Valerie P.O.V.

I was spending time at Carter's today, waiting for our friends to come by to hang out. Carter was going to surprise them with a preview of his merch launching for sale next week.

Ellana was so happy that Carter and I managed to sort out our situation, coming back better than ever.

I was ecstatic. I couldn't believe I had almost let him slip through my fingers- he was a diamond in the rough. I made a mistake, but I had the courage to fix it and move past it. I was quite proud of my personal growth this past week. I guess simultaneously, as the pressure built up, I had also been learning and changing in positive ways for the past few months. I just hadn't seen it until recently, because it was shadowed by the negativity. I know better now. You live and you learn.

"Mom and dad!" Xavier shouted as he came bursting through the apartment. He ran over to pull me into a tight hug alongside Carter.

"Dude," Carter groaned, pushing him away. "You're choking me, and poor Val."

"Why don't you love me," he pouted, wiping away non-existent tears.

"Aw Xav." I chuckled, giving him another hug and pat on the back. He's like a little puppy.

"Okay that's enough of that," Carter stuck his hand in between us. "Get your own girlfriend." he promptly pulled me back towards him.

My lips tugged up at the corner, m-mm he's so hot when he gets a little possessive.

Xavier snorted amusedly at Carter's display of jealousy. "I'm tryin," he rolled his eyes.

"Yeah how's that going?" Carter raised his eyebrows and chuckled.

"Shut up," Xavier glared. "She's-"

"Heyyyy! I'm so glad you two are all good now." Sommer appeared coming over to greet us with a big smile.

"Speak of the devil," Xavier muttered under his breath.

Carter and I shared a knowing glance and chuckled.

"I actually really like this one Carty," Sommer threw an arm around my shoulders. "You better not lose her."

"Yeah yeah Soms, I know," he rolled his eyes at her lightheartedly.

"What? Boys can be stupid," she shrugged her shoulders.

Xavier scoffed. "We are not!"

"You are so!" She retorted.

"No way! You're the one that didn't know Antarctica is not a part of Australia."

"Yeah well you didn't know that desert and dessert were spelt differently." Sommer huffed, crossing her arms over her chest.

Carter and I burst out laughing at their little showdown.

After a short while, the rest of the gang showed up.

"Okay guys! Here you gooo!" Carter came out with a bunch of his hoodies, tees, and phone cases to give to everyone.

"Woah dude!" Alec exclaimed. "These are sick, good job!"

"Yeah I love this!" Kean exclaimed, pulling one over his head to try out. "When are they coming out?"

"Launching end of next week," Carter grinned.

"Is this the stuff you drew, Val?" Ellana smiled over to me.

"Yeah," I nodded with a smile. "I helped."

"Wow it's really good!" Alexys complimented. "I love this blue color. It suits everyone."

"Thankyou!"

"Yeah Val and I were thinking of doing some more to add to the line." Carter said as he came to pull me into his lap to sit down.

"Omg I love you two. Power couple alert." Jess teased.

"We need some more pictures for the site, do you guys wanna model for me?" Carter asked.

"Of course!" Jess said happily as the rest of the group nodded in agreement.

"Thanks!"

There were so many exciting things to come in the future. I, for once was looking forward to it.

~

The crew all gathered together about two days later so that we could shoot a short, fun video of us prancing about town in the merch playfully, as well as some still shots of us in the apparel.

We even had a small beach bonfire at the end of the day to complete the video. I couldn't wait to see the finished product. It was going to be uploaded on his Instagram, the brand instagram, as well as on the homepage of the website.

I had been struck with so much inspiration lately, I began spending time out on the beach or lounging around sketching in my notebook. I decided to get started on the cropped hoodies, creating something that would be flattering and have a nice fit. I also wanted to educate myself a little more on how to properly do clothing sketches by watching tutorials on YouTube and browsing Pinterest. I came out with a few different shorts and joggers ideas for Carter's line, incorporating some of the different logo designs we previously had, as well as coming up with new ones. I was completely immersed in the drawings, the time passed so quickly as my passion ran wild.

I was bursting with pride at all of Carter's accomplishments, I wanted to plan a surprise for him, since he was constantly showering me in them. He really deserved something. I felt like I hadn't given him anything to make him feel as special as he made me.

I opened my laptop in bed, as I began to google some ideas of what I could do.

What does Carter like?

Hmm...he had been eyeing this new camera lens recently. He was thinking of expanding some of his equipment and playing around with new things. Oh! Maybe a new drone? That'd be cool. I would have to talk to Sommer for help. I texted her immediately and waited to see what she said. I think I knew what lens he wanted in particular, but a drone might be more fun.

God, all I can think of is a piece of equipment! C'mon Val think of something better, I can't just get him that after everything he's done.

A-ha!

Yes, yes, yes!!!! Something sentimental, and meaningful would be nice! A tornado of ideas began to whirl around in my mind. I quickly popped on some shoes and a pair of shorts as I ran out of the house to head to a craft store.

