Maybe This Time

Jealous

Second period went fast, so did the third. Oliver constantly reminded me about our icecream date after class and dinner together at my place. It was annoying but cute in a way.

During third period, I felt like only My body was present in class but my mind was somewhere else. I caught myself smiling a couple times, thinking about having lunch with Levi. Or was I thinking about Oliver?

It's fascinating how the presence of some people could change someone's life almost instantly. Like mine for instance, ever since Levi and I became friends, everything has changed for me. I was bullied less, and some people started smiling at me in the hallways. I feel like I am actually someone in LE High.

And when Oliver came back for me, I was.. Happy again. I was smiling again. It was like I was never broken.

When the bell rang, it was lunch. As I walked down the hall, I saw Oliver by the end of it, leaning against the wall. By the time he saw me, he lifted his hand and gave me a small wave, smiling sheepishly.

Suddenly my heart started hammering against my chest. Why the hell am I feeling nervous all of a sudden? I mean this is Oliver. My bestfriend. My childhood partner in crime.

Then it strucked me. I almost forgot that he's also my first love.

My first love.

Oliver stood up straight as I near him. I mirrored his smile. The closer I get, the bigger my smile my becomes, and the faster my heart beats. Goddamnit, this feelings again. I can't feel this. Or i might lose him again. And I dont think I can handle that.

I tried my best to look calm and forget the foolishness I am feeling.

I just got to the end of the hall, when a pretty blonde girl jumped on to Oliver and give him a big hug. He was surprised just as I was, but when he saw her face, he hugged her back genuinely.

I took a few steps closer and that's when I saw who the girl was. It was Kristy. She was still unaware that I was there, probably because she was so focused on Oliver. When she pulled back from Oli, she was smiling really wide, and gave him an apologetic look.

"Sorry to keep you waiting. Uhmm. Arent they here yet?" Kristy said, looking around. And that's when she saw me. Her eyes widened in excitement and she grinned from ear to ear.

"Zoe!!!"She squealed.

"Kristy. Heyy!" I said, trying to look as excited as she was. I'm not very good at this, but I hope It convinced her.

"Uhmm. I take it that you guys met." It was more of a statement than a question.

"Yes! We have third period together. What a coincidence right? Gosh. Your bestfriend here is so funny, but really smart. Arent you, Oli?" Kristy narrated with her high pitched voice. That smile never leaving her face.

She calls him OLI? Wow. So they really are that close already, huh. So she was the one he was waiting for. how stupid of me to think that it was me. I cant blame oliver though. I mean Kristy is really pretty amd very nice. And hot. And popular. And with flawless skin. Seriously who has skin like that!!!

"Earth to Zoe...." I heard Oliver say and I snapped back to reality. i guess I was spacing out.

"What? You were saying?" I said.

Kristy giggled while Oliver looked concern.

"Are you okay?" Oliver asked.

"Yeah." I answered in a low voice, not looking at him. He looked like he was about to say something but Kristy suddenly shouted.

"Levi!! Over here!"

I turned and saw Levi jogging his way to us. Just like that, the corners of my mouth lifted. For some reason, when I saw Kristy wrapped around Oli's arms, I felt a pang of jealousy and it was suddenly uncomfortable to stand there with them. I couldn't be more glad that Levi was finally here.

"Hey guys. How long have you been here?" He asked.

"Not long. Uhmm. Lets go?" I smiled.

"Alrighty!! Levi, why dont we take take your car?" Kristy suggested.

"No problem." Levi shrugged.

The four of us started walking to the parking lot. Oliver kept on sending me worried looks but I ignored him. I was quiet as we walked to Levi's car.

Levi probably noticed this too. Because just after he held the door for me, His hand found mine. When I looked at him questioningly, he just gave me a comforting smile and we walked hand in hand. It was sorta uncomfortable considering Oliver was there. (Who didnt look very happy by the way) But Kristy was clinging unto his arms and he didnt seem to mind. So I guess there's no reason for me to be worried.

When we got to Levi's car, i let go of his hand and opened the door at the back because I know Kristy always rides shotgun.

Okay. Maybe because I want her to ride shotgun. So she could let go of my bestfriend's arms already!

Ugh. What am I saying?

"Zoe, sweetie, what are you doing?" Kristy asked raising her eyebrow.

"Uhh. Getting in the car?" I answered.

"I see that. But why at the back?" She asked again, smiling maliciously at me, then at Levi.

I looked at her, dumbfounded. Does she want me to ride shotgun because she knows Levi wants me to, or is it because ahe just couldnt let go of Oliver?

"Dont you always ride shotgun, Kris?" Oliver asked her.

Wow. So they really are on nickname terms now. In just one period. 45 minutes. Apparently that's more than enough. I fought the urge to roll my eyes.

"I guess today I'm riding shotgun!" I announced. I forced a smile.

Kristy then beamed at me, and I caught her winking at Levi. Like they were planning this whole thing, and somehow their plan is working.

Levi looked like he was supressing a smile and Oliver was fighting a frown. As if.

But shouldnt I be happy? I mean Levi seems to be interested in me. And I have been crushing on him since freshman year. This is my year. I should be happy about this. But something's bothering me somehow.

Kristy never stopped talking until we pulled over at Rico's restaurant. She constantly asked Oliver questions about himself, and once in awhile asked me and Levi too.

They talked and laughed, and Kristy would always playfully punch his arms when he says something funny. They actually look really good together. I couldn't help but envy them.

Whenever Oliver catches me looking, I'd always look away almost immediately.

When we got in, we ordered our food and ate in silence. Oliver and I had our favorite pasta, Kristy had salad, and Levi had a sandwich.

After finishing my last piece of garlic bread, i stabbed my pasta lazily.

"Zoe you okay?" I heard Levi ask, concern.

"Yeah. Zoe, you seem awfully quiet." Kristy added.

"Uhm. Yeah. I'm fine. Why wouldn't I be?" I smiled.

"Maybe because you've eaten all of your garlic breads?" Oliver smirked. He knows I love garlic breads. I always eat most of his whenever we eat here.

"Here." He handed one of his garlic breads on to my plate. I cant help but smile.

"Thanks." I said.

--

Lunch was great with the gang. We were back in campus just in time for our next classes. Oliver and Kristy looked like they were getting along very well. I dont know why it bothers me. Or maybe I do know why, but I just find it hard to admit. But Kristy is also my friend, she has been really nice to me. Plus she seems to really like Oliver, sho maybe I shouldn't be selfish. After all, Oliver is not mine to keep. I'm only a bestfriend. As a bestfriend, I need to help him be with someone who deserves him, and I think Kristy does deserve him. They're like made fpr each other.

Maybe fate brought him here so he could meet Kristy. Maybe this is their destiny. And if that's the case, then I should support them. I should be happy for them. I should be...

But why am I not?