Hailsmith Academy

Chapter 17: Bittersweet

"LUKE!"

"OLLIE!"

I laughed as I was finally reunited with my childhood best friend, the two of us running towards each other and falling in a bear crushing hug. I'm pretty sure we looked like complete idiots, but I didn't care. I felt better for the first time in two days.

We finally pulled away from each other, both of us with matching grins on our faces. "I can't believe you're actually here, jerkwad."

"Me neither, assface."

I rolled my eyes, the two of us talking excitedly as I helped him sneak his bag into my room. Spencer had gone out to fill gas in his car, so no one was there yet. I'd borrowed a sleeping bag from Christian for me to sleep on, and gave Oliver the bed.

"Nah, no way. Give me the sleeping bag."

"You're my guest! The sleeping bag is mine."

"No, mine!"

We wrestled like a bunch of kids, Oliver finally besting me by pinning my arm behind my back. I sighed, agreeing to let him take the sleeping bag.

We went out after that, and I took him on a tour around campus. I showed him the library, the lacrosse field, the coffee place and more. He was completely fascinated by it all, punching me in the arm and telling me I went to a modern day Hogwarts. I mostly agreed.

Spencer showed up ten minutes later, smiling big when he finally met Oliver.

"Seriously dude, I wasn't entirely sure you were real. Luke's been raving about you for years."

I turned red. Oliver raised his eyebrows at me. "Is that so?"

"Shut up. I just tell him about what a horrible friend you are."

"Sure buddy."

Allison arrived five minutes later, and we were off in Spencer's car to see the town. Christian couldn't come, since he said he was way behind on his studies. Allison always did everything in advance, and Spencer always studied at the last minute, so our little group was off to town.

Oliver got along with my friends splendidly, laughing and joking with them the entire way there. I immediately felt relieved. I was worried they weren't going to get along.

However, as I looked at Oliver now, with his straw coloured hair and lean frame, I couldn't help but realise how similar he looked to Jackie. He nearly looked like the male version of her. They even had shockingly similar eyes. I shook my head, trying to force out those thoughts.

Once we reached town, we showed Oliver our favourite places. He loved everything, but especially the arcade. I almost had to literally drag him out of there; you'd think the guy had never been to an arcade before. The place was now a little bittersweet though. My heart stung as I saw the familiar photobooth, remembering when Jackie and I took pictures there. That reminds me, I still have those photos in my room. I made a mental reminder to rip them to shreds when we got back.

Finally, we went into Larry's for a late lunch. He smiled when he saw us, walking over immediately. "Hey y'all! So glad to see you guys again."

"Hey Larry! We'd like a large pizza and some curly fries please." Spencer replied.

"Coming right up!"

He went back towards the kitchen, his pot belly jiggling as he walked. "Wow, you guys are real friendly, huh?" Oliver asked as we sat down.

"Larry's the best. He's one of the nicest guys I've ever met. He also makes awesome pizza." Allison spoke.

"Can't wait to try it then."