Olive's P.O.V. Lucas had asked me on a date again. I wasn't sure how I felt about it at the moment. I know that I want it, but I'm also scared to get hurt again. I like Lucas too much, despite trying to keep it just about sex. I tried to tell my body to say no, but what came out was yes. I slapped myself stupidly on the drive to school. The car was a damn dream. It drove so well and with the weather being nice; I had put the top down, feeling the wind whip my hair around. It probably wasn't my brightest idea. I had to tie my bird's nest of hair into a high, messy bun when I arrived. I ran to my class, cutting it close, but somehow still making it on time. Professor Johnson greeted me with a small smile. All my professors had expressed their condolences. They had been keeping an attentive eye on me. Class was quick. I found it oddly easy here lately. I am not sure if it is because Professor Johnson is such a great teacher, or because I got so far ahead in our textbook last week whe
Olive's P.O.V. Hailey twitched her leg beside me, full of nerves, even though I should be the one freaking out. She bit at her thumbnail as we waited in the doctor's office for her to return. She had done my screening yesterday and asked that I come in today. Lucas had gone with me yesterday, being a significant support, so I brought Hailey here with me today instead. I didn't think she would panic on me, though. She was raising my anxiety up. "Hailey, stop, you're making me nervous." "You should be! Doctors never call you back to the office to share good news." I knew she was right, but I was hoping this was just a 'hey you're clear, but let's discuss options' kind of visit. Dr. Payne came in, clearing her throat as she shut the door behind her. "Olive, I am glad you could come in so soon." She greeted me, as she sat behind her desk with Hailey and me sitting across from her. "I am afraid I have some bad news, and some good news for you." My heart was speeding with nerves,
Olive's P.O.V. "Lucas?" I furrowed my brow as I opened both eyes. "What are you doing here?" "I thought you could use some company." He smiled. "Oh, did you?" I sat up, no longer relaxed in the slightest. "Yeah, I know you have too much going on in your head. Honestly, I couldn't get you out of my head." He shocked me with his revelation. "I don't want to think about any of that. I just want to pretend like everything is fine and not falling apart all around me." I sighed, laying back on my chair again. "I kind of wonder how mom felt when they told her she had cancer." "I am sorry, Rose. I hate that her cancer wasn't caught sooner. She was an amazing woman to have passed away over something that could have been cured if caught soon enough." He shook his head as if he were so mad over the fact. "No, kidding." I sighed, staring up at the one lonely cloud floating above. "She seemed like a wonderful woman. I know she left you when you were young to deal with a lot of shit th
Lucas' P.O.V. I kept my phone by my side, trying not to miss Rose's call or text the next day. I want to make sure that I am there for her when she goes in for surgery. I've been looking up the best oncologists in the state, and one familiar name popped up. I refuse to let him see her, even if he is conveniently located nearby. I hate him. He's no better than my father. Kane Phillips is a pompous ass. He thinks himself better than the rest with his high and mighty act. 'I not only help my patients with their cancer, I help their families as well.' He said that to us at the dinner table once. I had seen him 'help' the family before. She was bent over his desk as he 'helped' her. I didn't see him the same after that. He took advantage of her. He said it was the only time he had done that when I confronted him about it. I didn't believe him, but I was only 16 at the time, so no one really cared what I had to say about him. He married the woman, as if to prove a point to me. They di
Olive's P.O.V. "I'll do my best." He told me with a look of determination and sympathy. He could tell I was feeling anxious about tomorrow. I mean, who wouldn't be? There's a possibility I have cancer right now. Damn mass in my breast! Lucas easily lowered his arms, letting me know he had been letting me keep them there. There was a deep admiration in his eyes that was freaking me out a little from the intensity. I looked away, feeling too self conscious under his gaze. Lucas brought his mouth down to my neck, kissing it tenderly. It wasn't the usual sucking and marking he liked to do. He kissed down to the opened collar of my shirt, before sliding his hands under it and helping me out of it. He then continued his light kisses over my torso, around my breast, and down my stomach. His hands sensually pulled my pants down at the speed of a snail, letting his fingertips tickle my skin along the way. I bit my lip, enjoying these gentle touches he was giving me. This hadn't been somet
Olive's P.O.V. "What's wrong?" Lucas asked. "Nothing, sorry. Just trying to navigate your phone." I lied, smiling sheepishly at him. "I thought Leo got you a new iPhone when he broke your last one?" Lucas arched a brow. "He did, but I really am not an iPhone person, so I traded it out." I held up my Samsung to show him. Lucas laughed, making me smile. His laugh was beautiful, bouncing all around me in the car. "You're something else, Rose." I finally got to his music and decided to just play the Deftones. We sang along for the last few minutes of the ride. Lucas was actually an excellent singer. I had pushed my insecurities, and feelings of betrayal, deep down. I didn't know what was said on that text thread. It could have very well been the message that broke it off between them. I tried to trust that what Lucas was telling me was true. I was just having a really hard time doing so. Lucas opened my door for me when we arrived. I handed him his phone when he held out his han
Olive's P.O.V. **Trigger warning for sexual assault** "Tell me, Olive, how did you manage to get this guy so wrapped up in you?" Rachel asked, leaning forward, resting her chin on the palm of her hand. "Um, I am not sure what you mean. I haven't done anything. I don't think he's that wrapped up in me." I mean, yes, he's told me he wants me and he wants to get serious. Is it really that shocking for his friends and family? Has he not had a serious relationship before? "Oh, sweet girl, he most definitely is." I just shook my head, not believing that Lucas, of all people, could be that into me. "You're the first girl he's been serious with since Ivy," she said. I didn't fail to catch the grimace that played on her face for a split second. I furrowed my brows at the mention of Ivy. I've never heard her name before. Honestly, I don't know many of the names of the women Lucas has been with aside from Janessa. "Who's Ivy?" I asked. "Ivy was Lucas' girlfriend in college. She
Lucas' P.O.V. The alarm startled me awake. I had almost forgotten what happened last night. I had told my darkest secret to Rose. She had comforted me in a way I was not expecting. She stole my heart last night. It only beats for her now. I looked down to find her still laying on my chest. I remembered waking multiple times to her inching closer to me anytime she had moved away in her sleep. Her small muscular body curled nicely around me. "Rose, we need to get up. I need to take you to the hospital." I rubbed her back as I spoke softly. She is cute when she first wakes up. Her face scrunched up in complaint with her lips in a slight pout. She furrowed her brow, annoyed at the fact she had to wake. From what I've learned, on the few occasions I have slept all night with her, she likes to sleep in. "Can we just pretend the mass isn't there?" She groaned, making me chuckle. "I think it's best if we get it removed. Come on, we don't want to be late." I sat her up as she rubbed her e