Valorie Thorpe rushed to the library.
While she slid through the doors, her predecessor, Judy Kline, was furious. “Valorie, you’re late again. I’m going to Mr. Johnson.”
“I’m sorry, I had to see Professor Wilkins and turn in a project.” Judy shook her head.
“That’s not an excuse. If you want to keep your job here, you need to be on time. I’m late for my class again,” Judy threw the words at her like stones.
“Well, I suggest you better hustle then, or you’re going to be really late.” Valorie tossed her things down behind the counter. She hated it when people like Judy bitched a lot, then did nothing about it. Always a constant threat to tattle.
Judy left the library muttering something under her breath.
Valorie ignored it completely, she really didn’t care. She’d been late because she’d stopped by to see her boyfriend, Matt. They had another fight last night and she felt bad. It was important to her to apologize.
Instead of worrying about it, she grabbed the cart of books to be put away. Starting down an aisle, Valorie grabbed the first book and put it in its proper place. “Why didn’t Judy do this earlier?” she muttered under her breath.
Valorie kept busy working for a few hours. Glancing up at the clock, she still had four hours left of her shift, with nothing to do. Grabbing her book bag, she took out her homework.
Matt walked in. “Hey, I thought about what you said.” He kissed her on the lips. “I forgive you.”
Her smile broadened in approval. “Thanks, Matt. You know sometimes, I think you deserve better than me.”
He nodded and shrugged. “You’re cool and fun to hang out with. Do you want to go to Jessie’s party tonight with me?”
She nodded. “Sure.” She felt relieved. Matt could be difficult and he’d accused her of being a bitch. They were made for each other, or so he said. Another party, sounded like a great time. There would be lots of beer and music.
She’d been enjoying college and didn’t pay attention to her grades. She knew where every party was at. She’d already disappointed her mom and dad. Why care anymore. At the age of eighteen, she felt carefree and happy to just be away from home.
Her father was a police officer and she had a strict upbringing. Once she moved to the dorms, Valorie loved to party. During high school, she’d been too afraid to for fear of her father finding out. Working at the library was only for money to buy new clothes and to party. Her father yelled at her every time she went home, because he paid for her tuition and she was throwing away her chance to stay in college by failing her classes.
Matt and his friends had moved to the back room in the library. They were making a lot of noise and Valorie saw a lot of the students were leaving because it.
Liam Livingston walked in. Valorie adored him, he was an absolute sweetheart, and actually her best friend. Liam and she spent a lot of time together. Whenever she needed someone to vent or a shoulder to cry on, he’d been there.
Valorie waved, with a crook finger she signaled him over. “Hey, you. Where you been?”
“What do you mean? I’ve been here almost every day,” his smile showing perfect white teeth. He seemed eager and alive with affection and delight.
Liam looked different from the first time to now. They’d ended up at registration together and had stood in line for hours.
Valorie thought he was cute and adorable. Now though, he seemed unhealthy and pale. “What’s going on with you, Liam?”
“Why do you ask?” Biting his lip, he looked away.
“I don’t know, you look sick.” She went straight to the point.
“I’m fine,” he murmured, five three or four hadn’t grown much since she first met him and it had been almost two years whereas the rest of the men were growing still. Before now, he’d been strong and healthy. Though now, he looked pale, his face withdrawn and sunken with an almost gray tint to his skin. “Look at you, Liam. If a strong wind came up it would blow you right out of here.”
“I’m good. Just been studying a lot, maybe forgot to eat something. No worries, okay?” He clenched his fist and held it to her.
She tapped his with her fist. “Okay, if you say so.” She wasn’t going to push him to tell her anything. She didn’t really want to know because it would hurt too much to know he was sick.
“So, Valorie. How are you this lovely day?” Liam had always been kind and considerate to her.
She liked him as a friend. She took a lot of ribbing from the others because he was a little on the nerdy side of the spectrum. Something about him reared her protective instincts though.
Matt and his three frat buddies walked toward them. Matt shoved Liam away from the counter.
Liam shook his head. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to get a few books. I’ll see you later.”
“Hey, pipsqueak,” Matt yelled. “Where you going?”
Liam ignored the question without even a backwards glance.
“What do you see in that guy, anyways?” Matt pointed his thumb.
“He’s sweet,” Valorie replied.
