Octavius

xxiii

my baby *puppy eye emoji*

FINLEY

        I slipped on a pair of pink sunglasses sitting it on the bridge of my freckled nose before I slowly turned around to admire my reflection in the mirror. For once in my life, I didn't feel the need for the comfort of my beloved sweater, I felt... confident. Even if it was for a tiny moment, I felt at ease with my clothes.

My fingers awkwardly played with the buttons of my white, ruffled crop shirt, tugging at the fabric as an attempt to cover up my stomach. I gazed down at the high waisted plaid skirt, and simple black converse with my white socks. At the arc of each step, the skirt would rise to expose a few inches of my taut thighs. I couldn't help but tug at the skirt slightly feeling a bit anxious about how I looked.

Stop worrying. No one's going to see you except for Octavius.

Breathe, just relax. Breathe, Topolina.

Threading my fingers through my wild, massive curls I had somehow managed to tame, dark, glossy curls cascading down my back in loose ringlets and rested perfectly upon my shoulders. My favorite strawberry scrunchie was on my wrist, adding a bit of uniqueness to my outfit, and I was strangely sure Octavius would be in possession of my cherry scrunchie. Strangely.

Before I could attempt to doubt myself, the ding from my phone notified me of a text message; my curious gaze flickered over the phone wrapped in my hand, knowingly conscious of that fact that only one person could be texting me this morning.

b: Outside.

f: ackkkkk! sjensnxnch you're ten minutes earnly. give me five minustes, im on my way <3

Quickly I rushed, almost tripping over the mountain pile of clothes on the ground before I attempted to catch myself but it had been too late. I landed on the ground with a loud thud, my derrière making unfortunate contact with the carpet, and a low moan of displeasure escaped my lips. Then I spent about five minutes punching the air, as an effort to redeem myself from the slight embarrassment.

Bolting down the stairs, I grabbed hold of my dark, rimmed glasses from the living room table, completely fixated on the idea that Octavius was standing outside my house.

Hushed male voices snapped me out of my daydream, and I slowly waddled to the kitchen instantly feeling pair of brown eyes singled on my existence, another familiar pair of dark blue eyes softened drastically as I approached the row of male figures. My older brothers.

My brows furrowed, curious gaze traveled over to the black notebook firmly glued in Darcy's hands. Evelyn's journal. I inhaled sharply as forceful strings of memories tumbled out of their locks, and instantly flooded my mind.

"Hey, little one." Warm pair of hands gently ruffled my hair drawing my attention to the tall, slender man behind me. Riley. Glancing upward, titling my chin just enough to be able to meet his warm eyes, he shot me a lopsided smile that was just enough to ease past tensions.

I smiled softly at him, thanking Riley as he placed a plate of salivating waffles in front of me yet I couldn't even look at the food. I couldn't stand the sight of anything.