I woke up with a massive headache from the amount of alcohol I consumed last night on an empty stomach. I should have eaten before going out, but I was too depressed. Today, I'm more enraged than heartbroken about what Julius did. He wasted my time. He wasted me. I won't spare him a thought. He can keep fu.cking Clover for all I care. They deserve each other.
I dragged myself out of bed, feeling my head spin, but knowing I needed to get to my calculus 3 class. I brushed my teeth, washed my face, and tied my hair up in a messy bun. I put on my Columbia hoodie, knowing it would be chilly in the brisk September air. I grabbed a pair of jeans and my favorite running shoes. I need to run off this hangover. I took my bag and jogged to campus. I thought I would throw up a couple of times on the way, but powered through it, feeling my head clear before I made it to class.I opened the door, taking a seat near the back as professor Dune came in, setting his things down. I love calculus, but Professor Dune took away from that love. He wanted the problems solved his way only. Even though sometimes they were wrong. God forbid you prove him wrong too. I just need to get through this class.Hailey: Lunch at the quad today?Hailey sent me a text. She and I always ate lunch together as our schedules lined perfectly for it.Olive: Sounds great! Professor moody pants here is driving me insane.Hailey: Drop his class. There's still time. Or maybe see if you can switch professors?Olive: Maybe. I'll talk to my advisor. I really can't stand this as/s clown.The hour dragged as Dune continued his stupidity. I know I couldn't be the only one questioning how this man was a professor here. Finally, class was over and I zoomed out of there, booking it to my advisor's office in hopes she was there. I don't think I've ever really gone to her office before. We mainly communicate over email or in her classroom, but never in her office.I went to open the door, staring at my phone that was now flashing Julius' name. I rolled my eyes, feeling annoyed when the door swung open, hitting me right in the face. My phone was knocked out of my hands, crashing onto the floor.Just my luck! I'll need to buy a new one.I grabbed my nose, feeling it gush blood down my mouth. What is with my luck this week? The guy who was responsible for my misery today, looked at me horrified. His dark circles and impending sense of doom clued me in to his freshmen status. I remember that feeling of overwhelming pressure and need to be perfect."Are you okay? I am so sorry!" He rushed to me, handing me tissues he had pulled from his pocket. They seemed clean so I took them, squeezing my nose and leaning forward. "Please let me take you to the on campus clinic."I shook my head trying to tell him I was fine, but it seems I had bit my tongue when he opened the door too. My nose didn't feel broken, but looking at this poor guy, I figure it won't hurt to be seen for his sake. It's free for us anyway. The guy seemed nice enough.His jet black hair was parted down the middle layered nicely to frame his face. He was pale and wore a black shirt with black pants. He had some stylish black framed glasses over his ice blue eyes. He was pretty handsome for a freshman, and now I feel more embarrassed than anything. I pointed to my phone for him to grab, and he did."Shi.t it's broken. God, I'm so sorry! I'll get you a new one." He swore as he started to walk me to the clinic. I shook my head no, he was honestly saving me from Julius.We arrived at the office, scaring the poor nursing students that had just started their clinic hours. I was taken back rather quickly. The guy went with me just so he could explain what happened. He swore he would leave after he explained to the doctor what happened. I think he thinks I'm mute now."Good morning Ms. Brewer. What brings you in to-" The doctor stopped short as he looked up from the chart with my information. "Oh my." He grabbed the rolling stool sitting in front of me, inspecting my nose carefully. "What happened?" He looked at the guy beside me."I wasn't looking and I opened the door hard, hitting her in the face. It was an accident I swear!" He told him."Well, good news is your nose doesn't look broken. We'll get it cleaned up. Are you hurt anywhere else?"I stuck my tongue out pointing to it. He wiped at my tongue inspecting it closely."Bad news is you're going to need a couple stitches on your tongue. That's a pretty big hole you bit into it."I sighed, rolling my eyes.Of course."Let me go get a nurse or two." He told me as he tossed his gloves and left."Dude, I am so sorry! I feel so bad. Give me your address and I'll bring you a new phone later today." He held his phone out for me to type my address out. I just raised a brow at him wondering if he was joking. He's a stranger, I'm not giving him my address. Even if he is hot. I shook my head. "Okay, how about you text me where and when you can meet?" He picked up on the fact I wasn't going to give him my address.I typed in, quad at noon. That's when Hailey and I are meant to meet, this way I won't be alone either. He read it and nodded."I'll see you there then, Ms. Brewer." He smiled leaving just as the doctor and his nurses returned.I didn't look up, feeling so embarrassed at the moment. I heard the doctor telling them what needed to be done as he took a seat in front of me again. He put his gloves on and got to work, leaving me with the taste of metal and rubber as he looked at how best to stitch it."There we go. Good as new. It'll be sore for a few days. Avoid straining it as much as possible. I'll print some after care instructions for you."Great, I