Sunset games. Rafe Cameron

twelve

CHAPTER TWELVE
[12]
"dimensions" arcade fire

Olivia didn't know how long she had been running, but when she finally stopped, she found herself at the small, secluded beach near her house. It was a quiet spot, one she had come to countless times to think, to escape when life got too complicated. She collapsed onto the cool sand, pulling her knees to her chest as the waves lapped gently at the shore. The rhythmic sound of the ocean didn't bring her the usual comfort. Instead, it only seemed to amplify the hurt that was breaking her apart from the inside.

She stared out at the horizon, her mind a whirlwind of emotions. JJ's kiss with Kiara played over and over in her head like a nightmare she couldn't wake up from. How could he do this to her? How could Kiara, someone she trusted betray her like that?

Olivia wiped at her tear, streaked face, her chest tightening with a wave of fresh pain. She didn't know who to turn to. She couldn't talk to Sarah about this; her best friend would only try to drag her back into the complicated mess that was their friendship. And the Pogues? They were part of the problem now. Riley felt like she didn't belong anywhere.

Without thinking, her fingers moved across her phone, and before she realized it, she had sent a text to Topper.

OLIVIA
Can you come to the beach? I need you.

She sat there, staring at her phone as if the message itself would make everything better, not really expecting him to answer right away.But minutes later, the sound of approaching footsteps broke the stillness. She looked up and saw Topper jogging down the sandy path toward her, his face a mix of concern and surprise.

"Olivia," he called out, slowing as he reached her.
"What happened? Are you okay?"

That simple question broke the last of her resolve. She shook her head, unable to speak at first, the tears threatening to overwhelm her again. "No," she whispered, her voice cracking. "I'm not."

Topper dropped down beside her, his usual confidence replaced with genuine worry. "What happened? Why are you crying?"

Olivia's chest tightened as she tried to find the words, but when she spoke, they came out in a rush. "It's JJ... and Kiara. I- I walked in on them.
They were kissing, Topper. They've been lying to me this whole time, and I didn't even see it. You were right... about everything."

Topper's face hardened as she spoke, his jaw clenching as he took in what she said. He didn't say anything at first, just reached out and pulled her into a tight hug. Olivia buried her face in his shoulder, her sobs shaking her body as all the hurt she had been holding in came flooding out. He didn't push her to talk, didn't ask for more details. He just held her, solid and steady, like he always had when they were younger.

"I'm so sorry, Vi," he murmured softly, his hand gently rubbing her back. "You don't deserve any of this."

For a long moment, they stayed like that, the sound of the ocean mingling with her quiet sobs.
Olivia felt her grip on the pain loosening, just a little, as Topper's presence wrapped around her like a safety net.

When she finally pulled back, wiping at her eyes, Topper gave her a soft, reassuring smile. "Come on," he said, standing up and offering her his hand. "Let's get out of here. We can go to my place, just like old times."

Olivia hesitated for a second, but the warmth in Topper's eyes and the familiarity of their old friendship made her nod. She took his hand, letting him pull her to her feet, and together they walked back to his car. The ride to Topper's house was quiet, but not uncomfortable. Riley leaned her head against the window, the pain still fresh but dulled slightly by Topper's calm presence beside her.

———

Topper's house was exactly how Olivia remembered it. Big, quiet, and full of memories of the times they had spent together when they were best friends. As they walked through the front door, she felt a wave of nostalgia wash over her. It was strange how comforting it felt to be back here, away from the chaos of her current life.

"Want something to drink?" Topper asked, heading toward the kitchen.

"Just water," Olivia replied, sinking onto the familiar couch. The last time she'd been here, everything had felt different. Easier, simpler. She had been a part of this world, not fighting against it.

Topper returned with a glass of water for her and sat down next to her, close but not too close. He gave her space, something she appreciated more than he knew.

"Talk to me," Topper said quietly after a few moments. "You don't have to hold it all in."

Olivia took a sip of water, then set the glass down, her hands fidgeting in her lap. "I don't even know what to say. It's like everything's falling apart, Top. I trusted them. JJ, Kiara... I thought they were my people, but I guess I was wrong. I don't know where I fit anymore."

Topper's eyes softened as he leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "You fit with us, Liv. You always have. I told you before, you don't have to choose them. You belong here, with the people who actually care about you."

Olivia shook her head, frustration bubbling up.
"It's not that simple. I can't just walk away from them."

"Why not?" Topper's voice was firm, but not unkind. "What have they done for you except hurt you? JJ's been lying to you for who knows how long, and Kiara... she's supposed to be your friend. Look at what they've done, Olivia."

His words stung, not because they were wrong, but because they were true. She had been holding onto the idea of the Pogues, of JJ, for so long that she hadn't stopped to really think about what was happening. Maybe Topper was right. Maybe she didn't have to keep fighting for something that was already broken.

"I miss this," she admitted after a long silence.
"Being here with you, just... not having to worry about all the drama. I didn't realize how much I missed it until now."

Topper smiled, a small, genuine smile. "Ive missed it too. Missed *you*"

Olivia felt a warmth spread through her chest at his words, a reminder of the bond they used to share, a bond that had been buried under everything else. "I'm sorry I drifted away. I didn't mean to."

Topper shook his head. "It's okay. We're here now. That's what matters."

For the rest of the evening, they stayed at Topper's house, talking and laughing like they used to, reminiscing about the old days when things were simpler. They played old video games, ordered takeout, and for the first time in what felt like forever, Olivia felt a sense of peace. Topper was steady, reliable, and being with him reminded her of the version of herself she had almost forgotten.

As the night wore on, the pain of what had happened with JJ and Kiara didn't disappear, but it felt more manageable. She wasn't alone in it anymore. Topper had always been there, waiting on the sidelines, and now, more than ever, Olivia realized just how much that meant to her.

Maybe she didn't have to choose between two worlds. Maybe there was a way to find herself again, somewhere in between.

Little talk!!!
The drama it's about to start and I'm so excited 😜💗.