While you were Sleeping

19. Confessions

Juliana was pacing around her small living room, she felt sick. Valentina hadn't pushed her for any answers last night but Juliana didn't want to prolong the agony any longer. She invited Valentina over to talk, she needed to explain everything and convince her it had all been a huge misunderstanding.

When Lupe had asked her about her night out, Juliana had forced a bright smile telling her she had a great time, but conveniently skipped the part where her own stupidity had put her in danger. She hadn't slept much, the events of the previous night, coupled with her impending talk with Val, had kept her up most of the night, she couldn't face a lecture this morning too.

When she told her mother she was meeting Valentina, Lupe had worn her best 'I told you!' smile. Her motherly advice was to be honest. But how honest should she be? There was a lot to confess. Her talk with Karla had reassured her, a little, she hadn't freaked out at least. Hopefully others wouldn't either. Juliana always thought of herself as an honest person but she had been carrying around a lot of secrets lately and it was exhausting!

*

Outside, Valentina was incredibly nervous, she wanted to give Juliana a chance to explain but she was dreading what she might say. She had spent most of the night coming up with possible scenarios, her brain refusing to switch off. She was trying to keep a level head, she had only met this girl twelve days ago, her life could not have been altered in such a short period of time. If this was the end of their friendship, then so be it, life would go on. Wouldn't it?

She took a deep breath before walking up the steps and knocking on the door. When a nervous Juliana opened the door wearing shorts and a baggy white t-shirt, Valentina's heart sank, Juliana looked as exhausted as she felt. "Hola," she smiled.

"Hola Val," they stood staring at each other for a moment, each searching for something in the other's eyes until Juliana eventually stepped aside and gestured for Valentina to come in. "Would you like a drink? Coffee? Water? Juice?" she asked as she moved towards the kitchen.

"Water please."

Juliana nodded and quickly retrieved two bottles of water, setting them on the small coffee table. "How's Guille?" she asked nervously, unable to meet Valentina's eyes.

"He's good. They've been keeping him for observation but I think he might get home soon." She watched as Juliana sat on the edge of the sofa, looking at her hands, her foot shaking causing her entire leg to bounce. "How are you feeling? Last night was..."

"Yeah, I know." Juliana got to her feet again and began nervously pacing around the small living room. She hadn't had a chance to process what happened, her mind had focused on what could've happened instead. Awful things she really didn't want to think about had kept her awake most of the night.

Valentina hated seeing Juliana so agitated, she was struggling to keep her distance, she wanted to comfort her, to hug her and tell her it would all be okay but she wanted to hear what she had to say first. "Juls?"

Juliana eventually met her gaze. "I'm sorry," she shook her head as her eyes filled with tears. "Last night was... a lot," she bit her lip trying to control her emotions. "I didn't sleep much last night. To be honest, I haven't been sleeping well for a while now."

"Me neither," Valentina admitted with a small shrug. "And you're right, last night was scary but thankfully you are okay."

Juliana nodded and looked to the floor. "I know but it could've gone very differently... if you hadn't been there..." Tears were welling in her eyes again as her voice began to crack. "Val, I am so sorry!" she sobbed.

Valentina couldn't cope with the distance between them, she moved towards Juliana and pulled her into a strong hug. "It's okay." Juliana buried her face into Valentina's neck and sobbed while Valentina held her tight. "I know it was scary but it's over," she cooed as she rubbed soothing circles on to her back. "Juls, look at me," Juliana separated a little, quickly wiping her eyes before meeting Valentina's gaze. "I'm here with you," she said, squeezing Juliana's arms, "and you are okay."