olivia | o.r.

prologue

The story starts and it was hot and it was summer and-

I'm just kidding. Although the story does begin during summer, Taylor Swift isn't your narrator. I apologize, I will simply just have to suffice.

Where the story really starts is in a one-bedroom apartment. One with bad plumbing and a broken AC. Captivating, I know. In this apartment lives Minnie, a so very closeted girl with little to no regard for her age. At the age of 18, you're expected to know everything and nothing all at once. Minnie opted for the latter, because, as you'll learn, that's just who she is. 18 is a confusing time, but Minnie was happy enough to spend it with Olivia.

Olivia, by the way, is none other than Minnie's summertime. In opposition to the summertime of Los Angeles—that which consists of sweltering heat—Olivia was the warmth of clothes fresh out of the dryer. She was the warmth of the sun felt through the glass of windows. And she was the warmth that drove Minnie away from the colder aspects of her life.

Minnie and Olivia have been best friends since fourth grade, and at some point, she had to admit to herself she had a thing for the girl that would strut the hallways of school, constantly swearing up and down she would be the next Taylor Swift. Minnie had been whipped from the very beginning, ever since Olivia converted her into an equally dedicated Swiftie, trust me when I say her romantic feelings for the girl are not newly discovered. Sure, it took her interpretations some time to catch up with them, but she's been in this tremendous love-stricken state for quite some time. And, just between you and me, an even larger state of denial.

Of course, Olivia could never know. If Minnie was sure of anything, it was that her feelings were far from reciprocation. What she also knew was that Olivia's wishes for fame weren't just talk. The girl had talent, and her voice alone was proof of that. It was more than just Minnie's safe haven, but a straight ticket to the top of the world. For the majority of their lives, Minnie has found solace in the quiet hums of Olivia's vocal cords. The way she could provide Minnie with endless comfort without even knowing was beyond Minnie's comprehension. Sometimes she was aware, especially in the times she'd offer up her lap as a pillow to Minnie, or plant the softest kiss upon her cheek. They've always been more physically involved than most friendships, but Minnie had to mentally draw the line somewhere. If she allowed herself to be tricked, or if she even dared to interpret, for a second, that any of Olivia's (strictly friendly) loving gestures were anything more than as stated–she'd simply spiral out of control. She'd be setting herself up for heartbreak, more heartbreak than she already faces.

The only good that ever came of this life was her crossing paths with Olivia. To lose that would mean losing everything. Throughout everything, Olivia has been the only constant. The only reason why Minnie bothers sticking around. Loving Olivia may be a curse, but losing her would be so much worse. And yeah, maybe she should move on and stop wasting her time pining over a happy ending she's bound not to have... but she'd disagree. After all, any time spent with Olivia isn't wasted time.

Minnie's also come to terms with the fact that at this rate, she's going to die alone. All alone in her sucky apartment, with bad plumbing and a broken AC. A broken AC that does little to nothing to prevent the horrid temperatures from crossing the threshold of her home. She may live in the so-called city of angels, but it felt like hell right about now.

Minnie only ever had one angel on her mind though, seeming as though Olivia is the only anchoring thought that can take her mind off of the heat at the moment. One thing about Minnie is that she keeps a whole lot to herself, an amount so dangerous that unleashing it would have casualties.

Too bad she's with that jerk... what's his name? Josh?

Yeah... him.

Josh. Joshua. Also known as Minnie's worst nightmare. He's not even that bad of a guy, he can be nice and all... and he's a little funny. But other than that, he's nothing special! Truly, there has never been more average of a man. Well, at least that's what Minnie thinks. Olivia, however, is convinced he walks on water. She's so swept up by him, that Minnie's surprised she pays any mind to her whatsoever.

She feels physically ill every time Josh is around. She hates the feeling of envy, but how could she not absolutely despise him for his position? Of course, she has to do so secretly. Anything to avoid worrying Olivia, and taming her anger all the way to safety would just have to be the way to go.

Minnie prays that Olivia doesn't notice the eye-rolls that she simply wasn't able to hold back, or the whispered insults that even Minnie will admit can be a bit brutal.

Alas, he makes her best friend happy. There's nothing more important to her than that. So, for now, she'll have to deal with him.

Wish her good luck, will you?