Behind Closed Doors (New Version)

Chapter 41

Olivia's pov

Today's one of those perfect summer days where the sun's out, the breeze is just right, and there's nothing to do but relax and enjoy the company of friends. Jenna and I decided to invite everyone over to hang out at our place. Nolan, Katie, Jace, and Maddie were all quick to accept, and now they're all here, lounging around the patio and the pool, making the most of this gorgeous day.

The grill's fired up, and the scent of burgers, hot dogs, and steaks is already filling the air. Jace, Nolan, and I are manning the grill, taking turns flipping meat and making sure nothing burns. It's more of an excuse to mess around than anything else, but it feels good to be outside, doing something simple with the people I care about.

Jenna's hanging out by the pool, her feet dipped in the water as she chats with Maddie and Katie. They're laughing about something, and it's nice to see Jenna so relaxed. She's been under a lot of stress lately with the baby on the way, so it's good to have a day where we can just unwind.

As I'm flipping a burger, I suddenly hear Jenna scream from across the yard. My heart leaps into my throat, and I drop the spatula, running over to her as fast as I can. "Jenna, what's wrong?"

She's pointing at something on the side of the pool, her eyes wide with fear. "Babe, there's a huge spider! Get it out of here, please!"

I follow her gaze and spot the culprit: a massive spider, probably the biggest one I've ever seen, just chilling by the pool's edge. I can't help but laugh a little, but Jenna's still freaking out, so I bend down and gently lift her out of the pool. I scoop her up like a baby, my hands under her arms, and set her safely on the side. She's clinging to me like I'm her lifeline, and it's honestly kind of adorable.

"It's just a spider, baby," I say, trying to calm her down as I go grab the pool net.

"Just a spider? That thing could eat me alive!" Jenna protests, her voice trembling a little. Katie and Maddie are cracking up, watching the whole scene unfold. I hear them laughing behind me as I approach the spider with the net, Jenna tugging on the back of my shorts like I might float away or something.

"Babe, let go of my shorts," I say, trying to focus on catching the spider without it escaping.

"No! You're not leaving me alone with that thing!" Jenna insists, still holding on tight.

Katie's practically in tears from laughing so hard. "Jenna, you're pulling Liv's shorts down! She's gonna flash the whole neighborhood!"

I manage to scoop the spider into the net, holding it up triumphantly. "Got it!"

Jenna's eyes widen in horror as she realizes what I'm about to do. "Liv, stop! Don't you dare—"

Too late. I start chasing Jenna around the yard, the spider dangling from the net. She shrieks and takes off, sprinting toward the house while the puppies, barking like mad, chase after me. They're trying to protect Jenna, bless their little hearts, but they're too small to do much more than circle my feet and nip at my ankles.

Jenna makes it to the patio door and slams it shut just in time, locking me out. I stand there, panting and laughing, holding the net with the spider still inside. The puppies are jumping at the glass door, barking their heads off, while Jenna stands behind it, sticking her tongue out at me. I can't help but grin at her.

After a few seconds, I realize I can't just let the spider go. The last thing I want is for one of the puppies to get bitten, so I decide to end its reign of terror. I smash the spider with the net, making sure it's good and dead before tossing it into the bushes.