I'll Keep You Safe

I'm Sorry

Vanessa's POV:
The dance was mostly uneventful after what happened between Brooke and the mean girls. She looked incredible last night, but, when doesn't she? The way she looked at me after the altercation, it was like she was seeing me for the first time. Her eyes were soft. It made my heart race. I got out of bed and walked to my balcony door. I just can't help but look every morning to see if the curtains are open. They were still closed. I hope Brooke is okay.

I threw on a tank top and shorts and bopped down the stairs just in time to see my mom rolling a couple suitcases to the door.

"Hey, baby." She says with a smile. I smiled back.

"Hey mom, another trip?" I asked looking at her luggage.

"Yes, have to go to Utah today with Cadence. We will be gone for a week. I'm sorry."

"It's okay, mom. I'll be fine. You go make dat money!" I grinned. She rolled her eyes, kissed my head, and out the door she went.
I didn't know what to do when my mom was gone lately. Brooke Lynn would come over, but that was before. I grabbed yogurt from the fridge and went back up to my room. I finally decided to tackle the pile of homework that was staring at me from my desk. It took me all day, but I got it done and I was ready for the week.               

I slept restlessly that night. I just couldn't shut my brain off. I tossed this way, and that way, then I'd get up and pace. I'd look outside, instinctively towards Brooke Lynn's room. I don't know what I kept looking for. She didn't want to see me.

I felt like I had just fallen into an actual, deep sleep when my alarm went off. I groaned and got out of bed. I walked over to pick out my clothes and something caught my eye. Brooke Lynn's curtains were open. I had to do a doubletake. They've been closed since she got home over a month ago. I looked a little closer. Brooke was standing at her balcony door. She smiled and gave me a little wave and then walked off.

That was the most contact we had during the whole week though. A smile in the hall, a wave after class. It was small, but it was progress. Every time I saw her smile, it warmed my heart. Wednesday in homeroom, I couldn't help but stare at her. Color had come back to her cheeks, and she looked like she was gaining weight. This was a good thing, she was starting to look like herself again, like my Brooke Lynn.

Another rainy Thursday was here, I sat in the library once more.

"Vanessa!" said a voice, I looked up to see Kameron, "I've been looking for you everywhere." She smiled.

"Hey! Yeah it's raining out so I'm up here."

"Yeah Aquaria said you might be. I wanted to invite you to my birthday party on Saturday! I don't have your number or else I'd text you."

Will Brooke be there? I wanted to ask, but I couldn't get the words out.

"Yeah, Kameron, I'd love to come." I smiled.

"Alright, well give me your number so I can text you my address and such."

We exchanged numbers and I went on with my day. This felt an awful lot like last week, and last week ended with Brooke Lynn talking to me at the dance.

Saturday rolls around. What am I going to wear? I have this leather mini skirt, haven't worn that in a while. I picked my mesh black crop top and my black lace bandeau. Final touches included some fishnets, my leather jacket, and my favorite thigh lace heels. I got one last look in the mirror. I look good. Half hour later, I am pulling up to Kameron's house. Damn these bitches got some nice houses! I walked up to the front door and opened it. The music was loud, and there were people everywhere!