“What the fuck? You say he’s sweet? He’s a skinny little runt. Short and probably has a small dick. You want to fuck him, don’t you?” Matt accused, contempt dripping from his words. Leaning over the counter, he grabbed her hair, pulling her head toward him.
“Don’t, owww,” Valorie moaned.
Matt pulled harder as he grabbed the back of her head, violently smashing his lips to hers.
Trying to pull away, bile rose in the back of her throat, the smell of alcohol so strong it made her gag. Valorie ripped away from him. “You’ve been drinking in the library, again.”
“Shut the fuck up!” Matt yelled, spraying spittle with his words on her face.
“Why in-the-fuck do I let you talk to me this way? Get away from me!” Valorie tried shoving him away.
Matt held the back of her head as he pushed it to the counter. Before he was able to crack her head against the wood, Valorie managed to pull herself away from him. The look of rage crossed his face as he backed away holding his hands up. “You made your choice, bitch.”
Matt’s friends were laughing and pushing each other around.
“Stop being so rude! Why don’t you and your little asshole buddies get the fuck out of here!” she demanded, fighting the anger and humiliation Matt brought out of her. She was fed up with him always coming to her, starting a fight then blaming her. Fury almost choked her. “Get out!” Valorie screamed.
“You can’t tell me what to do, bitch. Just because your father’s a cop doesn’t mean you’re the law.” Matt held up his middle finger.
“Hey, Matt, catch!” Eddie yelled as he tossed a football directly to Matt.
Jeff and Kolton joined in as the four guys threw the football to each other.
Valorie tried one last time. “Matt, you guys need to leave. This is a library and people are here to study.”
“Woman? Do you ever shut up? Come on, guys. She’s apparently on the rag.” Matt’s features hardened with the angry retort.
Valorie looked up just as Liam walked toward her carrying a stack of books.
Matt grabbed Liam’s arm as Eddie went down on his hands and knees directly behind Liam.
“Stop, don’t!” Valorie screamed.
Matt shoved Liam backwards. At the same time, he shouted, “You want to fuck my chick?”
Valorie lunged forward trying to help her friend as Liam was flipped backwards. She heard the loud crack as his body struck the hardwood floor. The books he’d been holding strewn all over.
Valorie reached him too late, she knelt, tears streaming down her face. She knew he was hurt. She pushed the heavy blond hair away from his eyes.
Tears welled within his eyes as he tried to catch his breath.
When he rolled to his side, Valorie gripped his arm trying to help him up as he moaned loudly holding his side.
“Leave me alone, haven’t you done enough?” Liam groaned. He tried to push her hand off his arm but he was too weak.
Valorie could feel her throat constricting slightly. Tears flowing down her cheeks. She didn’t care who saw her. She’d hurt her best friend. What did Matt have that Liam didn’t? She’d asked herself that question a hundred times or more.
Valorie finally knew the truth but she was afraid it was too late now. She’d always loved Liam. Now, she had to let him go. He would never forgive her. She wasn’t a good friend. Liam deserved better than her.
Liam struggled to stand up.
Valorie could hear the air in his lungs rattle with labored breathing.
Matt stomped over to them, his anger escalating into a scalding rage. He pulled back his fist, hitting Liam in the face. The sickening sound could be heard by the bone splintering under the force of the blow.
Liam hit the ground once again, blood spraying from his nose and split lip. His nose at an awkward angle.
Valorie couldn’t move, she sat planted to the floor as if her shoes were glued down. She glared at Matt, fury almost choking her. She felt helpless and ashamed she hadn’t done anything to protect her friend.
Eddie ran to Matt pulling him away from Liam. “You’ve done enough, let it go. Come on, we have to get the fuck out of here.”
“No I haven’t. I’m going to show this asshole not to steal another man’s woman!” Matt kicked Liam in the side as he still laid on the ground.
Eddie and Jeff both grabbed Matt by the arm. “Dude, enough!” Jeff yelled.
Liam tried again to stand up. Pain showing on his face, tears rolled down his cheeks unchecked. His face so pale it almost appeared as if death was knocking at the backdoor.
In a nightmare Valorie couldn’t seem to snap out of, she wondered why she didn’t help Liam.
“Get up! Come on, you little cry baby. Look at you sobbing like a little girl,” Matt yelled, his face near Liam’s.
