OLIVIA.It was a lazy afternoon, and predictably mundane.With just one class scheduled, the rest of the day stretched out before me, a yawning expanse of time waiting to be filled. Izzy was out for lunch with Lucas, while Emma was likely holed up in her room, immersed in a video call with Tyler.I found myself in the living room, sprawled on the couch with a bag of fries in hand, indulging in one of my guilty pleasures-re-watching "Wild Child" for what must have been the tenth time. I couldn't help but mouth along to some of the lines.Suddenly, the shrill ring of the doorbell pierced the air, shattering the serenity of my lazy afternoon. I groaned inwardly, my head falling back against the cushions as I silently prayed for Emma to magically emerge and answer the door.But of course, luck wasn't on my side that day. The doorbell rang again, and Emma's voice echoed from her room, oblivious to my silent plea. "There's someone at the door, Olly!!!" she shouted, her voice carrying a hint
OLIVIA.Stepping into the building, a wave of uncertainty washed over me. Did I really want to be here? The thought nagged at me, but I pushed it aside. I was already here; there was no turning back now.Approaching the reception desk, I was met with a curious and a bit of familiar glance from the concierge. I racked my brain, trying to place where I might have seen her before, but nothing came to mind."Olivia?" the concierge asked, her voice tinged with familiarity.I nodded hesitantly, unsure of how I was recognized. Nevertheless, the concierge gestured for me to proceed.Making my way to the elevator that led to Dante's penthouse, I couldn't shake the feeling of doubt creeping in. Was I making a mistake by coming here? But I reasoned with myself - I was just here to talk, right?The elevator doors slid open, revealing Dante's living room bathed in natural light. I stepped out tentatively, glancing around the spacious and impeccably decorated space, unsure of what to do now that I
OLIVIA.As I rode down from the intense high of my orgasm, collapsing against Dante, my breath came in ragged gasps. His whispered words, "Best birthday gift ever," sent a shiver down my spine, but as he brought his fingers, still warm from our intimate encounter, to his lips and sensually licked them clean, a rush of panic flooded my senses.Reality crashed down on me, overwhelming the lingering haze of pleasure, a sense of unease gnawed at the edges of my consciousness. What had I just done?My eyes widened in realization, and I hurriedly straightened my ridden-up dress, cursing softly under my breath. Grabbing my phone and purse, which I had barely noticed I had discarded, I rushed towards the elevator, my heart pounding in my chest.Dante's urgent calls for me to wait echoed in the background, but I couldn't bring myself to face him. I needed to escape, to put distance between us before I drowned in the whirlwind of emotions swirling inside me.Fumbling with the buttons, I despera
OLIVIAExiting the cab, I inhaled the crisp California air, absorbing the scenery unfolding before me–UCLA. This place holds my future."You'll be fine, Olivia. I believe in you," my dad's voice echoed.A smile tugged on my lips as I thought about the conversation we had before I left.My mum once told me when I was thirteen, "Be bold, Olivia. You've got the strength to conquer," and I've held on to those encouraging words even after she left. Now, those words echo as I face the uncertainty of this new chapter in my life.Turning to Emma, her presence reassured me. We'd come a long way together, and now we're stepping onto a new chapter–college. I sighed, stealing another glance at Emma, who also appeared to be sharing a moment."Well, here we are, college," she remarked."Is it strange to admit I'm terrified about what lies ahead?" I questioned, nervously rubbing my arms."Honestly, I think I'm a lot more terrified than you are.""At least Aunt Stella's here. My dad is 2782 miles away
OLIVIA.Arriving at Aunt Stella's, we exited the cab and walked in after paying. It felt like entering a haven of warmth and nostalgia. The rustic charm enveloped us as soft jazz tunes played in the background. Cozy booths with worn leather seats and mismatched throw pillows offered a private retreat. Fresh flowers adorned the tables, and the aroma of coffee and baked goods filled the air.Aunt Stella, with her bright smile, bustled behind the counter. The unique decorations - vintage posters, paintings, and antique teapots, added character to the space. The gentle glow of pendant lamps cast a warm ambiance, creating a play of shadows on the walls adorned with framed photographs."Emma, Oh my lovely Emma, how I've missed you," Stella cooed once she sighted us, locking Em in a tight hug and pinching her cheeks."Auntieeee," Emma groaned."I can imagine how that feels," Isabella giggled. "My mum is almost worse than this."I laughed, shaking my head, turning when Aunt Stella acknowledge
OLIVIAThe class turned out to be more fun and interesting than I had expected. The professor explained the segment in a way that was more engaging than boring, and the class concluded after two long hours.As I tucked my notes back into my backpack, Matteo approached me."So, I didn't get your name," he said."I-It's Olivia, but you can call me, everyone does-uh, I mean, you can call me Olly, everyone does," I muttered in embarrassment."Okay, everyone does, I hear you," he teased, and I blushed in further embarrassment."So, mind if I get your number?"I shrugged, collecting the phone he stretched out and typing my number on it."Thanks," he gave me a boyish grin and left. "Stop hitting on my friends, Matteo!!!" Izzy's yell carried a hint of an Italian accentMy phone buzzed, and I glanced to find a message from an unknown number.Unknown: Nice meeting you, Olly."Looks like Olly was the first to pick her best flavor after all," Emma remarked, making Izzy snicker."Come on, I'll sh
OLIVIAI had just finished talking to my Dad and was about going to bed when Emma knocked on the door and opened it.I glanced up from my bed as Emma walked in, her usual spark dimmed by a heavy emotion I couldn't place. "Emma, what's going on?" I asked, concern lining my voice.She took a deep breath and then, after a moment's hesitation, spilled the weight on her shoulders. "My mum- she called me today."Surprise registered on my face before morphing into understanding. "Your mum? That's- unexpected. How do you feel about it?"Emma perched on the edge of my bed, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her sleeve. 'Feelin' kinda confused, I guess? It's been years, Olly, and outta the blue, she hits me up. Talking 'bout she's in a better place now, tryna sort herself out. But it's just- it's tough, you know?'I moved from my position to sit beside her, wrapping my arms around her. "I can't even imagine, Em. That's a lot to process. How did the call make you feel?"She sighed, her voice
OLIVIA Spinning around, with a hint of irritation on my face, I shoot Em a look that shuts her up real quick. "Ease up, sourpuss; she's got car sickness," Izzy quips from her seat beside Em. I've got the shotgun seat, and guess who's at the wheel? Matteo. Anyway, Em and Izzy claim they despise the shotgun seat, but it's a total farce. Back when Dad used to drop us off at school, Em always claimed shotgun like it was her throne. And as for Isabella, it's crystal clear; she winked at me after her not-so-stealthy lie. I'm pretty sure Matteo saw through her act too. Back to the current situation, Emma has been groaning non-stop, but now I'm pretty sure she's doing it just to get under my skin. "So, Isabella, which one of your friends is coming over?" I inquire. Matteo snickers, and she shoots him a glare that promptly silences him. She mumbles some incoherent words, assuming I can hear her. "Huh?" "I never really had friends, well, I did have them, but that's by the wayside," sh