Written In The Stars - First Draft (Published Under Immac PPH)

CHAPTER 02

Written In The Stars

Valerie's POV

"Okay, it's a date."

Tyler and I went to the Beachwood Café near the boulevard, he payed for everything because he thought he could make it up to me by doing that. I didn't want to think more thoroughly about it because it would only make things worst, and in the end, I'm the only one who's affected. I chose to disregard the incident, it wasn't that serious, I didn't want stress to add up. Clare isn't even worth all the stress. But Tyler was Tyler... he always wants to make extra gestures so he could assure himself that we're quits now. I know him well... too well.

We tasted the blueberry cheesecake there, comforted by the scent of freshly brewed coffee, everything about the place was calm and sedate. This café is the most popular one around, it's near the campus which makes it more known to the students. We come here often that's why almost all of the staff knows us. It's often packed with people—Students, office workers and those who live near the area—Which they refer to as 'The regulars' Because they're always here. Same with me and my friends.

When we left Beachwood Café, Tyler drove me to our favorite spot. It's on a hilltop where the trees are vivid, the skies are clear and there's an ocean of stars above us. In this hilltop lies a more deeper meaning to our friendship, it's what keeps us binding together, it's what made us stronger. This is the spot where we stargaze, it's a spot where only the two of us cherish this. It was always me, Tyler and the stars. It's the only safe haven we know.

Stargazing has always been a part of me. The stars are my constant reminder that there is still something wonderful in the midst of darkness, because the stars... they chose to shine brightly even if they're within the dim of the evening skies. Not only that, it reminds me of him and his smile. The way his eyes sparkle amongst the stars. It reminds me of all the things that happened to me that only the stars have witnessed. For every tear I have shed, for every victory I have celebrated and for every dream I have built. Just like the stars, Tyler shined the most. And in my eyes, he is as important as the stars to me.

We sat on the vast area, the grass was somehow moistened by the cold wind, and we could still make up the image of bright green trees despite the vicinity darkening as the night slowly crept on us. I inhaled the freshness of the air, then I looked up. The stars shining brightly like they always do. When I looked at him, he was looking up as well. He had a huge smile placed on his face. My heart could swell with much joy every time I would see him like that. The genuine smile on his face was one of the things I would always wish for.

Because he deserves to smile like that, he deserves to feel a happiness as true and as sincere as this. I find myself thankful for the stars because they're the only ones who could bring out his most sincere smile. I smiled to myself, feeling satisfied just by seeing him happy, genuinely happy even for just a little while. After what he has been through and after how his past left permanent scars, it was nice seeing him happy and it felt relieving to know he's slowly healing.

"Why are you smiling at me like that?" He asks. I snapped out of it. I must have stared at him for too long. I couldn't help myself, there's this feeling of hope every time I see him smile like that. I couldn't explain what I feel every time he flashes a smile. Sometimes I think that this is starting to escalate into something deeper than just friendship, and it scares me. "Stop it Valerie. You are starting to make me feel conscious."

"Nothing..." I said. It scares me to feel something that I shouldn't. He's your best friend Valerie, that's what I always tell myself. If I ever fall for him, it feels like I'm standing on the edge of a cliff, it is a huge risk and I'm not even sure if I will ever be ready to dive into it. I'm scared, afraid to waste a friendship that matters to me the greatest. "...It just feels great knowing you are starting to live with it. It must have been hard dealing with that trauma. You're strong. Seeing you smile like this proves that."