Valid Weaknesses ||Completed|| #Wattys2017

Chapter 27

Valerie

Once Elliot and Jessi left, the guilt sank in. I hadn't meant to react like that. I don't know what happened but it sort of just came out. Then Elliot informed me that Genesis said she isn't holding it against me and I felt even worse; slightly angry at her, but remorseful nonetheless.

I mean, she hasn't really done anything but offer me help but I feel threatened by her presence.

We had English together afterwards and she waved at me on the way to her seat over at the other side of the class but I couldn't make myself comply. Instead, I threw myself into my work until I was certain it was good enough for submission.

***

"Have you got any plans for the day Val?" dad asks as I saunter into the kitchen. It's way too early to be up on a Saturday morning but I felt too exhausted to even sleep.

"Morning Dad." I greet, picking up a bowl. "No I don't."

"Great." He replies, smiling. "I need you to help me with something."

"What is it?"

What I really want to ask is, 'is this why you've been all nice to me?' but I don't; I can't. I just hope it's a request I can keep up with.

"I have a new boss." He says, taking a sip of his black coffee. Dad always drinks his coffee black. "And we're having a golfing day with him somewhere today so I need you to keep his daughter company." Another sip. "She should be about your age."

Great; just great. Today of all days when I won't have the twins as backup.

They're going on a weekend trip to see their grandparents over at Milwaukee

"Sure dad." I reply, filling my bowl with cereal. "I'll do my best."

"Thanks Val." He replies, taking his leave.

Two hours later when I've freshened up and am lying on my bed, dad calls for me downstairs and I head out. Earlier on, mum left to run some errands. She said she'd stop at the salon afterwards.

"Good morning Sir," I greet the handsome looking middle aged man standing just a few meters from our doorway. He had got the nicest smile I've ever seen on a parent.

"My daughter, Valerie." Dad says, introducing us.

"Pleasure to meet you." He beams. "I'm sure you'll get along well with-

I don't hear the rest of what he says because just then guess who saunters in through the front door?

"You" I gasp, eyes involuntarily narrowing just a bit.

"Hi Valerie." She smiles, somewhat uncertainly.

"You too know each other?"

"Yes." She replies, without missing a bit.

"We're classmates." I add.

"Perfect." Dad smiles. "This shouldn't be a problem then. We'll be back before you know it."

That said, both men say their goodbyes, with Valerie's dad hugging her, and are out the door before we know to say Jack Robinson.

"So our dads work together." She says, putting her hands in her back pocket in what I assume is a nervous gesture. "Who would have thought?"

I shrug then walking down the hall.

This is so awkward. She's acting like I didn't just bitch to her yesterday.