Dogs & Pictures - Victoria Pelova

Chapter 22

"Do you like this better or this one?" Vic said showing me two black hoodies that looked the same.
I tilted my head showing a face that read "Are you serious?"
"What? This is an important question. I need to know what to pack for camp."
"Yeah but they're the same thing," I said relaxed on her couch.
"No. This one is a sweatshirt and this one is a hoodie."
"It's gonna be sunny in Spain anyways. You don't need two black hoodies."
"One is a sweatshirt," Viv said correcting me. Her smile grew which then made me smile.
"Ok, Viv. It's a sweatshirt but you know what I mean."
"Yeah it is going to be sunny isn't it," Viv said putting the clothes down as she then sat down beside me. She looked over at me as if she was trying to read my mind.

"Are you going to miss me?"
I gave her a confused look and then answered sarcastically saying, "No I don't think so."
Vic gasped saying, "Rude!"
I laughed at her and she laughed too obviously knowing I was joking.
"You know I'll miss you," I said.
"I'll miss you too."
"I'll miss Benny more though," Vic said showing a little frown on her face.
"Of course you will."
"Yeah don't worry you'll have Drew keeping you company," Vic said.
I never said anything about being alone so I wasn't sure why Vic said that. Maybe she just thought I would miss her absence which is true but I wouldn't be alone. I'll have Drew... I guess that's what she meant.

"Right. She's been around more often... you know since we're dating now," I said reminding her as if she had forgotten.
"Makes sense," she said pausing then said "How are you guys doing? You know relationship-wise?"
"Good... I think. We've gotten closer and we made out two days ago."
"Oh.. okay. You don't need to tell me if you make out or not. I just feel like that's your own business," she said with a little smile then turned her body towards the TV turning away from me.
"Sorry. I guess I'm just used to telling you everything," I said chuckling.
"It's okay."

After that, I didn't want to continue talking about me and Drew so I changed the subject.
"What about you? Are you into anyone or maybe want to start dating?"
"No... I'm good," she said still facing toward the TV with a straight face.
"Are you sure? How long had it been since you liked someone?" I asked trying to look at her face.
Then for a second, she looked at me and then turned her head back to the TV. She looked like she was thinking about someone but who knows what was going on in her head. I can tell when Vic keeps things from me. She tends to wait a few seconds to answer when I ask something serious and then answers with a "it's complicated" or "I don't want to talk about it."

"I rather not talk about. It's complicated."
I wasn't going to let her get away with it this time. I want her to know I'm here for her too and whatever she's going through I can help her with that. I know how much she listens to me when I talk about Drew so it's time to listen to her.
"Vic, I know you don't like to talk about these kinds of things but I'm listening. Whatever it is you want to say you can say it," I said reassuring her.
She now turns to me and my attention is all on her.
"It's not that I don't want to talk about my love life with you... it's just that there's nothing much to talk about. I like someone and they don't like me back. That's all there is to it."
"Okay but who would be stupid enough to not like you back?" I said.
After I said that Vic plopped her head back and said, "Can we just not talk about this right now?"
She didn't look in the mood to have this conversation so I won't make her talk to me about it.
"Sure," I said smiling at her.

Vic got back up and started to pack more clothes that weren't sweaters but instead shirts and tank tops.
"Maybe you should take some swimsuits too. You might have time to go to the beach?" I suggested.
Vic looked at me as if I was joking.
"Tay, I'm going to work and not vacation."
"Oh yeah. You're right," I said embarrassed but at least Vic thought it was funny.

I helped Vic finish packing and then watched a movie with her. It was getting dark outside and I didn't want Vic to drive me back to my place since she had to get up early to go to the airport. I called Drew to pick me up because she would be coming back from her work anyway. It was time to say goodbye to Vic and I know it will only be two weeks but I'll feel her absence.

I was by the door because Drew was already outside waiting for me. Vic was right in front of me ready to say goodbye.

"Please don't do anything stupid while I'm gone," Vic said.
I chuckled saying, "You got it."
We gave each other a soft smile and then went in for a hug that lasted as long as it felt. I will never get over how good Vic's hugs are. I always feel a type of safety and security when she hugs me. I'll miss her.

We backed away from the hug and I told her bye. She said bye back and waved as I went out the door. I then met Drew in her car as she picked me up. I was a little sad Vic was leaving but I know it's only for a little bit of time. I'm not used to being around people who I've gotten close to like my family being in America and Dylan also not being with me. I've grown a close bond with Vic and now she's going too. Even if it is for a little bit of time it will be weird being away from her.

Authors note:

Hi everybody! It took me a bit to write something but I finally posted so I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I already know what I'm writing for the next chapter so it will be posted soon! Thanks for ready🫶🏼