can't get over you (wlw)

chapter 12

I looked at Val, unsure where to start. Her eyes softened as she watched me struggle to open up. She could see the battle inside me, the way I hesitated to dive into my past.

Taking a deep breath, I met her gaze. "Well... it happened in my hometown when I was around 8... I..." My voice trailed off, the words stuck in my throat.

Val reached out, her cold hand covering my burning palm. She squeezed gently, her fingers locking with mine, silently telling me it was okay, that she was here for me. The touch was like a lifeline, anchoring me to the present moment.

I looked down at our joined hands, my eyes filling with tears as memories rushed back—flashes of that night, the chaos, the fear. I blinked quickly, trying to shake off the tears and the haunting images.

Just as I was about to continue, my phone rang, breaking the silence. I pulled it out of my pocket and saw the caller ID. "It's my mom," I said softly, giving Val an apologetic look as I answered.

The call was short, but it jolted me back to reality. I hung up and sighed, forcing a smile at Val. "I have to go now. I'll see you at school tomorrow," I said, standing up.

She stood too, her eyes still kind and understanding. She didn't press for more, and I was thankful. If she had, I might have broken down, crying in her arms, overwhelmed by my own pain and scaring her in the process.

She gave me a warm hug. "Take care," she whispered.

"You too," I replied, holding on for a moment longer before we let go. As I walked away, I felt the lingering comfort of her touch, a reminder that I wasn't alone, even when my past felt too heavy to bear.

I walked into class, scanning the room to see if Val had taken my usual spot. The bell rang just as she rushed in, out of breath. Some students stared, but she quickly made her way to her seat, trying to catch her breath.

The teacher started the lesson, and Val glanced back at me once the attention shifted away from her. I was caught looking at her and was about to look away when she waved and mouthed "hi" with a smile.

I shook my head, smiling, and mouthed back, "Focus."

She rolled her eyes and shook her head, clearly stubborn. She knew our teacher, Mrs. Armstrong, was an old lady with zero patience. Just as Val was about to mouth something else, I widened my eyes and gestured for her to turn around. She looked confused until she realized I was looking past her. She turned back to find Mrs. Armstrong glaring at her.

"It's eight in the morning," Mrs. Armstrong said, sounding irritated. "I don't have the energy to deal with this. I’m not repeating anything. If you come to me later saying you don't understand, I will throw it back in your face. Listen now, or next time, you're out of my class."

The class was stunned, with some students giggling and whispering, "Ohhh." Mrs. Armstrong was being way too harsh, and everyone knew it. I couldn’t help but think, "Damn, she’s a real bitch. Calm down."

"Silence!" Mrs. Armstrong snapped, turning back to her presentation. The room fell quiet except for the sound of her heels clicking as she walked to the board.

As soon as her back was turned, Val mockingly imitated her, rolling her eyes and flipping her off. I bit my lip to keep from laughing, shaking my head at Val’s defiance. Even when scolded, she couldn't resist pushing the limits.

The bell rang, and the classroom erupted as everyone rushed to leave. I packed up my things and stood, ready to go talk to Val. But as I looked across the room, I saw her deep in conversation with Toufiq, with Jersey standing next to them, laughing along.