Wait No More

Part Six

The Job Corps center was bustling with activity as Olivia and Jessica settled into the cafeteria for their mid-morning break. The aroma of scrambled eggs and toast filled the air, mingling with the chatter of fellow students discussing assignments and weekend plans. Olivia sat across from Jessica at a small, round table, the bright fluorescent lights casting a warm glow on their faces.

Today, Olivia was bubbling with excitement, her eyes sparkling as she recounted her experiences with Ethan over the past few weeks. Jessica, her ever-supportive roommate and confidante, leaned in, eager to hear every detail.

"Okay, so you have to tell me everything about you and Ethan," Jessica urged, her voice barely audible over the hum of conversation around them. She pushed her tray aside, focusing intently on Olivia.

Olivia grinned, feeling a rush of warmth at the thought of Ethan. "It's just... different with him, you know? We connect on so many levels. Like, we've been working together on that group project for our construction class, and it just feels so easy."

Jessica raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Easy how?"

"Well, we can talk about anything," Olivia explained, her hands animated as she spoke. "He listens, really listens, and he shares his thoughts too. It's like we understand each other without even trying. And when we're working, he's always there to help me when I struggle with something. It's nice to have someone supportive."

Jessica nodded, a knowing smile spreading across her face. "That's so sweet! And what about the chemistry? Is it there?"

Olivia's cheeks flushed, and she leaned closer, lowering her voice as if sharing a secret. "Oh, definitely. There's this energy between us. The other day, we were organizing tools in the shed, and he reached over to grab something, and our hands brushed. I swear, it felt electric. I don't think I've ever felt that way before."

"Wow, Liv! That's amazing!" Jessica exclaimed, her eyes shining with excitement. "It sounds like you really like him."

"I do! But it's more than just liking him. It's like... I can see a future with him. We were talking about our dreams, and he told me he wants to start his own construction business someday. I can totally picture that!" Olivia's heart raced at the thought, her mind drifting to all the possibilities that lay ahead.

Jessica leaned back, a contemplative look on her face.

The atmosphere at the Job Corps center shifted subtly with the arrival of the new girl, Mia. She was confident, with a bright smile and an infectious laugh that seemed to draw everyone in. Olivia noticed her immediately during lunch, surrounded by a group of students who were all eager to engage with her. It made Olivia feel a flutter of uncertainty.

As Olivia sat at her usual table with Jessica, she couldn't help but glance over at Mia, who was animatedly talking to Ethan, her hair bouncing with every gesture. The sight stirred a mix of emotions in Olivia—curiosity, but also an unexpected hint of jealousy.

"Liv, you okay?" Jessica asked, her voice breaking through Olivia's thoughts. "You've been staring at Mia for a while now."

Olivia sighed, running a hand through her hair. "I don't know, Jess. I mean, she seems great and all, but... I can't help but feel like she's trying to steal Ethan's attention."

Jessica raised an eyebrow, a smirk creeping onto her face. "You think she's competition?"

"Maybe?" Olivia replied, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "It's just... every time I see them together, I feel this weird pressure. Like, what if he likes her? She's new, exciting, and everyone's drawn to her."

Jessica reached across the table, placing a reassuring hand on Olivia's. "Listen, just because she's new doesn't mean she's a threat. You and Ethan have something real. He likes you for who you are, not just because Mia can charm a crowd."