Bookview Valley 3

Chapter Eighteen: Rain

Thursday, September 2nd

I tap my foot impatiently. Dean said he'd meet me at the bus station, but so far he isn't here yet. It's also starting to rain. I need to catch Dean up, but Vincent also texted me earlier. I'm supposed to meet Vincent in a few hours to go over a plan. I guess he came up with some idea for me to help him. This is all still so unreal; I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around it. We could actually stop this thing once and for all. Whoever that crimson Skeleton is, they're going to pay. 

"Hey," I glance up to see Dean standing before me. His blue hair is slightly damp and dangling in front of his grey eyes. 

"Hey," I smile as he sits next to me, "How are you?" 

"I'm...I'm okay," He returns my smile, but it doesn't quite reach his eyes, "I've done a good bit of thinking." 

"Oh?" 

"Yeah," He refuses to look at me as he runs a hand through his hair, "I'm sorry about...all that stuff with Nick and all. I...I don't know what came over me. I guess this time apart kind of made it dawn on me. There's still a killer and all that. No time for romance. I don't know where I lost my mind." 

I chuckle, "It's fine, Dean. We all go a little mad sometimes." 

He gives a half-hearted laugh, finally looking at me, "Do you remember when we first met?" 

"Um, yes," I snort, "It was awkward as hell. Like playing one of those dating games on tv."

Dean actually laughs this time, "I can't believe Brianna made us do all that." 

"And those poor other two guys," I snicker, "They had no idea." 

"I'm glad you chose me though," Dean says, quieting our laughter, "I really wasn't looking for anything in relationships. I only wanted to find the killer and take him down."

"I remember," I grin, "That's why I chose you, because you were dead set on my goal." 

"Then I changed," He sighs.

"Then you fell for me," I nudge him, "It's not a bad thing. It was actually really nice, for a while; until the killing started again." 

"I want to help you," Dean blurts, grabbing my wrists and staring deep into my eyes, "Screw this whole love issue for the minute. I want to help you take down the Skeleton again. This time for good." 

In this moment I can see the spark of who Dean was when I met him. The fury, the passion, and the determination; still in him, but now he's so much more. I want to let him help me, but...I promised Vincent I wouldn't tell anyone. I know Dean isn't a Skeleton, I know I can trust him, but...

"Dean, I want you to help me," I take a deep breath, "I will let you help me, but not yet." 

"Why not?" Dean raises an eyebrow, leaning back from me. 

"I'm still figuring some stuff out," I quickly add, "Not about relationships, but with the whole Skeleton thing. I have a lead, but I can't share it yet." 

"Oh," Dean's face falls, but he quickly gathers himself back up, "That's fine, but just know if you need me, I'm here. No questions asked. Just tell me what to do and when." 

I give him another smile, "I appreciate that." 

"Anytime," His smile returns, "I just want all this crap to end." 

"Me too." 

...

Later that day...

The rain is pouring hard now as I wait in Brewed for Vincent. I got here a little early so I could order a mocha, and make sure none of my friends were here. Luckily, they weren't, and the mocha machine was working.