Like the sun

2.

FRIDAY

19:11 p.m

"Mum, how do I look?" I said making a silly pose trying to act like a model. I was wearing oversized blue jeans, a flowery top and a light pink thin cardigan. 

"Oli you look amazing! That redhead won't take his eyes off of you, don't you think?" she exclaimed with a smirk. 

"Mum please! Stop that, will you?" 

My mother prepared salad and roast chicken, grandma's recipe. I confess that I did not help her, but in my defense I was working bloody hard on the cheesecake.

"Okay Oliver, you are going to be the good dog you are right? You are going to behave well." I said while petting him.  His face was like okay mum just give me a bit of that good-smelling chicken.

DING DONG

My mum went to open the door and greet the Irish family, while I was waiting in the living room with Oliver. Remember what I said about him barking at strangers? 

"Okay, make yourselves at home! This is my daughter Olivia and our dog Oliver." 

"Hello, how are you? I am Olivia as my mum said, and this is Oliver! He is a bit scared of strangers so he has to get to know you." I chuckled.

Oliver, barking, again.

"Oh hi honey! I am Nora, it is so nice to finally meet you. And hi Oliver!" She pet him and he relaxed. Thank God.

"Hi Olis!" exclaimed James while petting Oliver. 

I was looking at the lovely scene of my dog being so loved by our new neighbours when I heard him.

"Hello, I am Dom! Well, actually my name is Domhnall but you can call me Dom. Anyways, how are you?" He said while smiling shyly.

Feeling his eyes on me makes me feel the most nervous I have ever been. They weren't exactly blue, do you know the colour of the ocean with the reflexion of the evening sun? 

"Hi, I am okay thanks. Well you can call me Oli, or Olivia whatever you prefer." I feel stupid.

Oliver started barking at him loudly.

"Oli can you be the good dog we know you are? Stop that!" I sense that he is kind of uncomfortable with Oli barking at him so I pet him and he instantly calms. Then Dom starts to pet him as well.

"He is licking you, which means that he likes you." I tell him still impressed my his blue-ocean-sunset eyes.

"Come one, dinner's served!" My mother announces proud of her creation. 

I sit next to James, so I have Dom in front of me.

"My God! Grace, this is delicious! Are you secretly a chef, aren't you?" 

"Not at all! I use my mother's recipies though, she was the best cook ever." My mum tensed a bit. She misses my grandma with her all being, and I do too.

I feel a pair of blue eyes fixed on me, blue-ocean-sunset eyes to be exactly. I get so lost in my thoughts that I don't even hear my mum.

"Oli?" she asked me.

"Yeah, sorry mum. What were you saying?"

"I was telling Nora that you are studying English at uni."

"So what is it about?" Nora asked looking interested.

"Well we study English and American literature mainly. We develope several skills such as critical thinking, writing, researching, ... We basically read books and analyze what the author is trying to express. Last year, I signed up for a creative writing course, and it was really worthwhile if you ask me." I was excited to talk about one of my greatest passions, though I was feeling kinda shy because everyone was looking at me.

"Wow, that sounds truly fascinating! Domhnall is a bookworm himself, he used to work in a library back where we lived."

"Last week I heard that they are looking for somebody to work in William's. Olivia can take you there, can't you?" my mum asked me.

"Yeah, most definetly. That library is mind-blowing, they handcraft special editions of classic books. Maybe they will teach you how to do it."

"Thanks, I would love to." He said looking at me.

Reading is not just a hobby; it is a lifeline, a way to navigate through my thoughts and emotions. Each book offers a fresh perspective, or a different reality, allowing me to temporarily escape my own. Sharing this passion might feel like exposing a part of myself that is vulnerable, as if I am opening a window into my most intimate coping mechanism. 

After dinner, it was time for dessert, and I felt nervous, wondering if they would like it.

"Wow, this is bloody awesome! Oli, can you make me one of these for my birthday?" James asked with his mouth full. 

"Sure thing!" I chuckled. 

After we finished, my mum and Nora continued chatting in the living room while James was happily petting Oliver, both certainly enjoying each other's company. I headed to the kitchen to wash the dishes.

"Hi, can I help?" It was Dom.

"Thanks but you are my guest! I am almost finished, don't worry." 

"I am truly grateful for tonight, my family and I are having such a good time. I've only been here a few days, but I already feel better than I ever did where we used to live." I hugged him, I think he needed it. I reckon when you hug someone, you're not just offering physical warmth but also emotional support, a silent assurance that they are not alone.

"Hey, if you need to talk or just take your mind off things, we can go for a walk or something. Actually, would you like to come with Oliver and me to the forest tomorrow?" Say yes or I will rip my heart open in front of you.

"I am already looking forward to it!" He chuckled. 

"10:00 o'clock?"

"Deal." 

"Alright, guys, let's head out. I'm exhausted. Thanks for everything Grace! The next one's at my place!" She said while hugging my mum.

"Bye Dom!" I hugged him, again.

"See you tomorrow Oli." 

As soon as the door closed, I knew exactly what my mother was going to ask.

"See you tomorrow Oli?"

"Yes, I going to the forest with him tomorrow. And Oliver of course."

"Mmmm, what do you think of him?"

"Well he is nice. We have things in common so I think we could be good friends."

"I thought it was really cute the way he was looking at you, Oli."

"Mum please! Stop teasing me!"

"I am only telling you the truth. Come on baby, let's go to bed."

I'm looking forward to it too, Dom. 

Author's note ₊✩‧₊˚౨ৎ˚₊✩‧₊ Second chapter of "Like the Sun", I am really having fun writing this story.

RENINDER: You are capable! You are enough! You will be okay!

˗ˏˋ₊ʚ🌻ɞ₊ˎˊ˗