How To Find Your Future

35 - A Not So Great Time

Charlie

Today's the day.

This could be the last time me and Olivia will ever spend time together. Even if it is, I'm glad it will be because it'll mean that we found the perfect job for her. Sure, I'll miss her but I'll be happy knowing that her future is a bright one.

Not that it wasn't bright before. It's just that it'll be better for her since she'll know what direction to take.

I sigh. Part of me hopes she won't like this career and that we'll just end up at square one again. It would mean that I'd get to spend more time with her. Which is selfish but I can't help it. She's amazing and I fell for her. Hard.

My leg bounces up and down as I wait for her outside of the bakery in my car. She told me she wouldn't be long. That her and Nick just had to finish one last batch.

Even if she choses Nick over me I'll be happy for her. All I want is to see her smile and know what she wants for her life.

The glass paneled door to the bakery swings open. A hand grips the door knob, propping it open. The arm disappears into the building, blocking me from making out who it is. But a piece of fire-like hair falls down onto her arm.

I grin.

A second later the arm turns into Olivia as she exits the building. She looks down the street towards where I sit in my car and smiles. Her smile is brighter than the sun. I know I should look away with it being that bright but I can't. She bounds towards my car, her smile never leaving her face.

I reach across the passenger seat to grab the door handle and push it open for her.

She jumps a little with a chuckle. "Thanks!" She walks around the now open door and hops in.

"Are you ready?" I ask as she gets settled in.

She holds her hands out to me which shake in the air. "Does this tell you anything?"

I reach out with my own and cup them around hers. I bring her hands together, letting the palms touch and hold mine above them. "You have no reason to be nervous. I'm sure this will be the one."

She shifts in her seat. "I know. I know! I'm just so nervous and excited! Because what if it is the career? But what if it isn't?" Her eyes seem to war with each other as she tells me her worries.

I don't release her hands as I try to assure her. "If this isn't the job then we'll keep looking. I won't stop looking until you're happy."

Her mouth opens a little. The bottom of her top teeth peek out. She ducks her head as pink blooms on her cheeks. "Thank you," she whispers.

I've never wanted to reach out and hug her as much as I do right now.

I cough into my fist and turn around in my seat. "Yeah, of course."

There's silence in the car as we buckle up and start driving towards the vet clinic. Our last stop. Last chance at her future.

***

When we arrive at the vet clinic and make our way inside, I can't help but notice how few people there are.

"So this is it?" Olivia whispers to me as we get closer to the reception desk.

I nod.

She takes a deep breath. I swear I almost hear the shake and hitch in it as she does.

The urge to reach out and hold her hand, or place a soothing hand on her shoulder has never been stronger. But I don't. Instead I focus my attention on the man behind the desk.