Changing Bad Into Good // H.S. [AU]

Chapter 2

Olivia and I both smile as we stopped talking about that wonderful day of sixth grade. We looked at each other for a few seconds before she started talking again.

"So, you liked me a little?" she asked with amusement.

"Yeah, I did," I say while scratching the back of my neck nervously. I did have a huge crush on her when we were younger. Actually, the feelings have never left- if anything, they've gotten stronger every day since I've known her. I'm surprised I've even been able to hold in those feelings for so long.

I continue, "You were really pretty and nice and just amazing. And don't get me wrong, you're exactly the same way now but when I saw you then, it was mind-blowing since I'd never see anyone so beautiful and great as you. How couldn't I like you?" I say having another bite of my burger afterward, trying to hide the fact that I can't believe that I'm saying what I'm saying. Now that I've come to the realization that this must've been one of my ways of "hiding" the fact that I like her, I'm even more confused on how she hasn't noticed.

After my nervous burger bite, I look back up to see a speechless Olivia already staring at me. I look at her in concern and freak out a little bit. I knew I shouldn't have said that. I need to play it cooler.

"I- I didn't mean to sound weird or anything. I-I just-" I stutter out, looking around everywhere but her face. Wow. I haven't been this nervous since the 6th grade. I guess she catches on to my frantic behavior since she puts her hand on mine in reassurance.

"Harry, you're fine, okay? I was just in shock a little. You didn't sound weird at all," she chuckled out. Knowing that she didn't react negatively to this, it made the upcoming anxiety slowly fade away. I couldn't stand awkward situations. Especially if it could affect Olivia and I's relationship.

I look back up at her and see a sweet smile spread across her lips. I start to smile until I see her have a confused look to something else behind me.

"What's wrong?" I question. As she doesn't answer, I feel her hand that is on mine become sweaty. I think she feels it as well considering she quickly removes it from mine after I have the thought. I didn't really mind her sweaty hands, honestly.

"Sorry, Harry, someone's coming over," she says nervously. What is going on?

"Are you alright, why are you acting so nervous all of a sudden?" I ask her. I see her eyes follow someone who eventually gets closer and finally comes around the table to sit beside her. Is this why?

"Hi, guys," he greets. I look over to Olivia and she is still looking as if she saw a celebrity; mouth open, eyes wide. Looking at her, I'd be lying if I say I'm not jealous.

"I'm Daniel. I really hope I didn't interrupt anything," he says looking somewhat apologetically.

"You did," I mumble at the same time Olivia says, "You didn't," we make eye contact and she shoots me a deadly look. Sorry?

"If I did, I'm sorry. I just wanted to quickly get to talk with Olivia before leaving in a few minutes," he says to me then looks to Olivia who is blushing. I guess I have no say in this now.

"Oh, what would you want to talk to me about?" she asks curiously. Why'd she say it like she's surprised?

He's about to respond when he remembers I'm around. He looks at me and asks, "Can I take her away for a second?" he asks with another halfway apologetic look on his face. What is up with this guy? At least be polite in taking my her away from me.

"Um," I hesitate. I want her to stay with me, not with him. Who is he anyway? Even through these thoughts, looking over at Olivia who has pleading eyes, I reluctantly respond, "Sure."