Timeless Forever

“Beep…Beep…. Beep.” The noise rang loudly in a small room in the upstairs of a suburban house, the day broke through the white curtains and rested on a large bed with white sheets, and a pink blanket that covered most of it. The blanket sheltered even the pillows of the bed, yet it was not the only thing that it hid. The blanket showed movement under its soft fabric, slow yet it desperately searched for an escape from its tempting touch. After a minute of struggling, the figure under revealed its hand – slightly tanned but it showed its smoothness – it grabbed the top left tip of the blanket and proceeded to remove it. And there the one who laid on it relaxed cutely, not wanting to get up. “Is it… morning already? Come on…” a sweet voice murmured as she slowly got up from the bed, opening her mouth as she yawned and stretched her arms. Her name was Valeria Rose. Lightly tanned skin with a soft body, and messy ginger hair that reached her shoulders. After stretching, she lowered her arms and clicked her lips, slowly opening her eyelids to see the daylight through her window. Amber eyes saw the bright light, and was instantly forced to close again. Valeria placed her feet on the ground steadily for her to stand up, but as her legs leaves the confines of her bed. “Ten more… minutes.” Her body suddenly drop back unto the comfy bed, she slammed her alarm clock as her head reached her pillow, giving in to the sweet urge to sleep again, “Maybe… 15… 20 more minutes, and I’ll be right up.” For 30 minutes, she laid comfortably on her soft bed, her arms and legs scattered all over the sheets and her messy hair covering her face with only her snoring mouth visible between the strands. The clock kept ticking as she slowly drifts back to sleep, until. “BANG!!” The door suddenly burst open, and a heavy weight appeared on top of Valeria’s legs. “Wakey Wakey Val!” A loud voice spoke on Valeria’s ear, making her jump out of her blanket. Valeria -now fully awake - sat up straight on her bed, blowing away a strand of hair from her cheeks. After rubbing her eyes off of any lingering sleepiness, she moved her eyes on the one that awoke her. A young girl with medium-length hair as brown as her skin and chestnut eyes. She wore a black plain shirt and jean shorts, with a white hoodie tied around her waist. It was Ava Collins, Valeria’s best friend since they were kids. She sat on Valeria’s legs, making it sink deeper into the mattress as she smiled widely at Valeria, “I knew you were going to sleep in today, you’re lucky I stopped by when I could.” “Yeah well, I told you countless times that when you stop by to ‘NOT BURST THROUGH MY DOOR’” “Come on, would you rather I shook you? That’s just plain boring,” she said with a cute face as she pouts her lips at Valeria. “I would rather have that than you shaking the whole house, Ava.” She stood up, walking towards the bathroom to wash up. Ava lets out a quick giggle before laying down on the bed, “You love me either way!” she shouts as she relaxes on Valeria’s sheets. After a few minutes, Valeria steps out of the bathroom, moving towards her wardrobe to change. She grabbed her white sweater and blue jeans to wear for school, quickly slipping into the clothing before moving away towards Ava. “You know…” She yawns loudly as she stops, “It’s still the first week of school, we already know the teachers won’t come in until next week or so.” “That’s just an excuse for you to go back to sleep in this cute bed of yours,” replied Ava with a grin. “… Come on Ava, I was up all night making that stupid project I forgot to submit last year.” She pointed at her study desk between her two windows. Maple wood with a few school supplies and pictures of her with Ava, and a small silver pocket watch wrapped around a chain beside the edge of the desk. Ava jerks her head back to look at the watch, although the view was upside down, she raised her eyebrow as she examines the piece, “I still wonder though, is it a pocket watch or a necklace?” “You tell me.” She grabs her brown leather backpack for school, “Mr. Gray just said ‘Assemble a watch and make it stand out’ and I fell asleep before I could engrave any design on it.” “You should have called me, I'm somewhat of an artist myself.” Ava placed her hand elegantly on her chest with a bright smile on her face. “An explosive artist you mean?” “… That hurts Val, that hurts,” said Ava with a sorrowful voice, her lips pouting at Valeria. “Stop that and let’s go, we do not want to be late!” Valeria grabbed the watch and placed it inside her backpack before walking out of her room. “You mean we don’t want to be any later that we already are?” she commented, but Valeria didn’t hear her. She