Forever and A Day | one tree hill

thirty-two.

Valentina stares at her mother as she holds up a dress for formal. Valentina wasn't opposed to wearing dresses. She was just opposed to wearing them to events where they weren't necessary, which was every event in her opinion.

"Val, it's a formal," Charlotte says. "What else are you going to wear?"

"Something else," Val says.

"A tux?" Charlotte asks, "Because I can get you one of those too."

"I just...don't want to dress up...at all...?" Val says.

"Valentina. You do not have an option. Dress or tux before I call Peyton and ask her which she'd rather see you in," Charlotte says, "You're going."

"Fine," Val groans, "I'll wear the dress, but no heels."

"Deal," Charlotte says, "But can it be a small heel. Or a wedge. Flats are so casual."

"Okay," Val says, knowing this is a losing battle. She grabs the dress and looks at it. It's a simple, black slip dress. It's not her. But then again, what is?

Valentina heads to Karen's Cafe and sits down across from Haley, "Hit me."

Haley slaps her on the arm.

"Not literally," Val says, "You know, in old movies they'd have a rough day and go to the bar and they'd say 'hit me' and they'd pour a drink and they'd drink it. I want you to do that but with coffee."

Haley laughs, "Okay, well, normal people just order coffee, Valentina."

Val leans forward, "May I please have a coffee, Haley?"

"Yes, you may, Valentina," Haley says, pouring her a cup.

Val takes a sip and leans back in her chair. "So what's the latest on the Chris Keller front?"

"Nothing," Haley says, "He sent me a finished demo of When the Stars Go Blue."

"Nice," Val says, "Did Nathan hear it?"

"No," Haley says, "Not yet."

"Hm," Val says, "How long are you going to keep this from him?"

"I'm not keeping it from him," Haley says, "I'm just...waiting for the right time."

Val raises an eyebrow, "Okay. Anyway, please tell me you're going to formal. My mom just made me try on a bunch of dresses, and I feel like I want the Old Yeller experience."

Haley laughs, "I don't think that's the right reference."

"I want you to take me behind the cafe and shoot me," Val clarifies.

"I understood the reference I just don't think it's appropriate," Haley says, "But yes, we're going. I had to beg Nathan because his parents will be there. Well, your parents. Our parents? Your dad will be there."

"Should he be walking around? I hear breathing is bad for his condition," Val says.

Haley looks at her, "Be nice."

"I am," Val insists. Haley smiles and shakes her head.

"Where are you guys going for pre-formal dinner?" Haley asks, changing the subject.

"My house. Which is also a trap. My mom is going to take a thousand pictures," Val says, "Peyton has no idea how great it is that her dad is on a boat for most of the year."

Haley snorts, "You don't mean that."

"No, I don't. I just...hate stuff like this," Val admits. "All the smiling and the posing. It's so...gross. I'd rather be at home, in sweats, watching the game."