The hug continued for a solid 10 minutes before Valerie hesitantly let go. Valerie's eyes were glued to Olive's bloodshot ones. Her pathetic attempt to smile showed and thankfully earned a few less tears from Olive. "Why...are you here?" Olive's voice cracked and was still slightly choked by tears.
"I never heard back from you, so I decided to come over..."
"You didn't have to...I would've told you..." A pang of bitterness was in Olive's voice, trying to mask the overwhelming vunerability she was experiencing. Valerie saw this as a sign to back off, "Well, regardless, I did." She kept her voice from quivering, holding it as firm as possible.
"Well, next time, don't." A tingle of guilt flew through Olive, but she tried her hardest to push it aside.
"I'm here now, and I want to help."
You can't
"I don't need it." By the look on Olive's face, Valerie could easily detect she was lying.
"I don't believe you."
"You better, 'cause I'm telling the damn truth!"
"I'm not leaving," Valerie paused, thinking over what she was about to say. "Not right now, or anytime soon." She meant more than what met the eye.
With that, Olive huffed and clutched the sheets of her bed as she faced Valerie. "Fine, you win." Valerie cracked a contagious toothy smile, which spread to Olive, going in for one more hug.
~
The next few days of school passed like a spring breeze, not much excitement. That day with Valerie a few weeks back was almost a connection, or bond, Olive had made. Olive now felt fonder of Valerie and now considered her an actual friend, and a sense of determination to 'keep' her filled Olive. Her now, friend, cared about her and didn't want to drown her in drugs and try and fix her. Despite the fact Valerie doesn't know much of the darker Olive, she was still grateful to have this friendship while it lasts. Regardless, of however long that may be, Olive will try her upmost to conceal herself until that time approaches.
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I'm Gone But You're Still Here
Teen FictionOlive Marianne Parker A girl with blood lust... Her father is dissmissive yet concernced. Anxious yet familiar with the creak of the window signaling his daughter is home. There's a stir, though, when Valerie befriends Olive, a rare sight indeed. H...
