They Say We're Insane

Chapter 4

OLI’S POV

            I regretted my decision almost instantly after knocking. My body trembled, as Eddie turned to greet me. His soft blue eyes stared curiously at me through his mop of brown hair. He gave me a slightly confused smile, revealing a small gap between his front two teeth, much like mine. He had a funny smile. It was crooked and gapped, but I liked it. Despite his friendly gesture, he did not speak to me, forcing me to make the first move. My lip shook, struggling to get out any of the words I had practiced. Just say hi! Hello! Anything! You can’t just stand there! Taking a deep breath, I prepared myself to greet him friendlily, but my mouth seemed to have a mind of it’s own.

            “Everyone here thinks you’re weird.” I blurted out, taken aback by my own words. What the fuck did I say that for!? I could see hurt pass though his friendly gaze, but he was not nearly as taken back by my words as I was. “Everyone here thinks you’re weird.” I repeated, unable to think of anything else to say. Again we stared at each other in silence, neither of u willing to make a move. “They think you’re weird, but… they think I’m weird too.” I admit, trying my best to avoid his eyes. “But I think it’s kind of stupid, seeing as how we’re in a hospital. You’d think that being here people would be more accepting right? But, no, they still think you’re weird… and me too! But…” My voice trailed off in an awkward slur, hoping that he was deaf or something, so he wouldn’t hear me. I could feel my cheeks burn up, as I attempted a mad dash from his room.

            “You have a gap in your teeth.” I heard Eddie blurt out, before I could exit. Nodding oddly, I turned around to find him staring happily at me. He widened his grin as far as he could, so his tooth gap was clear. “I do too.” He purred, sticking his tongue slightly through his gap. I giggled a bit, as Eddie continued to play with his tooth gap, and soon began playing with mine myself. “You also have a crooked smile.” He giggled, resting his arms on his knees.

            “I do?” I gasped in embarrassment, covering my mouth.

            Scrunching up his face, Eddie shook his head. “Don’t cover it up.” He snorted. “ It’s pretty. Besides I have one too, so it’s be pointless for you to be embarrassed with me about a quality we both have.” He smiled his crooked, gapped smile again and snorted. I’d only heard him speak a few words, a few odd words, but I already enjoyed his voice. It wasn’t forceful or taunting like a lot of other people’s. It was soft and kind of stuffy like he’d never quite gotten over a cold. He also had a tiny lisp from his gap, but that was hardly noticeable unless you listened for it. Of course, I did. I liked his lisp; it made me giggle. “I’m Eddie by the way.” He introduced, though I already knew his name. Of course I’d never admit to him that I’d been watching him for two days.

            Nodding, I stuck out my hand and shook his. “I’m Oli.”

            “Oli?” Eddie scrunched up his face at the sound of my name. “What kind of name is Oli?”

            Recoiling a it at his words, I took back my hand. “It’s short for Olivia.” I informed him, feeling as though I were defending myself. Whenever I introduced myself people always asked me things like ‘Why don’t you go by Livy or Olivia?’ or ‘Don’t you think your name is kind of weird?’.

“Oh.” Eddie didn’t put much more thought into it and looked me up and down. “How’d you get those?” He lisped curiously, reaching an arm out for my wrists. Mortified, I snatched my arm away, clutching it tighter than ever to my chest. I could feel the slight grooves and scabs on my arm, horrified by the fact that he’d seen them. He must think I’m disgusting…