new girl (1)

chapter 3

DREW’S POV.
I have been completely depressed for the last couple of days. Valery had destroyed my heart- more like she ripped it from me, stomped on it and lit it on fire for good measure. She didn’t go to school after the cemetery, but two long unlucky days later she was there, but she refused to sit next to me and almost got the principal to switch her classes. She must really hate me. But, like I am now, tried to wrap my mind around the thought of her not liking me. I mean, I’m used to girls falling at my feet, trying to get my attention and the tables turned. I was trying to get Val’s attention. She ignored me and stayed away from me. And it drove me insane. She was driving me insane.

I tried getting her number, but no one knew her. And the phonebook doesn’t get updated, no one changed their numbers or moved here. We were a small town, we knew each other, and we could go to each other’s house and talk. No need for phone calls. But Val didn’t allow that. I even walked to her house and knocked on her door, only to have her uncle answer-which was a scary man. I could tell no one wanted to mess with him. I had asked if I could talk to Valery, and he’d simply glared at me and slammed the door in my face. But that didn’t mean I was giving up. Nope.

My plan was to wait for Valery to come in math class, and I would make my move and sit where she sat. I didn’t care if I had to push the kid out of his seat to sit next to her. I didn’t care if her icy glare came my way. Or her retorting words, or if she simply ignored me. I told her this wasn’t over. And I’m a man true to his words. No way was I giving up Val.

I stared at the door and half at the clock. Two minutes until the tardy bell rang. She had to be here. Yeah, it was a Friday and some kids took the day off, but I knew Val wouldn’t. As much as she said that she didn’t like me, she was lying. I knew she was…at least I think I knew….

Valery walked in, and sat down. The seat next to hers was already taken. I stood, and strode over, stopping right in front of Claudia, who seemed to be somewhat of a friend to Valery. I smiled sweetly as she looked up at me, gawking. I could practically read her mind: My God, Drew Donovan’s standing right in front of me, looking at me…my God, what do I do?!

“Hey, Claudia…I wanted to sit next to Valery here, so I could talk to her…do you want to switch seats?” I smirked at her, looking into her pale eyes. I’m pretty sure she had asked me out in note form, and I ignored it. I’m surprised I didn’t date her. She was pretty. But, I liked Val now.

‘Stop. You’re here about Val.’

Claudia stuttered and grabbed her bag, “Sure, Drew. Uhm, yeah. Sure. Your seat is over there?”

As if she didn’t know where I sat. “Yeah it is, thanks again.” I flashed a grin at her.

Claudia left and I sat in her seat, turning to Val. “Hey…Val.”

Valery hadn’t looked at me and she was invested in her notebook again. “Hey, Drew.” Her tone was dunked in ice, and I almost flinched. I hadn’t done anything to her! Why was she so mad at me?!

Darby droned on and I pretended to write notes as I stole glances at her. I forgot how beautiful she was up-close. I was probably drooling, but I couldn’t stop looking at her, it would be so easy just to reach out and touch her soft cheeks. And tug her into my arms and stroke her hair.

I blinked, trying to get a grip on reality. Valery had been talking to me while I was day dreaming.

“Drew! What the hell is wrong with you?!” She hissed at me under her breath, trying not to get Darby’s undivided attention.

“I…what were you saying?” I asked, shaking my head.

“I told you to stop drooling and get a grip. Remember at the cemetery, I told you to stay away from me? Okay, now I want you to do just that. Go. Away.” Valery glared at me.

“Yeah. And remember at the cemetery, how I told you that this wasn’t over? I do. And I’m true to my word. Sorry Val, but you’re stuck with me.” I smirked, and she snapped her teeth at me. Like an animal. Just…whoa.

Valery turned away from me, but I suspected that I got a smile that never reached the surface. I smirked smugly, happy of her reaction. I didn’t know what to say to her now, I never suspected that I’d get this far. I was completely lost now…well crap.

The bell rung and Valery was out of her seat and across the room. I elbowed my way through the kids, and got a few ‘heys!’ but I was right behind Valery. I grabbed her elbow and yanked her into me. I looked down into her eyes and smirked.

