In My Life

Chapter 4:

Olivia's thoughts were all over the place, caught in a whirlwind of anxious excitement. Normally, a typical day with John was never filled with nerves or anticipation, but today was different. It was an opportunity to reveal her true self, the side she usually keeps hidden away.

"I dunno if this looks right," she whispered to herself. Just looking at her reflection made her somewhat apprehensive.

She turned sideways, grimacing at her reflection once more. It had been ages since she had let her hair down, allowing it to cascade in waves. She fidgeted with her bright red high-waisted trousers, running a hand over the fitted black short-sleeved top she had tucked in.

Olivia remembered it was years since John had seen her all dressed up. The last occasion she had let her hair down was during her Mother's funeral. Since then, she was always too insecure about dressing the way she wanted, especially when John's eyes were on other girls. It seemed like something in John changed overnight - the way he gazed at her was suddenly different than just last week. Was it true he was hiding his feelings this entire time? Or was this just his way of trying to make her feel better?

After spending several moments perfecting her hair, Olivia slipped her feet into the black saddle shoes waiting for her. She caught another glimpse of herself in the mirror and sighed, muttering, "I'm tryin' too bloody much."

Her head snapped up at the sound of John's voice echoing from downstairs. A wave of anxious excitement flowed through her, making her heart race with joy. She quickly took her seat in front of her vanity, having one last glance over her makeup. This was the first time she had truly dressed up for John, hoping to leave an impression that would linger in his mind, regardless of whether he was serious about taking her out or not.

Ed shuffled his feet against the hardwood floor as he made his way to the kitchen, "She's upstairs as usual," he called out casually.

"There's somethin' I'd like to ask you, Ed. If you don't mind, that is," John replied, his voice trembling slightly as he closed the door behind him. He felt a knot of unease in his stomach at the thought of asking Ed - who had always been like a father to him - for permission to take Olivia out. John had never felt the need to seek approval when it came to dating someone's daughter; it was always a one-time experience with them. But with Olivia, everything felt different, and that made him nervous about the possibility of Ed saying no.

Ed turned around to face John, motioning to make himself more comfortable, "Have a seat, lad," he said warmly.

With a teacup in hand, Ed settled into the soft grey recliner across from the cerulean blue sofa where John sat, nervously tapping his foot. The rhythmic sound of John's shoe caught his attention as he took a slow sip of his tea. "Anythin' the matter?"

John licked his lips, nervously rubbing them together as he leaned forward, clasping his hands tightly, "Well, ya see, it's about Liv."

Ed's posture shifted as he sat up straight, concern appearing on his face, "Is everythin' alright now?" he asked, noting the serious and tense energy radiating from John which was unusual. "Is there somethin' that I should know?"

John took a deep breath, preparing himself, "I'm just gonna come out and ask it," he said, pausing for a moment to exhale slowly. "Well, see... I'm here to ask permission to..." he glanced nervously at Ed then at the wall, worried about giving him the wrong impression, "I wanna take Liv out, ya see.. on a date."

Ed's face broke into a broad smile, one that couldn't have been any wider. He had been waiting for this moment, for John to come to him and ask to sweep Olivia off her feet. The teacup made a soft clink as he set it down on the small table between them.