VALERIE

Ninety Two

Nick felt nothing even as he watched both Irene and Leon break down into one another's arms.

He just stood by, a sympathetic and convincing sullen look on his face while the detective in front of them offered his condolences again.

Even after a few weeks, they still couldn't find a clue.

So the detective and his team declared Johnny a cold case.

Valerie shed a tear as she grabbed onto Nick's hand and squeezed it.

Both of them felt nothing. Completely detached from the world with no emotion whatsoever.

The plump detective rose from the sofa he was sitting on and tipped his fedora a bit over his eyes, "Excuse me." He quietly commented before walking out the door.

Irene reached out for Nick's hand and gave him a soft smile, "Thank you for being here for us." She said holding back tears.

Nick slowly nodded, "I just wish they'd find him." He said in a low tone that brought reassurance to Johnny's heartbroken parents.

-

Valerie's loud and obnoxious laugh was entirely heard down the halls of Marco's apartment building while Nick carried her.

"Can you stop?" Nick playfully asked as Valerie hugged him tighter around his neck.

Fumbling with the keys, Nick finally managed to open the door to the apartment before shutting it behind him.

With Valerie still hugging onto his torso, he gave her a strong kiss before gently pushing her against the brick wall. Her legs wrapped tightly around his waist.

"I love you." She murmured as he kissed her neck.

"Me too Alexis." He teased to which she pushed his chest, forcefully making him put her down.

Crossing her arms against her chest Valerie angrily glared at him.

Nick laughed, "What? I was joking." He said touching her cheek with his hand only to earn himself a well deserved smack on it.

Valerie shrugged and turned around, she was facing the darkness of the unlit apartment.

She stared at the darkness, you could barely see past the living room.

Nick walking right behind her pulled her body against his and ran a hand up her blouse, "Come on babe, I'm hungry and you look like a snack."

-

"You're so stupid."

"Idiot."

"Ugly."

"You're going to die."

"They're coming for you."

"Valerie, we're here for you."

Sitting up in bed rapidly, Valerie took in a deep breath and panicked. She looked over at the sound asleep Nick who was face down in his pillow.