Lovers Rock

Chapter 4

"Okay, so phase one of Polivia," Parker started to write something on their white board.

While Parker and Axel devised a plan to get the two together, Olivia just zoned out. Her mind wandered to the moment when Peter's eyes lit up as she kissed his cheek. His smile gave her butterflies.

"Hey what time is it?" She asked connecting back to reality.

"Oh um," Parker checked her clock. "5:00 pm. Why?"

"Shit!" Olivia cursed, jumping up and grabbing her stuff. "I was supposed to be home 30 minutes ago."

Olivia ran out the door and down the stairs.

"Bye Benny!" She called, sliding out the front door.

"Bye Liv!" Ben happily sang.

She ran down the empty sidewalk. As she began to get closer to her families apartment a figure stepped out of the trees. Her heart stopped and her eyes widened in fear. The figure stepped closer to her and his face was revealed.

"Holy shit, Sebastian," She exhaled in relief. "You scared me!"

"Oh sorry," He mumbled, eyes darting around. "I thought I heard a wounded animal over there."

"Oh um I have to get home," She explained, as she anxiously switched from her tippy toes to her feet.

"You should probably get home," He agreed, barely being able to keep eye contact.

Her eyes stared into his soul. In all honesty, she didn't trust him at all. So many questions filled her head.

"Bye!" She waved before taking off faster.

Her ears waited for the sound of footsteps behind her, but no sound could be heard. She hurried home. As she neared her families apartment, she slowed down. She prepared for the scolding she would get as she stepped into the elevator.

"Young lady where were you?!" Mrs. Roberts eyed the young girl.

"I'm so sorry. I'm irresponsible and I'll do better," She promised, her eyes darting to the food on the table. "And I am so so hungry!"

"Come sit," Her mother sighed, touching her temples.

"You okay mom?" Olivia interrogated, watching closely to her mothers behavior.

"Yeah, just tired," Mrs. Roberts took a bite of her food.

"Where's dad?" Jackie pouted, upset with him not showing up.

"Your dad is busy with work right now," Mrs. Roberts stated. "Now eat your chicken before it grows cold."

Olivia had begun to scarf down her food when her father stormed through the door.

"I'm so sick of my job," He groaned setting down his stuff.

"What's up?" Olivia asked setting her fork down.

"Another prank call," He huffed, finding his way to sit next to his wife. "And George won't give me an actual job."

"Dad, Mr. Stacy is just trying to keep you.. I don't know.. safe," Olivia assured.

They sat in an uncomfortable silence.

"Why do we still have her seat out?!" He asked in annoyance.

"What?" Olivia muttered,  disbelief in her eyes.

"She's been gone for nearly a year," He added. "It's just a reminder of her death."

Olivia stood up.

"I've lost my appetite," She hissed before rushing out the room.

"Look what you've done," Jackie frowned.

"Give her time then you can talk to her," Mrs. Roberts informed her husband.

Olivia worked on her homework to keep her mind of their conversation earlier. It was well past 9:00 when her mother walked in with news.

"Liv?"

"Yeah?"

"Your father was just called in," She explained to the confused girl. "It's to my knowledge you know the young Parker boy."

"I do," Olivia nodded, still confused.

"I just wanted you to know," Mrs. Roberts continued. "His uncle has been killed. Be kind to him at school. He might not return soon though."

Her heart broke for Peter. His uncle had been at the school that day. He seemed so nice.

"Don't tell a bunch of people," Her mother added before leaving the room a somber mood.

"Poor Peter," Olivia frowned.

She distracted her mind from the situation again. Her homework kept her busy.

Days went by and Olivia was so distraught for Peter it was like she wasn't present in real life. She payed no attention to anyone.

One day in school Olivia was walking to her locker when she heard a slamming sound and awoke from her imagination. Peter had Flash shoved against a locker. Olivia stopped in her tracks. She couldn't hear them, but she could tell Flash was frightened. Peter slowly let Flash go and slammed his locker close. As he walked towards Olivia, their eyes connected. His mouth formed a small smile. She ran up to him, embracing him in a hug. He stood still for a second before sliding her hands off and walking away. His silence was horrid. She stood there for a second. She just watched him walk away from her. Her eyes blurry. Her knees grew weak, but not from love. It was from worry. Worry for Peter.

Later that day she found herself practicing her aerobics and martial arts in the training room. She laid down in defeat sick of life, sweat dripping down her forehead. The door creaked open, and her father walked in.

"We caught your sister's killer," He whispered sitting down next to her. "He's dead."

"What?" She sat up straight, her eye sight began to blur.

"He died in a car crash," He placed his hand on Olivia's. "We we're chasing him and he ran  into a car way bigger than his. He died of internal bleeding and a broken rib."

"Thanks for telling me," She nodded, squeezing his hand.

Her father stood up, "Don't tell Jacky. I don't think she's ready."

"Of course," Olivia nodded, her strong facade faltering.

Her father let himself out of the room, shutting the door behind him. His footsteps echoed in the hallway as he walked farther away from the door. As soon as his footsteps couldn't be heard, she snapped. Her lip quivered and a tear slipped from her eye. She'd never gotten the chance to avenge her sister. She wrapped her arms around her body and let the tears fall. Her arms shook as she sat there. After minutes went by, she stood slowly. Her knees wobbled, but she stood tall. She walked to the mirror, fixed her hair and wiped her eyes. She smiled to herself in the mirror, her strong facade returning to her face.

"You're okay," She repeated quietly. "You're okay."