Chapter 3

Valerie’s POV

Sighs

It’s been three long years since my mom died—and I’ve done the exact opposite of what she told me to do.

I don’t eat properly.

I barely sleep, and when I do, I wake up with eye bags so dark it looks like I haven’t rested in weeks.

Sometimes, I don’t sleep at all.

I used to cut my arms—until they were too scarred to cut anymore.

I listen to depressing songs.

I have frequent nightmares about that day.

And yeah… sometimes I wish I died with her.

Life is just too hard.

I’m in college now, and if you ask what I’m passionate about… I’m not sure I can give an honest answer.

I’m 100% sure it’s because I’ve lost all inspiration, all motivation—to even exist.

Ever since my mom passed, I lost all my social skills.

I rarely speak to people.

I mostly just play video games when I’m free.

Days later, during one of our afternoon classes, a lecturer walked in with another woman who introduced herself as a certified therapist.

“Hello, sweeties,” she said, smiling warmly.

“My name is Agnes. Today, I’d love for you all to tell me something that happened during summer in high school.” She rubbed her hands together with enthusiasm.

Jeez, what a bitch, I muttered, already trying to hide my face.

I knew she’d call on me.

“Hmm… let’s see,” she scanned the room. “I want the girl in the black hoodie… uh, Valerie?”

Ugh, I hate this woman, I whispered under my breath.

Reluctantly, I stood up and walked to the front.

My heart pounded like a war drum.

My chest tightened. It hurt.

Then the voices came.

“She’s trying to kill you.”

“Just like your mother. She wants you gone.”

“Okay, sweetie, we’re waiting,” she said, tapping her glittery wristwatch.

I kept breathing heavily…

And then—

Flashback

“911, what’s your emergency?”

“My mom… she’s dead. She’s in the pool,” I sobbed.

“Alright, we’re on our way.”

End of flashback

Tears burst from my eyes as I bolted out of the classroom.

“Yeah, she’s weirder than I expected,” I heard Carmen say coldly.

Stupid me. You could’ve just said no instead of standing there like an idiot, having a full-on meltdown.

I wiped my tears and headed toward the restroom, eyes blurry.

I wasn’t looking where I was going and bumped into someone.

“ARGH!! I’m sorry,” I groaned, trying to find my glasses.

“There,” a calm, soothing voice said, gently placing them on my face.

I scrambled to my feet, rambling apologies, not even looking up.

But then I did.

And I couldn’t help but blush.

He’s so freaking hot.

“I’m sorry too,” he said kindly. “And please try to watch where you’re going, okay?”

He smiled.

“Say… are you okay? You were crying earlier.” He brushed my hair gently out of my face.

“No, no—I’m fine. I just… had a panic attack,” I mumbled.

“Aww, I feel bad for you. What’s your name?” he asked, ruffling my hair.

“Valerie. And yours?”

“My name’s Jayden. But you can call me Jay.”

Shit… he’s so calm even after I crashed into him. He fixed my glasses. His voice is deep but calming. How is he real?

For a moment, I didn’t care about anything else. Just him.

My cheeks turned even redder.

Jayden: “So Valerie, shouldn’t you be in class?”

Valerie: “I know I should, but I’d have a panic attack if I go back in there.”

Jayden: “Oh, I see. Not gonna lie, I like your glasses.”

Valerie: “Oh, thank you, Jay. Most people call me four-eyes.”

Jayden: “Ignore those losers. They’re just mad you can see.”

Valerie: “I… guess so.”

Jayden: “So… should I call your paren—”

Valerie: “NO!!”

Jayden: “Okay, okay, I won’t. Your whining’s kinda cute though~”

Valerie: “Hush! Are you some playboy or something?”

Jayden: “Girl, what makes you think that?”

Valerie: “Your compliments. Duh.”

Jayden: “Oh come on, if someone’s cute, I gotta say it.”

Valerie: “…Oh. Okay then. Thank you.”

And just like that… I realized I wanted him in my life

Maybe as a friend.

Maybe something more.

He was kind.

He was calm.

He made me feel… seen.

What could possibly go