Valencia!

Nine

The next month passed in a blur of paperwork and planning. Both Valencia’s and Tylon’s families pitched in to help complete their official requests for temporary pack leave. Hers was approved almost immediately. No surprise, given her father’s standing. Tylon’s, on the other hand, was denied three times before her father personally stepped in. Only then was it accepted.

Valencia had her suspicions. She couldn’t help but think Maximus had something to do with the repeated denials, a last-ditch effort to keep her and Ty from leaving together. “Have you finished packing?” Griffin’s voice came from the doorway of her bedroom; his lean body braced casually against the frame.

“Almost,” Valencia replied with a forced smile, rising from the floor where she'd been folding clothes. “I’m gonna miss you,” Griffin said, his tone softer than usual. She walked over to him and wrapped her arms around his middle. “I’m gonna miss you too. But I’ll be back to visit.”

He chuckled, hugging her tightly. “I think I’d rather come see you. I can already see the epic college parties now.” She smacked his arm playfully. “Not likely.” Her mother’s voice echoed up the stairs. “Are you almost ready, sweetheart? Your father’s waiting to grab the bags.” “Yes, I just finished,” she called back.

As her mom’s footsteps faded, Griffin studied her. “Hey . . . it’s really good to see you smile again.” Valencia’s expression faltered. “It still hurts, Griff. A lot. But Dad says it’ll get easier. One day at a time, right?” Griffin nodded, then reached for one of her suitcases. “Come on, let’s get you to the truck.”

The drive to her new place took five hours, winding through forests and cityscapes until they arrived at the small two-bedroom apartment overlooking Union Bay. Her father had secured it for her and Ty, and it was perfect. Simple, cozy, and far enough from home to feel like a fresh start.

Tylon had landed a position with the local police force. It was a stepping stone for what he hoped to do once they returned home. If they ever did . . . Valencia tried not to dwell on the ache in her chest, the lingering pain that came and went like the tide. She knew, logically, that her bond with Maximus shouldn’t affect her so deeply . . . but it did. Still, she was grateful not to be going through this alone.

“It’s beautiful here,” Ty’s mother said as she stepped onto the balcony, smiling at the view. She glanced at Valencia. “You doing okay?” Valencia nodded, rubbing her stomach. “Just a little queasy. The pizza here is way greasier than back home.” Ty’s mom laughed. “Don’t go getting homesick already, you’ve got five long years before graduation, Dr. Isles.”

Valencia smiled softly. “How could I be homesick with Ty here?” “Well, I hope you two do miss home a little . . . I expect you both back for the holidays,” she teased, bumping Valencia’s shoulder and wrapping an arm around her. “Now come on. Let’s go boss the boys around some more.”

It took two days to fully settle in, but by the time orientation day arrived, the apartment was starting to feel like home. Her mother and Mrs. Sydney accompanied her to the university while Ty and her dad explored the town.

The orientation began with a long-winded speech that nearly put her to sleep, but the campus tour that followed left her in awe. The buildings were massive, beautiful, and brimming with history. Still, the sheer size of the place made her nervous. “You alright, sweet girl?” her mom asked, gently rubbing her back.

Valencia nodded, though the knot in her stomach didn’t budge. “Just a little overwhelmed.” Mrs. Sydney smiled. “How about some girl time and something to eat?” They ended up at a charming Vietnamese café near campus. Valencia filled up on freshly made pork pot stickers that helped settle her nerves, and her stomach. But halfway through lunch, her mom gave her a curious look. “So have you . . . you know . . .”

Valencia raised a brow. “What?” Mrs. Sydney stepped in with a grin. “I think what your mom’s trying to ask is if you’ve been sexually active.” Valencia blinked, a blush crawling up her cheeks. “Uh . . . yeah. But only once.” Mrs. Sydney patted her hand. “Nothing to be embarrassed about, sweetheart. We’re all women here.”

“Well,” her mom said gently, “you might want to consider going on some form of birth control. College can be a little . . . unpredictable.” Valencia nodded slowly. “Should I just go to a regular doctor or a gynecologist?” Her mom reached across the table. “How about we find someone together while I’m still here? I’ll go over your options with you.”

“I’d like that,” Valencia said with a grateful smile. The rest of the day passed in a whirlwind of shops, campus stops, and laughter. By the time they returned to the apartment, she was too exhausted to even make it to her room and passed out on the couch.

Later, she barely stirred as Tylon scooped her into his arms, carried her to bed, and tucked her in. The last sound she heard was the soft click of the door as he stepped out, leaving her in peace at last. A new chapter had begun . . . even if her heart hadn’t caught up with it yet.

The next morning brought with it the scent of rain and the steady hum of the city waking up. Light filtered in through gauzy curtains, warming the room with a golden glow. Valencia stirred, blinking against the sunlight, her body still heavy with sleep. The ache in her chest was dull now, more of a memory than a wound. She lay still for a moment, listening to the quiet.

The apartment felt different today . . . lived in. Safe. Footsteps padded softly into the room. Tylon appeared in the doorway holding two mugs. “Morning, sleepyhead,” he said with a lopsided grin. “Coffee?” She pushed herself up slowly, accepting the warm mug. “You’re perfect,” she murmured.

He sat beside her, nudging her knee with his. “How’re you feeling?” She took a sip before answering. “Better. Still a little off, but . . . better.” Ty studied her for a moment, his expression unreadable. “I know this is a lot. The move, school, starting over. You sure you’re okay?”

Valencia looked at him, really looked, and for a moment she saw their entire future stretched out in front of them, uncertain, yes, but real. “I think so,” she whispered. “It’s still hard. Sometimes I feel like I’m walking around with pieces of myself missing.”

“But?” he prompted gently. “But I’m starting to believe I can rebuild them. New pieces. Better ones.” Tylon leaned in, pressing a kiss to her temple. “That’s all I needed to hear.” She smiled, curling into his side. “Thanks for being here.” “Always.”

They sat like that for a while, wrapped in quiet comfort, watching the world go by outside the window. The city, loud and alive, pulsed beneath them, full of new beginnings. Valencia didn’t know what the future would hold. But for the first time in a long time, she didn’t feel afraid of it. She was healing. She was ready. And this . . . this was just the beginning.