The Clock Watcher

Chapter Two

1983

Steve

After months of figuring out how to approach the situation, I finally got the guts to ask my parents to adopt Valerie. I don't know what I expected, but my parents agreed to my idea of adopting Valerie, probably because they wanted me to be less alone. I hoped Valerie would be happy with this, I mean after two months she seemed to be more comfortable around me.

I opened the front door, balancing the celebratory cake in one hand, and yelled for Valerie to come down the stairs. I heard her little feet padding down the stairs, and I smiled to myself. She was so adorable, like a little mini me, and hopefully now she feels comfortable enough to meet some friends of mine.

Valerie's face popped into view around the corner, and I gave her a small wave. "Hey Val." She waved in reply, before spotting the cake. "I got us cake." She tilted her head, a question as to why I had it. That's how we communicated, by gestures. I had yet to buy some books so we could learn sign language.

"Congrats, Mousy, you're officially my sister," I beamed, setting the cake in front of her. Written in pastel purple frosting, which I found out was Valerie's favorite color, was "You've been adopted!" I now realized it was very straightforward, but it got the point across. Valerie didn't seem to care, though, and a tear rolled down her cheek before she shot up out of her chair and wrapped her arms around me as tight as she could.

"I know, Val, I love you too." She squeezed me tighter, and I knew that was all she wanted to hear at the moment. I didn't know what this girl had gone through, but I swore on everything I had she would spend the rest of her life happy.

"How do you feel about meeting a group of my friends later?" I asked, "You know, now that you're an official Harrington." She nodded rapidly against my chest. I grinned, placing my chin on top of her head. Now, I had a 'party' to plan.

"Matter it does not," Dustin spoke, attempting, and failing, at a Yoda impression. I don't even remember what we were talking about, but I wanted him to shut up.

"Shut the fuck up, Henderson." I was completely done with his bullshit, and although normally I just joke around when I yell at Dustin, this time I was fed up. This day needed to go right, and I needed Valerie to trust my friends. This was very important to me, and I couldn't have Dustin ruining it.

"Geez, sorry Steve," he replied. I suddenly felt bad for snapping at him, but there was no time to apologize; everyone was here.

I looked around the backyard, taking in everyone I had invited. Nancy, Jonathan, who I didn't actually invite, Dustin, Lucas, Mike, Eleven, and some of my actual friends, including Tommy and Carol.

I greeted them and then excused myself, rushing to get Valerie from her room. Although I offered her a bathing suit to wear, and told her it was a pool party, she was still wearing white flare jeans and a special peach braided sweater, the only one I could get her to pick herself.

"Ready, Mousy?" I asked and she shot up, finally noticing me. Val gave an enthusiastic nod before grabbing my hand and pulling me down the stairs. When we got to the sliding glass door, she suddenly paused. I went to ask her what was wrong, but when I glanced at her face I could tell she was nervous.

I crouched down to her level, forcing her to make eye contact with me. "You are perfect, Valerie, and they'll love you. And if they don't, I'll kick them out." She gave a little silent chuckle, and nodded. I hugged her before opening the door so she could make her way out to the party.

Valerie was swarmed with everyone, and I could tell it made her panicked. I moved to stop them from crowding her, but I watched as Val took a deep breath and waved at everyone. I swear all of my guy friends swooned. I mean, yeah, Valerie was pretty. But she was also scared, and clueless about life, and didn't need stupid sophmore guys trying to get in her pants.