chapter 7 - why is she so fragile nowadays

Janeliya's pov-

I stepped into the classroom, the familiar scent of textbooks and freshly waxed floors enveloping me as I made my way to my seat. I was already running a bit behind, having driven to college early to get a head start on some pressing work. As I began to arrange my stuff, my gaze drifted towards the door, and that's when I saw her - Valerie Williams.

My heart skipped a beat as our eyes met, and I felt a sudden jolt of surprise. She looked stunning in a dress that was a bit shorter than what she usually wore, and I couldn't help but notice how it accentuated her legs. I felt a flutter in my chest, and my mind went blank as I struggled to process my emotions.

Valerie's eyes darted away from mine, and she looked a bit nervous as she proceeded towards her seat. I couldn't help but notice the change in her demeanor - she seemed more... vulnerable. I felt a pang of sympathy and curiosity, wondering what had brought about this change in her.

My eyes lingered on her for a moment, and I felt a sense of unease wash over me. I wasn't sure how to process my feelings, but I knew I wanted to talk to her, to understand what was going on. I took a deep breath and tried to compose myself, focusing on the task at hand - getting my work done. But my gaze kept drifting back to Valerie, and I found myself wondering what the day would bring.

I was trying to focus on my notes, when Valerie stopped beside me. Her face was twisted in a mixture of emotions, and I could sense her disgust and discomfort. Before I could react, she suddenly looked dizzy and was about to fall. I instinctively rose from my seat to help her, remembering my decision from the night before to be kind and supportive.

But Valerie's reaction was swift and harsh. She pushed me away, covering her mouth as if she was about to vomit, and rushed out of the classroom. I was taken aback, stunned by her behavior. I felt a surge of disappointment and frustration, wondering why she had reacted that way.

As I stood there, frozen in surprise, I couldn't help but think that maybe I had misjudged Valerie's situation. Maybe she wasn't capable of change after all. I felt a pang of anger towards myself for thinking that I could make a difference in her life. People like Valerie, with their sharp edges and prickly exterior, might be beyond help. I sat back down, feeling a sense of resolve wash over me. I would not meddle in Valerie's affairs again. It was clear that she didn't want my help, and I wouldn't waste my time trying to reach out to someone who didn't want to be reached.

I walked out of the college building, the evening sun casting a warm glow over the parking lot. I was looking forward to heading home and wrapping up the day. As I approached my car, I noticed Valeria standing near my vehicle, watching it with an unreadable expression. When she saw me, she hesitated for a moment before taking a few tentative steps towards me.

I wondered what she wanted, and my mind flashed back to our earlier encounter in class. But before she could say anything, her eyes fluttered closed, and she swayed unsteadily on her feet. I rushed towards her, but it was too late. She lost consciousness and slumped to the ground, her body limp and helpless.

I felt a surge of concern and knelt down beside her, trying to rouse her. "Valeria, hey, are you okay?" I called out, gently shaking her shoulders. But she didn't respond. I quickly grabbed my phone and dialed for help, hoping someone would arrive soon to assist us but there was no one as I stayed late in college for some work. I wondered What was going on with Valeria? Why was she collapsing like this? And why did she seem so fragile and vulnerable all of a sudden?

I carefully maneuvered Valeria's limp body into the passenger seat of my car, trying not to jostle her too much. Once she was settled, I quickly scanned my surroundings, looking for something to help revive her. Spotting a water bottle in my bag, I grabbed it and poured some water onto her lips.

At first, there was no response, but then her eyelids began to flutter, and she took a shallow breath. I poured a bit more water onto her lips, and she started to stir, her eyes slowly focusing on me. She looked disoriented and confused, but as she took in her surroundings, her expression changed to one of alarm.

"What...what happened?" she stammered, trying to sit up straight. I gently pushed her back into the seat, urging her to stay calm.

"You fainted," I explained, holding the water bottle up to her lips again. "Drink some water, it might help." She took a few sips, wincing slightly as the liquid touched her parched lips.

As she drank, I couldn't help but notice the vulnerability in her eyes, a stark contrast to her usual confident demeanor. It was as if the mask she wore had slipped, revealing a glimpse of the person beneath. I felt a pang of concern and empathy, wondering what was going on with her that was causing her to collapse like this.