wonder if it'll tell me when I'll be able to use my tongue to talk again?I found an empty table out in the quad, pulling my laptop out. I typed out the politest email I could manage to my advisor, hoping to switch my classes. It was only 11 now. The door fiasco and doctor visit made me miss my other morning class. I had to send my professor an email explaining what happened and asking for today's assignments. I sent him a picture of my after care instructions with the date printed as proof. I sighed, closing the laptop and my eyes. I let the sun soak into my skin, filling me with endorphins as I enjoyed the nature around me. The sun was suddenly blocked, so I opened my eyes to look at the cloud that was large enough to block it. Only it wasn't a cloud, it was Julius standing in front of me. I scowled at him, cursing the freshman now. I can't even yell at Julius. I have to sit and listen to him give me shitty excuses. I opened my laptop typing out my response to him already. I knew what was about to come out of his mouth. "Liv, I am so sorry." No you're
The week flew by without a snag. I avoided Julius at all costs, taking new routes to classes and even being early to the classes we had in the same building. Leo hadn't texted me since Monday and I was starting to think he'd forgotten about us going out today. I honestly wouldn't mind as I'm sure he only invited me out of pity. I was thankfully able to talk with minimal pain now. The swelling had gone down and the stitches were slowly dissolving. I was grateful to have my voice back, and be able to thank my advisor for pulling miracles and getting me out of Professor Dune's class. She got me in Professor Lewis' class, which was my last class for today. Leo: Hey Olive. Can't wait to see you tonight! We're going to the tunnel nightclub in Manhattan. We're all meeting up outside the dorms if you wanna come with us. Otherwise you can meet us there at 9. Well shi.t, it seems he didn't forget. Olive: Sounds like fun. See you there! I sighed, pushing away the insecurities that were tryi
Lucas' P.O.V.There was my rose, standing before me in a black small dress. A dress that left little to the imagination. Her red hair had been straightened, seeming so much longer now. She looked hot as hell with those red stilettos that matched her hair, and shade of lipstick, perfectly. Leo had gotten her some fruity drink, as if a girl like her would like something like that. She took it with a smile, being polite for some reason. I switched her drink for my own. I knew she would love the burn of the alcohol down her throat. I wasn't wrong as she downed it without even making a face. As much as I tried I hadn't been able to get her out of my head since that night. That's not to say I haven't tried, but no woman could seem to excite me the same way she did. Her body was perfect with the unexpected tattoo sleeve on her side that went from just below her breast to her upper thigh. I knew she probably got those done without a cry of pain. She was tough as nails. It was the way she s
Olive's P.O.V.I stared down at the large guy before me, who was gasping for air. My dad was a professional MMA fighter in his youth and he taught me everything he knew when I turned 13. He told me I needed to be able to defend myself from any guy, no matter their size. Clearly, he was right. This wasn't the first time someone at a club tried to manhandle me and got put in their place. It was the first time I'd done it out on the dance floor. I watched as security pushed their way through the crowd, trying to make it to me. Shi.t I'll lose my scholarship if I get charges pressed against me. I tried to think of a good solution, but the alcohol was fogging my decision making skills. I was starting to panic when a familiar tattooed hand grabbed mine, pulling me through the crowd. "I'll bring her home safe," Lucas called back to Hailey, as he navigated us through the crowd and out the side exit. "Come on, we need to get you out of here." He tossed me the motorcycle helmet as he straddle
Lucas kept his promise of fu.cking me all throughout the night. My body was sore and my legs had forgotten how to work. I needed to get up and pee, but I wasn't sure I could. Lucas laid beside me in all his naked glory with his arm over my waist.He's so damn handsome.I watched him for a moment before my need to pee outweighed the fear of not being able to walk. I reluctantly got out of the warm bed, heading to the bathroom. I was still very much naked myself, but I didn't mind walking across his room like this. He had seen it all last night. I did my business, finally feeling relieved. After I washed my hands and face I stared at myself in the mirror seeing my body littered in purple hickeys.When did he do that?There were so many that there was no hiding it. I sighed, opening the door to see Lucas sitting up on the bed, leaning back against the headboard. He gave me that sexy as/s smirk of his as I approached him."Hey Luke, we need to talk." Leo opened Lucas' door, surprising us
Lucas' P.O.V. Last night was amazing. I had finally gotten my Rose in my bed again. She was just as beautiful as I remembered, if not more so. The sounds she made with the way she moved her body had me so wrapped up in her. My d*ck twitched just thinking about it again.She'd gotten onto me last night for trying to dance with her when she thought I had a date, but it seemed she was in a relationship, or so I thought when I answered the phone. I wanted to ruin it, and make her solely mine. I wasn't expecting to hear that the asshole had cheated on her. Who would ever be stupid enough to do such a thing to a woman like her?I didn't want to let her go. I didn't want her to leave already. I wanted to spend the morning with her, having her as my breakfast. Again, she left in a hurry as if spending any time with me was too much to ask of her. I was just here to please her and nothing more. I felt my stomach drop when she looked at me as she responded to Leo.Let's just pretend it never ha
