My mother loves carnivals. She loves getting on all of the rides. So when the carnival came to town I had to take her out. We deserve a mother-daughter date. I've been spending so much time with Oliver, I wanted to make time for her. I'm glad we came, it's a great night to get on the Ferris wheel and watch the city light up at night.
And she's excited too. I'm waiting for her to come back from the bathroom so we can get on our next ride. We are going to get our money's worth tonight. We are not leaving here until we get on every ride."Hi," Someone says behind me. My first thought is to not turn around, I'm so used to being ignored that I always think no one ever wants to talk to me. Especially in a public place like this. That said I turn around anyway. I'm curious to find out who the person is talking to.
"Oh shit," I say when my eyes collide with Marlene. She's the last person I thought would be behind me right now.How was the carnival?Patient OFive minutes later there's no reply. That's very unlike Ry. She normally replies to my texts immediately. I stare at my phone screen wondering what's going on. I open the text thread and I can see that she saw my message but she hadn't replied.I guess you're tired from all of the activityWe'll talk tomorrowI love youPatient O
10 am the next morningIt's been 7 hours since Ry and I last texted. I tried calling her multiple times multiple times but she didn't answer. I haven't left my room since. I'm frozen, I can't move. I need her to talk to me. I can't believe this is happening right now.Everything was going amazing. I hate it when we fight.I especially hate it when she gives me the silent treatment.I didn't get a wink of sleep. I really should have listened to Jameson. He warned me and I didn't take him seriously. I was so happy with Ryo that I didn't think this would happen.We were in a very good place yesterday and now we're here. I feel like I went to work and
A while laterRyo asked to meet me at the city garden. I look around at the beautiful scenery. I'm at the entrance waiting for her to show up. I have a few minutes to spare before she gets here, She said to meet at 12:30 but I showed up at 12:15. I couldn't wait another minute in my room. I had to get out and find something to do before my head exploded with what-ifs.I stare at the roses hanging on the arc at the entrance. They look so vibrant and alive.How did I not know that there's something like this in our city? This is incredible.I find this place beautiful but it makes me sad. I wish we didn't come here today, while we're fighting. I wish this was one of our incredible dates. It's going to hurt really badl
"This feels good," I say wrapping my arms around Oliver. We're lying on the garden lawns looking up at the sky. I'm straddling him and his lips are placed softly on my neck. "I love this so much," I add and he kisses me softly. I close my eyes enjoying the feeling."I love this too." He says and I can feel his hand go up the inside of my thigh. I gasp softly and hold on tighter to him. I almost didn't wear a dress this morning but sitting here right now, I think I made the right decision. I love that he has easy access to everything."I don't think that's a good idea," I say my breath getting heavy. He is lightly brushing my thighs, causing a ripple of desire to shoot through my veins. I'm saying one thing with my mouth but my body is saying something else."Why not?" He says whispering
"I can't remember the last time we did this," Kelly says getting into my bed. I scooch over making more room for her even though I don't need to. I have a big bed and the two of us can fit comfortably. I'm moving over because I know she loves to have a lot of space. She's what I like to call a start-fish sleeper. She spreads her limbs as wide as possible for her to be comfortable."I know, life has kind of taken over," I say and she smiles lying on her side so she can look at me, '"You mean Oliver took over." She says wiggling her brows at me. "You don't have any time for me since he's come into the picture." She says frowning at me."I know I know I have more time for us," I say feeling guilty. She's right, this relationship has taken a lot of my time. I live with my mother in the same house and I barely see her."Oh Ry, I'm kidding. I love that you have Oliver keeping you busy. I love that you finally have a guy that
"Marlene just walked in," Kelly says looking toward the entrance behind me. "She's looking at me, she's walking towards us." She adds and I take a sip of my coffee. I close my eyes annoyed at this Maelene dynamic. Can't I take my best friend out to breakfast without catching drama from her?I woke up this morning determined to have a great day with Kelly. I planned out today perfectly. Have an amazing sleepover, that's done. Follow up with an epic breakfast, that's in progress. Maybe catch a movie and end the day with a late lunch. Nowhere in my plan was Marlene and her obsession with Oliver included.I hear her shoes approach me and let out a long breath as I put my cup down. Kelly raises her brow at me in question as Marlene gets closer. She takes a sip of her coffee and she sits back."Ryo, we need to stop bumping into each other like this." She says coming to stand in front of me. I sit back in my chair so I can look her in her eyes.
