Only if you know (Book 1)

Chapter 4

Olivia went downstairs at seven o'clock, where Caleb was already waiting for her. She could tell he hated her even more now since she agreed to go to this party with him. But only if he knows it's not true.

      “Are you seriously going to the party dressed like that?” Caleb arched a brow.

      She glanced down at herself. Black jeans. A plain hoodie. It was comfortable. Nothing wrong with it. She knew it wasn’t exactly party attire, but she wasn’t planning to attend one anyway, so it didn’t matter.

      “Uh, yeah,” she said quietly.

      “Okay. Whatever! I just wanted to let you know that I am not going to be your babysitter for the entire night.” He growled.

      The words made her flinch, but she kept her composure and simply nodded. They drove for fifteen minutes in silence until she told him to pull over.

      “What?” He asked, perplexed.

      “I said, stop the car.” 

      Confused, he did as she asked. Olivia stepped out, the cool air brushing against her face. Leaning down to his window, she met his startled eyes. “I know you don’t like me, and that’s fine. I don’t expect you to. And I won’t ruin your night by being there. So go ahead, have the time of your life.”

      He was taken aback at first, but quickly covered himself up. This is the most he has heard her say so far.

      “Whatever. When do I need to pick you up?” He asked, clearly uninterested.

      Olivia let out a sigh. “You don’t have to. I will reach your house no later than twelve.”

      Caleb drove away without saying anything, the sound of the car fading into the night.

      ‘Well, the conversion went well.’ Olivia pondered before taking out her earplugs and turning on her phone’s music.

      It would take her around forty-five minutes to walk to where she was headed, and the clock read 7:20 p.m. True to her word, she reached exactly when she thought she would.

      She drew a deep breath and pressed the doorbell. A moment later, the door swung open.

      “Oh my God, Oli—it’s wonderful to see you!” Madison exclaimed, pulling her into a tight hug.

      Warmth spread through Olivia’s chest at the familiar voice. Madison was one of the few people she still owed so much to.

      “I am sorry for showing up unannounced.” She apologized softly.

      “Nonsense! We love you. You are always welcome here.” Madison assured her warmly.

      Olivia stepped inside and followed her to the living room, where they both settled onto the couch. A few minutes later, Aaron, her husband, joined them. Madison and Aaron make an adorable couple. They had never been able to have children of their own, so they adopted Cameron. He was four now—a bright, joyful child whom Olivia adored deeply. They had taken him in when he was just two years old, and he’d grown into their entire world.

      As they sat together, Olivia explained her current situation. Madison and Aaron listened in silence, concern etched across their faces. They were amongst the few who knew of her previous life. Not all of history, but snippets of it. 

      Later, Olivia spent some time with Cameron. The boy’s laughter filled the room, softening something inside her that had long been numb. He was her reason to live.