Olive's P.O.V.I had finally cooled down from the anger that had plagued me this morning. Now I was just hitting the bag in front of me to try to get Lucas out of my head. Even though he made me mad this morning with his stupid stunt, I couldn't shake him from my mind. I kept picturing those intense brown eyes staring at me.I must really be under some kind of spell because I swear that I can smell his cologne right now. It was almost like he was here. I felt a pair of eyes on me, but I didn't want to turn to see who it was. I hated guys that came to the gym to flirt with girls. I'm not giving anyone a chance to talk to me. I saw a figure, from the corner of my eyes, step around me. They grabbed the bag from behind, holding it steady for me. I punched harder, hoping they would feel it through the bag. I didn't ask them to come hold it. I was doing just fine by myself."Damn, Rose. I had no idea you could punch that hard." His voice halted my next punch midair. I leaned to the side to
Olive's P.O.V."There, all done." Hailey stepped away from my face, allowing me to see myself for the first time since she started. She had styled my hair in a pinned up bun with a few loose strands on the front. She did my makeup flawlessly, adorning that red lipstick she loves to put on me so much. I could barely recognize myself. I looked beautiful and the dress fit me like a glove. Somehow Lucas knew my size better than myself. Hailey let me borrow a pair of her black heels for the night, that clasped at my ankles. I could feel my stomach turning, the swirl of butterflies in me was making me nauseous. My hands felt clammy, making me want to wipe them on the dress. My heart was racing from the nerves that were eating me up inside. "You look beautiful." Hailey whispered as we both stared at me in the mirror. "Thank you, Hails." The ring of the bell had my heart hammering faster. Hailey raced to the door, as I grabbed the small black clutch purse that she let me borrow for the n
Olive’s P.O.V. “We have to wait until he leaves, and then we can go in through the back. There’s a window that never locked and I’m pretty sure he never fixed it,” I instructed Daisy and Lucas. Little David sat in Abi’s car seat in the back, peacefully sleeping while we adults felt like we’d received adrenaline shots. Joe had called me yesterday to tell me that Daisy had showed up at his door. She’d lost my number but remembered where he worked. She had David in one arm with the other cradled to her chest, broken. According to Joe, and now I see for myself, she had a black eye and a cut on her eyebrow. I know dad is going insane searching for her and David right now. I was glad that she didn’t leave David behind the way mom left me. Of course, David is only a small baby, and maybe that’s why she couldn’t leave him. I know it will complicate things, but since Joe took her to the police station to press charges, it will make things easier on the David custody front. Lucas is hiring on
Olive’s P.O.V. **Song Suggestion: To Build A Home by Holly Henry** “Can I open my eyes yet?” I asked Lucas, feeling so impatient. I wanted to know what this surprise was. When we arrived home from our honeymoon, he said we had one stop before we were going to get Abi. I was ready to see my daughter, but he said this couldn’t wait. He tied a tie over my eyes. I’m pretty sure it was the tie he wore at the end of the aisle as he waited for me. I will forever remember that moment, when our eyes met and the rest of the world faded away. My husband. “Almost,” he said with his hands on my hips as he guided me. I could see cobble stone steps through the small slit left between my cheeks and the tie. Where are we? He finally stopped pushing me forward. I could feel him step around me and stand before me as he slid the tie off my face. My eyes squinted as they got reacquainted with the light. “I had this made for us when I found out you were pregnant. I used what I knew from your jou
Lucas' P.O.V. **Song Suggestion: Only You by Julia Westlin** I felt so antsy as I waited for my Rose at the end of the aisle. Everything looked spectacular, the flowers in the garden were vibrant and beautiful. Their floral scent was carried in the cool September breeze. Mom was holding Abi in her arms sitting in the front row before me. Abi's strawberry blonde hair was almost hidden behind the large white bow she sported. The white dress almost swallowed her whole, but she looked so adorable. My Rose bud has stolen my heart completely. She and I have late night talks as I work and rock her back to sleep. Her mother and she are everything to me. They are the sun that I revolve around, the lights of my life. I am the luckiest man on the planet. I know this, and right now I'm the luckiest man, waiting for his beautiful bride to emerge. The music began to play and everyone stood as Rose came into view. My heart stilled and raced all at the same time. My eyes misted as this moment too
