Where Did The Time Go?

Olivia

September 10th 2015

"Do you still not want to enrol in college?" Rian asked with a mouth full of cereal. The two of us sat in the lounge eating breakfast and watching old repeats of American Idol.

"Nah, maybe next year. But for now, I just want to hang out with you guys an get to know you as people- not as celebrities." I smiled.

"Good, cause we've got some touring to do." He was smirking at me by now.

"The Back To The Future Hearts tour? I was saving to come and see you guys in Houston before all this happened!"

"Really? Well, you'll still get to see us in Texas. And New York, Florida, Oregon and everywhere else." He took another bite of cereal.

"Are you saying what I think you're saying!?"

"Olivia, do you wanna tour with us this fall?"

"Oh my god yes! Thank you so so much dad holy shit!" I hugged him tight, which almost made him drop his cereal.

"What's going on in here?" Zack had appeared in the doorway.

"I'm touring with you, Zacky!"

"I know!" He ran over and pulled me into a hug, spinning me round.

He put me down and I glanced at Rian. He was scowling until he saw me looking, then he forced a smile at me.

"I'm just gonna go to the bathroom, be right back!" I lied. They needed to talk it out, there was a lot of tension between them. I skipped out of the room and stood outside the door.

"What the fuck, man?" Rian sounded angry.

I heard Zack sit down, "What are you talking about?"

"I'm not blind, Zack. I know there's something going on between you and Olivia."

"Woah, there's nothing between us!" I felt a little pang in my chest. Was I hurt about that?

"I've seen the way you are around her. You treat her like... I don't know. But it's not how you should treat my kid! And I saw you go into her room last month. When she was screaming? I was just leaving my room when I saw you go into hers, and not return."

"Nothing happened I promise! We hugged, that's all. She was scared, so I comforted her. You would've done the same."

"I wouldn't have stayed in bed with her all night fucking hugging! And you shouldn't either." I heard Rian sigh, "Look dude, I'm not mad. I just... I don't want her getting hurt or left. She's had enough of that already with me, her parents, having to move away from everything she knew. I can't see her get hurt anymore Zack." I heard a few sobs coming from my father, which caused me to loose a few tears too.

"Ri, that is the last thing I want to do. I only want the best for her. And if that means forgetting any feelings I may or may not have for her, then I'll do it. I know that I want to be with her, but I know that I can't. For a start there's nine years between us. Then there's the fact that she doesn't, and never will, feel the same. What I can promise you though, is that her happiness is my priority. I love her, so much." The tears were streaming down my face. I ran up to my room before anyone could see me.

I sat down in front of the door and brought my knees up to my chest.

"I love you too, Zack." I whispered.

With that there was knock on the door.

I dried my eyes, "Hang on!"

"Olivia, let me in. I heard you run upstairs and I heard you crying just now. What's wrong?" It was Zack. Shit.

I sighed and stood up. I opened the door and fell into his arms. We embraced for a few moments before picking me up bridal style, and sitting me in the middle of my bed. He sat opposite me, cross-legged.

"What's wrong, hm?"

"I heard your conversation with my dad just now..."

"Shit. You did? How much of it?"

"All of it, I think. Up until your little speech about loving me and wanting the best for me. Then I got confused and ran." I let my face fall into my hands.

I felt Zack's hand on my cheek, carefully lifting my head back up to face him.

"I meant it. I meant every word."

"But... There's so many types of love. And I wasn't sure what you meant so I-"

Suddenly his lips were on mine. It was soft, gentle. I found myself snaking my arms around his neck and his free hand ended up on my waist.

He gently pulled away, "I love you like that."

I stared into his eyes, "Why?"

"Because you're perfect. I want what's best for you, and I think I can make you happy."

I stayed silent for a minute and his hands fell away from me.

"I'm sorry, that was stupid and I-"

"I love you, Zacky." I smiled at him as his face lit up again.

"Really?"

"Yes. Ever since our little music session last month, I've been doing everything in my power to be near you. And then you willingly got into bed on my birthday and I... Well, my heart was beating so fast I thought it would just pop right out of my chest!" I giggled and he smiled, "And I know there's a few years between us, but age is just a number. You do make me happy, Zack." He was beaming from ear to ear.

He held out his pinky finger to me, "I promise, with all my heart, that I will never ever hurt you."