Love, Olivia

The Other Team

The school allowed Ophelia another week out of school before coming back. Olivia collected all the homework that Ophelia had due and would come over every day after school to deliver it, as well as to help her with any problems. She also reported that after multiple formal complaints were filed against Emily, she had been expelled and the gaggle of girls she had kept so close dispersed like roaches in light when they heard she was pulled out. 

The school had initiated a Bullying Awareness Program and had also paired with an LGBT friendly counseling company who placed one of their counselors permanently in the school. All teachers were required to attend a seminar on how to recognize the signs of suicide in their students and how to reach out to them and Mr. Devitt was feeling quite accomplished with everything he had put into movement and did his best to remain energetic despite his secret guilt over Ophelia's suicide attempt.  He felt that perhaps she wouldn't have attempted if he had stepped in sooner, but had to remind himself that it was her own personal choice and that he was making more of an effort now. 

Olivia walked the halls out and proud. Her style went from your toxic prep girl to a gentle flower child vibe, finally comfortable in her own skin to own her genuine likes and dislikes. She pushed aside the idea of perfection and learned to embrace herself, no longer scared of being bullied or harassed.  

Ophelia's smile returned and the dark thoughts that had gathered in the back of her mind faded. Despite Emily no longer being in school, she knew word of her suicide attempt had gone around and was a little worried about what people would say when she came back. She took her days one step at a time, sometimes feeling foolish over what she had done, other times justifying it. 

The two girls had dinner with Ophelia's dad, glued more poems to the walls, worked through homework together, and talked through the roller coaster of emotions the two had gone through. Ms. Heather even joined them for dinner once and Ophelia and Olivia secretly giggled about it in her room, although Ophelia wasn't opposed to her fathers crush. 

The last day before Ophelia started school again found them lying on their stomachs on Ophelia's bedroom floor. 

"I'll be right back, I'm going to grab some water real quick," Ophelia said and Olivia nodded at her with a smile as she skipped out of the room.  Her phone buzzed and Olivia glanced down at the notification. 

"Ryan's texting you!" she called but heard no response. The phone buzzed again and Olivia groaned, sliding the text open.  "What do you want?" she muttered but her thoughts trailed off as she read the words on Ophelia's screen. 

I know you're with Olivia but I can't ignore these feelings I have for you. If I had known you were bisexual I might have tried sooner

Olivia heard footsteps and quickly clicked off Olivia's phone.  "Hey, I think Ryan texted you," she said to Olivia. 

"I'll message him later. Right now I'm with you." 

Ophelia smiled sweetly and Olivia could see it wasn't fake but she was so confused. When did Ophelia say she was bisexual? When did that happen? And Ryan crushing on her? 

"Well, I'm sorry to do this to you but I'm being summoned home for an early family dinner," Olivia lied. 

"Shit, really? Okay. Well," Ophelia inhaled deeply. "See you at school tomorrow?" 

Olivia kissed her quickly.  "Of course," she replied, and did her best not to run to her car.  She had to take time to comprehend what just happened. 

Inside, Ophelia slouched against her bed and opened the text from Ryan.  "Fuck," she said under her breath and quickly typed back a response. 

I can't have you confessing these feelings for me. And I never said I was bisexual, just that I've been a little curious. I know I said that's because of you but I might be confusing a really good friendship with feelings and I don't want to mess things up between us. 

Her phone dinged seconds later. 

I understand, and maybe it's the same thing on my end. I don't want to ruin anything for you so if you want to stay just friends then I can be happy with that

Ophelia sighed, relieved. 

Thank you. I'm sorry, I don't want to hurt you but I really want this to work with Olivia

Friends it is then. Let's not mess this up.  You're a good friend

She thought about his words and her thoughts. Ryan was attractive and sweet, and definitely very caring, but he made such a good friend that chances were he couldn't be anything else to her.  She'd have to tell Olivia soon so she didn't find out on her own and get things confused. 

Monday morning Ophelia met Ryan and Veila at the front of the school and it wasn't long until Olivia joined them. The two held hands as they walked in and Olivia gave her girlfriend a comforting squeeze.  Heads held high, they walked in and made their way through the chattering crowd of fellow high schoolers. 

Mr. Devitt cleared his throat behind them and said to Ophelia, "Welcome back, Ms. Bailey. I hope you're doing well." 

She smiled and said, "I am, thank you. I'm excited to get back into the rhythm of school." 

"I do hope so," he concluded, and nodded his goodbye to them, making his way to a classroom. 

"Okay, well I'm this way!" Ryan stated and split down another hallway.  Veila waved quietly and scuttled off to her art class. 

"Hey, could we talk real quick before class?" Ophelia asked nervously.  

"Sorry, babe, I gotta run." 

Olivia took off before Ophelia could manage another word. She sighed and made her way to history class. 

"Ryan!" Olivia called. He turned just before stepping into class. 

"What's up?" 

"Look, I don't know what you think you're doing trying to hit on my girlfriend, but she's not bisexual." 

Ryan shifted uncomfortably. "I'm sorry I told her I liked her but we agreed-" he started but Olivia cut him off. 

"Shouldn't there be some kind of code here? Ex boyfriends can't steal their ex girlfriends girlfriends?" 

"We're just friends, I promise. Ask her yourself."

Olivia huffed and walked away angrily, sad and confused.