Opposites Attract My Ass

Quince! (15)

Tori followed me home, trying to comfort me.

“Ollie, ignore Holden,” she said, “He doesn’t know the full story on Alex.”

I turned around, tears falling down my cheeks at an alarming rate. I looked up at the stars, lighting up the sky.

“Tray obviously told him. I don’t even know why I put up with Holden. I knew he would be trouble.” I said, sitting down on my porch.

Tori sat next to me and put her arms around me, rubbing both my arms.

“Listen, sweetie. Just ignore Holden, okay? He doesn’t even know what he’s talking about. And if it makes you feel any better, I think he’s jealous.”

I laughed, but sounded like I was choking. “That most definitely does not make me feel better. Him being jealous implies that he likes me. You know how I feel about Holden.”

“I know how you keep saying you don’t like him.”

“Because it’s true.”

“Olive, you are my best friend. I hate to see you in pain. But you are being amazingly stubborn right now. Holden likes you.”

“I refuse to believe it because it’s not true. We’ve known each other for like, two weeks.”

Tori sighed. “You liked Alex in less than two weeks.”

I cringed. “Don’t bring that up. And that’s different; our feelings were mutual. I feel nothing but hatred for Holden.”

Tori put her head on my shoulder. “You know you can’t hate anybody. It’s not in your nature. I know you don’t have the brightest outlook on life, but you definitely don’t hate anyone.”

“I know. But… I want to hate Holden. I guess I’ll settle for just disliking him greatly.”

Tori laughed. “Good enough. I think you should give him a chance.”

I scoffed. “Tori, no. I don’t like him.”

“Just hear me out. You need someone to help you get over Alex. Holden can do that for you.”

I shook my head. “No. I can’t get involved with someone I barely know. Hey, stop confusing me! I don’t like Holden!”

Tori smiled. “How am I confusing you?”

“I don’t know! You keep making me think that I like Holden. I don’t.”

“You said that already. I still say Holden likes you. I think it’s obvious.”

“Did I ever tell you that when we had the sleepover, Holden kissed me?”

“Yeah, I know. I dared you to kiss him.”

“No, Tori,” I said, looking her in the eyes, “ When I was putting away the tent and you guys went inside. Holden came out and kissed me, saying he was just getting the kiss he deserved from the dare.”

Tori’s smile widened and was about to speak before Tray came after us, looking at me and effectively ruining the conversation between Tori and I. I guess that was a good thing, because I didn’t like the idea of Holden liking me.

“What do you want, traitor?” I spat.

Tray gave me a look of disbelief. “Ollie, I’m the last one you should be calling a traitor.”

“You told Holden about Alex!” I yelled.

“No, I didn’t! He asked why you were always so shy around boys and I told him it was because you didn’t want your heart getting broken again! I wouldn’t tell anyone about Alex, ever. You’re my sister, Ollie. I wouldn’t do that.”