Chapter 3

“What? Oh my God. I’m so sorry. Can I do anything to help?” I practically shouted.

Val looked down at her feet and said, “I would like to be left alone for a while.”

“Oh, okay. But before I go can I say one thing?” I asked.

Val just shook her head. She was still avoiding my gaze.

I got close to her and started to reach my hand out to her but stopped when she flinched. I was so worried about her.

“Okay. Just know if you need anything, anything at all you will always have friends and people who care about you and love you.” I said.

I was almost out the door when I heard Val call my name. By the time I turned around she was almost looking at me in the eyes.

Sounding a bit better and more confident but still a little unsure Val asked, “Like who? Are you one of those people who care for me and love me?”

“Always; nothing will change that.” I said.

She took my hand and led me to the living room.

“I was on my way to my room Friday when the phone rang. I picked it up, and it was Tiffany. She asked how things went with you. I told her they went better than fine. I was just a little embarrassed, but I told her that you were great. She wanted more details. I didn’t want to give her any. But she kept pressing for some. She then asked that after me flashing my breasts at you the other day if I finally tricked you into having sex with me. I may have gotten tired of her questioning and her thinking that stuff; I may have let her think I was going to jump your bones between now and the dance.” She paused for a moment. “How was I supposed to know my dad was listening in on the other line? I told mom and dad that we should have gotten gotten rid of those landline phones! Well after I hung up my daddy came to me looking mad. He grabbed me by the arm and...”