Valentina

5| Friends, Definitely

"WILL YOU MARRY ME, VALENTINA?" Jake gazes at me adoringingly and a tear slips down my cheek, knowing that what I am about to say will break his heart.

"I can't marry you, I'm so sorry," I sob. Jake looks at me with betrayal and throws the ring forcefully against the ground. His head begins morphing into two and multiplying, slowly turning into vicious serpents.

I scream, my worst nightmare coming to reality and I begin running. But for some reason, this dream wouldn't allow me too. My scream drowns out in horror as one of the serpents bites me and I continue to scream.

"Valentina, Valentina wake up!" Roman yells, shaking me by my shoulders.

I wake up immediately, frightened by the sound of a high pitched scream before realizing that it is coming out of my mouth. I look down at my clothes, rumpled since I slept in them last night.

"God, where am I?" I call out, slightly dazed.

"Definitely not in heaven." Roman mutters in bitterness.

I look at the bay windows, covered with thin white curtains and bask in the beauty of the sunlight that streaks through. I point towards the window, "That is so beautiful, the sun."

Roman looks at me with annoyance, "Yes, the sun is so amazing. Can you explain why you woke me from my five minute nap with screaming?"

I finally get a good look at him. Roman's hair, like yesterday, is disheveled. His clothes are rumpled and there is a mysterious yellow stain on his shoulder. "You look horrible," I point out. "How much sleep did you get?"

He places a finger on his chin, deep in thought, "I want to be generous and say I got five hours of sleep, but that would be a lie."

"So?"

"An hour of sleep max. I didn't know three year olds could be this difficult." He looks back at me, a funny look on his face. "I don't look as bad as you do though." He finishes, before sauntering out of the room.

I laugh with disdain, and walk to the bathroom, flicking the light on. I nearly faint when I see my reflection. Traces of dried drool dot both sides of my mouth and sleep is in my eyes. My hair is unkempt and I can't find, for the life of me, where my hair tie is.

Quickly, I turn on the faucet and clean up as much as possible. Once I'm done, I lay the guest bed and put my shoes back on. I can't believe that I am here lounging in my boss' home without feeling uncomfortable. It had to be against the law to like someone's husband as much as I liked Roman. He is very easy to talk to, and funny as well.

I finally make it down the stairs and into the kitchen where Rene is playing with building blocks. I bend down and give a small pat to the happy boy, standing up to meet Roman's inquisitive eyes.

"I'm not trying to hurt him," I laugh uncomfortably. "Just saying a friendly hello."

"Just making sure. What do you want to eat?" He points in the direction of the large double doors leading to the pantry.

I wave a hand at him, "No I'm fine. I really need to get my things from the apartment. And I have to find a place to stay at." I sigh with annoyance.

How in the world did this disaster even start? Were there any warning signs or was I just completely oblivious to it all. "You seem fine," Roman comments half heartedly as he butters a piece of toast.

"What?" I reply, lost in thought.

"You don't seem like you're sad about your breakup with your boyfriend..." Roman waves the butter knife around in confusion. "What's his name again?"

My mouth clamps shut, mulling over what he said. "His name is Jake, and no one said we are breaking up." Even as I say this, I know I'm bullshitting myself.

Roman gives a hearty laugh." You think Jake is going to get back with you after refusing his proposal? You must be delusional."

I pick Rene up from the floor and place him in his seat, preparing him for breakfast. "When did we get close enough for you to grace me with your perfect sense of wisdom?"

Roman passes me a piece of whole grain cinnamon toast with peanut butter and I hand it to Rene who immediately begins eating. "Thank you," Rene replies and I give him a smile, surprised at what a lovely boy he is.

"Please, you need it if you think he's getting back with you," Roman moves to the fridge, pulling out a carton of almond milk before pouring a glass for Rene.

I frown at Roman, whose eyes sparkle mischievously, glad that he got me annoyed. "It's true, I am not that devastated about our so called 'breakup.' I guess I saw this coming," I lie. "I mean, I'm not an easy person to love."

Roman pauses, his face an expression of confusion. He opens his mouth, as if he wants to ask a question, and then rethink it. I laugh, loving how easily I could guess his emotions. He looks up at me pointing to his bare wrist, "It's time for me to go to work." He begins cleaning the table.

"Roman?" He stops in his tracks.

"What? "

"You're not even wearing a watch, how could you possibly know what time it is?" I snicker.

He looks down at his wrist again and runs a hand through his hair. "I have to run, I'll see you later."

He places a kiss on Rene's head, racing to garage to start his car.

I look over to Rene, his eyes glued on his building blocks. I ruffle his hair, "It's just me and you now, buddy."

❉❉❉

A/N—I hope you guys enjoyed these last two chapters. I'm currently studying for my SAT and ACT so I am a bit busy. Hope you guys can understand when posting becomes very irregular.

Xoxo,
Aanu💋