The way we fell in love

Chapter 9- The BBQ

Saturday arrived faster than Scarlett realized.

Before Scarlett's parents dropped her off she texted Sage and informed her about everything, her crush on Olivia, how she is scared that Olivia does not want to be friends if she finds out, how she fears of doing something stupid tonight when she is drunk and just in general that she does not know how she should survive tonight. Sage just wished her good luck, not mentioning that she already saw the sparks flying between Scarlett's and Olivia's eyes everytime their looks meet. Scarletts hands shaked during the whole drive and she tried the best to hide it from her parents. The first one she saw as she got out of the car was Anna and she hugged her, glad to not have to get inside and face Olivia alone. They hugged each other after Olivia and Anna hugged and went outside to finish up with the last preparations before the rest will arrive in an hour or so- you can never really tell with them.

After everything was set the three girls sat down on a bench and drank their first beer of the night, knowing they will have a great time- Scarlett hoping that the alcohol will make her thoughts and doubts fly away, aware that one beer will not be enough. The others arrived slowly and Olivia started to furfill her job as master of the grill, Scarlett watched her every move closely and the beers did exactly the opposite of what she hoped for- she was nearly unable to lift her eyes from Olivia, not talking about her mind. As soon as everyone was done with eating Scarlett was at her 6th beer realsiing that she was probably the drunkest one, which made Olivia worry a bit. Olivia did not gave in on her worried thoughts but tried to catch up to Scarlett's level of drunk. Olivia took place next to Scarlett and never left that place for long for the rest of the night, they laughed about conversations no one else heard and slightly touched each others arms. It got darker and colder and Scarlett noticed the goosebumps on Olivias arm, handing her her pullover eventhough Olivia was home and has probably a full closet with sweaters- Olivia took it and threw it on with a small barey noticeable smile. At some point Olivia ended up standing behind Scarletts chair, her arms laying around Scarlett's shoulders as she put a hairtie around Scarlett's wrist, which Scarlett anwsered by pullying off her bracelett and giving it to Olivia. They both joked about being married now but for Scarlett it wasn't a joke- she immediately started to picture they wedding and had to control her smile, not wanting to seem awkward. All these small gestures made Scarlett think that maybe Olivia does like her back- I mean friends don't act like that towards each other, or? At least Olivia does not with any of the others. Scarlett knew she needed Sage's help and went to the bathroom to record a voice memo, where she just spilled out everything that happened knowingly that Sage propbably won't be able to understand a single syllable.

Most of the others already left since it was already in the middle of the night and the only once that were to sleep at Olivia's were Scarlett and Anna. They decided to sleep on matresses in the living room, Olivia placed in the middle of Anna and Scarlett. One after one they went into the bathroom to get ready for bed, as it was Anna's turn Olivia and Scarlett were left alone. They were alone for the first time tonight and the vibe was strange but the air filled with a tension. For the first five minutes they  just looked at each other not saying a word, not changing their facial expression- they were and different ends of the room and did not move towards each other. It was like a game, both waiting to see who will be the first one to move and break the silence- both being afraid to overstepp and ruin the situation.

After they heared a noise from the bathroom, probably something slipped out of Anna's hands they grapped their phones and did not look up until Anna was back. They laid down still talking about the night and their plans for the upcoming summer break as Scarlett and Olivia started to cuddle. Not knowing how it started they just went with it- Scarlett laying her head on Olivias shoulder, Olivia wrapping her arms around Scarlett and pulling her closer, spooning and grabbing each other just following their desire to feel the pressence of the other one. Anna watched the scene but did not say anything, she was sure that it was mostly the alocohol making them touchy but she was glad they were touchy towards each other and only each other leaving her out of their cuddles. Scarlett closed her eyes, only for a short moment as they were still chatting and realized that she really is head over heels for Olivia and has to talk to her, otherwise she will go mad. She felt the urge to distance herself from Olivia's body now, otherwise she will do something so she turned away now looking at the wall as she felt Olivia's lips on her cheek and her voice whispering "Good night". Scarlett was glad that Olivia was not able to see her face as her eyes popped open starring in the dark now 'did that really just happen?' was all she could think about and Scarlett has no idea how long it took her to fall asleep, paying attention not to touch/ cuddle Olivia.

*The next morning*

Scarlett woke up and before even opening her eyes she saw all the pictures of last night wandering through her head. 'okay, so it was not a dream. She kissed me goodnight and we cuddled as if we were a couple. But friends cuddle too.' she tought. Olivia was already up, wondering how it is possible that Scarlett did not move an inch while sleeping she placed herself in the armchair and watched Scarlett and secretly snapped a picture- she just looked to cute to not save the image. Scarlett knew Olivia was gone before she saw it, she was able to feel the emptiness beside her and inside her, the warm feeling of Olivia and her touches were gone as if it was the feeling of being drunk and now she is sober- having the worst hangover but without the headache.

"Good morning. Since when are you awake?"
"An hour probably, I went and got us some stuff from the bakery and made coffee. Anna is in the bathroom, if you like we can set up the table ad than have breakfast?"
Scarlett noded. As Anna came back the table was set and they enjoyed a breakfast full with laughter. Scarlett and Olivia tried their best not to look at each other and focused on Anna, not knowing if they should have a talk about yesterday. Scarlett was equally sad and happy that her parents came before Anna's arrived meaning that she will not be alone with Olivia.

Olivia's eyes wandered to her wrist noticing Scarletts bracelet there.
"I still have your bracelet. Is it alright if I give it to you on monday?"
"You want to give it back?! But then we will no longer be married :( "
"We will still be married :D, I just thought you might want it back or give it to someone else..."
"No not really, you can keep it- there is no one else I'd rather be married to <3". Olivia knew those were only jokes but still.. She can no longer deny that she wants it to be true, Scarlett as well was aware that those texts were just some silly ones but still she hoped that Olivia will not give her back the bracelet- like ever.