Just a Crush: Dear Diary (Oli Sykes)

Chapter Four: Daft Cow

'I've asked him if he was ever coming back, and he's promised me he would.'

My eyes widened, I blushed, and ran to my room. A million thoughts ran a marathon inside my head. I was partly happy to see Oli. But I was mostly pissed off. Chatting over Instagram is one thing. But coming to our house unannounced? Had I known, I'd have mentally prepared myself. I'd have gone over my 'I hate him' mantra, and I would've worn something more appropriate. I cursed under my breath. I cursed myself for only wearing a shirt and knickers. I cursed mum and dad for not giving me a heads up. I cursed Oli for never saying anything about coming here in the past week. And I cursed the bloody universe for doing this to me not just once but twice.

I took a shower, brushed my teeth, and got dressed. I pulled my hair up in a bun, and then I finally left my room. A hint of a blush still lingered on my cheeks when my eyes met Oli's. I frowned at him, and then I finally gave my parents a proper greeting. I hugged both of them and told them I'd really missed them. "Don't I get a hug? I haven't seen you in two years," Oli stood up and opened his arms. I bit my lip and considered not hugging him for a second. Is it weird if we hug? Will my parents think it's inappropriate? "For God's sake, Leonora, don't leave the poor lad waiting," mum rolled her eyes playfully. I took a few tentative steps forward, and Oli pulled me into his embrace. I hated how nice it felt to smell him again. He'd definitely grown more muscle mass in the past two years. Has he been working out? I slowly wrapped my own arms around him and let myself enjoy the moment for a few seconds. His arms felt protective, comfortable, and just really bloody nice. When I felt that the hug had become too long, I quickly took a step back, averting my gaze. I cleared my throat and asked if anyone wanted a cup of tea or coffee. All three of them said yes to coffee, but my parents wanted to unpack first. I went to the kitchen to remove myself from an awkward conversation. When I was done, I left two cups of coffee on the countertop for my parents, and I carried two cups to our garden. Oli was sitting at the table, looking at his phone. "Here we are," I muttered and placed the cup in front of him. "Thanks, little Miss Thomas," he grinned. I forced a smile, feeling awkward as I sat across from him. "I liked your shirt earlier," he broke the silence surrounding us. I blushed again and muttered a thanks. "Was that the Linkin Park shirt I got you for Christmas three years ago?" He asked. "Aye," I nodded, looking anywhere but at him. "Is anything the matter?" He asked. "I just wasn't expecting to see you," I said. "I'm sorry. It wasn't planned," he explained. "What are you even doing in London?" I asked. "I've moved here," he smiled. I shot him a horrified look, "You've what? Like here, here?" He laughed at my reaction and shook his head. "I'm not moving back in if that's what you're afraid of." I let out a relieved sigh. "I'm your new neighbour," he said and pointed at the house I've spent my entire life staring at. "That's not possible. Someone already lives there. His name's Tom, and he has a dog," I told him matter-of-factly. "Tom is my brother, and Luna is my dog," he explained, amused by my confusion. "Oh," I said, "That's why he seemed so familiar," I added more to myself than him. "What? We look nothing alike," he disagreed with a scoff. "You have the same smile, and your eyes are the same shade of hazel," I explained. "I've never noticed," he shrugged. I didn't say anything else. "So, you've met Luna?" Oli asked. "Just once. She's lovely," I smiled. "She's a nutter, that one," he said affectionately. "Why have you moved here?" I asked, deciding to end the small talk. "D'you remember when I told you that I've had a fair share of downs?" He asked, and I nodded. "I felt it might be good to change my surroundings a bit," he shrugged. I wanted to ask why, but we were joined by my parents before I could.

"Oli, did you know that our Lenny's become a bit famous?" Dad asked when he sat down. "Really? Are you going to be a musician, just like us?" Oli asked, though he already knew that we'd received over 3000 views and likes on Hospital for Souls in the past week. "I'm thinking about it," I shrugged. I don't know if I want them all to know of my plans yet. "We could take you on tour next time," mum suggested excitedly. "Mum, I've still got school, y'know," I scoffed. "So? We all know you aren't too academic," dad said. "Aye, but I'd still like to graduate in two years without having to repeat a year," I rolled my eyes. "You're no fun, Len," he sighed. "Pardon me, but aren't you two supposed to be responsible adults?" I asked. "You're 17, not a child." Mum and dad laughed as I scowled at his reasoning. "Y'know, touring is a blast, Leonora," Oli added. "Are my ears deceiving me, or are you three trying to convince me NOT to go to school? And you? Didn't you literally stop making music so you could pursue a higher education?" I pointed my finger at Oli. "Touché," he raised his hands in defeat with a laugh. I literally can't believe these people.