How It Began (Axel x Olivia)

Chapter 23

Axel's PoV

"WHAT?" I shouted, making my mother jump a little. "Axel Jordan Roth! Do not shout like that!" my mom scolded but looked at me worriedly. "Did you just say that Olivia was moving?" I asked, feeling my breath catch in my throat. My mom bit her lip and nodded slowly.

"When is she leaving? How do you know?" I demanded, feeling my stomach drop. My mom must've sensed my anxiety because she said, "Today. And I met them at the supermarket. It was quite some news." Without a word, I jumped up and opened the back door of the house. "AXEL!" my mom shouted. But I didn't care. All I cared about was seeing Olivia one last time.

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Of course it had to rain. Seriously? Everytime there was a crisis, it rained. I pulled up at Jesse's house, which was looking rather plain, despite the insurance Jesse's mom claimed from the Council. Or whatever, I didnt know much about how things were run here.

"Jesse!" I yelled, the thunder crashing in the background. Come on Jesse. I needed your advice. "JESSE!" I yelled again, and this time, I desperately threw a handful of rocks at his window. "What the- AXEL?" Jesse's head poked out of the window. "Come quick." I said, holding my side. I was still out of breath from cycling here.

"You're soaked, what happened?" Jesse asked, pulling me into the house. "No time to waste. Olivia's moving." Jesse's eyes widened. "You're kidding. Then what are you waiting for?" he asked as wind blew into his house. "You're not coming?" I asked a bit disappointed. Jesse frowned. "I would if I could, but I can't. My mom,.." he glanced at the darkened house.

"I understand. I have to stop Olivia." I said, feeling dreadful. "Take care. Please." Jesse said, pulling me into a hug. I nodded determinedly and hopped back on my bike and tearing off into the pouring rain.

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I didnt know where she lived. I knew which street, but I didn't know which house. Oh come on. I sat at the pathway, feeling broken. She left without even saying goodbye. I had almost gotten run over just now, but I didn't care. All I cared about always looking for Olivia.

I had to do this. I had to find Olivia. Securing my bike, I went from house to house, in the pouring rain. No wonder she gave us Christmas presents early. And we finished the treehouse. She wanted to get everything settled before she left. Those little clues she let slip out...

I ran a hand through my hair and knocked on the door of the fifth house. When they didn't answer, I looked around to see if I could recognise anything. Maybe it was that red car- I tripped, and nearly crashed into a wooden beam. "What the-." I said, looking down.

There was a box, sitting on the ground. Squinting, I knelt down and brush the water droplets off the packaging. Axel, Jesse and Reuben. In Olivia's handwriting. I stood up, still holding the box. So this was the house.

And she was gone. I ran a hand over the box and sat down, my hair still dripping wet. Shaking from the cold and shock, I pulled out a letter.

Axel, Jesse and Reuben,
If you found this, it means that you found out what happened to me. If I don't make sense, I'm sorry, my dad just told me the news just a month ago. I'm sorry we had to leave like this. You see, the reason why I'm leaving... is because I have a crush on you, Axel. And my dad knows

I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner, but thank you, all of you. For making my life easier. For giving me the joy of finally having friends who can support you no matter what. Maybe I'll see you soon, someday.

-Olivia.

P.S. I hope Reuben liked his Christmas present. You guys can open it now. Even though it's not Christmas. Haha.

I set down the box, feeling tears running down my cheeks, mixing with the rain water. I had to tell Jesse so I got up, and left without a word.

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Olivia's PoV

I leaned my head against the glass, looking out as the rain poured down. And I saw Axel. He was riding his bike, in the opposite direction. My father glared at me, as if daring me to say something. I looked down, feeling the tears brimming in my eyes. Losing my friends was difficult...

And I hoped they would be safe. I knew secrets this town was hiding. And I wasn't going to be of any help. Unless I came back. My dad slammed on the brakes as Axel cycled across the road. He almost got run over. Oh god. Axel held up a hand to say sorry as he cycled towards the now empty house..

I clenched my fists, knowing what he was going to find. And I had to let go.

-End