#Chapter 27: Tangled Emotions

“Olivia.”

Nathan caught my attention with his voice. I quickly sat up and wiped away my tears with my sleeve, and we stared at each other in the dimly lit room for a few moments as he stood in the doorway with his arms folded across his chest.

Surprisingly, his face looked a little sad. It was much unlike the stern appearance he had at the picnic.

“What do you want?” I grumbled, still feeling a little bit angry from it all.

Nathan sighed and walked over to the bed. He sat down beside me, then stared down at the floor for a few moments before speaking. I couldn’t stay tense beside him. We were still best friends, after all, and I felt myself relax a little at his presence.

“Look,” he said, his voice low and steady, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings or embarrass you.”

“Then what did you mean?” I asked. “I feel like you singled me out in front of everyone. It wasn’t my fault that I was given a dress that was too small and delicate. It’s stupid that women have to dress up fo