A Touch of Sunshine (gxg)

Part 22

March marked two months until the end of the school year. Two months until Valerie would be graduating.

I knew that she wasn't looking forward to training to be a lawyer after graduation. I knew she was looking for a way out.

I had faith that just like with my situation, she would figure out hers.

She was still going to therapy every week. And she told me that she was feeling happier. In her words, "The cloud over my head isn't as dark."

She knew that it would never fully go away. But she really seemed to be trying.

Headley and Ken's wedding was going to be coming up in June- and at the end of March would be their official engagement party. I knew that I would be seeing Chad there- but I was trying my hardest to avoid him at any and every cost. My mother tried to set up dates for us- but I kept telling her that I was busy with school, and that it would have to wait- much to her dismay.

It had been around 2 weeks since I had seen him. And I didn't want to see him again. I was going to prolong this as much as possible.

I was having trouble shaking what Headley said to me on my birthday as well- that she felt like I was hiding something big.

She can't find out about me. About Valerie.

When I come out, it has to be on my terms.

After lunch one day in the beginning of March, Ellie and I were walking out of the dining hall together.

"Another awkward lunch, thanks to Anna." Ellie said, "I never thought that I would be saying this- but I wish she wouldn't eat with us anymore. She makes it so obvious that she has disdain for you still. I don't understand why she just won't get over what happened with Valerie."

"It has been quite long that she's holding a grudge, hasn't it?" I said back, "Maybe I will have a conversation with her."

"Might not be the worst idea at this point." Ellie said.

I then noticed Headley walking toward us.

"What the fuck does she want?" Ellie mumbled.

"Hello, lovelies." Headley said, in a cheerful tone as she approached.

"How can we help you, Headley?" I asked.

"Jeez, can't a girl get a warmer welcome?" Headley said.

"No. Get to the point." Ellie said.

"No need to be so snippy, Eleanor." Headley said, "Anyway- I wanted to know if you wanted to come with me this weekend to help pick out my dress for the engagement party, Lucy. You can come too, Ellie. Considering you never seem to leave Lucy's side."

"What's the catch?" I asked Headley.

"There is no catch!" Headley insisted, "Just trying to get to know my future sister in law a little better."

I sighed, "Fine. I know my mother would make me go anyway."

"I'll come with you, too." Ellie said.

"Great!" Headley flashed us a smile, "Your mother will give you the details."

She then walked away, a pep in her step.

Ellie looked at me. "She's so fucking weird."

"I know." I said, "Believe me."

I told Valerie later that day that I was going to be helping Headley dress shop.

"You're not mad, I hope? I know you're not her biggest fan."