good girl; h.s. a.u.

two //

"Olivia?"

"Nora," I shout back, closing the door behind me. Dropping my bag by the front door, I walk the fifteen steps to the kitchen of our run down apartment, opening the fridge to grab another bottle of water. "I'm sorry, dear. I lost track of the time." Smiling at my mother, I nod, walking over a placing a peck on her cheek.

"How was your first day back? And are you able to grab your sister from the bus stop today? I have to work a double at the diner tonight." Leaning against the counter, I untwist the cap of my water bottle before taking a long drink. "Yea, that'd be fine. School was school. Mrs. Wilson isn't there anymore." Watching my mother dart around the kitchen, placing items in her bag, I know she hasn't heard a word that's left my mouth.

Glancing at the clock on the wall, 3:10, I roll my eyes, pushing myself off the counter and towards the front door. "I'm gonna go grab Liv, have a great day." Slamming the door, I shudder at the warmth of the air. I hated New York, it was busy and during my time up there, it was still snowing in March! I enjoyed living in North Carolina, where the weather could hold both snow and warmth. Resting against the metal bus stop sign, I take another sip of my water as my stomach protests.

Before long, I hear the double honk of the bus driver, my eyes brightening as it stopped right in front of me. "Hello Liv!" I smile as her blonde pig tails bounce as she jogs down the steps, her blue eyes lighting up as she lands on me. "Nora," She grins, her two front teeth missing as she runs into my open arms. "How was your first day back?" I whisper into her ear as I carry her back to our apartment. "It was ok. Jacob Peters pulled one of my pig tails."

Gasping, I look at her with wide eyes, "And what did you do in return?" "I stood up and said, 'That's not what gentlemen do' and then I told Ms. Olsen." Giggling with her, I shake my head as I place her down to open the front door.

"Where's mommy?"

"Work," I sigh, taking her book bag from her as she darts into the kitchen. "There's no food, Nora!" Scratching my head, I walk over and try to find something for her to snack on. "How about we take some money from the jar and go get some ice cream?" Jumping up and down, I laugh as she pulls her tucked in shirt out from her skirt.

"We match!" I announce, looking at our matching white shirts, to our matching oxfords. "Not really! My skirt is blue and yours is grey. Plus my socks are more princess-like! And my hair is blonde, yours is brown. And our eyes-"

"Woah, woah, take a breath there. I just meant our shoes you little rodent!" Furrowing her eyebrows, I ruffle her hair before walking over to the cabinet and removing a few dollars from the jar. Mother didn't believe in banks, seeing as 'they were the ones who took our house', not that it mattered that she hadn't paid mortgage since her sugar daddy left.

"You look like our mother, you know," I murmur, grasping her hand in my left and my phone in my right. Not paying any attention to my comment, I feel her start to skip, her hand leaving mine as I close the door.

--

"I want vanilla with sprinkles," Olivia says, her eyes widening as she takes in all the flavors. "I'll have pistachio, thanks," I smile at the older woman, pulling the crumpled bills from my pocket and placing them on the counter. "Olivia?" I call after I grab our cups, my eyes scanning over the crowded parlor. "I have to potty." Pointing to the directions of the restrooms, I watch her until her pig tails are out of sight as the door closes behind her.

"Here you go, ma'am," The woman murmurs, handing over the thirty scents change. "Have a good one," I say, my back already turning as I try and find an open booth. "Ms. Collins?" Swallowing hard as my stomach flutters, I turn around, my eyes raking over my English teacher who stood before me, his dress shirt now unbuttoned at the top, and his hair disheveled.

"Mister Styles, what a surprise!" I laugh, shifting from foot to foot. "I'd say so. Are you on a date?" He asks, an eyebrow raised as he glances at the cups in my hands. Flushing, I stutter as I fail at the attempt to form words. "Nora, my ice cream is melting!" Glancing down, I sigh in relief as Olivia reaches for her cup.

"And who are you, little one?" "Olivia Collins," she smiles, her gap showing as she spoons ice cream into her mouth. "Well, we must be finding a seat."

"Do you want to sit with us?" Gaping at Olivia, I quickly smile towards my teacher as I knock my hip into her. "I'd love to. Let me grab my cone, and you can grab a booth, yeah?" Nodding stiffly, I huff as I follow my sister to the only open booth which was seated all the way towards the back of the shop. "He seems nice," Olivia comments as she takes a seat opposite of me, her cup already halfway emptied. Spooning a small scoop into my mouth, I let a small moan escape. "The ice cream can't be that well off, can it?" Snapping my eyes open, I blush as I shake my head, moving towards the wall as Mister Styles sits next to me, his cologne filling my senses as I catch myself inhaling the scent of what seems like Armani.

"So Olivia, how old are you munchkin?" Holding up five chubby fingers, I smile as she giggles, watching Mister Styles count aloud. "You look about ten, love! Truly a sight for sore eyes," He winks, sending her into a fit of giggles.

"Have you been working at Saint Vincent's long?" I chime in, spooning another spoonful into my mouth. Furrowing his eyebrows, I bite my bottom lip as he runs a finger over his chin. "About three months now, yeah? I came in right at the beginning of the third semester." Nodding in response, I glance at Olivia, who had her attention on trying to savor every last sprinkle.

Sucking in a breath, I slam my legs closed as a hand is placed on my knee, earning a barely there smirk from Mister Styles. Coughing nervously, I take my hand and place it over his, pushing it off my knee, only for him to place it there again, this time his index finger drawing a small circle on the inner part of my thigh. Leaning into me, I shudder as his breath fans across my neck, "Relax baby," He whispers, pulling away and sending me a wink.

"It's not nice to tell secrets," Olivia pouts, crossing her arms as she eyes his untouched ice cream. "My apologies, darling. Would you like the rest of my ice cream as an apology?" Nodding furiously, I laugh as she practically lunges for his cone. "I can buy you another one if you'd like," I lie, knowing that all of the money I brought was already spent. "Don't be foolish. I must be going anyways, I have papers to grade." Watching as he rises, and nods in my direction, I slide back over so I'm in front of Olivia. "Enjoy the rest of your evening," He calls, not looking back as he walks towards the exit. "Finish up quick Liv, you and I have homework."