How Paris Changed My Life

14

"Noah!"

The persistent voice pierced through the haze of my sleep. My senses slowly reawakened as someone shook me back and forth. I opened my eyes groggily to find Olivia's face directly in front of mine, her features etched with concern.

"Olivia? What's going on?" I asked, struggling to fully rouse myself.

Olivia extended a bouquet of flowers towards me with a small smile. "This is for you," she said, her tone tinged with a hint of amusement.

I blinked in surprise, taking the bouquet from her hands. "Um, thanks? But what did I do to deserve this?"

Olivia's smile faltered slightly as she replied, "It's not from me. Just look at the tag."

Perplexed, I picked up the small card attached to the bouquet and read aloud, "Love you. You know where to find me. Greetings, Aiden xxx" The message was signed with a cheeky wink.

"Oh shit. Can he not just leave me alone?" I muttered, feeling a mix of frustration and disbelief.

"Apparently not," Olivia said, her voice carrying a note of exasperation. "He probably thinks you like him. You know, from last night."

"Tell me about it," I thought, still reeling from the confusion of the situation. "I really thought it was James."

"Burn this bouquet. Just get rid of it. James can't see it. He'll be furious if he finds out," Olivia advised, her urgency evident.

"Maybe you shouldn't go?" She suggested, sensing her growing frustration.

"I want to handle it myself. James always ends up saving me," I said, my tone resolute.

There was a brief silence as Olivia seemed to collect her thoughts. "I have to go see him," I finally declared, looking determined.

"Why? You don't know what he's capable of," she countered, concern lining her voice.

"I don't care. I have to go to him," I replied firmly.

"What should I say to James and the rest?" She asked, feeling a twinge of anxiety about the situation.

"Tell them I'm at a friend's house. Or better yet, say I'm going to the store," I suggested, my decision unwavering.

"What are you going to get from the store?" she inquired, trying to make sense of her plan.

"I'll pick something up on the way back," I answered.

I slowly got up, pulling a blue hoodie and a pair of joggers from James's closet. I hoped he wouldn't mind me borrowing them. Olivia and I headed to the bathroom.

"Where did you find the bouquet?" I asked as I changed into the borrowed clothes.

"It was at the front door. Aiden's mother delivered it," Olivia explained.

"Didn't she make a fuss when she saw you?" I asked, curiosity piqued.

"She looked a bit odd when I went outside but didn't ask any questions," Olivia replied.

"Strange. I hope she doesn't think James is cheating or something," I mused aloud.

"We can explain it differently if needed. But where exactly is Aiden?" Olivia asked, looking curious.

"Yes, long story short, he's at school," I explained.

"Why would he be there?" Olivia asked, puzzled.

"We had a detention there, and sometimes we'd hang out at Starbucks afterward," I explained.

"Damn Noah, I didn't know you had detention," Olivia said, sounding surprised.