OLIVIAThe delightful fragrance of freshly baked cookies intertwined with the sweet aroma of cinnamon rolls filled our cozy apartment. Christmas lights cast a warm and festive glow, creating a magical dance of light on the walls.In the heart of our living room, proudly stood a beautifully adorned Christmas tree, a joint effort of Izzy and me. According to Izzy, "What's Christmas without a tree?"Beneath the twinkling lights, a collection of wrapped presents patiently waited, adorned with elegant cursive name tags – my personal touch. Izzy had decided to host a Christmas gathering, extending invitations not only to us but also to the guys. Tyler and Matteo were on the list, and I personally sent an invite to Lucas, since Izzy 'forgot' to.A sudden squeal disrupted the tranquil scene, causing me to drop the ornament I was holding and nearly lose my balance on the stool.What the–?"I'M GOING TO KILL YOU!" Izzy's frustrated yell echoed through the apartment, startling me.Carefully, I d
OLIVIA "... It's like this lingering emptiness, you know? A heavy cloud that just won't dissipate," I confessed, my voice wavering as I fidgeted with my fingers.Leaning forward, Dr. Bennett's expression softened. "I can imagine. What's been on your mind today?"I sighed, struggling to find the right words to explain the messy situation I'm in. "I tried to stick to my usual routine, hanging out with friends, spending time with my boyfriend, but it feels like I'm carrying this invisible weight, and then the guilt sets in, as if I should be stronger, but I'm not at all."She nodded in understanding, "It's okay not to be okay, Olivia. Can you tell me what the guilt is about?""I don't know, maybe it stems from the fact that everyone expects me to be okay, to move on or act like it's just another day, but it's not. It's the day my mum died, and I can't shake that off," I confessed."Expectations, whether from others or ourselves, can be difficult. What do you feel when you think about he
OLIVIAIf you had asked me two years ago whether I'd find myself with a boyfriend, two amazing friends, and a semblance of a normal life, I would've likely laughed in your face. I might have even considered dumping iced coffee on you for suggesting such a wild scenario. Well, maybe not the coffee part, but you catch my drift.Back then, high school felt like a pit of despair, and the thought of turning 18 was more of a burden than a celebration. But hey, time works in mysterious ways, amirite? Now I'm at UCLA, with my best friend by my side, I'm dating a great guy, I met Izzy and of course Lucas and Tyler. Oh, and let's not forget my ongoing love affair with fries – it has only intensified. Just yesterday, Matteo surprised me with a batch for the dorm, and, well, let's say he received some well-deserved appreciation. I'm now trading sex for fries? God, Olivia!On the therapy front, things are progressing well, I'm making efforts to move forward, and academic success is on my side. S
UNKNOWN NARRATOR.The sun descended toward the horizon, painting the sandy shore with a warm glow. I discovered a tranquil spot on the beach, nestled against the gentle curve of the dunes. The rhythmic lull of the waves and the distant calls of seagulls crafted a serene ambiance, enveloping me in relaxation. These are the moments that define life's splendor.As I embraced the calming sea breeze, my focus shifted to a couple not far away. They appeared lost in their own world, exchanging laughter and heartfelt conversation. Their gestures spoke volumes of a love that echoed loudly. I couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy.Observing closely, the man leaned in, delicately tucking her hair behind her ears, his words carried away by the wind. "Our love is like the tide, impossible to ignore."Those words stirred something within me – a familiar echo of similar words once uttered in another time, another place.I recalled a similar evening, a shared moment under a different sunset. "Our l
OLIVIA.Sunlight filtered through the curtains, stirring me from my bed. The groan escaped as the reality of the day hit – the amazing break was over, and now college awaited once again.I dragged myself from the warmth of my blanket, stumbling towards the bathroom, where the shock of a cold shower acted as a reluctant wake-up call.Wrapped in a robe, I made my way to the kitchen, the enticing scent of coffee filled the air drawing me in."Have I mentioned how much I love you?" I exclaimed, seizing the cup Emma had thoughtfully set aside for me."Morning, sleeping beauty," Izzy teased, peering over her magazine with a playful grin.I chuckled, settling onto a kitchen stool. "Morning to you too. Any exciting plans for the day?"She scoffed, "You know damn well the only exciting plan is surviving the first day of class today."Emma and I burst into laughter, nodding in agreement.Amidst the comfortable silence of coffee slurping and cereal munching, Izzy's eyes widened as she cackled in
DANTEThe gentle purr of the espresso machine greeted me upon entering my home. I loosened the buttons on my jacket, experiencing a subtle sense of relief. Despite my love for work, returning home brought a slightly soothing comfort. The jacket found its spot on a nearby chair.Making my way to the kitchen, I traced the source of the humming espresso machine. Valentina, wrapped in her robe, moved with grace within the room."Quite a bold choice, parading around the house like that," I remarked, filling a glass with water and downing it promptly."I wasn't expecting you to be here so early," she retorted, shifting her gaze towards me, a radiant smile instantly gracing her face."Hey, baby," she purred, gliding in my direction."Hey, babe," a kiss landed on her lips."I've been eagerly awaiting your arrival all day; I've got a surprise for you beneath this robe," she hinted with a suggestive smile.I rolled my eyes, turning away from the nauseating couple before me.Valentina and I's re
OLIVIA.Sitting in my room, the muffled voices of Izzy and Lucas echoing from her room, I can't help but marvel at the irony of the situation. It's like a plot straight out of those books and movies I've always adored – the classic friends-to-enemies-to-lovers trope.I've always found the tension and drama of such narratives intriguing. They start as the best of friends, inseparable, only to be torn apart by some colossal issue. The animosity that follows is palpable, filling the plot with heated arguments, subtle glances, and unspoken feelings. It's a rollercoaster of emotions, and right now, Izzy and Lucas are riding that tumultuous journey in her room.The past week has been nothing short of awkward tension between them. Ignoring each other, avoiding eye contact, it's like walking on a tightrope, waiting for the inevitable clash. And now, as I sit here, their voices reaching me in heated argument, I can't help but hope that this is the turning point. This should be it.In every wel
UNKNOWN.I kept catching glimpses of the man staring at me from across the bookstore, appearing to be in his mid-20s. I looked away, expressing gratitude to the bookstore attendant as she handed me the book I needed – "Pride and Prejudice," a novel my mum enjoyed reading repeatedly. Well, I can't deny, it's not that bad.Lifting my head, I observed the once-staring guy now a few feet away from me.Deciding to break the ice, I said, "Hi."He grinned, his smile bright and handsome, "Hey.""If I didn't know any better, I'd say you're following me, maybe even stalking. Do I need to bring out my pepper spray?" I eyed him warily.Damn it, Ro. No one says that EVER to a potential stalker or kidnapper."You come here quite often. I've noticed you for a while now, but I finally gathered the courage to come speak with you today," he explained.He went on, "I'm Finn, by the way."I responded with a smile, "Rose. You can call me Ro.""Nice to meet you, Ro. So, what brings you to the bookstore tod