Secrets

51. A Mandatory Pep Talk...

"So how many days now?" Gabrielle asked as she bounced around Valkyrie, brushing her hair.

"I don't know, it can't be that far away though."

"I'm so excited!"

Valkyrie laughed. "How do you think I feel?"

"You and Skulduggery will be amazing parents! You're both so fun and cool."

"Don't go telling Skulduggery that. His ego is big enough as it is."

Gabrielle giggled.
"Don't worry I won't. The Tinkerbell decoration on the wall looks incredible. You did a really good job Val."

"Thank you."

Gabrielle put the brush down on the table beside her, and pulled Valkyrie's hair back.

"So what are you guys doing today?" She asked.

"Tanith's coming over later, for what she calls 'a mandatory pep talk.'"

Gabrielle laughed. "Sounds like fun."

Valkyrie sighed. "Yep."

"You're not looking forward to it?"

"Not really."

"Why's that?"

"Because Tanith's talks usually result in me on the floor laughing and clapping like a retarded seal."

Gabrielle laughed again.
"Really?"

"Really."

"Wow, any chance I could sit in on this one?"

"Of course, no doubt Skulduggery will be."

"Thanks," Gabrielle sighed, finally finishing Valkyrie's hair.

"Something wrong?" The dark haired girl asked.

"It's just, I'm over four hundred years old, and I'm still single. I guess hiding out for a majority of my life is to blame, but I can't help feeling like I'm not good enough for anyone."

Valkyrie watched in the mirror as a tear rolled down Gabrielle's cheek. She stood up from the chair and turned around, wrapping the blonde girl in a hug.

"Don't think like that about yourself Gabby, you are beautiful, smart and funny. One day you'll find the perfect guy. One that loves you to pieces."

"I hope so."

They pulled away from each other.
"You know what?" Valkyrie asked as Gabrielle wiped her eyes.

"What?"

"I know so."

"Thanks Valkyrie. Can I tell you a secret?"

"Uh, sure."

"You're my only friend."

Valkyrie was taken aback.
"What about Tyrell and Skulduggery?"

"They're my brothers, it's not the same." The older girl's voice sounded hollow, and her blue eyes had gone dull. There was no expression on her face, and no emotion to her words. At that moment, she reminded Valkyrie of a zombie.

"Well, I'm glad to be your friend."

"No," Gabrielle said. "You're not my friend."

Valkyrie stared.

"You're my best friend," Gabrielle finished.

Valkyrie was going to reply, when the bedroom door opened. Both girls turned to see Skulduggery leaning against the door frame.