Static Hearts

Unexpected compliance

At that moment all the girls had a difficult expression on their face. When nobody answered she turned around and got ready to leave.

"Wa...wait!" Vanessa tried to stop her but it was futile. "Where are you going?"

"To the drugstore of course." She lied.

"Um... ok... come soon then." 

They didn't see each other for one week after that day. As soon as Reina left the other girls went out too. They had no interest to stay anymore. Vanessa kept asking Greg to set up a meeting with Reina so that she could properly apologize, putting him into a difficult situation. It didn't work out but her persistence didn't seem to lessen.

"You have to talk to her. She keeps ignoring my calls and don't tell me that busy crap, because I've seen you two spend time in the backyard."

"If she's ignoring you it means she cares about you." He said trying to console her using Reina's weird personality as an excuse, but Vanessa wasn't having any of that.

"No, it's not."

"Ok it's not, but she does."

"Thanks. Now I feel warm inside." She mocked.

There had passed too much time without them talking. She couldn't cut the ties especially not now that the Valentine's party was coming up. People were starting to suspect whether they were having a fight and the only thing she could say to them was: "Of course not, that's nonsense!" This was so annoying. She sighed and turned her attention to Greg's worried expression.

"I'm sending you a suit for the party tomorrow, you know, so that you don't wear anything audacious."

"I'm not coming. I have a part-time job so I can't make it." When those words came out a sense of panic overwhelmed her.

"But Reina will come right?" she asked whispering.

"I don't think so." Greg's reaction to Vanessa's recent attitude could be only described as shocked. He didn't know what to do. The girl he liked was as close to him as a stranger. Their relationship hadn't progressed in the least, but that was mainly because of his busy schedule not the lack of trying from her part.

Maybe he could try persuading Reina. Luck might be on his side for once.

"No." Of course, her firm response left no room for discussion. They were sitting in their usual place the next day when he decided to bring up the topic.

"Look, Vanessa really feels terrible. She promised me she would never do something that would implicate you ever again." Greg kept trying.

"Oh I didn't know she promised. That changes everything." she said sarcastically.

"Hey. Mind if I talk with you for a second." Julia interrupted their conversation. Nobody visited this area so it would be impossible for her to know their location. It didn't leave much to think of who might have told her.

"What are you doing here?" Reina reacted without even trying to show courtesy.

"I am writing down the names of those who plan to attend tomorrow's party so... "

"And I repeat: Why are you here?" It was obvious that she wouldn't go to that stupid event so why did people keep pestering her?

"Please think about it." a small voice was heard. This time it was Gregory the one who spoke, and it sounded as if he was pleading. For the first time, he was asking her something. 

He couldn't help but notice her widened eyes, displaying a shock which later was replaced by confusion. It was as if she didn't get why he was acting this way. As if she couldn't get it.

"Fine." Reina finally responded but her voice had an oddly complex tone, which he was the only one to notice. After receiving the affirmation she wanted Julia happily left, leaving them on the company of the oak tree.

"What are you planning?" He asked, his voice laced with suspicion.

"Don't go to the party. Tell her not to go too." were her last words. Greg tried to make her elaborate but as expected she left instead. Something  didn't feel right.

He called Vanessa the next day telling her not to attend the Valentine's celebration.

"But why??? She's coming, I know she is. Julia told me. I want to go too." She whined looking at the marvelous dress her mother bought for this specific occasion.

"Don't. Please promise me you won't." he insisted. After several minutes of arguing he heard her groan loudly on the phone.

"Fine, I promise."

"Vanessa you promised." He warned.

"Okay, I got it already. I won't go." And so she hung up letting her boyfriend finally sigh in relief.

That year 14th February would be celebrated under the joyous presence of the blissful stars. Rows of heart-shaped lanterns swayed under the eaves. Walking pedestrians came upon rosy lights and the laughing sounds of couples holding hands. However, in the school's cafeteria that peaceful atmosphere was somehow contaminated by extravagant cosmetics, flagrance and deafening music.

A white luxurious car stopped in front of what supposed to be an educational institution, while the driver cautiously opened the door for a young girl. Her bright pink hair didn't stand out much from the colorful decorations. She looked kind of hesitant and was anxiously chewing her nails.

"Vanessa!" Julia, who had a beautiful strapless dress on called. "Come on. The party has already started."

Depriving herself of thinking any further about the broken promise the girl shouted in response. "I'm coming!"