Silver Rain

Chapter 8

The next morning, to her immense relief, she felt only a faint twinge of pain in her arm.  With a glimmer of hope in her heart, Olivia knew that she could finally leave this room and face the world like a normal person without being treated like a helpless child.  Which, thanks to Felix, she had never felt more like one.

She sat up and watched the door of her room for the whole morning for what nearly felt like forever. The minutes stretched into an eternity. Every passing second was excruciating, each tick of the clock echoing in the silence of the room.

Olivia had eyed her bookbag at one point, wondering if she should work on school.  Her phone had been dead when she pulled it out of her bag and after she argued with Felix and she did not feel like asking him--or anyone for that matter--for a charger.  

She wondered if Mrs. Cooper had fired her without telling her or if Sarah had filed a missing persons report.

Around the time Olivia's stomach started to growl, her door opened.  Olivia's heart and hopes soared when she saw Selena but crumpled just as quickly as Calvin walked in after her.

"Don't look so put out," He teased.

Olivia couldn't help but roll her eyes at Calvin's remark, though a small smile tugged at the corners of her lips. 

"I'm not put out," she replied, her tone laced with sarcasm. "I just wasn't expecting to see your mug this early in the morning."

Calvin grinned in response, crossing his arms over his chest. "Well, lucky for you, you get to see it all day,"

Fabulous, Olivia thought to herself. Just so Felix can keep tabs on her.

Selena stepped forward, her expression gentle. She tucked her flaming locks behind one of her ears.  "How are you feeling today, Olivia?"

"Honestly, almost brand new," Olivia smiled at her.

"Are you telling the truth?" Calvin's smirk was still plastered on his face.  "Or are you just trying to escape?"

Selena shot Calvin a warning look before turning her attention back to Olivia.  "I'm going to just make sure everything is fine and then you can leave.  Sounds good?"

Olivia nodded as Selena removed the sling from her arm and unraveled the bandages. As Selena inspected Olivia's arm, Calvin leaned against the wall, his eyes watching Selena work.

It was strange seeing Calvin apart from Felix.  She had only seen Felix alone, but Calvin alone was a new and weird sight.  His caramel-colored hair was neatly styled, cut close on the sides and only a little longer on top, giving him a clean and sharp appearance. His tall and strong frame exuded confidence, his posture relaxed yet poised. His hazel eyes held a mischievous glint, which Olivia knew gave him a sharp-witted tongue.  How else would you be friends with someone like Felix?

She wondered what she did to get the privilege to have Calvin all to herself.

"Felix got pulled into a meeting," Calvin said simply as if reading her mind.  "It's only you and I for the morning."

She'd have to figure out the implications of her future later then.

Olivia nodded, acknowledging Calvin's explanation with a small smile. It felt oddly comforting to have Calvin's company, even if it meant being temporarily separated from Felix. She appreciated the chance to be away from the weight of Felix's imposing presence.

"Guess I lucked out then," Olivia remarked, her tone light. "I was getting tired of Felix's constant nagging."

Calvin chuckled, a sound that resonated warmly in the room. "Yeah, he can be a bit intense sometimes. But don't let that scare you off. He's not as bad as he seems."