In a weak attempt to run from her past, Valley moves away from home after she graduates high school. She keeps to herself in this new small town like she plans and she thinks she is doing fine this way. That is until she comes across a boy who won't...
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We stood there as the rain continued to pound down on the pavement, already creating puddles. The eave did well to shelter us but I still shivered as the wind blew into my face. Noticing, Wes took it upon himself to pull me into his side and wrap his arms around my shoulders and neck, pressing his chest behind my shoulder. It didn't help much to warm me and I felt unease rise in my chest as his gesture, but I ignored it like I tried to do most things. I let myself melt into his embrace.
"If I'd known what I was missing out on, I would have moved years ago."
"What?" Wes smiled down at me, brushing damp locks of hair out of my face. His smile was soft and genuine, and I almost wished I could have it for myself. Such an innocent, care-free smile hadn't belonged to me in a long time.
"It's exquisite." I looked out at the rain coming down before us. "California never had these colors. California never had this rain."
California never had him.
I looked back at Wes, who now wore an unreadable expression as he stared down at me. No, it was clear affection, I just didn't want to read it. I diverted my gaze from Wes and back to the rain, shrugging, suddenly heavy with the weight of him holding me.
California never had you either, Vienna. This is where you belong. It's where you should stay.
Are you thinking you belong on the East Coast or with Wes?
Whichever one. Maybe both.
"Why did you two break up?" Wes whispered. He was crouched down, resting his head against mine.
"What?" I looked up at Wes, startled by the random question.
"You and your boyfriend? Why did it end?"
I looked back but didn't pull away. I should have but I didn't.
Fight.
I sighed and moved to lean my temple against his jaw but he ducked farther, pressing his cheek to my head. "Trevor. His name is Trevor."
"How did it end?"
"College applications were sent out and he was accepted. He didn't need me anymore."
"He didn't want to try a long distance relationship?"
"No."
"I don't understand. 'No', he didn't?"
"He didn't want a long distance because he didn't need me anymore. He could just as easily find someone to replace me at Davis." I felt Wes tense as he held me, making my lips lift in a small, proud smile. "Another gullible girl who thinks he cares when all he wants is a free ride. That's exactly what I got him." I looked up at Wes. "He used me and I willingly did everything for him. He wouldn't be at U.C. Davis now if it weren't for me."
