Everything Led Me To You - [Underwriting]

Chapter 26 - Cutting Through

Anne accompanied me mostly every where while going to school the next day, since I was having anxiety. We were in the hallway on second floor when Alvin saw us. I noticed the change in his expression from plain to irritated. He walked stiffenedly towards me and wrapped me in a tight hug.

"I told him to never fucking look at you or even me again! He fucking broke Skylar's heart and used her?! I'm fucking gonna rip his balls off if he ever touches you again!" yapped Alvin.

"You're gonna make me cry...and I don't know why I would cry, either because you broke friendship with someone you knew since you were a kid or because you're too sweet or because of what..Caleb did to me. I don't know which one." I laughed.

"Maybe all." sighed Anne.

"I think we all should move on." interjected Alvin.

"I'm trying to."

"Try harder." He continued and widened his eyes.

Anne held onto his arm and said as she tittered, "Just don't rip off his balls. Reproduction is his right."

I chortled and said, "Not when there's a population explosion on the earth." Alvin laughed too.

"By the way, Anne, I will be changing my English class from Mrs. Samantha's to Mr. Hathway's. So I'll be with you."

"Finally, it won't be boring anymore!"

I thought to myself, "But Valencia? She'll probably be left alone."

"Guys, I'll catch you later. I need to get
somewhere." I said.

"So, should I come with you?" asked Anne.

"Nah, I don't think so. I'll be fine."

"Are you sure? Call me if you need me."

"Yeah. Thank you, Anne and Alvin." I said before I left. I texted Valencia.

Skylar - I need to meet you. I've texted and called you multiple times. Why do you not answer? I need to know if you're okay. Are you even at school today?

Valencia - Hey. I'm sorry I didn't respond. Can we meet now? I'm in school, on the 1st floor. But there's only 5 minutes for class to start. Can we skip a few classes, please?

Skylar - Meet me at the gate in 5.

~

I stood at the school gate, anticipated to meet Valencia. Finally, she arrived and stood in front of me, simpering. I embraced her with a hug as I could make out that she wasn't fine.

"You wanted to talk to me about something." soughed Valencia.

"One, I wanna know what happened after you reached home yesterday. Two, tell me how did it go with Samuel. Three, why hadn't you been returning my calls or texts?"

"Seems like you really care about me." Valencia grinned shyly.

"Of course I do!"

"Aw."

I blushed as I pursed my lips. We started walking away from the school.

"So, uh- one, after reaching home yesterday, I saw Samuel and my dad and I had tears in my eyes. We were such a beautiful family two years ago and look, now, we're all messed up and broken apart from each other. I wonder what changed." sighed Valencia.

"What did change?" I asked and Val's face looked exasperated.

"I don't-" she muttered.

"-It's okay..if you don't wanna talk about it. It's completely fine."

"Thanks."

There remained an empty silence between us two for a few seconds.

"I actually feel like opening up to someone about it."

"You can, but only when you're ready." I said as I held her hand and our walking pace slowed down.

"I guess I am. I feel safe around you." She said as she looked into my eyes and smiled softly. I couldn't help but blush.

"My dad, he used to earn lesser than my mother. My mom, she runs a business, know the 400 Degrees Squisita?"

"That's the coolest dinner we got in Greenville. Shit, didn't know you own it!"

Valencia chucked.

"Okay, back to the point. You were saying?"

"Yeah, and my dad, he didn't have a fixed job. At one point, the Squisita wasn't so good and we weren't gathering much finance. My dad was still struggling and they two used to fight all the time. Soon, he got a job offer in Utah and he decided to take it. My mother denied but he still went on probation."

By now, Val and I had reached a small park and sat down on one of the benches.

"He only came back after a month or a two", continued Valencia. "And he had decided that he wanted to be there. Not only that, he had apparently found a new woman too. So, my parents split."

Valencia took in a huge breath and sighed. "My life was easy here in Carolina. I didn't wanna transfer schools and move to a new state. Dad was more attached to my brother. And Samuel didn't mind moving since he had no social life in school." She laughed. "He wanted to have a new beginning and applied for the Utah State University too. But he should've given a thought to our relation, our bond. So what if he had no friends and stuff? He had a sister, who loved him, more than she loved anybody." Tears had filled Val's woeful eyes.

I held her hand tightly by interlacing my fingers with hers as she lay her head on my shoulder. I sniveled as I kissed her forehead and rested my head on hers.

"You should know good things will always come your way. I know Sam lives away now, but you guys can still maintain a good relationship. You can visit each other, like how he came now." I said.

"The worst part is, my parents couldn't stay together for at least Sam and me."

"So Samuel and you have to prove that their divorce isn't gonna put an end to the bond between two siblings!"

"Yeah." Val said, weakly. "Speaking to him was good."

"So you did speak to him?"

"Yeah, we shared about everything with each other that had got left behind in this year."

"That is absolutely great! So how long is he staying?"

"Leaving tomorrow night. He got college."

"Ugh."

"I haven't ever opened up to anyone about this."

"Seems like I'm special then." I smirked.

"Yes, you are", chuckled Valencia.

We were chatted for a few more minutes when I thought of what I had promised Anna. 

"Uh, Val, I have a question but it will sound a little dumb, I don't know."

"Go ahead."

"So, do you think I should change my English class since Caleb is in mine right now?"

"I am there too. If you change, then what about me?" She laughed.

"Exactly why I ask you."

"What? I was kidding! Do what you do, Skye. I'd suggest though.." She softened. "It'll make it look like you wanna hide.
Plus, we all know, Ms. Samantha's classes are a lot better!" smiled Val.

"You're right, in both aspects."

"See! So stay."

"I'll stay."