Half a Man at Best (Sequel to VALERIE)

Chapter Four

Copyright © zylgnagnaba

~UNEDITED bc lazy af! Sorry for grammatical errors if there’s any. :’)~

Louis and I sit in my car in complete silence with only the sound of my thumbs’ slight taps on the steering wheel can be heard. We could even hear a pin that would drop on the floor, if there is one. We’ve stalked Niall and Bree’s car until as suspected; they pulled up in front of this shop called ‘Just Being Random’. I’ve parked my car from a good distance, just in case one of them recognizes my car.

It was almost three hours ago since we saw them walking in the shop. I have a bad feeling about this though. There are so many ‘what ifs’ reeling in my mind. Not even one of them I could put into words. I just want to find out where this whole thing is going to lead.

Though the shop is sealed with transparent glass walls, we couldn’t see anything that’s happening inside; neither do we see our friends. I reckon they’re in a separate room right now.

“This sucks. I couldn’t see anything.” Louis hiss in his seat, waving the binocular in front of him with dissatisfactory feature etched on his face.

I grant him a quick glance before darting my sight towards the front of the shop again.

“Who said we needed binocular, Lou? It’s not like we’re hunting something.” I tell him in a monotone, my eyes narrowing at the building. There’s still no movement. I am starting to think this is pointless.

“Um, technically, we are.” He argues and I look at him in oddity. “I am helping you look for Valerie, although I know it’s quite impossible to find her here. She could be in a Caribbean cruise right now, or maybe in Italy. We may never know.” He shrugs that I respond with a roll of my eyes then averted my sight back to the shop.  He’s not even really helping.

“Shut up, Lou. This was your idea.” I huff.

“Yeah, yeah. Sure.” He breathes and if I am looking at him, I’d see him rolling his eyes at me as well.

A matter of a minute later, I spot the glass door being opened and I alert Louis for both of us to see who’s stepping out of the shop. Soon enough, Niall starts walking out holding hands with Bree. But they’re not alone. Oh no, they’re not. Because following them is another girl – not just another girl though…

“That’s… that’s,” Louis stuttered, dumfounded while nudging my elbow. I can feel him struggling to breathe as he watches the girl talks to the couple just near their car.

I can’t even remember when the last time I felt my heart racing was. The chill of the afternoon sent goosebumps all over my body but my hands are sweating against their tight grip on the steering wheel. My heart is pounding against my ribcage, screaming to be unleashed by my chest. I am so dazed by what I behold.

“Valerie.” I whisper, completing the sentence for Louis who’s still frozen on his seat.

I, on the other hand, couldn’t stop one tear from spilling from my traitor pair of eyes, taking in the beautiful lady’s changed features from afar. Instead of the long dark beautiful hair, her blonde pixie cut hair is adorned with a purple scarf that goes around the front and posterior of her head, few strands are peeking out to her fringe. She’s also clad in a pink lacy dress and brown boots. The pale white skin is now transformed into an even tan that goes along with the pink of her lips and cheeks.

Despite the drastic change, she’s still as beautiful as she was when she left. Only now she looks more edgy and mature. I watch as she gives Niall and Bree quick hugs goodbye and I notice that there’s one important thing that’s missing… her smile, the smile that meets her eyes each time—mostly because of sheer delight and happiness.