"What's a four letter acronym that is related to school?" Victoria asked as she continued to work on her paper at one of the large oak tables.

Valentine took a pause in tossing the small ball she had taken from the children's play area and spoke just over a whisper. "MATH, mental abuse to humans."

Victoria had to hold her laughter in from Valentine's suggestion. "You think my English teacher will like that one?"

"Well, you're taking Mr. Martin. He usually likes witty responses. And, he loved me as a student my sophomore year, so suggestions from me may help you." She gave Victoria a wink.

Victoria only smiled and mimicked a kiss to Valentine. "You'll be my savior."

Just as they exchanged quiet flirting, another female joined them by sitting across the table. "How's your homework coming?" she asked.

"Doing good. Val is helping me out." Victoria turned her attention back to her sheet, filling in another answer.

"Okay, well, Greg is taking longer than expected working on the computers in the tech section of the library. Did you guys want to find some books to check out before I take you two home?"

"It might be a good idea since this place closes once the roads ice over." Valentine sat upright and tossed the small bean bag ball back over to the small kiddie section. That area was still a mess from children visiting earlier in the day.

As Victoria finished up her next question, she took a glance up to see what sections were in front of them, seeing the green markers with white text indicating thrillers, mysteries, and historical fiction novels were just ahead. She took the paper and put it back in its designated folder before slipping it into her bookbag, zipping it, and then slinging it over her shoulder before walking over to the shelves.

Once through the section marked as thrillers, Victoria found where the shelf ended and another began, its green marker being labeled as horror. Finding her interest, she skimmed the shelves, looking for novels that she knew she enjoyed and also to find new ones to give her another nightmare to have her nose stuck in.

With walking back and forth through the section, some favorites were selected. Victoria loved to reread the ones that always kept her hooked, even if they were classics or popular due to the author's legend. One new book did catch her eye, its golden spine shining in the fluorescent light of the room. She knelt down and tilted her head to the side to read its name.

A light touch came to her shoulders, making Victoria aware someone was just behind her. She looked up and smiled at the face above her, finding the way her girlfriend's cheeks were rosy in color complimenting her olive skin tone. "Find anything yet?"

Valentine shook her head. "Not really, no new dystopian series in the science fiction section."

"Well, maybe you should check fantasy, teen fiction, or young adult. I'm sure some could be there." After the comment, Victoria pulled the book out and started to read the back of it.

"I'll probably do that." Valentine took a turn while letting a hand comb through Victoria's hair during the spin. "Try to get more than just spooky stuff," she spoke with a wink.

Victoria only silently laughed before adding the new book to her collection under her arm. She got up from her place on the floor before going to look at the other isles for any interesting reads. Only a few other books joined her arm as she continued on, putting the first novel of two popular series into her pile before meeting up with her friends to check the books out under her name. With a loan period of a month, she would be plenty busy if it is to be too cold to go outside.

=====

The reading was complete. Valentine was thankful for it too. She was tired of reading the in-depth details of the crusades and didn't want to anger herself any further. The textbook was tossed onto the bookbag on the other side of the shared room, sending the two into the open closet.

The younger girl in the room looked over at Valentine, both of them having the same upturned nose. "Your AP history class getting tough?"

"No, Vi..." Valentine sighed and looked through their frosted window. "I'm appreciative of what I'm learning. I'm just angry with what our ancestors did."

"Which ones? Nonna's or dad's?"

Valentine looked back at her younger sister. "Nonna's. The Italians are part of Europe. I just got done reading on the crusades."

"Aren't the crusades just masking over for attacking Muslims?" a male voice butted in. Both Valentine and Viviana looked over to see their brother in the doorway. He just looked at Valentine, waiting for a response.

"Well, that and the reason they started them is because a group in Africa, the Moors, were trying to keep their society in their own native religion, so they escaped to Portugal and Spain. Europeans didn't like them and wanted them to go back to Africa, so they went and started the crusades, which then links to Europeans starting to colonize Africa."

Both the brother and Viviana were silent as they took in the information.

Viviana was the first to speak, "That's... just..."

"It's fucked up," their brother interrupted.

Valentine nodded her head. She took a moment of silence to recollect herself and tried to change her irritated mood, exercising her face with a quick smile before speaking to her brother. "So, why are you butting in, Toni?"

"Mom has dinner ready. I'm sure you two are hungry, right?"

Upon the word "dinner" both girls were up and following their elder brother. Soon entering into the merged kitchen and dining room after walking through the living room. Already at the table was their mother and father, along with a guest, Toni's girlfriend.

"I didn't expect you to be here!" Valentine exclaimed, being surprised at the appearance.

"Annie!" Viviana ran to the woman and gave her a hug before pulling away. "How's broadway college?"

"It's fine! My exams are next week and I'm ready for them!" The blonde woman gave a smile before moving back to face the table and taking a glance at Valentine. "School is good for both of you, yes?"

Both the girls nodded as they took their respective seats, leaving a space between them and Annie for Toni to sit.

As all of them went and fixed their plates with chicken, vegetables, and some freshly mashed potatoes, conversation began.

"So, dad," Valentine began as she poured a large helping of green beans and carrots onto her plate. "Did your proposal go through today?"

"They found it interesting, but they'll have to think on it. I don't think corporate is going to respond any time soon either." He went to passing the plate of chicken to Annie before starting to dig into his food.

All was silent for a moment as everyone started to eat their dinner. Only the sound of knives and forks clacking on the plates filled the room. Sometimes the sound of a strong breeze could be heard, but it was no bother to them as hot meals warmed their bellies and the heater kept the house at a perfect temperature.

"So, Valentine, dear," her mother spoke. "You said that Tori had a presentation. Has she given it yet?"

Valentine nodded her head as she finished chewing her food. "She did. As I already told you the subject, Tori did add to it about herself."

"How did everyone take it?" Viviana asked from beside Valentine.

"She told me people took it well and that some personally talked to her positively."

"This Tori is the girl you've been dating since the beginning of junior year, yes?" Annie questioned.

"Yeah, we just had our one year anniversary in September." A warm smile appeared on Valentine's face. Just thinking of the date they had for the celebration was enough to send her into a blissful mood.

"I'm glad you two are happy, and not afraid to show who you are. I'm proud of you." The smile from Valentine's mother was one that she only showed when overtly happy. She never showed the wrinkles, so the smile was a truly free one, allowing any imperfections on her face.

Valentine could only smile back. "Thank you very much."