Olivia Martin thought she'd only ever need 3 things to survive her 4 years at California State University:
Her Friends, Good Grades and Photography.
But after meeting an irresistable footballer, Noah McCoy, she added two more things to her list; Noa...
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It has only been 15 minutes since the party had begun. Guests had already started showing up. Most of which I recognize from the million of business parties I've attended with my parents.
Speaking of my parents, I have been dreading seeing them since Sierra told me they were attending.
I don't hate my parents. The opposite actually. I just don't have a great relationship with either of them. They were always too busy working or in my mother's case, vacationing in the Caribbean, for family bonding time.
"Liv, You okay?" Caleb asked, clearly noticing my frantic mood.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Just preparing myself for the awkward exchange that's about to happen between my parents and me."
"Well, I hope you're done preparing because here they come," Naomi said, pointing her champagne glass at my mother and father approaching us.
"Naomi, Lydia. Nice to see you girls again." My mother said, smiling at my two best friends, while my father went with a different approach by shaking their hands.
"Nice to see you too, Mrs. Martin. This is Caleb." Naomi responded, introducing Caleb who in turn shook both my parent's hands.
After the exchange both my parent's attention finally focused on me.
"Olivia dear, how are you?" my mother asked.
"I'm great mom, how are you?"
"Oh, I've been doing just great, thank you for asking. I've been taking this new spin class and it has been working wonders. I've lost 8 pounds in just a week," my already thin mother spoke, "have you been exercising dear? You look a little heavier than the last time I saw you."
I expected this much from my mother. Ever since I was little the only time my mother ever gave me attention was when she thought I was getting too fat because she'd "rather die than have a fat daughter." Her exact words when I was 7 years old and she had signed me up for ballet after I gained 3 pounds. She fired our chef and I wasn't allowed dessert for a month.
"Leave the poor girl alone, Marie," My dad, finally spoke up, earning an eye roll from my mother. "You look lovely, princess."
"Thanks, dad." I smiled at his compliment.
"How is school? Are you keeping those grades up?" he added.
Now, that is what I had expected from my father.
"It's been going well, still maintaining my 3.8 GPA," I assured him.
"Well great then. Clarke, we really should get to greeting some other people now," my mother said, tugging onto my father and leading him to a group of other folks. "We'll see you around girls, nice to meet you again Caleb."
I finally let out a breath I hadn't realized I had been holding.
"Well, your parents are interesting," Caleb commented.
I chuckled in response, finishing the remainder of my drink.
_______________________________
A few hours have passed since the party had begun. I haven't spoken to my parents since our first encounter. Not that I'm complaining.
Sierra did a great job of decorating this place. 36" round tables covered in blue cloth and blue and white LED table lights. The mini bar is lined with brightly colored cocktails. Naomi's parents really outdid themselves.
I was currently holed up in a corner in an attempt to avoid all social interactions. I always hated attending my parents' business events. Mostly because of the creepy old men with no respect for their wives who always rest their hands a little too low on the back when I go in for a friendly hug. Then there was the occasional group of mean old hags who stood around criticizing every other female in the room.
Though this was supposed to be Naomi's birthday party it sure felt more like a business party to me.
"So, I spoke to my mother and we're free to go in the next hour," Naomi informed, as she and Caleb approached Lydia and me.
These events usually end around 9:30. This makes sense given that the majority of the people here are over 35 years old.
"Naomi! I've been looking for you everywhere." A voice that was all too familiar spoke.
"Hello, Aubrey," Naomi replied to the girl displaying a sickeningly wide smile.
Aubrey Germaine. Backbiting, ostracizing, rumor spreading, name-calling, manipulative bitch. Why was she even here? She is no friend of Naomi and she's definitely not a friend of mine.
"I just came over to say happy birthday to the birthday girl. And to say hello to the rest of your little friend group," she began eyeing Caleb. "Hi, my name is Aubrey," she said, smiling brightly and holding out a hand for him to shake.
"Caleb," he responded shortly, resting his hand on Naomi's lower back.
Her eyes followed Caleb's hand movement and probably for the first time, possibly ever, she took a hint. Though that didn't seem to work in my favor as this time she turned to look at me.
"Olivia, I like your dress, I have one just like it. I didn't know they came in plus size."
The nerve of this bitch.
"You know what Aubrey. Sometimes it's better to keep your mouth shut and give the impression that you're stupid than open it and remove all doubt. You should try that." I smiled at her, taking a sip from my champagne glass.
"Someone's still unnecessarily bitter," she remarked again.
"And someone's still unnecessarily here," I said, hinting that it was time for her to leave.
"I was just leaving. I have better things to do anyway. Nice to meet you Caleb and... I'm sorry, remind me of your name," Aubrey said, addressing Lydia for the first time.
"I'd rather not," Lydia answered. Shaking her head, before turning her attention to her phone.
Aubrey huffed and stomped away, returning to whatever hole she crawled out of.
"You girls live a pretty interesting life," Caleb commented,
"You don't even know the half of it."
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