In My Life

Chapter 3:

John swiftly turned off his lamp, creating the illusion for Mimi that he was asleep for the night. With practice ease, he opened his window and climbed out, a familiar routine from countless escapades. He glanced around briefly and at Mimi's window, ensuring the quiet of the night would keep Mimi undisturbed, before carefully descending the drainpipe.

Once on solid ground, he moved silently behind his house, across the garden, and headed for the oak fence that divided his home from Olivia's. He slipped through the gap between the two broken wooden panels, just as he had done so many times before. Reaching the side of Olivia's house, he looked up at the drainpipe leading to her window, a mischievous smile spreading across his face. It was the same path he'd taken many times, but this time it felt different, filled with urgency and a new sense of purpose.

John's hands gripped the familiar drainpipe, the cool metal reassuring against his palm as he began his ascent. Memories flooded back - countless nights of sneaking up to Olivia's window, sharing secrets and laughter. Yet, it struck him how long it had been since he'd last made this climb, and how everything felt different now.

With cautious movements, he climbed, pausing occasionally as the pipe wobbled under his weight. He couldn't help but chuckle softly at the thought of causing a ruckus if the pipe gave away, imagining the scolding he would get. But he pressed on, driven by the need to see Olivia and make things right. Each step brought him closer, not just physically but emotionally, as he felt the weight of his realizations and the urgency of his apology.

Upon reaching Olivia's window, John attempted to push it open, only to find it locked. He muttered under his breath, puzzled at the unexpected drawback, 'She never locks her window,' he thought, maintaining a firm grip on the drainpipe while glancing down anxiously, silently pleading for the pipe to hold steady.

Inside, Olivia slipped into a silky pink nightgown, the fabric cascading softly over her figure. She released her hair from its ponytail, allowing it to fall naturally around her shoulders. Picking up her handheld brush from the vanity, she began to gently stroke it through her hair, lost in her thoughts. The familiar soothing motions offered an escape from the day's events. Little did she know that John was outside, determined to reach her and hoping to mend the rift between them.

The day had taken its toll on Olivia, leaving her both physically and emotionally drained. Despite everything, her thoughts kept drifting back to John. Even though she was upset with him, she couldn't help but wonder what he was up to. It was strange not spending the day together, and she found herself curious about how his day unfolded. Lost in her thoughts, she was suddenly jolted by a soft, unexpected knock at her window.

Settling her brush aside, Olivia got up and walked over to the window, pulling the drapes aside. Her eyes widened in disbelief as she saw John clinging to the drainpipe outside, "What are ya doin' here?" she exclaimed, surprise and a hint of annoyance in her voice.

"Open the bleedin' window!" John called out, trying to muster a reassuring smile despite the nervous glance he cast at the ground below. His eyes met Olivia's, filled with determination.

Olivia crossed her arms defiantly, her face filled with annoyance, "I don't want to see you, John," she replied, her voice firm.

He furrowed his brow in frustration, pointing a finger at her with urgency, "I don't give a fuck!" he shot back, his tone a mix of desperation and purpose. "Open this bloody window, or I'll bash it meself!"The intensity in his voice made it clear he was not leaving without speaking to her, no matter the obstacle.

Olivia shot John a frosty glare before reluctantly unlocking and pushing open the window, watching as he awkwardly scrambled inside. She made her way over to her bed, dropping onto it with a sigh, "What do you want then?" she asked, a little irritated with his presence.