A Touch of Sunshine (gxg)

Part 21

As February approached, and the first couple of weeks came and went, I found myself falling more and more for Valerie.

I had never met anyone like her- in the best way possible. She would tell me that no one ever listened to her the way that I did- and I felt the exact same about her.

The first time I ever saw Valerie, I had to have been around 8 years old, and she was around 9. It was back when my grandfather was alive, and was the King. Even back then, I could feel the animosity between the families. And it was a simple dinner.

Valerie sat across the table from me, her dark hair in two braids, and her brown eyes watching everyone. Even back then, I could tell that she had a lot going on in her mind.

I saw her sporadically over the years- but I had heard things about her. That she would get in trouble at Prep school and lash out at teachers and other students. I always resented that nothing would ever happen to her, since she was a Maddow.

I never knew that I would learn to appreciate her so much.

My birthday is February 20th, and I am going to be 20 years old.

My family was going to be hosting a dinner for me, and much to my disdain- Chad would be there with his family. I had gone on a couple more dates with him- and they were just as lousy as the first.

I would think- does he know how bad these dates are, or is he just not caring because he wants to be a royal so badly?

I was looking forward to after the dinner though. Ellie and I told our parents that we were having a little party with some of our friends on campus. But I was actually going to be spending the night with Valerie- and she made sure that Maya was sleeping out so we could have the whole room to ourselves.

My birthday was on a Saturday, and when I woke up, a special breakfast was prepared for me in the family dining room. It was eggs Benedict with lobster and avocado.

My family was gathered in the dining room. Each of them gave me a hug- even my mother.

"Happy birthday, honey." she said, "I hope that 20 is your best year yet. I don't see how it won't be. You're getting married this year!"

"Thank you, mother." I said.

My only saving Grace about the dinner was that Ellie would be there. I truly just wanted to get it over with and be with Valerie.

When it came to 6 PM, everyone started arriving. The dinner was held in the smaller banquet hall, as it was going to be around 20 people.

I looked in the mirror as I got ready, and thought about what my mother said.

This is going to be the year you get married.

Let's see about that.

I put on some nude lipstick, and went downstairs.

Ellie gave me a big hug when she saw me. "Happy birthday, Lucy!" she said, "I love you."

"I love you too, El." I said, "Thank you."

Headley then came up to me- without my brother.

She somewhat forcefully pulled me into a hug. I could smell her rose and vanilla scented perfume.

"Happy birthday, sis." she said, with an edge to her tone, "I hope all of your dreams come true this year."

"Thank you, Headley." I said, pulling away, "I hope you enjoy the dinner."

Headley then looked at me and said, "I'm onto you, Lucy."

What does she mean?

"What exactly do you mean by that?" I asked her, my heart rate picking up.