There is much trouble in Paradise

Chapter 20

Doug parked outside Valerie's home and was greeted by Bryce, who was just arriving home.

"Morgan told Alisha and she told you and you came to confort mom, right?" Bryce said before they entered the house.

"How did you know?" Doug's eyes widened.

"My friend heard them talking about that so I figured."

"Wow...you teens have sharp hearing. But can we act like I don't know?"

"Deal! Since Sean told me to keep my mouth shut..."

They entered the house. Valerie was nowhere in sight.

"Sean!" Doug said seeing him.

"Doug! What's up with you here?"

"I ate at Marquise and was told Val's sick. I came to check on her."

"Oh...well... she's in her room. You can try and talk to her, but don't be sad if she'll shut you away. Oh, hey Bryce."

Bryce waved to his brother as he disappeared into the house and Doug went to Valerie's room.

"Val? It's Doug." He swiftly knocked.

No answer. He let himself in, slowly, and saw Valerie crouched on her bed with a hand on her stomach.

"Valerie? Are you OK? Sandie said you're sick. Do you need anything?" Doug said squatting next to her.

"Doug..." she started with tears coming from her eyes. "Will you be mad if I tell you something?"

"No, Val, hell no. We're friends you can tell me anything!"

"Shane dumped me."

"Oh...I'm sorry." Doug played dumb.

"And... there is more." She continued. Doug faced her in sign of listening. "I'm pregnant." She said looking away.

Doug kept starring at her as Alisha told him. He then softly caressed her hair.

"Don't worry. We'll work it out. I'm here, Val. It's OK." He said petting her head.

"I'm sorry, Doug. For being so mean with you."

"It's OK. You weren't mean."

"Yes I was. I forgot about you and surrendered myself to Shane who proved to be a prick. I didn't listen to anyone and now I'm the one who has to lose. I'd understand if you hate me."

"But Valerie, I don't hate you. Val... I could never hate you. Maybe you felt it's better to go with Shane. It's OK leave him now."

"I forgot about those who really cared about me. Doug...I'm sorry."

"Stop apologizing, Val."

"Dougie..." she said.

"Yes?"

"I love you."

Doug starred in shock. He couldn't belive what he just heard. Was that only depressed Valerie speaking or were these her genuine feelings? Plus, she didn't mention what kind of love. For the moment she needed him and he was there for her.

"I love you too." He confessed kissing her head.

"Could you... stay overnight?"

"Sure!" Doug said. Just let me get a change of clothes and I'll be right back!"

"Thanks!" She said as Doug left.

"She told me everything." He told Sean as he got downstairs.

"We kick his ass now or later?"

"Leave him, Sean. It's not the moment. We'll confront him later. For now I'll go get some stuff and be back, OK?"

"What did she told you?" Sean asked.

"She needs me. More like...a masculine company I'd say."

"No...she needs you."

"We'll see. Wait for me." Doug said leaving to his house.