"STOP HERE, PLEASE." Liam says, guiding the driver to his house. We've agreed that were going to still hang out tonight, since we've been apart for so long, and most teenagers aren't tired at ten PM, anyway.
He pulls in, and when we're dropped off, I'm surprised to feel Liam take my hand and run his fingers over my knuckles. "I have to say goodnight to Lizzie. Do you want to come?"
I nod, feeling the closeness between us grow as snow falls over us. I shiver in the cold, but I feel warm again once we're inside the cozy home again. Brian is at the counter, with Liam's mother. Both of their jaws have dropped to the floor.
"Hello, Olivia." His mother says, looking at our interlocked fingers. Embarrassed, I try to wiggle out, but he tightens his grip.
"I'm telling Lizzie goodnight, then I'm going." He says, narrowing his eyes and leading me down the hall. In front of a white door, he lets go of my hand and puts on a weak smile. "I'll be back in a second, okay?"
He turns the handle and steps inside. I hear his voice, low and calm, and then hers, quiet and slightly panicked.
"Are you going to be gone all night?" She asks, voice shaky.
"I'm with Olivia, I'll be safe." He replies, smoothly. It's a different voice than the one he uses in discussion with me. I can't put my finger on how and why, but it makes me feel a little better. "I won't do anything stupid, okay? Do you want to ask her?"
There's a little bit of silence, and then, Liam walks through the door, taking my hand and guiding me inside to where she lays in bed. "Your d-dress is pretty." She comments, sitting up a little bit.
"Thank you." I say, shyly. "I like your room." I notice the Harry Potter poster hanging above her bed. "Who's your favorite character?"
"Luna." She replies, instantly. "I went as her for Halloween, and Liam was Harry."
I laugh a little, looking to him. He raises his arms in protest. "Don't make fun of me, Hermoine Granger. I was forced. You did it of your own free will."
There's a silence in the room, a happy silence, the kind filled with minor contentment, not anticipation or worry.
"Don't let my brother use drugs." She instructs in a weak voice.
"I won't." I say. "Scout's honor."
* * *
"She loves you." Liam comments as he pulls out of the driveway. "Thank the lord."
I smile. His hand is on my knee, even though both of them should be on the wheel. I don't mind the imminent risk of death though, it makes me feel secure. We're driving down the road to my house, where there won't be any other distractions, and we're going to talk.
I'm afraid.
I'm afraid of these feelings that have manifested, because even though he's touching me, I don't know if it's enough to say he reciprocates. He's not a dating guy, and I'm not a hookup girl. I don't want to lose whatever friendship we've formed, because it's one of the best things that has ever happened to me.
I don't even realize that we're in my bedroom.
I'm still in this dress, and Liam is still in his suit, but he's tugged off the jacket and tie. He's undone the top button as well, making it so that he looks comfy and casual, and more like himself.
"I'm going to change, I'll be back in a second."
I don't like the idea of leaving him back there, I don't like the idea of leaving him at all. But I do it anyways, replacing the expensive garment for a long shirt and shorts. I take off the fussy makeup in the bathroom, but my hair will still stay over produced and curled until I take a shower. 2/3, I guess.

YOU ARE READING
Under the Bridge
Teen FictionA lighthearted coming-of-age story about following your own path, overcoming the hurdles of mental illness, and falling in love. FORMERLY THE BAD BOY'S TUTOR * * * Olivia Bear spends her time reading, studying, and lusting after her completely unatt...