Ruining Fame (Girl X Girl)

Chapter 29 / Olive's and Olive

A/N: Hey readers, it's been a while since I've posted and I am so sorry. I've had a lot on my plate and I'm really stressed out right now, the book though has nothing to do with that. I completely love writing for myself and for you guys, of course, I'm just in a really sinch knot right now. Please forgive me.

Anyways, don't forget to VOTE & COMMENT.

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Word of the Day

Degust (v.): Taste something carefully to appreciate it fully

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Chapter 29 / Olive's P.O.V

Her belongings were gone, everything, even her car parked out front, leaving the place feeling suddenly empty. She had only been here for a day, but having her around had been a comfort, someone to talk to. Maya had shed a few tears, disappointed she hadn't been able to get closer to Blake and snag an autograph.

I sighed in resignation, letting the next two days pass idly as I finally got my website up and started applying for part-time jobs. I needed income soon; funds were running low, especially with the costs of software and materials for the website. Today, I sat in the park while Quintin wandered on his leash.

I had my journal with me, jotting down ideas that could benefit people without the influence of traditional magazine companies. Mental illness, different communities, disabilities, maybe even politics. But my thoughts kept wandering back to Blake—I had no clue where she was. I'd tried calling her, but she hadn't answered or returned my calls.

Then it hit me—I hadn't opened my mother's message. I pulled out my phone, finally reading what she had to say after two years. I sighed before reading it fully, summoning the courage to face the words from the woman who brought me into this world.

Birth Giver: Olive, your father and I haven't seen you in a while.

No surprise there.

Birth Giver: I wouldn't have reached out if it weren't important, but it's about Dustin. We've decided to visit him together as a family. I've been to see Dustin at the care center. I see your name on the visitor's list, and the days you've been there. Perhaps it's time for us all to come together, to pray for Dustin's sake and for our family's sake. I'll call you soon so we can arrange a time to meet.

I frowned at the message; there was no warmth or affection as I'd hoped. I doubted they'd honor Dustin's wish to be taken off life support, and I doubted they really wanted to see me. I replied, agreeing to meet at the care center sometime over the weekend. As I thought about Blake, I debated whether to message her just to check in.

Closing my phone, I resolved to talk to Suzanne today and find out why that article was published. But first, I stopped by Lydia's penthouse, taking Quintin out for his daily exercise. He whined non-stop in the car unless the windows were down, which left my hair a frizzy mess.

After finding a decent parking spot, I walked into my old internship building, a place I once both loved and loathed. Quintin on his leash, I hoped they wouldn't mind dogs inside—well, I hoped. As we entered, I nearly got stopped by security but dashed for the elevator before they could intervene.

Sighing with relief, I stepped onto the office floor, receiving stares from former coworkers who had never been fond of me. Some cooed at Quintin, while others scrunched their faces in disapproval, their wrinkles deepening. Gloria sat at her desk, trying to speak to me, but I ignored her, heading straight for Suzanne.

"Olive, Olive! You can't go in there," Gloria exclaimed, struggling in her heels as she hurried to intercept me. I definitely don't miss wearing those. I walked into the office expecting it to be empty, but I froze in my tracks when I opened the door.