"Thank you for today," Kelly says smiling next to me. She stares at the magnificent sunset in front of us as the Ferris wheel slowly turns around. "Thank you for coming," I say smiling too. This feels so calming. I couldn't imagine a better way to end our Saturday. "I'm glad I did. Or else I wouldn't have seen that epic stare-down with Marlene." She says looking at me. She winks and then she starts laughing. "Stop, it's not that funny," I say nudging her with my elbow. She continues laughing and I stare at her. She's enjoying this disaster of a situation I'm in a little too much. I need her to take this seriously. "Yes, it is that funny. She was shaken. She couldn't believe you shut her down like that. I couldn't believe it too. That was iconic." She says her voice getting louder. "I wish I saw it the way you see it. I just see my doom at the end of the road." I say and she rolls her eyes at me. Finally, she stopped laughing. " If you let her bully you, you'll have a hard time
Monday at school:Ryo is hiding in a bathroom stall."Where in the hell did she find that picture of me," I say staring at the screen on my phone. I screen in my head trying not to cry. I stare at the screenshot and tears fill up my eyes. I stare at my 10-year-old face staring back at me and I want to die.The picture was taken a long time ago at a kid's camp. I was young, uncoordinated and a little dirty. But who cares I was a kid. I was still trying to figure out what works for me, what looks good and what doesn't.Who wasn't at that time?I look at the picture again and I start to cry. The whole school has been passing this picture of me around. They started laughing when I walked onto the school grounds. They were pointing and whispering who knows what. And then Kelly sent it to me. I couldn't believe what I was seeing.I thought this picture didn't exist anymore. I thought it was erased from the face of the earth. But here it is today haunting me.My hair in the picture is a mess
As I head back to my room, the cozy feeling from the movie night fades, replaced by a growing sense of dread. I know Savannah won't let this slide. I try to shake off the anxiety, reminding myself that it's not a crime to talk to someone, but deep down, I know this will be more complicated than that.When I reach my dorm room, I take a deep breath, preparing for the confrontation I know is coming. Just as I turn the doorknob, I hear the unmistakable click of heels behind me. I turn slowly to see Savannah, her arms crossed and her expression as icy as ever."Marlene," she says, her voice dripping with false sweetness. "Do you have a minute?"I nod, feeling my heart rate quicken. "Sure, Savannah. What's up?"She steps closer, invading my personal space. "What do you think you’re doing with Adrian?" Her tone is low, but the threat is clear.I take a step back, trying to create some distance. "We were just watching the movie. It’s not a big deal.""Not a big deal?" Savannah repeats, her e
It's movie night and every student in the dorms is summoned to come and watch. I would rather be sleeping right now but the headmistress made it clear that we have to be here. The common room is buzzing with excitement. The lights are dimmed, and the scent of popcorn fills the air. Students are chattering as they find seats, some on the couches, others on the floor, creating a cozy, makeshift theater.I choose a quiet corner, my back against the wall and a thick blanket draped over my shoulders. I prefer this spot for its unobtrusiveness, allowing me to watch without being the center of attention. As the opening credits roll, I relaxed slightly, hoping to blend into the background.But my hopes are dashed when Adrian walks in, his presence immediately drawing the attention of the room. He scans the area, his eyes quickly finding me. With a confident stride, he makes his way towards me, carrying a bag of popcorn and two sodas."Mind if I join you?" he asks,
The first week at St. Hilda’s passes in a blur of classes and unfamiliar faces. I keep my head down, focusing on my studies and staying out of trouble. Despite Adrian’s unexpected attention, I’ve managed to remain invisible, just the way I planned.It’s Friday afternoon, and I’m sitting under a tree in the courtyard, reading a book for my literature class. The sun filters through the leaves, creating shadows on the ground. I’m finally starting to
My parents dropped me off at the school dorms a day ago and I've been layng low since. The girl's accomodations is about 5 km away from the main campus and today is the first day I''m seeing it and the other day students.The bus ride to the new boarding school feels like a journey to another planet. Trees blur past the window, the landscape changing from unfamiliar streets to unknown territories. The thought of starting over terrifies me, and I try to suppr