Olive's P.O.V. "You need to sit, Rose. The doctor said to sit and elevate your feet. You're starting to swell around your ankles again," Lucas reminded me as I waddled around the flat trying to get last minute things together. The bassinet was put together and sat beside the bed. The bottles were sanitized and put away already. All the clothes were washed, folded and organized. My hospital bag was ready to go, along with Abi's. I packed her the cutest take home outfit. I love all the frills, laces, and colors on little girl clothes. Of course, I bought a shit ton of bows that are way too large for her head, too. I have those neatly organized as well. I still feel like I'm forgetting something, or missing something, but I'm not sure what. Daisy had my baby brother a few months ago, and according to Joe everything is still going well. It made me wonder if Dad really had changed, but then I remembered that he's dad and it's only a matter of time until his ugliness resurfaces. I hope
Lucas' P.O.V. I finally finished her journals from junior year of college. This was it. I was finally getting to her journals about me. At the beginning of all this, I wanted to only read the journals about me, but I'm glad that Rose made me work for it. I have such a better understanding of her now that I've read her innermost thoughts about her past. She was a cherry tomato red as she handed me these journals this morning. She asked that I not read them while she's awake. Her embarrassment was adorable, but completely unnecessary. She was currently asleep beside me, lightly snoring with her peacefully beautiful face. Rose is tired from interviewing around town, trying to find an engineering job for experience until the place she really wants is hiring again. I wanted to use my connections to help her, but she told me if I did, she’d be really mad at me. She wants to get her job from her own hard work. I find it very noble, but I wish she’d let me help. I placed my hand over our Ab
Olive's P.O.V.Olive: You're coming to my graduation, right?#1 Best Friend: I wouldn't miss it for the world.Ian's reply made me feel better. He and I hadn't spoken much since Christmas. I know he meant it when he said we were still friends, but he needed time to get over me. We text every now and then but it wasn't daily like it had been before Christmas. It made me a bit sad, but I know it's for the best.Hailey on the other hand, texts and calls multiple times a day and drops by every other day with something new. Yesterday it was a little red bracelet that looked like it was made of yarn. I'm meant to put this on our child when she's born. Hailey made me swear, so I did."I've been thinking a lot about what we should name our little Rose bud," Lucas said, as he rubbed his hands over my growing baby bump. He'd been reading my junior year journal of college. He's just a couple of journals away from the one he's been desperately wanting to read…his journal."Okay, what have you come
Olive's P.O.V. The morning sickness has been easing as time passes. I wake every morning and stare at the now outdated ultrasound pictures. Today we are going to a ultrasound place that does gender reveals. We'll get to see our little bean again. I wonder what it'll be? Boy or girl. "I can't wait to see my little bud again." Lucas smiled at me. I nodded, leaning against him, feeling the same excitement. "What do you think, boy or girl?" I asked him. "Girl. She'll be my little Rose bud." He nodded looking only at the ultrasound picture held onto the fridge by an old floral magnet. "I say Boy. He'd be my little knight," I countered with a smile. We walked hand in hand towards the shop that does the gender reveal. The place felt like an overly decorated doctor's office with pink and gold frills. They seemed to want to freeze their clients stiff as I froze my ass off waiting to be called. Lucas held me close, providing me with some warmth. About 15 minutes later we were called to f
Lucas' P.O.V. Christmas was more than I could have asked for. She had said yes, and despite Dad's threats, I've been on cloud nine ever since. I need to get back to work before Dad discovers I'm trying to marry Rose. I get the feeling he'd try to stop it by any and all means necessary. He doesn't need to know until it's done and over with. I won't put Rose, or my bud, through any unnecessary stress. "Good morning, my future wife." I kissed her forehead as I woke her. She says she's not a sleepyhead, but she most definitely is. "Today's the day." Sleep evaded me last night, even with Rose in my arms. I was too excited for today. It's our first doctor's appointment for our bud. We'll get to see our growing baby on an ultrasound today, and be sure of Rose's due date. I've been giddy all night. "Today's the day." She smiled as her eyes opened. That had been the fastest she'd ever woken up, aside from the time she had to bolt to the bathroom to throw up. She is excited too. I can only
Olive’s P.O.V.“Are you okay, my Rose?” Lucas asked as we finished cleaning up the place. Everyone was long gone now, but the evening was spectacular.“Yeah, I’m fine, just thinking,” I answered, grabbing a cup off the coffee table that had only been half drunk. The marshmallows had disappeared in the heat of the coco, leaving this sort of froth at the top.“What about?” He asked, taking the cup from my hands and washing it.“I think I need to read Ian’s letters,” I admitted, biting at my cheek. “I need to know what he said.”Lucas went silent, which only made me nervous. He turned the sink off, facing me. He dried his hands as he held my gaze. When he approached me, his eyes softened, feeling sympathy for me. He pulled me into a tight hug, kissing my forehead.“I’ll go see my mom for a little while. I am sure she’s still awake. Text me when you’re done,” he said, letting me go.“You don’t have to leave.”He shook his head no at me before speaking.“You should read them alone, Rose. I