Home Away From Home

Chapter 4

"There's nothing to talk about." Valerie said.

"Oh, I could think of a million things."

"So how about you start, then."

"Why did you push me away a year ago?" Valerie shifted uncomfortably. "Valerie, please just tell me."

"Why do you want to know so badly?"

"Because you're my best friend."

"No I'm not."

"What makes you say that?"

"Oh I don't know. Maybe the fact that we never hang out or talk to each other."

"Yeah we do."

"My coming to your house for dinner everyday doesn't count. Today was the first day you actually talked to me."

"I've just been really busy lately."

"And I haven't?!?"

"Valerie. Just please tell me why."

"It'sbecauseIstartedhavingfeelingsforyouandIknewthatwewillneverbetogether." She said quickly.

"What? Slow down."

"It-it was because I started having feelings for you and I knew that we will never be together." She sighed.

"So you're telling me that you stopped our friendship because you liked me?"

"It wasn't just like."

"What was it?"

"I can't tell you."

"Val. Please." Her eyes widened. "What?"

"T-the last time you called me that we were 8 years old."

"I guess we have to go back then, don't we?"

"Huh?"

"What I'm trying to say is that things have to go back to how they were."

"And what was that exactly?"

"We have to become best friends again."

Just as Nick said, was exactly how it became. Valerie still didn't tell him what she tried to avoid that night in her house. It drives him crazy, but he doesn't tell Valerie. As the months passed by, Nick felt something in his gut. It told him to break up with Paige, and he did just that.

5 months later

"I'm not going!"

"Valerie, please!"

"What am I suppose to do there?!?"

"Support your best friend?"

"Fine, but Nick. Please tell your mom we're going."

"She doesn't agree, yet." He sighed.

"Okay. But we're going behind her back. I can't do that to Sally."

"Fine, but come with me?"

"To talk to your mom?"

"Yes."

"I can't."

"Why?!?"

"Because it's between you and your mom."

"Just for support, please?"

After half an hour of begging, Valerie finally gave in. It was easier since they were already in Nick's house. When they walked downstairs, Sally was looking through the old family album.

"Mom?" Nick said. When she looked up there were tears in her eyes. "Mom." Nick ran over to her. "Why are you crying?"

"Nick, sweetheart. What do you want to do with your life?"

"Um..."

"I know you know."

"I want to go to the military."

"Is that what you really want?"

"I've never wanted something more."

"Yes." Her voice cracked as she played with her hands.

"Yes what?"

"You can go sign up today."

"H-How did you know I wanted to go today?"

"A mother knows her son. And I know that you won't leave me. So, you've got me convinced. I'll support you every step of the way." Nick hugged her tightly.

"I love you, mom."

"I love you, too."

"Would you come with me?"

"No, no, go with Valerie."

"Mom, please. I want you to be there."

"What about Valerie?"

"She'll be there, too. My two favorite girls." They all smiled.

"Okay."

"Thank you, mom." They both got up and left the house with all of them holding hands. Nick in the middle and Valerie and Sally at each of his sides.