time - j.w [BOOK 1]✔️

68.

"Hey, I'm at the store, I'll be back in 20." Jeff spoke through the phone.

"I'm at David's saying goodbye, so I'll see you there." Olivia replied.

She ended the call and brought David into a hug. "Thank you for everything you've helped me through, I owe you. Also, I'm going out of town for a few days. Jeff is going to meet my parents. Then we're going to meet his."

"Text me, call me, FaceTime me. I love you." Natalie cheered along with David, simultaneously speaking. After a hug goodbye, she left the house and drove home to pack. She was excited for Jeff to meet her family. Especially Nick, who Olivia thought would take all of his attention from her. And she was excited to meet his family. His sister, his mom and his dad.

"Do I bring pyjamas? Or can I just wear your shirt?" Olivia asked as Jeff sat on the bed, waiting for her to finish packing. He smiled and stood up. His arms were around her and his head on hers.

"Just bring one pair and you can wear whatever shirt you like." He replied, kissing her head. After zipping up her suitcase, she was ready to go.

—
"Hey, mom. We just left the airport now, we will see you soon." Olivia spoke to her mom down the phone as they both got into the Uber. Nicholas was there too and Olivia had told Jeff all about her big brother and how they will get on. No matter how tough of a facade Jeff had, Olivia saw straight through him and knew he was nervous. So she calmed him by spilling all of her brother's embarrassing stories.

Jeff's hand was in Olivia's the whole car ride, as Olivia's street came into view. They grabbed their bags and knocked at her parents door, of which her mom had opened it. She cheered and brought her daughter into a hug, next welcoming in Jeff with a warm hug. Next, her dad greeted them both with hugs. And finally, Nicholas.

"There isn't any point in the tough big brother act, Nick." Olivia stated before Nicholas could even open his mouth. Jeff laughed and hugged her brother.

—
Jeff was engulfed in Olivia's baby pictures, as her mom had shown him them all. Olivia had finished washing the dishes after dinner, both her brother and dad were watching TV. Olivia heard Jeff's tiny giggles and felt happy. As she was wiping down the sides and tidying the kitchen, she spotted some whiskey on the side. She gulped, a lump in her throat. She hadn't had a drink in so long. Maybe one glass won't be so bad. She grabbed the bottle, fiddling with the cap.

"Everything okay?" She heard. Jeff stood there with a furrowed brow, taking the bottle from her and placing it elsewhere. She hadn't told her parents about her whole alcohol issue, they weren't in the loop due to being so far. But Jeff had vowed to help her stay on track. His arms had wrapped around his girlfriend's small frame, warming her up.

After a tidy kitchen and an exhausted Olivia, they had gone to bed. Rummaging around her suitcase and finding pyjamas, Jeff laid shirtless in her childhood bed. He watched her undress, admiring her curves and edges. The way her hair fell in her face as she pulled her shirt on, the way her legs jiggled as she stepped into her shorts, the way she smiled at herself in the mirror. He loved it all. But his positive thoughts never lasted long. For every good thought, there were three negative ones. He didn't deserve her at all, he knew that. But he was confused as to why she came back again. He didn't even trust himself, let alone her trusting him. She had gotten into bed beside him and left her lamp on to see his sleepy face.

"Vi." Jeff mumbled.
She hummed in response.
"Why did you come back to me?"

She grabbed his large, veiny hand and placed it in her own. "Because my love was too powerful to let you go. I know you fucked up twice and it'll never be the same. But one of my traits is how forgiving I am. I can't help it, I always see the good in everyone and I know you love me."