Home Away From Home

Chapter 2

17 Years Old :

"Class is now dismissed." The teacher said. Nick practically ran out of the room. Valerie came out shortly after him. As he was running, she gazed at him. She sighed and walked out of the school. On the other hand, Nick went to go do something else. He stopped in front of Ms.McGraw's classroom and grabbed a girl by her waist as the students were exiting. The girl noticed who it was, but still said,

"I have a boyfriend."

"I guess he'll be really mad then."

"Not if we keep it a secret."

"Do we now?"

"Oh just shut up and kiss me." He did exactly as she said and kissed her like there's no tomorrow. After they made out and stopped kissing, Nick asked,

"So what does your boyfriend look like?"

"Well, he kind of looks like you. Same brown hair and these amazing green eyes. He's tan. Muscular. On the football team. And that's basically it."

"Harsh. I thought you'd describe me as 'totally hot and to die for.'"

"Nope."

"Well that hurts." She laughed.

"So where we headed?"

"Well, Paige. My house?"

"Sure." As they walked hand in hand to Nick's house, Nick wouldn't come out of Valerie's mind. After she picked up her little brother and headed home, she noticed her dad still hadn't shown up. She began cooking for her little brother, Zack, when the house phone rang.

"Hello?" Valerie said when she answered.

"Hi sweetheart it's Sally, you know, Nick's mom."

"Sally. I know who you are. You don't have to introduce yourself every time you call."

"You know how I am." She laughed. "So are you coming over for dinner tonight?"

"I think I'll just stay home and cook for Zack."

"Are you crazy, just come over!"

"Not, it's not necessary. I've been coming over ever since mom died. I should start dinner on my own."

"When you're 18 you can. You're only 17. So I command you to come over."

"But-"

"No buts. You better be over here in less than 10 minutes."

"But-" It was too late. Sally already hung up. Now they had to be there. She turned off the stove and called for Zack.

"Yeah?" He replied.

"Get dressed! We're going over to Sally's."

"Is Nick going to be there?"

"Probably." She sighed. He ran upstairs, she ran after him. "Why are you so happy?"

"I have to tell him that I'm on the team."

"You got in?!?"

"Yeah!"

"Zack, that's amazing." She hugged him tightly. "Mom would've been so proud of you."

"That's what you're here for, right?"

"Yeah." She smiled.

"I just wished dad came home."

"He will soon." She let go of the hug.

"When, Valerie? It's been 2 weeks."

"Soon. Just get dressed, okay?"

"Okay." She walked out of his room. "Valerie!"