Hearts Intertwined

Chapter Thirteen

I'm still here, sitting in the same spot I chose last night, staring out at the rain that hasn't stopped since the sun dipped below the horizon. The gray clouds hang heavy in the sky, mirroring the weight in my chest. I didn't go to school today; the thought of facing everyone feels unbearable. 

Instead, I watch as the droplets race down the glass, each one a reminder of how trapped I feel in my own thoughts.The world outside is a blur, colors muted by the downpour. I can't remember the last time I felt this lost, this disconnected from everything.

Despite my attempt to find solace in sleep last night, I barely closed my eye, maybe only for a mere ten minutes. I couldn't.

 I hear the soft creak of the door, and I don't turn around. I know who it is before he even speaks. "Hey, Ophelia," Oliver says gently, his voice cutting through the silence. 

I feel the warmth of his presence as he steps closer, but I remain still, my gaze fixed on the rain-soaked street.He approaches me and wraps his arms around my shoulders, pulling me into a comforting embrace. I can feel the tension in my body slowly start to ease, but I don't let myself lean into him completely. 

"You didn't go to school?" he asks, concern lacing his words. 

I shake my head, my voice barely a whisper. "I just... couldn't." 

Oliver pulls back slightly to look at me, his brow furrowed. "You can't keep doing this, you know. It's okay to feel what you're feeling, but you shouldn't shut everyone out. And you need to sleep, you look absolutely exhausted sorella." 

I let out a shaky breath, the words hanging heavy in the air. "I just...I tried." 

 He nods, his expression softening. "I might not understand everything, but I'm here for you. You don't have to go through this alone." 

I finally turn to meet his gaze, and I can see the sincerity in his eyes. 

"What if I don't want to talk? What if I just want to sit here and let the rain wash everything away?" 

Oliver sighs, his grip on my shoulders tightening just a bit. "That's okay too. Just know that I'm here, no matter how long it takes." 

I take a deep breath and finally decide to move. I get up from my spot and make my way to the window seat, the cushions inviting and soft against my stiff body. I settle in, pulling my knees to my chest as I watch the rain continue to fall.

Oliver follows me, sitting down beside me. "This is better," he says, a small smile creeping onto his face. "I can't promise the rain will stop, but at least we can watch it together." 

I lean against him, feeling the warmth spread through me. "Thanks, Ollie. I really needed this."He chuckles softly, the sound comforting in the midst of my storm. "Anytime, Phe. Just promise me you'll try to let me in a little more, okay?"

I look at Oliver, feeling the weight of his words settle over me. 

"You're right," I finally say, my voice barely above a whisper. "I shouldn't shut everyone out. But I just... I don't want to be a burden." 

He sighs, his expression softening. "Ophelia, you're not a burden. I've been worried sick about you...Hayden's been worried sick about you. He even slept outside your bedroom door last night, just to be close in case you needed him. That's how much he cares." 

 I feel a lump form in my throat at the thought of Hayden, my heart aching.

"But it's for his own good, Ollie. He has these big dreams of becoming a professional hockey player. I can't ruin that for him by dragging him down with my problems."Oliver steps closer, his eyes searching mine.