In Love: Against All Odds

Why Is She Everywhere?!

Just The Way You Are – Bruno Mars💖
"When I see your face, there's not a thing that I would change"
"'Cause you're amazing, just the way you are"

---

As the days passed, Patrick and I had fallen into an easy rhythm. We were practically inseparable—grabbing coffee before class, spending late nights working on projects together, and sneaking kisses when no one was looking. 

It was perfect. But deep down, I had this nagging feeling, like storm clouds creeping in on a sunny day.

And that storm's name? Olivia Parker.

It was like she had a radar for when Patrick and I were alone. No matter where we were—the cafeteria, the library, or even just walking to class—she'd always show up, her voice sickly sweet, her presence impossible to ignore.

Like today.

Patrick and I were sitting in the cafeteria, sharing fries and talking about what movie we'd watch for our next date night. I was mid-sentence when I felt it—the sudden shift in energy. The unwelcome presence.

And sure enough, Olivia waltzed in like she was starring in her own rom-com, her blonde hair bouncing as she made a beeline for our table.

"Patrick!" she called, her voice just loud enough to make sure I heard it.

I clenched my jaw, already knowing this was gonna piss me off. Patrick, being the friendly, oblivious idiot that he sometimes was, turned with a smile.

"Hey, Olivia! What's up?"

Not you giving her that easy smile, Patrick. I shot Adri a look, and she immediately picked up on my mood. She leaned in, smirking. "Wanna let me handle this?" she whispered.

I nodded. Oh, hell yes.

Adri and Brailey stood up at the same time, their expressions way too polite to be genuine.

"Yo, Olivia, we'd love to chat, but Kat and Patrick were kinda in the middle of something," Brailey said smoothly, arms crossed.

Olivia's eyes flickered between them, her perfect little smile faltering for just a second before she tilted her head. "Oh, come on, I'm just saying hi! Didn't mean to interrupt anything."

"No, but you did," Adri said flatly, looking absolutely bored with her. "Why don't we all head to the other side of the cafeteria? I'm sure there's tons to catch up on."

Olivia huffed, her dramatic sigh so over-the-top I nearly choked on my drink. This girl really thinks she's the main character.

"Fine," she snapped, flipping her hair like she was doing us all a favor. "Talk later, Patrick." She threw a lingering glance at him before she stalked off.

The second she was gone, I exhaled, stabbing my fry into ketchup like it was her face.

Patrick chuckled, reaching for my hand. "Sorry about that," he said, lacing his fingers with mine. "You know I'm all yours."

And yeah, that was cute. It was. But the feeling in my gut didn't go away.

---

A few days later, Patrick and I were holed up in the library, actually managing to study. He was reading over my notes when I caught a familiar  flash of blonde across the room.

You have got to be kidding me.

I tried to ignore it, but Olivia lurking in the same space was enough to make my skin crawl.