placed her hands flat on the bed as she lifted herself up before following Valeria out of the room. A few minutes later, both Valeria and Ava got into an old gray sedan with Valeria being the one on the driver’s seat. The engine took a few minutes to start, prompting Ava to hit the dashboard with her fist, but coincidentally, the car instantly roared its exhaust. Valeria scolded her for a moment, but forgot the gesture as the car’s tires left the driveway and touched the asphalt road. Minutes passed as they left the neighborhoods vicinity, with the hood enveloped by the sun’s kissed after they left the shelter of the trees that covered the suburban road. Before long, they arrived in front of a school filled with tons of students walking around the grounds: skaters doing stunts on the rails before getting scolded by one of the teachers; the smart kids carrying a handful of books as they struggle to climb the flight of stairs; and the jocks rushing to finish it. There was a massive sign just beside the entrance way of the building, that invoked both its name and pride of the school: Pinehill High. Valeria parked the car in the students’ parking lot, where it was overshined by the others that parked there as well. As both Valeria and Ava got out of the car seats, a sudden breeze of air rushed through their hair, “First day of our last school year, makes me want to reminisce about all the good things we had done in this place,” said Ava, resting her head on her hands while her elbows touched the hood of the car. “If anyone considers your pranks in the last four years and me having to take the blame for most of it a good thing, then there is really something wrong in this school.” She grabbed her bag and proceeded to walk towards the school doors. “Come on, don’t tell me you didn’t enjoy any of it?!” asked Ava ecstatically as she grabbed her hand bag before following Valeria, “Remember the time where I swapped Jessica’s shampoo with hair dye?” “How couldn’t I? She watched me like a freaking hawk for weeks.” They reached the top of the steps and opened the entrance doors as they walked through. Voices of the students resonated within the hallway, loud and incomprehensible, but they paid it no mind as they continued to walk towards the 12th grade classroom. “Just promise Ava, don’t make any more pranks like that, I don’t want them to jeopardize both our chances to graduate.” They stopped in front of the classroom, with Valeria’s back facing the door. “Jessica is the head of the event committee this year, and she’ll have both our necks if we ruin any of it,” said Valeria with a concern voice and her eyes downturned. Ava grinned and tapped Valeria’s shoulder, “Don’t you worry about a thing, Val; If there’s anything I’m good at, it’s hiding my trail.” “What’s that supposed to me-“ A strong force suddenly crashed onto Valeria’s back, making her jerk forward slightly with her feet almost slipping. Luckily, she managed to regain her balance, with her head quickly turning around to see who bumped into her. “What in the-“ Her words instantly faded as her lips sealed and her eyes widen at the very sight of the one who bumped into her. A tall boy with jet black hair and dark eyes; smooth white complexion while his collarbone defined his stature while he stood. He looked at Valeria with his enticing eyes, making her voice silent until she heard his. “Oh, I’m sorry!” a soft yet deep voice sneaked through her ears. Valeria savored the view, yet her mind reminded her, “…Oh no! It’s my fault I forgot that I was standing in front of the doorway!” “No, it’s mine! I was in a hurry.” The boy ran his finger through his hair to fix it, “Speaking of which, I’m in a hurry!” the boy ran past both Valeria and Ava, waving his hand as he moved his legs, “Again, I’m really sorry!” The boy took one last glance at Valeria, a bright smile shining towards her. A sudden beat appeared inside her chest as she stared into his smile before vanishing away from her view. Without control, she smiled slightly as she placed her hand on her chest. “Oh… my… GOD!” Ava exclaimed, snapping Valeria out of her trance, “Ead that who I think it was?!” “Um…” “That was Damien Taylor! Don't tell me you forgot about lovey dovey crush since 7th grade! Popular and not a total prep douche unlike some people I know.” Ava scoffed as a thought popped in her head. “Ava! Shhhh…” Valeria turned her head back to where he ran, clenching her chest gently as she smiled once again, “It's been years... I wonder If I can talk to h-“ “AVA!” A loud voice rang, growing louder as seconds passed. “Oh, what do you know, speaking of the devilist of devils,” Ava snarked as she turned her head to face the voice, “Here comes Queen