Road Trip

Chapter 5

Even though a small celebration at Cook's Corner Arcade wasn't ideal for my welcoming to adulthood, I can't say it wasn't great. We were there for hours and it was probably the most fun I've had in years, to be honest. I felt like a total kid again; a nice distraction from the fact that I'm growing up. Not to mention, I did beat my friends' asses in laser tag.

Christy's at the wheel of the van when we arrive to my apartment complex. She looks back at me with a bright smile, brushing her dark curls out of her face.

"How was that for an eighteenth birthday?"

I grin. "It was awesome guys. Thank you. I really appreciate it." And I genuinely meant it. It had been a while since I had laughed so hard or enjoyed myself as much as I did tonight.

"Well," I turn to open the car door. "I should get upstairs, I've left Kaitlyn by herself the whole day-"

"Wait." Andrew interrupts."Its getting kind of dark, I'll walk you up." He exchanges a look with Johanna, who's in the passenger seat, and she winks at him. Was does that mean?

"Oh okay." I say cheerfully.

Andrew climbs up the stairs beside me and leads the way to my apartment. We get to the door and before I can insert the key to enter he says something.

"Hey, Olivia wait." He takes a breath.
"I'm the one who planned this whole day out for you."

Why did he seem kind of nervous? "Really? That's so sweet. I thought it was Christy's idea."

He shakes his head and smiles. "No. No, it was me. And even though it's your birthday, seeing you smile and laugh throughout the day is the best gift I could ask for. Olivia, I-I like you. I always have."

I remember meeting Andrew back in my sophomore year. We got assigned to sit next to each other in English because our teacher, Ms. Lou, was strict like that. He was new, so naturally, I introduced myself.

"Hey I'm Olivia." I said with a warm smile.

"Andrew, but you can call me anytime." He winked to emphasize the delivery of his awfully corny pick up line.

"Well, Anytime, I guarantee you that you have no chance." I laughed.

He exaggerated a hurt expression and put a hand over his heart. "If you listen closely, you can hear my heart breaking."

"I think I can live with the guilt."

"Harsh."

That was only the beginning. We became pretty good friends after that. We hung out all the time and he tutored me for a while when I was completely lost in my classes. His humor paired with his knowledge made me fall for him in a heartbeat. I would've never thought he'd feel the same way.

My face was getting warm and I was speechless. We didn't break each other's gaze, even as the silence grew.

"I don't know what to say." I manage to squeeze out, and truthfully, I didn't. Andrew was definitely a great guy-I wouldn't be friends with him if he wasn't-and he is pretty good looking, I have to admit. What can I say, though? I was caught very off guard.

"Then don't say anything." He smiles and grabs my face with his hands. My heart is racing as he begins to lean in and I prepare for what's about to happen. Except, the event I prepared for, isn't actually the one that took place.

I stumble backwards-falling on my butt-when someone opens the door that I was leaning on.

"God, Olivia stop being such a klutz."
Kaitlyn. I'm going to murder you.