This chapter will be VERY short... You've been warned...
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Valarie
Chapter six.
By: Amber Boles
Thursday, July 1, 1999 10:20 A.M.
Josh and Jess finally settle. All three teens lounge on the couches. Josh and Jess on the love seat, and Val in the recliner.
"I can't believe this is your home. It's so... big for an apartment." Jess sighs.
Val laughs.
The phone rings.
"I'll get it!" Jess chimes. Val hasn't a clue why it's important that Jess answer it, but she lets her anyway.
"I want it to feel like I live here, so I'm answering it--Hello?" Jess explains, then picks up the receiver.
"You know what?" She asks the caller. Know what... I know.
"Jess!" Val screeches. Jess almost drops the phone. Almost. Val runs for the phone and snatches it.
"Geez Val, calm yer horses."
Val mumbles into the receiver so Jess doesn't hear. "Stop calling me." And she hangs it up without a word.
The door bell rings. Val jumps and is sure she could have hit her head on the ceiling.
"I got--" Jess jumps for the door then slows down and looks back at Val. "--if that's alright with you." Val's still trying to catch her breath, and waves Jess her okay.
Anthony stands at the door. Val looks confused. Wonders how he found her apartment. Decides she doesn't care.
"Anthony?" Val says as she walks from the kitchen to the living room.
"Hey, Valarie." He looks at Jess and nods. Funny, this is the first time she ever heard her name come from those lips. Val likes how it sounds.
"What are you doing here?" Val asks coming closer to the door.
"I invited him," Jess explains. Val shoots her a stare not even I (the narrator) can place. If there is a word for it, it's frightening.
"I-" Jess begins. "I needed him to pick me up so I can visit with my sister.
"Oh," Val says. A hint of apology in her voice.
"You, can come too... Val. I mean if you want." Jess stands at the door with Anthony. Josh has fallen asleep on the couch. Val wants to laugh.
"Uh... Sure."
10:59 A.M.
Mariah sits in a very complicated chair. She stares off into space. If Val had to guess, Mariah didn't even know they were there.
This is the first time Val has seen Mariah since the accident. She doesn't drool or anything. She just looks lost. Like she's not in her mind, she's trapped. Wants to fly away. But can't, because she is trapped.
"Mariah?" Anthony calls softly. Mariah looks up, confused. Who is this man who is always here, but never really seen.
"Can she talk?" Val whispers to Jess.
"No, it's like she's a human, but she's a child. And everything she is taught she doesn't retain. It's like she's stuck as a confused five year old."
Val feels weird now. Anthony is in love with a five year old. Yuck.
Val turns around. "I have to go." Val thinks she is going to be sick. Not because Anthony is in love with her, because she feels like somehow it's her fault.
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Since you have been patiant, the next chapter will be VERY long. ;D
Peace out suckas =D
