Chapter 6

Because I was done with the current project in art class, I had free time on my hands. I started sketching in my art pad. I didn't really have an object in mind; I just let my hands go on autopilot, with minimal help from my mind. Eventually, the picture was of a human, then later I noticed it was of a girl. It wasn't until Miranda walked came over and stopped and said, "Wow, that's a beautiful picture of Valerie. And judging from the look on your face, a look you don't show often when drawing, and the way this looks you must really like her."

I was confused as I took a close look at the drawing. Then things became clear. It was a drawing of Val. I was surprised at how it was turning out. Especially considering I thought I wasn't paying attention to actually drawing. I hadn't said anything, but I thought that it was weird how so many people had figured out my feelings for her.

Miranda smiled and put her hand on my back and said, "I thought so. And knowing her she probably doesn't know how you feel. You should tell her as soon as possible."

The bell chose that moment to ring. I ran out of there and away from Miranda as fast as I could. I went to the rest rooms and locked myself in one of the stalls. I figured nobody, not even Miranda would find me there. I was going through my thoughts and feelings about everything in the past few days and even the years that I could remember about Val. My thoughts ended up on Val and that special picture of her that I was thankful was in one of the good containers and not in the camera, when I heard two guys talking.

"You notice how that Valerie's check has been gone for a couple of days now," said one guy.

"Yeah. How could I not? She's had perfect attendance since kindergarten. That and she's the hottest girl in school man. Those blue eyes on her Asian features, mmm. It's too bad why she's really out. The excuse the school was given was a joke. Who would have thought she'd turn out that way," said the second guy.

"What you mean by that? What happened to her," asked guy one.

I was starting to worry at the moment. I started to hold my breath. I didn't want my breathing to keep me from hearing what they were going to say.

"My dad's a cop. He heard that Valerie Kent was raped by her dad," said guy two.

Yep my heart totally stopped. I almost didn't hear what came next.

"But that's total bull though. There's no way that girl didn't go through it willingly. She's probably been screwing her dad for years. It just that this was the first time she was caught by her mom. The rape was probably just a BS story she gave to get out of trouble," said guy two.

I was in shock and didn't come to my senses until I heard them open the door. I rushed out and ran to the guys who had talked bad about Val.

I yelled out, "Hey Dave you jerk! I don't want ever to hear you bad mouth her by spreading those lies again."

Dave spun around and played dumb saying. "I have no idea what you're talking about man. So back off," responded Dave.

"That filth you were saying about Valerie Kent; it's all lies. Stop spreading that stuff." I said.

Dave was wide eyed for a moment and then said, "Sorry man; it'll never happen again."

Satisfied with his answer I started to walk away. Until the idiot said something else.

"I just don't know why you wouldn't want me to say anything. It's probably true any ways," said Dave.

Before I knew it, I had gotten into a fight with Dave. It didn't stop until my Aunt, and some other teachers pulled us apart. After that I was surprised, I hadn't been expelled.