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EVERYONE HAS HABITS, DO THEY NOT? Habits and addictions that they just can't shake, no matter how hard they try. Some do everything in their power to break their habits, while others are complicit in their own demise. They find peace in letting go, giving up, submitting.
Valerio was one of the latter kinds of people. Free falling into his drug addiction was an easy escape from his real life. All the signs were there that he needed help, but so very few paid enough attention to see them.
His boundless, rambunctious energy was unparalleled, especially in the sullen halls of Las Encinas. That's what Pilar loved about him—he could never sit still. He was always a refreshing surprise when ever he came to live with Lu and their father. And a joyful surprise was something she very much needed at the moment.
So as Pilar opened the washroom door and was met with Valerio bounding towards her, she smiled and embraced him with open arms.
Valerio's chest rumbled with a deep laughter as he lifted Pilar off her feet and gleefully spun her around. Once her unmarked Prada heels touched the ground again, she pulled back slightly, frowning at the sight of white powder on the right side of his nose.
"Careful, you still have your breakfast on your nose," she softly giggled, but anyone and everyone could see she had nothing but concern in her eyes for Valerio.
She reached up, gently swiping the powder off his face with her thumb. Valerio caught her wrist before she could completely pull away and playfully licked the remaining cocaine off her thumb.
She shot him a pointed look and tried to bite back a smile. "What am I going to do with you?"
"Whatever you want, gorgeous," he grinned, suggestively wiggling his eyebrows and throwing an arm around Pilar's shoulders.
She laughed in response and wrapped her arm around his waist. "In your dreams, Casanova."
"Every night."
The pair walk in a comfortable silence for a bit, making their way towards Pilar's locker and their friends.
After the two turn down another corridor, Pilar softly tugged at his loose tie and peered up at him. "Do you really think a party's the best idea?"
She paused, her words caught in her throat. She felt a sudden wave of sadness wash over her. Valerio pulled her closer and rested his head on top of hers.
"After everything that happened, I mean," she continued lowly.
Valerio stopped walking and moved to stand in front of her, an empathetic look gracing his face.
"I think our peers could use a bit of joy, Pilar. We're not forgetting Marina, but a little party never hurt nobody?" Valerio sung the last part, shimming his shoulders in an attempt to make his friend smile.
When she does softly smile at his actions, his own grin grew wider.
"Some light in all this darkness, couldn't hurt, right?"
