Chapter 5

With no word from Elora and no one to talk to, Valerie became very bored and tired of her usual daily routine: wake up, eat, paint, read a book, sleep, go for personal training, eat, and go back to sleep again.

She decided that she was going to go out again and have some fun; it was better than repeating the same routine.

First, she called their driver to confirm if he would be available to pick her up. He was happy to hear from her again and promised to pick her up at the usual time.

Next, Valerie picked out the clothes and shoes she would be wearing. She had them arranged on the couch and then went on to take her bath. She got dressed in her pyjamas and sat on the bed to read a book.

It was just a few minutes past eight; with about four hours left before she leaves. Valerie got bored reading and decided to sleep for a few hours. She made sure to set her alarm for ten, or she might not make it in time; Elora had always been her alarm clock.

By 10, Valerie was up. She began to get ready, and by eleven, she was ready to leave. Before she left the room, she made sure to pile up clothes and make it look like a figure to deceive whoever came into her room.

Valerie waited until it was thirty minutes past eleven before jumping out of the window. A familiar breeze blew across her face and she smiled.

How she wished Elora were here.

Valerie walked down the very familiar street. She had walked down it a few times without leaving the pack but this time she was determined to leave.

She stopped by a coffee shop and stared into it. This was Elora's best spot; she loved coffee so much.

Elora would have stopped by to get a cup of coffee. She thought.

"Hi, Val," the coffee shop owner waved at her and she waved back.

He is one of the few people who cared less about the rumor surrounding her.

Valerie waved back. "Hi."

"You must miss your friend," he said. "I miss her too. She's one of my favourite customers."

Valerie smiled. Who wouldn't miss Elora? She is such a sweet girl.

"Are you going out to have some fun?" He asked and Valerie nodded. "I can tell you finally made up your mind. I have seen you a few times walking down the street after Miss Elora left, but you were back so quickly. I guess you haven't made up your mind then."

"I can't always run away. Can I?" Valerie mumbled. "See you around."

"See you around. And do have fun." He waved.

Valerie continued her journey to the gate feeling better now. She was happy she made that decision. When she got to the gate, the driver was already waiting for her.

He waved at her. "Over here."

Valerie joined him in the car and they left. The first few minutes of the drive were silent; Valerie looked through the window. She noticed a few things had changed since the last time she went out with Elora. She looked at the empty seat beside hers and sighed.

"Missing your friend?" The driver asked.

Valerie smiled. "I do. I miss her so much."

"I can tell that you do. I am sure she misses you, too," the driver said, and Valerie nodded.

After a while, the car stopped in front of the clubhouse, and Valerie stepped out.

"See you in two hours," the driver waved.

Valerie entered the club and headed to the bar.

"Miss Valerie!" The bartender was happy to see Valerie. "It's been so long."

Valerie chose a stool and sat down. "It's good to see you, Alex."

"It is good to see you too, Miss Valerie," Alex answered. "I heard your friend is the missing daughter of the Ice Pack Alpha, and she has already left. You must miss her so much."

Valerie nodded. "I do."

"I miss her too," Alex said. "Should I bring your usual?"

Valerie nodded. "Yes, please."

Alex went to get Valerie's drink, while Valerie watched as others danced.

A man walked up to her. "Would you like to dance with me?"

"No, I don't," Valerie answered.

"Do you want to share a drink with me?" Another man asked.

"Not interested," Valerie answered.

Alex returned with her drink and handed it over to her.

"Thank you, Alex," Valerie said.

Alex smiled. "Do you know today is the first time you called me by my name? I thought you didn't know my name."

Valerie sighed. She knew his name but never had the reason to call him by his name.

She doesn't know why she did that today, though.

Alex went on to attend to others while Valerie finished her drink. She stood up and went to the stage to dance.

She had decided to have as much fun as she could and not think about anything. After dancing for a while, she went out to get some fresh air and then went back to take a few more drinks.

"You are going to get drunk," Alex told her several times. "I think you need to stop now."

Valerie drank a few more cups, lamenting how much she misses Elora. Alex listened whenever he could, sympathising with her when he could too.

Valerie stood up and went on to dance again. She became tired and decided to go back home.

"I am leaving, Alex," she waved at him.

"Are you coming tomorrow?" Alex asked and she nodded. "See you tomorrow, then."

"See you tomorrow, Alex."

Valerie left the clubhouse and sat outside to wait for the driver. She also wanted to sober up before she returned to the Pack house.

When the driver finally showed up, she joined him in the car and they left.

"Did you have fun today?" He asked.

Valerie nodded. "Yes, I did."

She went on to tell him how much fun she had. She was so happy saying it, it made the driver smile.

"I am so happy you enjoyed yourself. Miss Elora would be happy to hear that."

Valerie smiled. "I am sure she would."

They went to talk about other things and by the time they got to the Moonlight Pack, Valerie had sobered up.

The car stopped in front of the Moonlight Pack gate. Valerie came down from the car and waved at the driver.

"See you tomorrow."

The driver left and Valerie walked through the gate. The guards who always stayed at the gate were not there; Valerie wondered where they were.

Valerie thought she would meet an empty street as usual, but was surprised to see people. They were all wailing; some seemed injured.

Did something happen? Valerie wondered.

Valerie could not ask anyone what had happened but she knew it was something terrible.

Her heart began to beat fast and she hastened her steps. A lot of people pointed fingers at her, accusing her of whatever had happened.

Valerie got to the Pack house to see it in disarray.

"She is back," someone pointed at her.