“Val…I’m not done with you.” I could she emotions swirling in her eyes and when she tried to step away from me, I put an arm around her wrist and kept her against me, ignoring the eyes of students walking by.

“But I am. Let go, Drew.” She wouldn’t look at me in the eyes.

“Come with me. Please. If I can’t change your mind about me, then I won’t bother you anymore.” I swirled her hair around my finger.

Valery clicked her tongue piercing against her teeth, thinking.

“You’ll stay out of my way forever?” she asked.

I nodded slowly, “Yes. Unless you say otherwise.”

She smirked and looked up at me, her grey eyes playful. “Okay. I’ll come.”

The bell tardy bell rung and we were still standing out in the hall. I grabbed her hand and pulled her along with me.

“Where are we going?” she kept her pace with me, looking over her shoulder.

“Scared of ditching class?”

Valery tipped her head back, laughing. “No, are you? This must be your first time ditching.”

I shot her a glare over my shoulder and smiled. “That obvious?”

“Where are we going?” she asked again, her hand clutching mine slightly.

“Chicken, and I don’t know. It’s a surprise for both of us.”

Valery kept quiet and held my hand the entire way. I tried not think about her lips. Or anything about her really. I needed to stay on track and find a way for her to like me again. Because she did once, I know that now. I opened my car’s passenger door and stepped to the side for Valery.

“Ladies first.” I smirked at her.

She patted my car’s hood. “Nice baby.”

I laughed. “Yeah, she’s a 1970 Volvo. My grandfather passed it down to my dad and he passed it down to me. Not in bad shape, huh?”

“1970? How does it run?”

“Like it’s brand new. Get in.” I placed a hand on her back and leaned into her ear. “Scared?”

Valery shot me a look but got in. I shut her door and came around to my side and hopped in. I pulled quickly out of the school’s parking lot, hoping we weren’t noticed by the administrators. Or the other students. . . .

Valery looked out the window and kept quiet. I kept making glances at her. She finally looked at me. I smirked at her.

“What?” she asked.

“Nothing. Just surprised you came without a huge argument.” I shrugged.

“That will come later.” She stuck her tongue at me and I shook my head, chuckling.

I stopped the car, and hopped out. I stretched, smiling at the one giant tree. Valery got out and sat on my car’s hood. I turned slowly to her and smirked.

Valery crossed her arms, “So?”

I shrugged and pointed up to that tree. “We’re going to climb that tree.”

“You’re kidding.” Valery narrowed her eyes at me.

“Nope.” I started climbing it. “Better keep up.”

Valery chuckled and climbed up after me. After we were half way up, she swung her leg over a tree branch. I dropped to the one next to her, glad the tree was huge enough to hold our wait. She leaned back, her shoulder touching my leg. I dropped my hand down and played with a piece of her hair.

“So. What’s your whole diabolical plan?” she asked, playing with a green leaf.

“Don’t know. Never really thought I’d get this far actually.” I chuckled, leaning against the trunk of the tree.

“We’re just going to sit here. And do nothing.” Valery glanced up with boredom on her face.

“We’re going to watch the sun set. And then we’ll go home.” I wiggled my eyebrows at her.

She rolled her eyes and shook her head, “Such a romantic, Drew.”

“What can I say? It’s all the chick flick movies.” I received a snicker from her.

A silence come over us, and the leaves rustled in the wind. The sun just ahead, started setting behind the mountains. I bet if I were a photographer, it’d be the best photo ever. But I can’t take pictures for crap. I looked down at Valery, her red-streaked black hair flowing in the wind. I noticed how long her sleeves were down her hands.

“Cold?” I asked softly.

“What?” she looked up at me, “Not really…why?”

“You have your sleeves down pretty far.” I pointed.

“Oh, uhm. Yeah. They are.” Her pale face started tinting a shade of light pink.

“What is it?” I started feeling grim.

“Nothing. It’s nothing.” Valery looked back at the sun.

“Val. What is it?” I nudged her shoulder with my leg.

“I’m fine Drew.” Valery shook her head, and shrugged.

“This isn’t over. But watch the sun.” I made a mental note to bug her about it later.

“Is it ever over for you?”

