A Touch of Sunshine (gxg)

Part 20

Valerie sat with me and listened as I told her about what happened with my mother at dinner. She looked more and more irritated as I spoke.

"I'm really glad you stood up to her." Valerie said to me, "I know that probably wasn't easy for you."

"I took a page out of your book." I said to her, with a wink.

I swore I saw a slight blush creep onto her cheeks. "Telling your mom off was fun for me. My dad got a kick out of it."

"I got a kick out of it." I said, with a laugh.

Valerie then looked at me seriously and said, "They can't make you drop out of college. No fucking way."

"I'm not letting it happen." I said, "I'm not letting that happen. And...I really don't want to let my marriage to Chad happen."

"You're really considering that?" Valerie said.

"I can't do this anymore." I said to Valerie, "I can't keep living like this."

Valerie took my hand and said, "Well, I'll be here to pick up the pieces from the fallout. And help you put them back together."

I never thought that I would be so grateful for Valerie Maddow.

The next morning, after watching the sunrise, I got ready for class in Valerie's bathroom.

"Maya made sure the coast was clear for you to leave." She said to me, "I'll see you at lunch. Per usual, I'll be trying to catch your eye."

I gave Valerie a kiss on the cheek. "See you then."

I caught up with Ellie before walking to our first class.

"My mother called last night. She asked me if you were doing okay- considering you were staying with me." she said.

"Did you cover for me?" I asked Ellie.

"Please, of course I did." Ellie said, "Let me guess- you were with Valerie?"

I nodded. "I was. And I must warn you. Anna hates me now."

"Oh god." Ellie groaned, "Why?"

I told Ellie what happened- and how Valerie had to threaten her mothers job to have her keep her mouth shut.

Ellie rolled her eyes. "I love Anna, but can she really be that desperate? Showing up at Valerie's door like that? Come on! She has no dignity, she never has."

"She's done things like this before?" I asked Ellie.

"All the time in prep school. Her father left when she was 13, and since then it's like she tries to validate herself through sex and relationships." Ellie explained, "I know her mother has tried to reel her in a bit. But she always has had to work hard to keep them afloat."

"Do you think I should try to talk to her?" I said, "I feel bad."

"Honestly, I would let her come to you." Ellie said, "She will cool off. She needs to get a grip. But Lucy, why did you come to campus last night?"

"I had a bit of a disagreement with my mother. Chad Paxton wants me to drop out of school because he finds it pointless and wants us to get married sooner." I said, "I put my foot down."

Ellie narrowed her eyes. "Do you want to know what I find pointless?"

"What's that?"

"Chad Paxton." Ellie said, "No way in hell is that happening."

"That's what I said."

"Good, I'm glad you stood up for yourself." Ellie then gave me a smile and said, "I must say. It does seem like Valerie actually cares for you a lot."