taking chances

Valentina wished she knew what she was doing, but it was one of those things her mother couldn't hold her hand through.

Was she that special to Simon? Or maybe..it was the other way around.

As it was, it felt like spring was in the air. Although, she knew it was a slight reprieve of winter. Sort of like her visit with Simon.

And now..she had a job. She was thrilled and yet anxious.

She wanted to be with Ollie, and she felt like a bad girl about it. She knew her parents wouldn't like it very much. They'd gone to great lengths to get him out of their house. And in spite of her mother and father saying they would never ever foster again, they got a call about an infant and naturally, her mother was there right away to take in the Hispanic child.

Yes, some days were better than others, and she decided after she left the hospital she would visit Ollie at home, but he wasn't there.

"Oh, I'm sorry you missed him." His new foster mother said, but greeted her and let her into the kitchen.

Valentina felt at ease. Before she knew it, Betty was bringing her tea and wanted to know how she knew Ollie.

"Oh, he..we.." She didn't know where to start. "Um, we used to live together."

First Betty looked shocked then laughed. Yes, she remembered her name now.

"I met your mother." Betty told her. "Do you still wish he was there?"

"Not, exactly." Valentina smiled. She couldn't help to tell her that she was glad he'd moved out. "That way..maybe..maybe we could..go out."

Betty didn't push for anymore answers. Instead, the man who was living with Betty came up from the basement.

"Are you, Ollie's dad?" Valentina asked, since he did remind her of Ollie.

He nodded, a little stoic.

Valentina smiled back.

"He used to talk about you," Valentina said.

"Did he now," his dad almost smirked as he introduced himself. He was Ed.

"I guess..I..I always thought he was making you up." She told him.

Of course, Ollie probably did make up a lot of stories about him, but she knew Ollie loved him, who doubted he'd ever see him, again.

She was glad he was with his Dad now. Although, she knew she shouldn't mention it to her mother, or she might make trouble for his dad, thinking he wasn't a good influence for Ollie.

Still, Valentina was happy to visit. Hoping, she could be with Ollie soon. Even if she felt a little bad for Simon.

Maybe February would bring romance, after all.