ANGEL

20 •

Valerie

2 months ahead.

I walk around the pharmacy looking for Tylenol & snacks. Mateo is home sick with a cold. I was sick a week ago & now it's him. Mateo is a HUGE baby when he's sick & he's extra clingy.

As I'm looking around, I bump into a hard chest making me stumble back. I quickly apologize to the person. I lift my head & my eyes widen at an angry Keith, the scowl painted on his face making me gulp. His eyes soften & he smiles at me when he realizes it's me.

"Valerie." He smiles & I nod.

"Keith." I whisper.

"I miss you V." He attempts to hold my hand but I back away.

"But I don't..." I whisper truthfully.

"Give me another chance babe." He sighs & I stare at him blankly not saying a word. I shove pass him & head over to the medicine aisle.

"Valerie!" He chases after me & grips my arm in a tight grip making me wince.

"Let go." I say attempting to pull my arm from his grip but he tightens his hold. He wraps his other arm around me & pulls me into his chest.

"I love you. Please, I promise I've changed. I'm different now. Baby come on, just one more chance." He pleads & I scoff.

He drags me to the end of the aisle where no one is in & he begins grinding on me. I attempt to push him off but he shoves me back against the shelfs, my back hitting the metal.

"Get the fuck off me you bitch ass nigga!" I shout. I knee him in the dick & he groans, his arms falling from around my body. He kneels on the ground holding his private area.

I back hand slap him, the slap being so loud the elderly lady walking into the aisle gasps. His face instantly reddens & I notice his lip begin to bleed.

"Mateo will have your head." I whisper & he scoffs.

"Fuck you & your little boyfriend." He chuckles, the side of his face being extremely red.

"Well my 'little' boyfriend won't hesitate to kill you." I speak seriously & his eyes widen.

"V-" I cut him off.

"Don't." I walk away.

I pay for the things & quickly leave the pharmacy, a loud sigh leaving my lips. I know if I don't tell Mateo, he will find out. Mateo knows everything. It's Mateo.

...

I walk into the house & shut the door behind me. I head upstairs into our bedroom & quietly open the bedroom door finding Mateo sitting up against the headboard typing on his laptop. I smile & shut the door behind me.

He lifts his head & smiles at me, his nose being red & his hair being messy, not too messy. I approach him & sit on the bed. I caress his cheek & notice that his fever went away. I lean in & place a soft kiss on his lips before pulling away. I give him the bag & he smiles at me.