Always and Forever

Chapter 9

Olivia

I woke up thirty minutes earlier than usual the following day. My first plan in my “Forget-about-Michael Operation” was to avoid him during breakfast. Even if I was still so sleepy, having only a few hours of sleep, I have to do this for my own sanity. I changed my pajamas to my purple leotard, put up my hair in a bun, then bent down to put on my ballet shoes. I picked up my hoodie, hand towel, and phone, then proceeded to the kitchen.

Aunt Becky has a big kitchen. When she noticed that I do my stretching whenever I was there, she placed a big mirror on one wall and a barre to make it look like a little studio. I dopped my things under the barre and proceeded to prepare the coffee. I then heated the remaining muffins from yesterday and boiled some eggs. These would have been enough for me and Aunt Becky, but I am not sure with having Michael with us. I then decided to add more variety to the breakfast, so I took some strawberries and grapes from the fridge and apples from the counter. I washed everything then cut the apples. After which, I placed everything on the breakfast counter, except for the coffee.

I was in front of the mirror doing my barre exercises when I saw Michael from the reflection, coming in to the kitchen. He was wearing a white tee and joggers. He stopped in his tracks when he saw me. He looked at the wall clock then at me again, but I just ignored him. Probably he was shocked that I got the breakfast already prepared when it just turned five. He greeted me, but I just nodded still looking at him from the mirror. He turned to get coffee, while I went back to my routine, not caring if he can fully see my naked legs. He thinks of me only as a child.

After I have finished the routine, I took my towel and wiped my forehead, neck, and arms, then I put on my hoodie. Michael had already started eating breakfast, and I can feel him staring at me. I passed by him without saying anything. I got showered quickly and put on my cheerleader outfit. We have our practice this morning and I have to be at school early. A perfect excuse to not see Michael for the rest of the morning that I am in the house. I got my bag and proceeded to the kitchen to tell Aunt Becky that I am going ahead. Just as I turned to the living room, Aunt got out of the kitchen.

“Olivia, I was just about to bring this to you. Here’s your lunch and some snacks.” Aunt Becky handed me my lunch bag. “I know you have practice today, so I made extra food. Don’t forget to eat, sweetheart.” Just I was thanking Aunt Becky for the food, Michael appeared from the kitchen. Our eyes locked, then I saw his gaze go down as if screening my outfit. I feel myself getting hot and felt like suffocating, so I quickly pecked Aunt Becky on the cheek, then immediately turned to go to the garage.

“Oh, Olivia!” Aunt called when I was to go to open the door. “You don’t have to go to the shop today. You can rest later.” I just raised my thumbs up and went out.

I drove to school thinking what was that all about. Just when I was letting go of my feelings for him, he would look at me like that. And to be honest, I wanted so much to go to him and caress his morning stubble and kiss those lips and tell him I love him ever since I was fourteen. Aaargh! This is just a silly crush! And I, Olivia Adams, can let go of this feeling!

The day went by easily. The try-outs went well. I met Bianca before classes and told her that I will let go of my stupid feelings for Michael, which she excitedly agreed. As much as I wanted to take Aunt’s offer to just rest later, I still wanted to go to the shop to plan the cake and souvenir that I will be preparing for the party. And that means I will not be able to see Michael for a few more hours. So, I texted Aunt Becky that I have decided to work that night as I was done with homework and reading. Thank goodness for free periods.

When I got to work, I told the staff about Aunt Becky’s birthday celebration the following week and invited them to party. They are eager also to help me with the cake and cupcakes. I told them not to give away details to Aunt Becky, as she only knows the time of the party and nothing else. The breads were already sold out and no other cake orders came in, so at exactly seven in the evening, I left the shop.

I got home and when I passed the dining area, Aunt Becky and Michael were just about to seat down. I groaned. I should have eaten at the shop already.

“Olivia! We were just about to eat, sweetheart. Why don’t you freshen up first?” Aunt Becky said.

“Alright. Be back in a few.” I pecked Aunt Becky’s cheek, then run up to my bathroom and washed my face. I changed to a white cropped tee and floral shorts. I put my hair up on a messy bun, then went to the dining area.

“How was your day, sweetheart?” Aunt Becky asked as soon as I sat down.

“The turn out at the try-outs went well. We will be announcing the new members tomorrow. Aside from that, the day was uneventful. As for the shop, the breads were sold out early today and there were no new cake orders.” I said as calmly as I could. But inside my chest, my heart seemed to be beating to a different beat. Michael was just seated in across, and I can smell his cologne from where I am. Why does he smell so good?

Aunt Becky just nodded. “I told you. You did not have to go to the shop today. You should have rested, sweetheart. You will get busier, you know, with the squad practices, games, council meetings and activities, then you will be filing your college applications.” I just kept silent. When she talks about my health, it is best not to argue with her.

“And just to let you know, Michael was able to find an apartment today, about a ten-minute drive from here. But it will not be ready for another two weeks. Anyway, Michael’s girlfriend will be here by Friday, and she will be staying here with us for a while.” We were roasted chicken and mashed potatoes. I was eating heartily until I lost my appetite on that last part.

“That is nice. We will be buying groceries this Sunday, probably we should stock on some of her favorites.” I was controlling my annoyance on that girlfriend. Bitter much, Olivia? I kept my eyes on my food, finding it hard to swallow the chicken. My mind was having a battle with my heart. I should not care right? I am avoiding him, I do not want him anymore, I shouldn’t be annoyed!

“That’s a great idea! Michael, could you give me a list of Janice’s preferences?”

“Sure, Mom.” I caught him looking at me, while I took my glass to drink. I averted my gaze back to my plate and ate quietly.

I finished my meal fast. Michael too – he eats really fast, must be due to military training. They are still discussing matters regarding the apartment. I just stayed, waiting for Aunt Becky to finish, so I could already wash the dishes.

“I’m so sorry, sweetheart. You can go ahead. I will take care of the dishes.” Aunt Becky noticed that I was done already. I have decided to argue. But before I can even say my piece, Aunt Becky already glared at me. I raised my two hands in surrender and laughed.

“No need for the death glare.” I stood up and left.

I was brushing my teeth, with Bruno Mars’ Uptown Fund in the background. I was having my little dance party here with me wearing bra and undies only. I got out of the bathroom the same time my bedroom door opened. I just froze and Michael too. I saw him taking a deep breath, while his eyes traveled all over my body. It was just a few seconds, but it felt like hours when he looked at me like I was a meal. The moment was so intense. His eyes were so dark and piercing. I forced myself to move and I quickly got my towel from my vanity chair to cover myself. My action must have woken him up from his trance.

“Anything I can do for you?” I groaned internally. That didn’t come out right. It sounded like a whisper that was meant to seduce. How can I ask that question while being covered only by a towel?!

Michael smirked. He seemed to be liking my not-so-very-pleasant state.

“Sure, you can do something for me. But are you willing?” I feel my cheeks getting hot. Hell, what is he playing at?

“Can you get straight to the point please? I would like to have my sleep soon.” I asked him still trying to be polite.

He walked to me and when he was only a foot away from me, he leaned down to my ear, “I don’t think you will be sleeping anytime soon, baby girl.” My eyes went wide, then he placed a usb on my vanity table. “The guest list is in there. I’m sure you would like to put names on the invitations. I’ll just get them from you tomorrow morning. Good night, Olivia.” He winked then left.