After browsing the aisles for some quality pearl card stock, envelopes, pretty gel pens and some cute embellishments such as rhinestones, I headed home to begin my project.

First off, I started writing my list and cute little sketches. Then, I began to transfer them onto the cards, decorating them nicely before placing them into an envelope, labelling them from 1 to 50. After finishing my stack of cards after a couple of hours, I wrapped them up neatly with some ribbon and placed them inside a gift box.

Done.

I let out a big breath and wiped the sweat from my brow. My hands were aching by the end, but it was worth it.

I have zero musical talent, I have zero acting talent, I have zero modelling talent and zero photography and videography talent. But, what I did have, I guess, was my love for creating pretty looking things. Whether it be with drawings, assembling outfits or interior decorating.

I hope he likes it, I crossed my fingers.

A nice material gift? Check. A sentimental gift? Check. Hmm...one last thing is missing. Something fun.

As the idea came to me, I rushed out of the house once again, calling Ellana on my cell. Please be free.

"Hey Val," her chirpy voice came through.

"Hey! What are you upto? Are you with Kean?"

"Yeah we just went out for some food. What's up?"

"Meet me at The Grove! I need your help to shop!"

"Woah calm down girl, why?" She chuckled.

"I'm getting Carter a surprise!" I hopped in my car with a huff.

"Okay, geez I'll see you there in like 20 mins. Breathe, Val. The mall isn't going anywhere and neither is Carter."

"Okay! Thankyou! See ya then," I laughed and hung up. Okay, she's right, I need to relax before driving.

I made my way into Nordstrom so I could browse for some lingerie. I wanted something nice, but not as expensive as Victoria's Secret. Carter had already seen that burgundy one, and the black two-piece Ell had given me for vacation, so I wanted something different.

"Hello you crazy woman," Ell said with an amused grin.

"Hey, thankyou for coming, and sorry for earlier, I was over excited," I chuckled.

"It's fine! So what are we doing?" She raised her eyebrows.

"Help me pick lingerie?" I gave her my sweetest smile before strolling further into the store.

"Oo-o-oooo!" She nudged me with a playful wink. "Of course!"

"Something under $100 okay!" I called, as we both disappeared down the aisles to split up the search load.

"How about this?!" She strutted over to me holding a lace teddy.

"Oh yeah I like that! It's something different. Hmm, maybe not that colour though," I noted as I ran my eyes inquisitively over the piece.

"Okay! I'll look for some more."

I flipped through the racks of all the different brands stocked in the department store, before stopping at one.

"Ell!" I called. "I think I've found something!" I flicked through the sizes and plucked out one I could try. It was a red lace teddy, with a low plunging, strappy neckline. It had very sheer panels running down the sides, a high cut bikini line and a thin silk band running across the waist. Oh. And the back. My cheeks would surely be on display.

"Woahhh, that's gorgeous, yet super sexy too. Try it on!" She exclaimed pushing me towards the changing rooms.

I peeled off my clothes to wear it on. Wow, I breathed as I stared at my reflection in the mirror. It was beautiful. It emphasised my curves nicely. I kind of felt like a rich, fancy mistress answering the door in a long silky robe and fluffy slippers, to hear her husband has just been murdered. Okay. That might be too much, I chuckled. Nevertheless, I think this is it.

I opened the door so Ell could peek in to see it.

"Amazing! I love it," she grinned. "It's different but it's stunning on you."

"Thankyou!" I grinned in return. "It's only $65 too!!"

"Damn! I need to go shopping here more often," her eyes bulged.

"Me too," I nodded in agreement as I closed the door to change out of it and make my purchase. As I was at the register, I got a text back from Sommer.

I just looked into both, and I reckon the lens definitely! 😊

They're much more useful, and Carter doesn't use his drone much 🙄

He has other people do it for him usually lol

Hope that helps 😘

Okay! Thanks heaps lovely! 😘

And hahah wouldn't that be nice

"Okay one more stop Ell. I just gotta go buy a camera lens." I collected my bag from the sales lady with a thankyou, before heading out.

I'm on a stealthy in and out mission today. I picked up the one hopefully with the right dimensions and parameters and made my way to the counter.

"Oooft. They are so expensive!" Ellana cried as I slid my card through the eftpos machine.

"Gosh I know right. I didn't realise how dear camera equipment was. I'm positive this is the right one, but I'm gonna keep the receipt in a safe place." I chuckled as we headed towards my parked car. "Do you want me to take you back to Kean's? Or wanna head home?" I asked as I unlocked the doors to slide the bags inside.

"No it's okay. Let's go home babe." She smiled.

"Okay! Sounds good. Thanks again for coming on short notice." I grinned.

"No worries!"

Hm I should get Ellana something too for always being such a gem through my problems.

I chuckled to myself, I'm definitely in a very giving mood today.

~

😊

Firstly, woohoo! You have made it so far! Thankyou so much for your votes and comments! Connections is coming to an end soon, and I hope you all enjoyed Valerie and Carter's journey. Please check out my new book called "Circles!" It's a romance with just as much fun in it as this book.

Love, Cee 💖