~ A week later~
Valerie sighed as she flopped on her bed, tired of the first week of college. Her classes went easy, classmates were okay, and homework wasn't too hard. Her last class ended an hour ago and she found herself home alone, relaxing in her bed. Star was in class and wouldn't be coming back to the dorm soon. She had until Monday morning to be back into the life of a college student, but for now she's going to enjoy her free time.
'I wonder what Danny is doing?' Val pondered. She saw Danny a few times and texted throughout the week since he had his own classes to deal with. Tucker texted a bit too but was also handling double classes as he is trying to graduate early.
'I have got to get a better social life. Maybe I'll join a club.' She thought, putting a pillow under her chin.
The dark-haired girl look around her room, taking it all in. A lavender painted room with violet carpeting and yellow star accents across the ceiling. A vanity, bookshelf, couch and recliner along with a desk and chair. It didn't hurt that she also had a walk-in closet as well. Another perk of living a small town with many rich donors.
Her phone ringtone (Rocket Man by Elton John) began playing. Danny, Val perked at the sound of the tone. She reached for her phone, slid to unlock and put him on speaker phone as she started to stretch.
"Hey Danny, what's up?" Val answered, stretching out her left arm over the right.
"Hey, I was wondering if I could come in a few. I haven't seen you almost all week. Ill even order lunch, on me this time." Beat. "Wait- not actually on me, but as in I pay for lunch this time. Man, that went better in my head." Danny spluttered. Val could only imagine him red faced, explaining himself.
Val laugh and both talked for a bit until Valerie heard a knock on the door. Saying their goodbyes, Val went to answer the door. 'Probably Star lost her key or Kwan waiting for her.' What she didn't expect when she opened the door was Sam Manson, her supposed 'rival'.
The goth was dress in a all-black out, shades and a large brim hat to add on the dramatic effects. She had a look of guilt and annoyance as she held in her hand, a violet flower in a pot. Valerie crossed her arms over her tank top at the goth. Last week was the last time she wanted to deal with the goth and now she's outside her door with a plant.
"Danny isn't here if you're trying to stalk him. So you can leave now or I can beat your ass that you deserve so many years ago." Val sneered at the goth in front of her, arms still crossed. Sam took off her shades, putting them in a pocket of her jacket and roll her eyes. She took a deep breathe and carefully extended the plant to Valerie's reach.
"Look what I said last week was out of line and Tucker explained to me what I said was wrong and I apologize. I should have not come over or insulted both you and Star. This plant is for you, if you'll take it. Danny mention these were your favorite type of flower." Sam apologized to Valerie. She took the plant from the goth and set it on the end table by the door.
Val went back to the doorway, leaning on the side of it as she watched the goth. She did seem a bit sorry for her actions but on the other side, the girl had a long streak of trying to sabotage Danny and whoever was his romantic partner. And both never had a good history even though Valerie tried to make amends.
Valerie sighed. "Look Manson, I'm glad Tuck explained what you did was wrong even though you are a grown woman." She gave the goth a pointed look. "Furthermore, I have tried to be civil towards you, but you have spent since sixth grade having a hatred for me and my friends at the time. I mean in freshmen year we did deserve it, but we are grown, Sam." Valerie emphasized to the vegan. "So, no I don't forgive you but thank you for admitting your wrongdoing." She spoke, lips pressing in a line.
Sam sighed. She had the right not to accept her apology, but the former huntress just always got under her skin.
"It's hard to see you as this when you were awful to us in high school." Sam countered.
"Sam, are you serious? That was years ago, we are in a different area in our lives. Maybe focus on you and whatever insecurities you have instead of taking them out on others. Like do you even have any girl friends outside Danny and Tuck?" Valerie challenged back to the girl, both unaware of being in each other's space.
"What does that have to do with anything? The more time you spend with Danny, the more you're pushing him away from me! I mean me and Tucker!" Sam objected to Valerie, face full of anger.
"Girl everything is not about Danny! You have other passions, but you stay worrying about him! Either confess your sad crush or find somebody already!" Valerie screamed to Sam.
She was tired of this game. Everyone beside Danny knew of her crush on him. It was getting a little sad that she spent so much time hating any other girl that got close to him instead of being friends or focusing on herself.
"I like him because I know him! I don't have to explain anything to you! I don't know what he even sees in you, considering all of the shit you put him through!" the goth yelled back at the black belt. Tensions were getting high between each woman.
"Our relationship is different between you and him! He returns the feelings I have for him, why can't you be happy for him?" Val argued back. That comment right there stunned the goth. Was she happy for Danny?
Sam gave her one last glare and walked off, thinking about what her 'rival' said to her.
Valerie watched as the goth walked away, shaking her head as she closed the door behind her.
'I wish she wasn't so stubborn and see that there is a life outside of Danny. Every time I try to get somewhere with her, we end up fighting." Valerie sighed at her thoughts. Fighting with her takes a lot of energy, energy that she did not want to engage.
Val plopped down on the living room couch, face down. Letting a long sigh on the couch, a knock was at the door once again. 'My god, this better be Danny or a free pizza.' Val thought to herself.
Groaning, she got up and made her way towards the door. Opening it, Danny appear with his bookbag and a bright smile. Val's bad mood melted into a good one as she took a look at her best friend. She let the ghost boy into her home and greeted him with a huge hug.
"You would not believe what just happened before you got here." Val said to the dark-haired male.
And with that, she informed Danny on what happen between her and Sam (besides her crush, she isn't that mean). Danny had a range of emotions; from shock to anger to disappointment. He always knew that Sam had valid reasons of her not liking Val but times like these she takes it far. It's funny because both girls are in a way alike but different at the same time. In a different world, they could have been friends.
Both sat on the living room floor, Chinese takeout scattered and the daylight starting to dim into a soft pink. Val sat close to Danny, leaning her head on his should while she listen to him recall a story about his father Jack.
She met his father a few times. Each time ending up embarrassing Danny or whoever was around, but Val seem to like the man. He reminded her of a more rugged Santa who hunted ghost. His mother was warm to her and both had plenty to talk about. Her and Jazz did shop occasionally with Star as she helped both with homework. And of course, she got along with Dani, the girl felt more like a sister to her.
Danny also met her father, numerous of times. The man was fair but strict, his daughter was his only family and he made sure she was safe. He could understand, he knew Valerie lost her mother in life and the man made sure his daughter had everything she could ever wanted.
Both of their families had dinner a few times as well. Surprisingly it didn't end with a ghost attack, just both set of parents embarrassing their children.
"Hey Val, can I ask you something?" Danny nervously look at his friend. She gave him a confused questioning look as she motioned for him to ask.
"Do you want to go on a date with me tomorrow?" He splutter out fast. His heart was racing from nerves on asking her out as he has been planning it all day.
Val saw how much anxiety the poor adult had in his face and decided to help him out.
"I would love to go on a date with you Danny!" She squealed and wrapped her arms around the ghostly male. Both where happy with the answer and couldn't wait until their date.