Beetch.” Valeria turned her gaze as well, a pretty girl with blonde hair and nicely done makeup came stomping towards them with a fiery look and her hands clenched, stopping angrily as she glared at both Valeria and Ava. “What can I do for you, Miss Blondie?” said Ava as she rolled her eyes and her arms crossed. “I know it was you who painted my locker, you little b***h! Oh, I’m going to make sure that you’ll regret ever messing with me again!!” she shouted angrily, yet Ava began to giggle, Valeria however, slowly took a step backwards and lowered her head, trying to avoid the angry girl’s gaze. Jessica Summer was her name, the head of the events committee; bright blonde hair and blue eyes, slightly taller than both Ava and Valeria, but her Ego sore higher than both of them combined. Valeria shyly held her left elbow as she lowered her head, trying to not get noticed by her. “Blondie, If I was the one who painted that lame excuse of a locker of yours, I would be rolling around the hallway floor laughing my ass off, and as you can see, I’m neither rolling nor laughing, well, I’m laughing a little bit.” “Don’t lie to me! I knew it was you, there is no one else dumb enough to mess with me!” Her eyes suddenly moved away from Ava, and instead, she glared at Valeria shyly looking away, “AND YOU!!” Valeria jerked instantly, almost tumbling before facing Jessica, “W-what is it?” that was all she could muster to say. “I heard about you bumping into Damien!” she took a loud step in front of Ava, staring into her eyes with angry fire, “You better not get any ideas, Damien is mine!” she declared, her eyes examining Valeria from her toe towards her face. “Hmm, what am I thinking? There’s no way Damien would notice a piece of trash, even a walking one.” Valeria’s hands flinched slightly, almost forming a fist. She tried to stare back at Jessica’s eyes, but her flared expression and devious smile made her eyes twitch frantically, shying her eyes away from her gaze altogether. “Ohh, what’s the matter?” mocked Jessica, mimicking a cute voice, with her lips slowly inching near Valeria’s ear as she whispers, “Touch my Damien again, and neither you or Ava will get to see graduation, do you understand?” Valeria’s legs twitched like jelly, her balance faltering and her eyes shakingly closing while trying her best to muster a reply, yet so too her lips trembled as it opened. “I-I-I do-“ “HEY! STAY AWAY FROM HER!” Ava suddenly stepped between them, making Jessica back away, “This is between you and me Blondie, you don’t get to bring Val into this!” Her lips showed her gritting teeth as she glared angrily at Jessica. Jessica’s angry frown turned into a smile as she stood straight, “Hmph, remember what I said, Valeria; or else you and this b***h will get what’s coming to both of you.” She walks away, her feet stomping with grace rather than fiery anger. “Ughh, why do blondes need to be this annoying! Right Val?” Ava turns around, her cheeks met with silenced air where Valeria once stood. Ava quickly turned her head towards the hallway, frantically walking around the marble floor as she shouts. “Val? Val?!” “Where are you?!?” Without a notice, Valeria covered her face as she quickly retreated, bursting through the girl’s bathroom door without a care; the pocket watch dropped and slid beneath one of the stalls, but her eyes never took notice. Her feet stopped in front of the sink where the mirror hugged the entire wall; she slammed her hands on its porcelain edges as she struggled to turn its slippery faucet on. As the water crashed down on its bottom, Valeria used her hands to scoop and wash her face frantically like something was on her. After a while, she stopped, but kept the water running. Breathing furiously as she looked down, then lifted her head to gaze on the mirror in front of her. Her face dripping wet with her hair scattered all over. Her eyes showed vague red and her cheek shaking slightly. “Valeria… Calm down… Calm… down,” she whispered to herself, steering her breathing from frantic to slightly agitated, until it began to relax. She closed her eyes and turned off the sink faucet. She took a deep breath and gently opened them, staring blankly at her reflection. She noticed every detail that laid upon her face: her messy hair, her teary eyes, and red cheeks. For a moment, she stood like a statue, until a wail escaped her lips. She cried. Her hands hid her sobbing face and tried to silence her cry, but still echoed inside. Time felt forever like the never-ending tears that fell on her cheek; her mind blank except for all the thoughts that came swirling to berate her. Until another would come to disturb her. “Are you okay, dear?” A soft voiced whispered, with a hand