Everything Led Me To You - [Underwriting]

Chapter 24 - Open To Choices

My parents asked me to stay at home for a day or two. They insisted saying that going to school and watching Caleb around, will not help me move on but staying away can help me rejuvenate at least.

I spent my morning by the pool and lunch with my parents. Surprisingly, in the afternoon, I received a text from Donovan.

Donovan: Hey. I don't know if I should be ashamed about what happened between the both of us. I am sorry if it was a mistake.

Skylar: Hi Donny. No, it wasn't a mistake. I enjoyed every moment of what we had but I wouldn't want it to happen again. You helped me in that very moment and gave me what I craved for and there's no blame on either of us for that. I still see you as a friend and I thank you for your company yesterday.

Donovan: I am happy we're cool! :) Btw, don't know if this will make it any better for you...but I found out about what happened yesterday and I really think Caleb's a crackpot for what he did. 

Skylar: Thanks for that. I am trying to forget. Just some respite.

Donovan: I understand..you're welcome!

It was late afternoon, when my mom called me downstairs since there was somebody at the door for me. I peeked from inside and it was Valencia.

"Hi!" I said and smiled. She didn't look amused. "Come in", I continued.

I walked up to my room as she followed me but still didn't utter a word. We two sat onto my bed before I broke the silence.

"Val....what happened?"

She looked away.

"Are you angry with me?" I asked softly.

"Give me one reason why I should not be!" she yapped.

I immediately held her hands and said, "I hadn't been in the best situation in these few days."

"So you'll ignore my texts?"

"Oh shoot, yes, you had texted me!" I exclaimed as I drew back my hands and face-palmed.

"See! You're remembering now", she said as she rolled her eyes. "Whatever." She sighed.

"Okay. I apologize from the deepest cores of my heart."

"Your heart?" She asked with a tingling smile.

"Yeah, what?"

"Nah nothing, it's like heart actually doesn't do the thinking, right? It's the brain, it's the mind, yet we all say I- this... I- that... from my heart."

"What?" I laughed.

"Never mind. Why didn't you come to school today?" She asked, curiously.

"Ah, shit."

"What?"

"So, uh- It's about..."

"Caleb?"

"Yeah."

She sneered arrogantly and with cunning eyes, looked at me and said harshly, "When the fuck is it not about Caleb?"

"What?" I said, hushedly.

"Yeah, all you do and talk about is Caleb. During that party night, you fucking bailed out on me, for who? Caleb! It's always about Caleb, isn't it?"

Tears filled my eyes suddenly. She didn't know what I was going through actually, yet her words hurt me so harshly.

"S-Skye? No." She paced in to hug me.

Her embrace was so warm and so comfortable. She felt cozier as I pulled my arms around her too.

"I wanna tell you what actually happened." I muttered. She nodded. "So, I asked Caleb to...date me. And the harsh truth came out of his mouth."

"He didn't wanna date you?"

"Worse. Yes, he didn't. He likes Charlotte."

"Charlotte? Ew."

"And...he used me." My eyes turned watery again, but I pushed away my tears. "He made out with me and kissed me and all of that, only because..." I sighed. "...He wanted to take advantage of the fact that I liked him."

There was a brief moment of pause before Valencia spoke.

"You never deserved that. You deserve so much more, so much better." said Val, weakly.

"I don't get it, how long do I have to wait, for someone who will love me, truly?"

"In no time, you'll have it. You'll find that person soon. You just have to be open."

"Open to what?"

"Choices."

"What?"

"Listen, I need to leave now. Just wanted to make sure you are doing well."

"Um, okay."