Bookstore girl

Books give me truth.

The weekend had flown by, and I spent it with Owen. I met his parents and they were very, um, happy about us being together. His mother kept telling he couldn't stop murmuring about me and that he wrote letters to me and both me and him sat there ashamed.

But when Owen dropped me off home I still kissed him and I said it didn't matter, at all. I think he was happy about that because he kissed me again and then left.

On Monday I was extremely nervous.

I was sat on the wall next to the school, with Lilly as Ben got a ride from Owen. We talked until both boys arrived and off were Lilly and Ben.

I think Lilly looks the happiest with Ben. You can make her laugh but her eyes never shine as much as when she's with Ben. And I hope I have that too.

Owen and I awkwardly smiled at each other before I laced our fingers together and opened the schooldoors. I walked close against Owen and felt the stares, but I wasn't paying attention. All I saw was Hazel and Grace and their confused expressions. Somewhere it felt like a victory. Like I could belong somewhere and could get someone I liked.

I high-fived Lilly and Chloe until I forced to let go of Owens hand to open my locker. I quickly took the books I needed and placed the rest in my locker and closed it. I smiled at Owen and stuck out my hand for him to hold and he gladly took it.

We walked towards Chloe and Gideon until Hazel and Grace came into view, stopping us.

''Um, can we talk, Livy?'' Hazel asked with her soft voice, that once belonged to my best friend. But it sounded strange and not for me. I held Owens hand tightly and nodded.

''Alone?'' Hazel asked in the same voice but I shook my head. ''Afraid?'' Grace said annoyed but I shook my head. ''Precaution. You know me, always have been the careful one.'' I smiled but I saw them wince when I talked about 'knowing me'.

''Listen, Livy, the thing is, we realised we've been bad friends to you and we're sorry. We want to make up with you. Now we all can go on dates together. Shouldn't that be fun?''

''And you want me back now you know I have a boyfriend?'' I asked.

''No...'' Hazel said careful but also doubtful.

''It's fine, really. I guess I always knew this friendship wouldn't last. We all just were together and apart. We're all so different and maybe that's what brought us together, but also pulled us apart. I'm not going to be your friend anymore, I hold you back.''

''Yes, you do.'' Grace snapped and I felt Owen stiffen next to me but I had to smile.

''I know Grace, I know.'' I guess Grace never really liked me as personality so I didn't bother to feel offended. Grace was always a bit off when it came to me. Grace just growled something under her breath.

''I guess this is goodbye then?'' Hazel asked, tears brimming in her eyes, but they felt too late. For me, this was already dealt with.

''We know it's goodbye. I had a great time with you guys.''

''It feels like we just throw it away, while it was just perfect.'' Hazel says, her lip quivering.

''It may have felt perfect for a while but I guess after a while we all felt it, didn't you Hazel, don't lie.''

''Yeah, okay, but still. Livy. Please.'' She begged and I felt bad but I didn't give in.

''Hazel, I have my own heart to protect. Take care.'''I smiled at her before finally walking away. Owen took me apart and I felt a tear slip over my cheek.

''Regret it?'' He asked as he wiped away my tear but I shook my head. ''I'm glad. Glad it's over and done with. Closure feels nice.'' I sighed happily and then stood on my tiptoes to kiss Owen, whom gladly returned my kiss.

To say at least, I felt great.

*********

It's lunch time and I was sat on Owens lap. Not my choice, Owen's. He just grabbed my waist and held me, obviously claiming me, which made me roll my eyes. Lilly and I sat opposite of each other, each on our boyfriends lap, smiling secretively.

Lunch was pretty okay, yes. Chloe and Gideon even joined at the end and it felt like a good day already.

But I can't say I wasn't happy when school finally ended and Owen and I hung around his car, sitting on his hood, looking at people, enjoying the silence.

''I love you.'' I heard Owen say quietly and I smiled.

''I love you too.'' I whispered back and we both smiled watching people walk by, only now holding hands.

**********

When I got home, I took Owen with me inside, seeing my mom and dad wait for me, which was unusually, and they saw Owen for the first time.

''Hi honey. I may be working again.'' My mom said happily before my dad blurted out ''In the local supermarket!'' which earned him a shove from my mom, hissing she hoped it could've been a secret, while I laughed.

''Hello Owen, nice to meet the guy my daughter gets up for in the weekend and makes her run out of the door without breakfast or anything.'' Now I was the one to give my dad a glare, along with my mom, whom pinched him.

''Don't embarrass your daughter, you idiot.'' She said before properly introducing herself to Owen and got my dad to do the same, but they were just mom and dad and it wasn't as if there could be any confusion about that, but I let them, but I stopped them when they were about to show pictures of me.

Stop the parents, right there.

But it was pretty fun and really one of the best days in my life, for sure.