VALENTINA

CHAPTER TEN.

The universe must have divined this...
*Dove Cameroon.

VALENTINA.

"I don't hate Alexa,I don't know what I feel but it's not hatred"I start .
"Val,what are you talking about"Theo asks looking puzzled.
"You asked me in class,if I hate  her"I answer looking at him and he's eyebrows furrow in confusion.
"I met her in fourth  Grade,some girls were bullying me by the play ground and she stood up for me  and from that day,we were inseparable..."
"Why are you telling me this"Theo asks.
"You'll understand soon enough,anyway by that time I was already friends with Asher,I met Asher when I was five by the orphanage,His dad is one of the sponsors of the orphanage,so each time his dad would come he was forced to tag along and somewhere between finding Asher wandering carelessly and sharing my candy with him we became friends,we were inseparable and this time Asher would beg his dad to tag along so we could spend time together,..."I say and look at Theo who's looking at me attentively before continuing.
"Asher and I became best friends,he was always there for me and he made my whole life easier,he was perfect and I couldn't help but fall in love with him,but I guess he never saw me like that,and I learnt to live with that,until Alexa"I say.
"She came in between you guys?"Theo asks.
"No she didn't,she is one of those people who are just nice,she was funny, beautiful and I guess even Asher couldn't help but notice her,
He was always talking about her,and even someone dumb could see he liked her,It killed me everyday knowing her liked her not me and I just couldn't take it anymore"I breathe.
"I began to distance myself from them,Alexa tried talking to me,she begged me to tell her why I stopped hanging out with them,but how could I possibly tell her that it was her .I couldn't do that to her,she did nothing wrong to me,I'm the one who chose to walk away,and I guess tonight  seeing them together just hurts,it's not supposed be but it does"I say resting my head in my hands.
"Val..."Theo says rubbing my back and I sit up.
"You didn't have to tell me all that"Theo says looking at me,his blue eyes twinkling with understanding.
"I wanted to,I want you to see where I'm coming from and I'm sorry I made your night miserable,and that you have to sit here and listen to self pity party"I say and he smiles.
"No,I'm sorry Val for assuming things,I just really wanted this night to go well,and seeing you like that,I just kind of assumed it's me,I'm sorry"he says and I smile at him.
"Do you still like him"Theo asks after a brief pause.
"I think so"I say and I can see his smile slightly reduce.
We sit in silence for a little while.
"Let's go dance"I say standing up.
"Huh?"Theo asks standing up as well.
"I did not waste one hour getting ready,just to waste this night and I'm sure you did not waste your time looking this good just to come sit in this gym,so let's go back there,have fun and dance until our feet hurt because that's what this night is about"I say firmly and I see Theo smile.
"You're right,shall we"he says offering his hand and I take it.
"By the way, Valentina you look really gorgeous tonight"Theo says and I blush.
"Thank you,you too"I reply and we head back to the dance.
Immediately we arrive,a new song starts playing and we head to the dance floor.
"I must say you are a very good dancer"I say to Theo as we sway with the music.
"What can I say,I'm perfect"Theo says and I laugh.looks like he's back.
We dance for sometime, laughing and joking about random things until it's time for the head boy and head girl dance,a tradition here at Freshwood.
"I'll be back,soon "Theo assures me as he leaves to dance with Bree.
I remain alone but honestly I don't mind.
"You look great tonight"I hear Asher say behind me and I turn.
He's alone with his hands in his pockets and he looks good.
"Thank you"I say trying to hide the blush on my cheeks.
"Welcome"he says.
"Where's Alexa?"I blurt out and instantly regret it.
"The bathroom"he replies.
"Oh"is all I say.
I just stand there awkwardly not knowing what to say.
"Wanna dance"Asher asks and I'm too stunned to speak,is he asking me to dance.
"I'll take your silence as a yes"Asher says taking my hand and it feels like electricity just shot through my body.
He leads me to the dance floor and I still don't say anything.
"The auditorium looks beautiful"I manage to say as we start dancing,I can't concentrate on the dance because my focus is on Asher's hands currently on my waist.
"With lovely views"he says and I feel air stuck in my throat .My heart is beating fast,I'm sure if it wasn't the music,he'd hear it.
"I'm sorry"I say stopping the dance. This is too much.
"I have to go"I say to Asher and for a second I see hurt in his eyes before it's replaced with a neutral look.
I walk over to the punch and pour myself a cup,as I mindlessly watch Bree and Theo dance. They don't look tense or awkward just like two friends catching up while dancing.
Shortly their dance ends and Theo finds me.
The rest of the evening goes by fast,I don't tell Theo about my encounter with Asher.
"You can go Val,I'll be fine"Theo tries to  pursuade me into leaving for the umpteenth time tonight.The dance is over and people are leaving but Theo and Val need to stay behind to make sure everything is in order.
"Theo,I'm not leaving you here alone,just do what you have to and then we'll go"I say sitting down.
Theo finally gives up and heads over to Bree and after some time it looks like they're done.
"I'm heading out now, wanna come with"Bree says but I kindly decline because I see Adrien waiting for her.
Bree leaves and I'm left with Theo who is almost done unplugging the sound system.
"Hey,Val would you like one more dance before we head back"Theo asks walking over to me.
"Sure"I say standing up.
We begin dancing to no music,but it isn't like all the other times we've danced tonight.
This time Theo is Staring at me strangely.
I'm about to say something when I see him leaning in .I  can't do anything it's like I'm glued to the ground.
"May I"Theo asks lifting my chin and his face is only inches from mine.
I nod because I'm too stunned to speak and before I realize it,his lips are on mine.
I don't know what's happening but I know Theo is kissing me and I'm kissing him back. This feels so wrong yet so right.
We both pull away for Air and I look at Theo,he's looking at me with a look I've never seen.
And I do the first thing that comes to my mind.
Run.