OLIVIAI flinch when Aiden slams his fist on the steering wheel. That must have hurt. “ Are you deaf?” Aiden barks, his voice raised and sharp. I arch an eyebrow. What is with the sudden change in his tone? Is he messing around with me or what? But, the look in his eyes tells me he is not playing around. There is something going on with him. Something serious. I try to speak, but I can't find the right words. My voice catches in my throat. It seems like the right words are not in my head anymore.I just sit there, staring at him while his gaze still remains fixed straight ahead, not on the rearview mirror, but out the windshield. Aiden's head falls back to the steering wheel, and he clenches his fists on his thighs.I close my eyes, trying to piece together everything that has happened that day involving Aiden.I had called him and asked for a ride, and he had agreed. His tone and demeanor at the time were a far cry from what they are now.He had driven to my house. He had even fl

OLIVIATell me I am dreaming. Tell me this is a figment of my wild imagination. Please, just tell me this is a dream. I can't believe this is happening. I don't want to believe it. Is this really Elite Palace? There is no way I am really at Elite Palace, the most luxurious and exclusive restaurant in town. It must be a fantasy. “ Are you okay?” I hear a gentle voice ask from behind me.I feel a hand close around mine and our fingers lace together. The scent of his cologne - something floral, wildflowers perhaps fills my nose. I turn to face him, and my eyes lock with his, an ocean blue that seems to pierce right through me. I force a smile. “ I am okay,” I utter. I am not dreaming. This is real - no fantasy, no wild dream. I am really at Elite Palace and Nathan is standing right beside me with our hands interlocked. God, this is really happening. I've got to tell Ashley. We have been talking about saving up to come to Elite Palace just for a piece of cake and a drink. I can'

OLIVIA“ Spill the tea. I want tea. Tell me every fucking thing, and make it snappy,” Ashley whispers loudly, drawing the attention of a few nearby students.I gave her a look, hoping she would get the message that she needs to lower her voices. I glance around the classroom and see that most of the other students are busy with their work, and a few are looking our way. “ Quiet down, will you?” I say. “ I will tell you, but you need to keep your voice down.”“ Oh, fine,” Ashley huffs. “ But, you have to tell me every little detail! You have to tell me everything that happened between you and Nathan. Give me the whole rundown on your date!” I take a deep breath. I am in too deep. I know there is no turning back now. I have to tell Ashley everything or she would never let me hear the end of it. In fact, she is more excited about my date than I am. The only thing I can hope for is that our lecturer would work in and put a stop to our conversation. That does not mean I won't tell her

OLIVIA“ If you think we should talk, then say something,” I say. I fold my arms over my chest. I wait for him to speak, but he is silent for several minutes, just staring at me with a gaze that drills into me. “ Aiden?” I call his name, unable to hold it in any longer. I feel the urge to break eye contact, but I resist. His gaze is so intense that it is making me feel weak in the knees. But, I can't let him know that he is getting to me. But, who am I fooling? I am sure Aiden knows the effect he has on me. I swallow, my throat suddenly dry."This is the sort of thing you do that drives me nuts," I state. "You tell me you want to talk, then you just stand there in silence. I think it is a habit for you."Aiden places his hand on my waist, tugging me closer to him, before letting it go again. Why did he take his hand away? I want him to put it back, but I can't bring myself to ask, not when I am angry with him."How am I supposed to talk or even think about what to say when you a

OLIVIAMy heart pounds in my chest. Oh God, I hope it is not what I am thinking. I really hope that what Sarah had heard about me and Aiden is not what is on my mind.I don't want to have another fight with my sister. I know we would end up fighting, but I can't deal with it right now. I am too worn out to engage in a long conversation. Oh God, I hope it is not what I am afraid it is. “ Did you even hear what I said?” Sarah asks, snapping me out of my train of thoughts. I bite my tongue to stop myself from rolling my eyes. What is the point of asking me that now?I am already in a panic over what she had said, and now she is asking if I had heard her. Sometimes, Sarah does things that make you want to smack her. I take a deep breath, then let it out slowly. I can't let on that I am already freaking out. If I act like I am panicking, it will confirm whatever it is that Sarah had heard, even though I really hope that it is not what I am thinking. “ Yes, I heard you,” I say. “ Wh