Chapter 7
I stare into space, thinking about how to get out of this situation with Valentine.
Going to the prom with Valentine Reed.
God… it’s like my worst nightmare had come true,
“He is such an idiot,” I mutter, flopping back onto my bed.
My phone suddenly buzzes, and I look down. It’s text message from an unknown number. But when I see it, my stomach flips.
Stupid Valentine.
“Hey Princess, pick out your glass slippers yet? Better hurry, this bad boy Cinderella story has a strict midsight curfew.”
“Unbelievable,” I mutter, rolling my eyes. But despite my irritation, a small smile tugs at the comers of my mouth.
After a moment’s hesitation, 1 text him back. “Why not?” I thought
My
My mind races, searching for the perfect comeback. I want to put him in his place. It is infuriating how easily he got under my skin.
Finally, I type out my response, my lips curving into a smirk
“I didn’t realize you needed glass slippers. Don’t worry, I’m sure we can find some in your size”
I hit send, my heart racing slightly as I imagined Valentine’s reaction. Part of me can’t believe I am actually engaging with him, of all people.
in this flirtatious exchange
“Please. I’m more of a combat boots kind of guy. But if you’re offering to be my Cinderella, I might just have to sweep you off your fert.” Is response came almost immediately after.
“Sweep me off my feet! That’s cute. I’d rather wait for a REAL prince charming. Thank you very much,” I text back.
My phone vibrates after a few moments,
“Challenge accepted, princess,” he typed back. “I’ve got moves you’ve never seen. How about I show you at prom!”
“I can’t believe you are forcing me to go to prom with you.” I write.
“Not your style, huh? What would you rather be doing on prom night?” he typed.
“Oh, I don’t know_read!” I reply.
“Read? While the rest of the school’s stuck in stuffy tuxedos and dresses? That’s tragic” he text back.
I smirk at his message, rolling my eyes. I am not surprised Valentine finds the idea of reading boring “Sonte people appreciate more than just dancing and loud music,” I type quickly, biting my lip.
Thad never had much patience for Valentine and bis reckless ways, but now this banter is kind of fun. Against my better judgment, I find myself enjoying the back–and–forth.
“Guess I’ll just have to make prom worth your while then,” he replied “Bet I could surprise you.”
I snort, rolling my eyes. Of course, he’d say that Typical Valentine–always so confident, so sure he can talk his way into anything. Why is he even trying so hard to get me to go to prom with him‘ He knows I don’t want to.
But I can’t help but respond, sarcasm dripping from my fingertips as I type:
“I don’t know if I want surprises from you.”
I press send and lean back in my chair, waiting for his reply. It doesn’t take long
“Why not? Okay, if you don’t want to go to prom with me, we could go somewhere else. Like the library”
1 actually laugh out loud this time. The library? Yeah, right. Now, I know he’s just messing with me.
“Sure, Valentine. We could spend the night reading.” I write back, smirking at the thought. Then, for good measure, I add, “But wait, do you even know how to read?”
1/2
Chapter 7
smug grin through the screen.
The reply comes quickly, and I can practically see his si
“Funny, princess. Lactually can read–who do you think wrote the instructions on how to break the rules?”
Of course, I think, rolling my eyes but smiling all the same. I can’t help it. As much as I hate to admit it, Valentine’s quick wit is entertaining.
“Good to know,” I text back. “Td hate to think you’re will stuck on picture books”
The banter between us is easy, surprisingly so. I’ve always thought Valentine was nothing but trouble, the kind of guy I’d never waste my time on. But now, sitting here, Tim kind of enjoying this? I shake my head. I must be losing it.
Valentine’s next message pops up:
“Cute. But if you’re implying
og I’m not smart enough for real books, I might have to prove you wrong
1 pause, biting my lip. Prove me wrong how? Curiosity gets the better of me, and before I know it. I’m typing
“Prove me wrong how?”
A few seconds pass before his response comes through:
“Maybe I’ll pick a book for us to read together. But I get to choose something that make your nerdy little heart skip a beat.”
Seriously! I can’t help but smile again, shaking my head at the absurdity of it all. This is Valentine–the same Valentine who I’d never imagined talking to about books, maich less agreeing to real something together. But here we are.
“Eine.” Type back. “But if your book choice is trash, I’ll revoke your prom date privileges”
Thalf–expect him to send some cocky comeback, but what he sends next makes my heart stop for a second.
“You can’t. Lill have your diary held hostage!
My stomach drops. The playful banter screeches to a halt in my mind, and all I can think about is that. My diary. My most personal thoughts, in his hand. I hesitate for a long moment, staring at my phone. Should I even reply? What if he’s read it? What if he knows things about me that I never wanted anyone to know?
Finally, type:
“Did you read it?”
you read ite
I send the message before can overthink it and feel my heart hammering in my chest as I wait for his response. Every second feels like an eternity I try to calm myself down. Maybe he hasn’t read it. Maybe this is just another one of his games.
When his reply finally comes, it’s short
“Not a word.”
I stare at the message, my fingers tightening around my phone. Part of me wants to believe him. Part of me isn’t so sure. But, after a deep breath, I decide to give him the benefit of the doubt. For now.
“Good,” I reply simply, trying to keep my emotions in check.
I don’t know what’s going to happen next, but one thing’s for sure: Fim not done with Valentine just yet.
2/2
