playdead

Chapter Thirty-Four

Oliver stepped out of the school building, shaking.

It was the day. It was the time. All this time, leading to this moment.

Oliver stepped out and waited a bit, trying to look as uninteresting as possible. Kids walked by, running out.

A few minutes later, after most of the students left, she appeared.

Belle.

Oliver's heart dropped as soon as she saw her. He looked away instantly from the door way and tried controlling his breathing and his fidgeting.

"Oliver?"

Oliver jumped and yelped. He backed away a bit, seeing Belle right there. In front of him.

"O-Oh! Uh...hi?" Oliver said.

Belle giggled. Oliver smiled, confused.

"You look uh...nice. More than nice. I mean like, you know...more cooler. Not that you were, like, cool already to begin with, but..." Oliver struggled painfully. He sighed out of failure.

"You're so sweet, Oliver." Belle complimented, smiling.

"Yeah..." Oliver answered.

They looked at each other for a few seconds before Oliver looked away, embarrassed.

She was so pretty. Oliver had to do it.

"Well um...I'll be going. See you tomorrow, since it's Saturday!" Belle called, walking away.

Oliver tensed. He couldn't move. Just go! She's right there!

"B-Belle...?" Oliver whispered. Of course she didn't hear him. She was walking to the telephone near the school.

Oliver shook. He bolted for her.

Belle grabbed the phone and looked for change in her pocket. Oliver ran up to her.

"Wait! W-Wait...I..." Oliver said.

He stared at Belle urgently. Belle looked at him, confused.

"Never mind..." Oliver said, disappointed.

He turned and headed the other way. He cursed himself off in his head, not being able to do the most simplest of things.

"Wait! Sorry, I um...can you tell me?" Belle asked.

Oliver turned around instantly and walked back.

"You...want me to tell you?" Oliver asked.

"Yes." Belle replied.

Oliver shook more. His heart started going a billion miles per hour.

"I..."

Oliver clenched his fists. He shut his eyes tensed more.

I love you. Just say it.

"I...I love you." Oliver said.

They both stood in complete silence.

Belle didn't say anything. Her eyes were widened.

"...I have boyfriend...?" Belle replied.

Oliver looked at her.

"You..."

"I'm sorry I didn't...tell you sooner...I guess." Belle said slowly.

Oliver turned around again. He looked at his feet. Tears flooded his eyes.

Oliver's heart hurt. His entire body hurt and shook.

"I-I'm sorry, Oliver!" Belle called. Oliver burst silently into tears.

His future dimmed.

It didn't matter, Oliver thought. As long as she's happy. I want her to be happy.