gently touched Valeria’s shoulder from behind, making her jerk forward. Her hands instantly left her face and grabbed a hold on the sink as she turned around in surprise. With a few tears still running down from her eyes, it looked upon the one who touched her. A woman with hair as dark as the clothes she wore: a long dress that covered her hips and legs; a jet-black coat over her arms and shoulders with a golden ring on her right index finger; and eyeglasses with a shade of grey, that blended with her eyes’ color. The woman never seemed to be in awe of her reaction, but instead, softly let out a breath. “Is… everything alright, my dear?” her womanly voice made Valeria lower her eyes in shame, but somehow, she made her chest calm as she hurriedly wiped her tears and explained. “Everything is fine, Mam! I’m sorry if I annoyed you or anything, I’ll be out in just a second.” She turned around and cleaned the sink of any mess that she made, but before she could turn and run out the door, the woman touched her shoulder again. “From where I was standing, it seemed that there was nothing I could presume as fine,” she said gently as she caressed her shoulder, “If you are willing dear, my ears are open for anything that you want to let out.” Valeria’s eyes remained fixed on her, with her mind constantly considering the offer, but after a relieving breath and the gentle caress of the woman’s hand, she turned around and leaned her bottom against the porcelain edge. “I just… after everything I went through throughout the years in this school, I thought I could handle it the same, or perhaps develop a… I don’t know… A resistance to the constant s**t that I have to go through every day… every single day.” She continued whilst the woman stood attentive. “Dealing with Jessica and her obnoxious attitude while I keep covering for Ava’s pranks; I know she never tells me to, but I just want her to just act better and stop bothering her, for all of our sakes!” “And… a boy; I know it seems silly acting like a 7th grade school girl, but he always looked like everything I ever dreamed of a boy: he smiled at me and even acted ‘nice’ which is entirely unlikely for a popular boy like him, but it more than made me giggle and jump… Perhaps, a little bit of hope for chivalry I suppose, but I doubt the thought.” A slight grin appeared on her lips, yet vanished as quicky as it shined. “It… doesn’t matter, why would he look towards my way let alone notice me as a ‘somebody’? I’m still me… weak, frail, and stupid me.” She turned her gaze away from the woman and down to the bottom of the sink, pressing her fingers angrily against its hard edge, “It’s too late… I could never change… not for him, not for anybody.” Silence crept through the tiled room, with only the sound of the woman’s heels inching closer to Valeria before her voice followed soon after. “It is never too late to change my dear.” Her voice caught Valeria’s ears, making her listen, “Be it days, months, or years, there is always a chance of change for everything or for everybody.” “The insults of those who belittle you will turn silent and instead be in awe at what you become, even those who hurt you; to change not only yourself, but everyone else.” She stopped beside Valeria, “Even love… the one you want will be yours in a given time; to have your paradise be a fantasy within a reality.” Valeria’s eyes widen and turn her head to look at the woman, only to be met with her hand stretched open towards her, and in her surprise, her pocket watch laid displayed on her palm, yet it seemed different. An engraving appeared on its center. A golden inlay and design of a heart with an image of a woman and a man divided by a tree in the middle within the golden heart. "Time may be against you, but you will have what you always desire.” She said but somewhat sharp, but Valeria never took it notice as she grabbed the pocket watch and admired its beauty, caressing its engraving. “Be it in another world, or in another life. Are you willing to follow your wishes for yourself?” “And for love?” As Valeria kept examining the watch as if in a trance, the woman’s breath suddenly felt closer to her ear. Whispering into her. “Use the watch.” “Make it yours.” “And you shall have what you deserve.” “Wait… what do you me- “Valeria turned around to face the woman, her heart questioning her remark, but she was met with nothing but dusty air and the silence of the bathroom. She hurriedly looked around, checking the stalls and the corners, but the woman was anything but found. After finishing, Valeria went back to the sink and gaze upon her reflection once more, before she lifted her hand and looked at the engraved pocket watch. “What… did she mean?”