was actually coming back to the light of day she left him stuck to the wall.
After dropping Sarah off Valerie got changed. She had practice in an hour which she'd almost forgotten. So grabbing her IPod she left. She needed the extra time since she'd been off her feet and out of practice for a while. Getting down to the track she put in the screaming of 3 Days Grace and stretched.
As she ran she kept pushing harder feeling the air hit her as she cut through it like nothing. She didn't even need an energy drink to feel energetic in the process. The adrenaline rush did enough for her. as she made her sixth way around she came to a halt upon seeing the others now stretching and getting prepared.
"Good to see you back out here." the coach said
"What can I say? I missed it." Valerie grinned
"Well, then I guess it's good to have our best runner back."
Even though she'd been there for an hour and in constant motion Valerie was still able to keep up with the best of them. By the end though she was in deep need of a shower and sleep right after.
She trudged to her room and grabbed her towel and headed off to the bathrooms tugging off her hoodie as she did. As she did though she nearly ran smack into a wall. The bathroom filled quickly with steam and she crawled into the shower shivering as she did at the warmth of the shower. She didn't know why but it always had to be hot. She couldn't stand cold showers no matter how hot it was outside.
After cleaning all of the sweat off she went to grab for her towel but didn't find it.
"You've got to be kidding me." she muttered
"Looking for this?" She looked up from looking around the room to see Reid leaning back against the wall with a mischievous grin
He held her towel out taunting her.
"Give that back!" she shrieked
"Come and get it." he said
It wasn't that she was afraid to be naked in front of him. It was the fact that the shower was still warm and the outside was freezing cold.
"C'mon!" she whined "Be nice."
"Like you were back at Nicky's earlier?" he said
"Not my fault. You suck being under pressure." She said
He just grinned even wider as he made his way over to her slowly.
"Plus, what if someone walks in?" she added
"Oh I took care of that." he said as he reached her
She snatched the towel from him and as she went to wrap it around her he grabbed her around the waist. She shivered from the sudden flush of heat his body gave off.
"You should leave." She mumbled
"Oh?" he teased "You sure?"
Kissing her Reid wrapped both arms around her bare body.
"I think it's my turn for a shower." He mumbled
She just grinned and then pulled away as she pulled the towel tighter around her.
"Good luck with that."
"Oh." He said poutily "Don't want to join me?"
"I'm all clean so I think I'm good." she said with a wink
"I could always fix that." he said with a smirk
"I bet you could." She said
Grabbing her clothes she walked out and headed back to her room. She'd become way too used to their little games. It wasn't hard to tell he enjoyed them too.
Reid followed her back to her room and stood in the doorway as her back was facing him as she pulled over one of his shirts on that she'd hijacked months ago. She wore it often when she went to sleep. He smirked at the rose on the back of her neck.
Valerie felt his hands rest on her hips as he kissed the back of her neck. She sighed contently at the feeling.
"You know I love you right?" he whispered
"So I've been told." She said seductively
She could feel him pulling her back and letting up. For the moment she was on cloud and ready to fall asleep. He laid back on the bed pulling her with him and having her settled in his arms.
"Are you falling asleep on me?" he asked as he kissed her
"No…" she mumbled
Her eyes were still closed as she snuggled even deeper into him.
"So I take it practice went well." He said
"Mhm." She sighed
He laid there with her as she fell asleep. She didn't let him leave that night. She just kept him there and he didn't mind. He just held her closer as she breathed him in deeply. More often than not Valerie would do a double take to make sure she was actually with him.
The next day classes were cut short. Valerie's happiness was short live though when she was dragged off with Kate and Sarah to help them get ready for the formal.
"What kind of torture is this?" Valerie whined as they did
"You cannot be sucking face with Garwin all day." Kate protested "We're just putting you to good use."
"Yep. You're a girl after all." Sarah laughed
Valerie was stuck with the girls till sundown. It wasn't that she didn't enjoy shopping with them and what not. She just wasn't all that into the extra girly stuff then again every girl had a girly moment just not this…girly.
By the time the girls were ready it was time for them to go.
"You think they'll like it?" Kate asked
Valerie smirked.
"Trust me…they'll more than like it." she said "Now if you don't mind I am going to go back to my room grab a few things and spend some time in the art room."
"Don't you ever get tired of it?" Sarah asked
"Of what? Seeing the world in different view? Never." Valerie laughed "I love drawing. I'm glad I got back to it and eventually I'll own my own gallery."
Kate smiled.
"Kicking back for a living? I'd love it too." she said
Both she and Sarah laughed as they made their way out to the front of the building. The whole dorm would be empty tonight. It sounded nice.
After Kate and Sarah left Valerie took the time to clean her room up…for the most part. After finding a few pencils she thought she'd lost along with a piece of charcoal. Reid texted her as to where she was and she just said she was working on a project.
"How did I know the project would here?" Reid said making Valerie jump and the brush in her hand to swerve
She had her IPod playing on low as Better than Me by Hinder came on.
"Well…" she huffed as she looked at it
She didn't know how she was going to fix this. Maybe she'd just paint over it. Reid saw it and bit his lip.
"Sorry…" he trailed off
She just nodded. After a second she just tilted her head to the die and kept going.
"So what is it?" he asked
"Sunset on Santorini." She said looking at it
He could tell she missed it. Her eyes seemed to graze right over each stroke of the paintbrush.
She felt his hands on her shoulders move down her arms.
"I take it, you'll be showing me around?" he asked
"Maybe…" she said with a small smile
Her eyes remained on the painting. Then Reid's hands reached hers and stopped her. He took the brush from her fingers and set it down.
"I've got you all to myself finally." He said
"Mhm." She smiled as she pulled him along to the center of the room
He watched as she moved the vase of flowers aside. She sat him down on the stool. Her eyes stared down at him gently. It wasn't as if anyone would walk in on them. Who honestly in their right mind would come snooping around the art rooms?
As she leaned down to kiss him she pushed his hoodie from his shoulders ever so slowly making sure to take her time. Reid wrapped his arms around her and pulled her down to straddle his lap. His lips didn't dare to pull away from hers as they parted sending a shock to the system. Then all of the sudden Reid pulled away.
"Now what makes you think you can get away with this?" he asked suddenly
Valerie just rolled her eyes and kissed him again.
"Because you let me." was her answer
He just smiled against her lips.
Neither of them needed a formal dance to make it a perfect night. The simple time alone was enough. In the morning they'd be boarding a plane and who knew what was on the other side once they landed.