The Summer That Changed Me

Chapter 27

After Braden and I got off the phone, he told me he'd be over soon so we could talk about whatever he wants me to tell him. I hear a knock on the door, run downstairs, and open it. Braden is standing there smiling at me. I jump up in his arms and give him a big hug.

"Well that was a pleasant greeting! What's got you in such a good mood?!"

Braden picks me up and spins me in a little circle then sets me down on the ground.

"You! You're an amazing friend for everything you've done for me lately. Thank you so much Braden!"

"Welcome, Livs."

"So, wanna go up in my room so we can talk?"

"Sure."

Braden and I go upstairs so we can talk, I sit on my bed and he sits in my spinny desk chair. I look at him and smile and he returns the gesture.

"So what'd you wanna talk about Braden? I know it's gonna be about what happened last night, but I need some specifics so I know what to tell you."

"Well yeah, it's kind of about last night, but there's something else too."

"Okay...so what do you want to talk about first?"

"Honestly, I'm kind of over the whole thing that happened last night. I see where it came from and I know that's not the real you, so it won't be a frequent thing but it doesn't mean I'm happy about it."

"Right. So what else?"

"Us....."

"What's wrong with us?"

"Nothing. I just have some feelings I need to get out into the open, that's all."

"Continue."

Having a feeling I know this is going where I think it will, I take a deep breath to brace myself.

"Remember when I posted that paragraph about you on Facebook and tagged you in the picture?"

"Mhm."

"I didn't know you and Braden were dating at the time so...I-I'-m sorry b-b-ut I like you."

"Why're you stuttering? I've never heard you stutter before. Are you scared?"

"I was nervous of what you'd say. Ever since that day you stole my phone from my hands and made me talk to you, I knew you were different from other girls....more specifically Paige. What I'm trying to say is that you're not a bitch and I haven't actually been around a girl like that in a really long time. I liked the way you treated me...you were never mean to me since we met. I'm sorry for posting that thing about you because I didn't know you and Braden were dating but, yeah I like you a lot Olivia."

I look down at my feet, unsure of what I'm supposed to say.

"Um, I have no idea what to say right now."

"I knew you didn't feel the same way. It's okay."

"No it's not that...I just it really caught me off guard."

"So you do feel the same way then?"

"I don't know Braden I haven't really known you for a long time and..."

"You didn't know Cory for a long time before you guys started dating."

"It's different."

"Sure you'd say it was different but it's really isn't."

"Cory and I kind of have a past. It's complicated and not much, but it's still there."

"Okay then I guess I don't have anything else to say if you won't even give me a chance."