Valorie could never forgive Matt for hurting Liam. These guys never stopped messing with people’s lives, but she was pissed at herself more. Never had she felt so selfish. Liam had been her best friend. He would never forgive her for this. She wasn’t in love with Matt; it was the status of being with the quarterback of her college football team. He’d made her popular or so Valorie thought.
Liam had always treated her with respect, no matter the circumstances. This was the way she’d repaid him?
Liam was still lying on the floor right there in front of her, and she was powerless to defend him. Her mood veered sharply to anger. What the fuck is wrong with you? Help your friend. Valorie lunged forward and yelled, “Matt, leave him alone!” She pushed him away from Liam. Adrenaline fed her strength knocking Matt aside and away from her friend.
“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” Matt’s anger turned on her, his expression clouded with fury.
“I’m tired of you bullying everyone around. You don’t care who you hurt; as long as you get your way. Matt, you’re an asshole. Now get the fuck out of here!” Valorie pointed at the entrance.
“Tell this little bastard to stay away, you’re my girl. Nobody else’s, I mean that!”
“I’m not your girl! Get the hell away from him.” She poked his chest at the same time she yelled.
Liam stood up behind Matt. Valorie watched in horror as he tried to bend over to pick up a book. As he groaned, she could tell he was in considerable amount of pain. Grabbing Matt’s arm, she tried to move him away from Liam.
Matt whirled around on her, pushing her chest with enough force to send her backwards a few feet then he lunged forward grabbing her arm, squeezing it and hurting her. “You bitch! Don’t. You. Ever. Put your hands on me, again!”
“Get your nasty paws off me.” She pulled her aching arm away from his strong grip. She ran toward Liam. “Wait.” Valorie bent down and grabbed a couple of spilt books, when she stood up, he’d already disappeared. “Matt, I can’t believe you did something so…” She couldn’t finish her sentence, fury flaring in her so strong she’d become speechless.
All she knew was she was done with Matt. He was mean to everyone including her. Valorie had been raised better than this. Matt had gone too far. She stalked toward him and stood on her tiptoes. “I’m done with you, you’re an asshole!”
He grabbed her arms pulling her closer to him. “You don’t have any idea what you’re doing, Valorie. You break up with me, no one will date your stupid ass.”
She stepped back slightly and, clenching her fist, she hauled off and struck Matt so hard, she knocked his head back, a loud smack was heard as she split his lip. Her knuckles felt as if she broke them, but the adrenaline kept her from feeling any pain.
Mr. Johnson and several other people came running through the library doors.
Dean Anderson was among the group. He pointed toward the doors, “Valorie Thorpe, you need to go to the administrative office and wait for me.”
“Yes, sir.” Valorie went behind the counter grabbing her book bag and purse. She left through the library doors. She didn’t care who saw her as she let her tears stream down her face. She’d finally done enough to disappoint her parents, especially her father. At this point in time, she didn’t care about anything; she’d lost her best friend, Liam.
As she walked into the office, she saw Liam in the nurse’s office. He wouldn’t even look at her. She didn’t blame him. She knew her actions had hurt him the most. Why had she ever let Matt into her life? Liam had been such a good person and a wonderful friend. It hurt her to know she’d let this happen.
Three days later Valorie was suspended for fighting. The college considered what had happened, as well as her parents standing up for her, she was admitted back into the college. Matt had been asked to leave, his friends turning on him, telling the Dean the truth of what happened that day.
During the meeting with the school board, Valorie was told Liam Livingston had dropped out of college never to return. This ended up to be probably one of the worst days of her young life. She’d just lost her best friend.
She grabbed her cellphone out of her pocket. Found Liam’s number in her contacts and called him. A recorded message came back at her that the phone number had been changed.
Going into the Dean’s office, she begged his secretary, Alice. “Come on, Alice; just give me his new number.” Valorie held her cellphone showing her she had Liam’s old number. “See I even have the old one.”
“I’m sorry, Ms. Thorpe. His father changed the number and gave us specific instructions to not give the number to anyone.” Alice turned away leaving her standing next to the counter in tears.
Valorie had learned a lesson. She’d lost her best friend, and never got the chance to tell him she loved him more than anyone else on campus or in her life. Liam had always stayed true to her, no matter what happened to them.
For Valorie, it’d been a hard lesson learned.