A Touch of Sunshine (gxg)

Part 18

I had zero idea what to expect when I went back to school for the new term.

Things with Jillian were over. The country knew that I was courting Chad Paxton.

And then there was Valerie.

How the hell am I going to navigate this?

While I was confused and apprehensive about what was going to happen- my excitement to see Valerie was overshadowing that.

Stephan dropped me off on campus the first morning back. It was a cold but sunny January morning- and I had no idea what was about to happen.

Ellie greeted me, per usual.

"Let's head to class and get this day over with." She said, "I barely got any sleep last night. I can never sleep the night before a break from school ends."

I was listening to her- but at the same time I was keeping my eye out for Valerie.

The whole morning passed and I didn't see her. I didn't have any classes with her yet.

When it came time for lunch, I knew I would have to see her somewhere in the dining hall.

As well as Jillian.

I sat down with Ellie, Leisha, and Helena. Anna was missing from the table.

I almost feel like I have betrayed Anna by sleeping with Valerie.

"Where is Anna?" I asked.

"She's sick." Ellie said, "She always gets sick every year around this time. She will probably be home and not on campus for a few more days."

"I hope she gets better." I said.

Right as I said that- Valerie Maddow walked into the dining hall with Maya and one other girl who I had seen her with before.

She was talking to Maya, but we immediately locked eyes. And it was once again- like she was the only person in the whole room. I saw a slight smile tug at her lips when she noticed me watching her.

I need to talk to her.

It was very difficult to not look at her the whole time we were eating in the dining hall.

I found myself glancing her way often- even when Jillian came over to my table.

I felt a hand lightly touch my shoulder. I didn't know who it was at first- but I saw Valerie glance sharply my way, so I turned around.

"Lucy, can we talk?" Jillian asked me as I turned around.

"Of course." I said, "Want to go outside?"

"Sure." Jillian nodded, "Thanks."

She looked nervous as I got up and we walked out of the dining hall.

I glanced back to see Valerie watching us leave. I couldn't help but slightly smile to myself.

Jillian and I stood out front of the dining hall, facing each other. We didn't say anything for a moment.

Finally, Jillian said, "I'm sorry about leaving you a couple of weeks ago. It wasn't right of me to just show up to leave."

"It's okay, Jillian." I said, "I understand."

"I feel terrible about it all." Jillian said, "I really do. Lucy, you're wonderful. But...I meant what I said."

I felt a sense of relief that she didn't change her mind.

That honestly makes things easier for me. Now I don't have to mention anything about Valerie.

"I get it." I said, "I think you're wonderful as well, Jillian. And you deserve someone who will make you feel that way."