‘I don’t want anything to be over when I’m with you.’ I mentally groaned. This was ridiculous. I’m having mental conversations with myself.

The sky’s clouds started getting pink and purple. The orange light from the sun started to glow dimmer. With the scenery and Valery here, it was swelling my heart to the brim. I tugged on her shirt.

“C’mere.” I patted my lap.

Valery gave me a weird look, “What?”

“Val, come here. I want to hold you.” I held my breath, waiting for what she was about to say.

It was quiet for a second, with Valery staring at me with those cold grey eyes. She looked like she was battling for a response. It started getting awkward and uncomfortable. After what seemed forever, she responded.

“I…uhm. Sure.” Valery steadied herself and stood up slowly on her branch. She gripped my leg and I grabbed her arm and helped her up to my branch. She perched herself on lap, and leaned against my chest. Wow, was she light. I barely felt any weight on me. I carefully wrapped my arms around her, glad that the branch I sat on was big enough for both of us.

I thought I heard Valery sigh a blissful, peaceful sigh, but that could’ve been me. The sun was almost down, and the sky was at its prettiest. Rays of the sun split into the sky, the clouds a deep pink and purple tint. The highest part of the sky was already dark, and a couple of stars were out. This moment couldn’t have been more perfect. The smell of Valery’s shampoo, the scene in front of us. But what stood out most was the shine and awe in her grey eyes. The light reflected off them and it seemed like it was her first time seeing the sun. My heart ached.

When the sun was down, she looked up at me, and her eyes. God, her eyes. They looked warm and so innocent. Like a kid’s eyes when they’ve first seen a Christmas tree lit up. My heart was breaking. Not from pain- not like when someone breaks up with you. But with…love. And if love wasn’t what I was feeling, I couldn’t tell you what it felt like.

“Thank you.” She whispered to me.

“What do you mean?” I asked, rubbing my thumb softly on her cheek bone.

“For that. I needed that, Drew.” She smiled, and made a peaceful noise.

“You’re welcome.” I whispered. Lord, how much I wanted to kiss her. But, I was afraid it’d ruin the moment and she’d push me away. Then we’d be back where we started.

Valery curled up a little, and leaned into my chest. I put my chin on her head, wrapping my arms around her again. I don’t know how long we stayed like that. My ass started falling asleep, but I couldn’t complain. I was the most comfortable I had ever been. The night was silent, and the moon crescent gave us enough light to see each other.

Valery was the one to break the silence. “What time is it?”

I shrugged, “Dunno. But I should probably get you home, huh?”

“Probably.” She sounded sad.

“C’mon.” I sat up a little bit more, and Valery dropped down to her original branch, “Careful, Val.”

“Don’t worry about me.” She started climbing down the tree faster.

I dropped down and took the same route she was taking. Soon, we stood at the bottom of the tree. I patted its trunk.

“Guess my diabolical plan worked?” I sounded hopeful.

“You’ll never know. At least not tonight.” I sensed a smirk from her.

I laughed and took her in my arms. Probably a bad move, but I couldn’t stand the thought of being away from her. To my luck, she hugged back, her arms wrapped around my neck. Mine wrapped around her waist.

“C’mon the cars over here, you know?” she whispered.

“Maybe.” I pulled away from her, and led her to the car. I opened the passenger car door for her. She stepped in and I shut the door softly. I went to the other side of the car and got in.

“Where’s your house?” I asked.

“Actually…my motorcycle is at school…so. I was wondering if you could take me there.”

“And where’s your keys?”

“My locker.” She grimaced, “The school’s locked isn’t it?”

I nodded, “I can give you a ride to school in the morning, and after school you could ride it.”

Valery shrugged, “Sure.”

“So…let’s try this again. Where’s your house?”

“829 Neath Lane. And I thought you already knew? My uncle told me you showed up on our doorstep.” She gave me a suspicious look.

“Well, I’m not a stalker. I just asked Samantha where you lived and remembered it for that day.” I shrugged.

“Samantha, huh?”

“Yeah, you never told me what she asked you.”        

She gave me a smile, “She asked if I was seeing you.”        

“And what’d you say?”

“I told her I wasn’t sure.”