Why Don't You STAY

THE NIGHT UNFOLDS

( Unedited )

As the day dragged on, Olivia and I spent our time bickering like an old married couple - minus the romance, of course. I mean, who needs romance when you can have witty banter and eye-rolling galore? We were like two peas in a pod, except one pea was slightly more tolerable than the other. But, as much as I loved our silly squabbles, I knew it was time to bid adieu to this chaotic household and head home. I called Ace, my trusty chauffeur-for-the-day, and he arrived promptly, no doubt eager to escape the drama that ensued whenever Olivia and I were in the same room. I could almost hear him thinking, 'Finally, a break from these two!'

As we cruised home, my mind began to wander back to the memories we'd created with Olivia's family. I couldn't help but chuckle thinking about the laughter and good times we'd shared. But, I quickly shook my head, chiding myself for being distracted. What was wrong with me? I pushed the thoughts aside, attributing them to exhaustion. Maybe I was just hungry, or maybe I needed a caffeine boost. Yeah, that was it.

"Pst, pst!" Ace interrupted my reverie, "What's on your mind? You look lost in thought." I shrugged, trying to play it cool. "Nothing, just tired. Thinking about what I'll do once I get home." Ace's eyes lit up with a mischievous glint. "If you're free, we can grab dinner. Your dad's not home, and I'll give him a call to let him know." Before I could respond, Ace was already dialing, and, to my surprise, Dad agreed. I raised an eyebrow. "Dad's really okay with this?" Ace grinned. "Yeah, I told him we're going to that new burger joint you've been raving about."

As we made plans for dinner, my mind inexplicably drifted to Victoria. Ugh, why did she have to pop up in my head now? I shouldn't be thinking about her; I really shouldn't. But, like a stubborn fly buzzing around my ear, her image lingered. I could almost hear her laughter, see her smile... No, no, no. I was done with all that. From now on, I vowed to distance myself from her. Yes, that was the plan. Out of sight, out of mind, right? Little did I know, life had other plans, and Victoria was about to become a bigger part of my life than I ever could have imagined.

Ace's voice cut through my thoughts. "Dude, you okay? You look like you're a thousand miles away." I blinked, focusing on the present. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just thinking about... stuff." Ace raised an eyebrow but didn't press the issue. "Alright, let's get some food. I'm starving!" As we pulled up to the burger joint, my stomach growled in anticipation. Maybe food would clear my head, help me shake off these distracting thoughts. But, as we walked in, I couldn't shake the feeling that my life was about to get a whole lot more complicated...

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It's been a week since the sleepover, and I've been successfully avoiding Olivia's mom. Whenever she comes to pick up Olivia, I make a swift exit, either heading to my car or pretending to be engrossed in my phone. It's working like a charm, and I'm relieved to have dodged that potentially awkward situation.

Meanwhile, I've been focusing on my studies, trying to get my priorities straight. But it's not all books and notes - Ace and I have been having a blast trying new foods and hobbies. With Dad away on a business trip since the day I got back from the sleepover, Ace has been my partner in crime, and I have to admit, it's been nice having him around. We mesh well, and I feel at home with him. Maybe it's because he's been a good distraction from... other things.

Today's the day Dad's finally coming home, and I'm stoked. Ace gave me a heads-up before I left for class, and I couldn't wait to see him. After all, he's my dad.

I was stuck in the never-ending lecture, my mind wandering as the professor droned on and on, when my phone suddenly buzzed to life in my pocket. I pulled it out, and a smile spread across my face as I saw Dad's name flashing on the screen. His message was like a breath of fresh air: "Heyy kiddo hope you're well just wanted to inform you I'm back can't wait to see you One more thing we're having a mini party tonight more like a celebration for a business deal I just cracked I've invited Mr. Laurier And his family as well cause I know you'll get bored easily Love you dear see you later on Byee *heart heart".