Recover: Book 2 of the Magic Mutations Series | ✓

15: Someone Like Me

March 2017

As our last class of the term wrapped up, Olivia and I got ready to head back to mine. She had been staying with me for a few weeks now, and neither of us ever approached the topic of her going home... because I don't believe either of us wanted that anymore. We didn't act on our bond in any romantic way. We were mostly just really close friends—who shared a bed together and held hands at night, but I digress. Having her living with me felt right though. Falling asleep next to her and waking up to her evergreen eyes every day made my life feel complete.

The day after the movies, we had headed to her apartment so that she could pack the remainder of her things. When we returned, I cleared out half of my cupboard for her, and, without any discussion on it, she basically moved in with me—while still paying rent at her old place.

And as we made the bed in the evenings, we put one less pillow in the fort between us each night.

While, for the most part, we remained as close friends, neither of us could deny the longing that swirled in our gazes as we fell asleep looking at each other. It was hard keeping her at a distance like this. I so desperately wanted to pull her into my arms every waking moment, to trail my lips down her neck, to feel what it was like to have my tongue in her mouth... to call her mine.

But unlike with Erica where we had the freedom to have a relationship without that bond commitment, Olivia and I were not afforded such a luxury. I knew if I told her my feelings, the very next thing she'd want is to kiss... but how could I possibly tell her that we couldn't do that? That it was too dangerous? That I'd probably push her away if she ever tried to cement our bond...

As we shoved our notebooks and pencil cases into our bags after our last class of the term, eager for the holidays with unlimited time to spend together, a figure approached us.

"Hi Lukas," the girl said softly, shyly meeting my eyes. Dark hair, tanned skin, and long lashes, she was fakely pretty for a human. But she didn't pique my interests, as much as she tried batting her fake lashes at me.

How did she know my name? I then wondered.

"I really liked the presentation you guys did last week," she started, glancing Olivia's way, answering my previous thought. But then she turned her stare to my chest, unable to meet my gaze. "And, Lukas, I was wondering... some of us are having a party tonight to celebrate the end of term. Would you like to come?" Her eyes finally flickered up to mine, expecting, hopeful, entranced.

I wasn't sure if I wanted to. But before I'd even consider it, I had one key question. "Can I bring Olivia?" I asked, waving my hand over to her.

The girl—whose name I couldn't remember for the life of me—looked at Olivia with venom in her stare, causing me to roll my eyes. I mean, c'mon. She knew nothing about me and was sad that I wanted to bring my friend? "I suppose," she finally said, turning back to me. "Can I get your number to text you the details?"

But instead, I pulled my notebook back out. "Just write the address and time on here."

"It would be best if I have your number. That way if something changes—"

"I don't have a phone number," I lied, waving the book and pen in the air, emphasising she should take it. Begrudgingly, she took it and noted down as I asked. But once she handed it to me and my eyes skimmed my page, I resisted the temptation to roll my eyes in front of her again. She had written her phone number at the bottom of the page. "See you tonight."

"Maybe. We still have to talk about it," I replied before she turned away and left us alone.

Putting my book and pen back in my bag, I then turned to Olivia whose face had fallen and eyes were avoiding me. "So... do you want to go to a party?" I asked.