Relax/Divide

[14] Oleander

((Vincent's POV))

Oleander slammed the door and left. Susan stood, keeping her eyes on the door.
I sighed, I didn't want this to happen but...

It's better now than never.

Susan turned to me, "Why'd you make me tell him? He could of waited to hear about this."
I crossed my arms, "Because he has a right to know. I just felt like it was better to tell him now so he can get over it... Better? Faster? I guess."

"I suppose that makes sense. Somewhat. It's just all these things are just piling up, I feel like it's too much for Ollie. He doesn't deserve this."

I nodded.

Susan fell backwards into the couch and exhaled a breath of frustration. She looked at me again, "Hey Vincent? Did... Something happen before I came over?"

I sat down and tugged at my pants, trying to fidget with something other than my hands.

"Uh... Yeah." I stammered.

She glared at me, "What did you do-"
"Nothing! I was just... Comforting Oleander. He was crying about Aeron and I told him some words and then he just..." I held my hands together, feeling a bit jumbled.

"He just what?" Susan leaned towards me attentively.

"He leaned in to... Kiss me."

Susan's jaw dropped, "whHAT?- D-DID YOU KISS-"
I interrupted her, "No. I pulled away."

"HUUHh???"

"He got upset, I think. Not angry but more... I don't know."

"W-What but I thought you??? Liked??? Him???" She was flabbergasted.

"I... I do. But he just went through a breakup Susan! I can't just date him immediately, he needs to heal. To think?"

"Think about what!?" Susan came closer to me, she seemed to be angry that I didn't go for it but... Ugh.

I continued, "If he even wants to date me in the first place."

"GhHh!? Excuse me Vincent- Wait what's your full name?"
"Vincent Melero Calabis?"
"EXCUSE ME VINCENT MELERO CALABIS, OLLIE DEFINITELY HAS HAD A MAJOR CRUSH ON YOU EVER SINCE YOU TWO MET AND YOU WANNA TELL ME YOU THINK HE MIGHT NOT EVEN WANT TO DATE YOU?" She took a deep breath and continued, "I don't know if it's because your ass hasn't dated in the past but god fucking damn it does Ollie care about you-"

I facepalmed, "Stop. Please. I know he cares, he cares deeply but I-" I paused.

I what?

I don't even know myself. I do think I feel the same way but... I can't bring myself to say it to him. It feels wrong, almost.

"I've only known him for like a month-ish. Not even? I feel like I would be taking advantage of him, and I can't do that to him. I want to get to know him. I want to know the real Oleander."
Susan stared at me, finally considering my words.

"Okay. I understand. I get it. You're right, you both need some time to grow and know each other fully. Heck I don't even think Oleander knows your real name and yet I do. Haha, you certainly don't know his."

Don't know his? What?

"What do you mean? It's Oleander Jay Stickers, no?"
She scoffed and twirled her hair, "Sure that's what everyone calls him, it's what he wants people to refer him by. But you won't know the real Ollie until he reveals it to ya."

I huffed, "See! This is why I didn't want to start a relationship! I don't even know my own crush's name!" I immediately covered my mouth, almost startled that I even dared say such a thing-