Fated to Break | ✓

t w e n t y ~ s i x

Olivia

        When I don't get an answer within five seconds of the first knock I slam my fist against the door three more times. "Maria! I know you're home!"

I wait for her to yell back at me like she always does but when still nothing happens I lift my fist again but this time before I have the chance to abuse the door it swings open, a tired and highly annoyed Talia glaring at me. "She's in the shower. Also, the door was unlocked," she says in a monotone voice before turning on her feet towards the living room.

I follow behind her, glancing at all the empty beer bottles on the table and other flat surfaces. "Did you guys have fun last night or what?"

She lazily looks around the room as if she forgot, "No, just me and some friends. Maria was out with some man she's hooking up with."

I'm surprised Talia hasn't realized it's more than a hookup. Maria doesn't sleep with the same guy longer than a week. Let alone someone like Aiden. Not that something is wrong with him, he's just different compared to Maria's usual type. Which is athletes and assholes. Now it's someone quiet and kindhearted. We have that in common.

I take a deep breath, clearing my thoughts and focusing on Talia. She's picking at her nails and lounging back on the sofa, still wearing pajamas. "So, You made some close friends already? That's cool, do I know them?" I bring some pep to my tone, filling the silence with small talk that I usually try to avoid.

She glances at me, her lips remaining in a tight line, "No. They're not part of your circle. Sorry."

I force out a dry laugh, "Oh, ha ha...makes sense."

She's so different compared to when she's had a couple drinks. That night I first met her she was more bubbly but maybe that was because Maria was around. She's been pretty standoffish ever since. She's not comfortable around me yet, that must be it.

The tension in my body flushes away when Maria walks out of the hallway, "Olivia? What're you doing here, you shoulda messaged me!"

I open my arms for her hug, grunting when she squeezes me hard, "I know, I just really needed to see you."

She pulls away, instantly looking me over with  worry, "Did something happen at The Landing last night? Do I need to sock a bitch?"

I shake my head, laughing, "No, nothing bad happened I promise."

She lets out a breath of relief and turns towards the kitchen. Maria's apartment is bigger than mine with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. She's close with her family and has saved up to move out after high school since she was old enough to work.

"To what do I owe the pleasure of your company, hot stuff?" Maria flirts, filling a mug with coffee.

"First of all, it's four in the afternoon...a little late for coffee don't cha think? Secondly—" I lower my voice and glance back at Talia, seeing that she's distracted on her phone. "I kinda need to talk to you in private."

Maria scoffs, pouring in the creamer for her coffee, "Don't worry about Talia. She's my ride or die. Say what you gotta say, she won't care."

If what Talia has to say is anything like the advice she tried to give me that night then I don't want it at all. She seems like a good person, she's Maria's family after all, but I don't want her input.I just hope she stays out of this conversation.