The sun filters through the café windows, casting a warm glow over the bustling breakfast crowd. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked pastries fills the air as Oliver and I walk in, hand in hand. We spot Jameson and Kelly at a cozy corner booth, already settled with cups of steaming coffee and plates of pancakes."Look who finally decided to show up!" Jameson calls out, a wide grin spreading across his face as he waves us over.Oliver laughs, sliding into the booth next to him. "Good morning to you too, Jameson. Ready to celebrate?"Kelly pushes a plate of assorted pastries toward us, her smile warm. "Absolutely. Congratulations on the A in your English assignment. You guys really earned it.""Thanks, Kelly," I say, taking a croissant. "It feels good to see our hard work pay off."We dive into breakfast, laughter and chatter filling the air. It's moments like these that remind me of the importance of friendship, of having people who cheer for your successes and stand by you th
"Forever," I murmur, my lips still tingling from our kiss. Oliver pulls back slightly, his eyes searching mine with an intensity that makes my heart skip a beat. We both laugh, a mixture of relief and joy filling the small space of his car."I have another question," Oliver says, his voice softer now. He glances at his phone, then back at me. "What’s your biggest dream?"I pause, letting the weight of his question settle in. The sunset paints his face in warm hues, making his eyes sparkle. "My biggest dream?" I echo, pondering. "I think it’s to travel the world. To see places I’ve only read about, experience different cultures, and find inspiration in the beauty of our planet. And…" I hesitate, then smile. "To do it with you."Oliver’s face lights up, and he takes my hand, squeezing it gently. "I love that. I want that too." He looks out at the lake, then back at me. "Imagine us, years from now, looking back on this moment. Knowing we had the courage to dream big and chase those dream
"That went well," Oliver says sitting next to me in the driver's seat of his car. I nod looking at the amazing view in front of us. We found a new spot to chill and have our epic question dates. And today is a very special one. "I should say, I think she loves you more than me." He says and I laugh shaking my head disagreeing with him.She was nice to me but she will never feel that way about me."I'm glad you agreed to meet her." He says smiling at me happily."I'm honoured to have met your mother. She's incredibly kind and she's beautiful" I say and he nods in agreement."So, he says taking out his phone." He has this cheesy smile on his face. "I put together a list of questions for us." He says and I get excited. I really missed spending time with him. We had a great thing and all of the fighting and backstabbing had ruined it.But being here with him, the stupid grin on his face beaming back at me. It all
"I'm so happy to meet you." Oliver's mother says getting up to hug me. I take in her beauty, poise and style as we embrace. She looks incredible. so well put together. I don't know if I can stop staring at her. I realize I have to eventually so it doesn't turn into anything weird. I don't want her to think I'm crazy"I'm happy to meet you too," I say finally finding my voice. I'm still nervous but a little at ease because of how sweet she is. She hugs Oliver and then we sit down."I've heard wonderful things about you." She says looking at me with a huge smile on her face. I look at her with such awe. I don't think I've seen her smile before and it's incredible how much her face changes."I hope I can live up to them," I say and she chuckles a little."Oh, no. There's nothing to live up to. You're perfect." She says and I smile not really sure what to say. "So, how are you?" She asks genuinely
"Do you think this is a good idea?" I ask Oliver when he opens the car door for me. I stare into his eyes hoping he changes his mind. I know I agreed to this but now that we're here I'm not so sure. "Yes, it's a very good idea." He says offering me his hand. "Don't freak out. It's going to be great." Oliver says when he sees my face."What if she doesn't like me?" I ask closing the door. We start walking and my legs feel like jelly below me. "What if I say the wrong thing?" I say and he smiles looking back at me. "You can never say the wrong thing." He says and I groan in frustration. I'm freaking out here and he's not taking me seriously. I don't think I'm ready to meet his family, let alone his mom. I've never met a boyfriend's mom. I was never in a serious relationship where it got to this point. What am I doing here? I don't belong here. "That's a lie. I put my foot in my mouth all the time. And I don't know if I can find the right words when I'm this nervous." I say trying to