Valentine's Day

Chapter Twenty-Eight

 I had so much fun during my birthday! it was a complete day of slack, so i wrote this freakishly long chapter. its over 3 pages i guess. well, fine, its not that long but it was longer on the laptop:) anyway, its a little WOAAAAH because i was so into the game, so enjoy!:)

  My first thought: Hey, the hall looks different!

  I admit, they had done the school hall up pretty well for Valentine's Day. There were satin bows at every corner of the wooden panels, and posh chairs laid out beside the food for people who were too lazy to dance. There was a circle in the middle of people to dance, and even a live band playing soppy songs.

  I tottered in my freakishly tall heels and wobbled precariously, only to catch onto Richard's arm for balance.

  “Sorry, I'm in a dangerous position here.” I said sheepishly.

  “Many women make it through their lives alive despite wearing the frightening shoes you have on now. I'm sure you'll do fine,” Richard said, his face expressionless.

  I never know how he did it. I had thought that Richard and Thomas were kind of alike. I mean, sure, Richard was on my side, but he infuriates me ALMOST as much as Thomas. They seemed kind of similar...but I finally found one difference between both of them. Thomas...he never shows his true feelings. I mean, he hides them, and acts out something completely different. He was a fantastic actor-that I commend him that much, and he comes out with something different. Richard, on the other hand, doesn't show his feelings but he never acts either. He just...remains expressionless. It was kind of freaky the way he had no expression in his eyes...they were just perfectly blank. Sure, you could tell when he was annoyed or sad, or angry through his voice, but never through his expression.

  Yes, I have seen him sad before. In fact, I had seen him look...so vulnerable..and depressed today.

  After school, I was supposed to head down to Richard's place to interview Carmen so I can understand the crazy ways of Thomas better. Initially, he was supposed to come over to my place so I can pick my stuff up, but after I showed him a picture of my dress, he had completely disapproved and dragged me straight home instead, claiming that Carmen had a way better and more appropriate dress for this occasion.

  I couldn't argue. Today, despite it being my birthday of course, was important because it was the turning point. Like, Valentine's Day was a completely ironic day for me, but going by the game rules, it is the most important day. I couldn't mess it up.

  Anyway, we headed down towards his home after school, and after much hesitation, Carmen had told me about Thomas.

  I was really shocked in the afternoon. I mean, Thomas...his ability to find out the weakest point of a girl was uncanny. He all but knew Carmen for two days, yet he could attack her this way. He needn't do anything; just his presence was enough to fuel how wretched she was feeling inside. He was a low-lying, despicable, disgusting, floor-licking, heartless scoundrel with no heart, conscience, love, hope, and all the good things that he didn't deserve. Without Richard, I'd probably run him over with a car now. Yeah.

  “Have you seen that jerk anywhere?” Richard's voice broke into my mind.

  “Nope. Thank goodness I haven't.” I muttered darkly.

  Richard stopped and took my shoulders, turning me to face him.

  “Look, Juliet, I know you're upset over what he did to Carmen. I am too, but we need to concentrate. Put this matter out of your mind, and concentrate.” He said sternly.

  “Alright, alright.” I promised.

  I looked at him in wonder.

  “How do you do that?” I said in wonderment.