Chemistry (Otis Milburn)

44 (Otis's P.O.V)

At this point, all I could do was wait. Wait for Vivienne. Wait for her to tell me the truth. The more I thought about everything I had put myself through, the more of an imbecile I felt. I let a toxic person control me emotionally and it almost killed me. How stupid I was to let her consume me like that, and how I wish I could stop myself the day I decided to follow her to Nick's house.

I liked Nick. He was a good guy in my eyes and he had done nothing wrong. He was just another guy in love. I felt bad for him.

My mother knocked on my door and walked in, holding an envelope in her hand. A fancy one, too.

"This was at the front door. It's for you. It doesn't say who it's from." She handed it to me and left.

I carefully studied the envelope before opening it. Vivienne. It had to be from her.

I opened the envelope. Inside was a handwritten letter:

Otis,

I hope this letter finds you well. First off, I wanted to apologize. I'm sorry for everything that I've put you through and everything that I've kept from you. I figured writing this letter would be the safest way to reveal the truth about everything. Before I start, I ask for one last thing: please, whatever you do, do not share this letter with anyone. Not even Nick.

I am not dating Nick Robinson. My agents drove to school in a van, threw me in it and took me to their office. On that day, I was ordered to participate in a publicity stunt where I was publicly dating Nick Robinson, and neither of us could say anything about it. I lost my best friend Camille after this as well after catching her stalking me. She even stalked me in my own home. She is no longer in my life. I was specifically told that I was not to tell you any of this information because they would go after you. That was the reason why I was constantly looking out for your safety. Every time I had wanted to tell you all of this, I couldn't. I had a feeling I was constantly being watched- and I was.

Although we weren't dating in reality, the amount of time we had spent together and everything he'd helped me with made me realize that I did have feelings for Nick. However, something felt out of place. Maybe I had feelings for you as well. Either way, I brushed everything off. As much as I wanted someone to love publicly without any worries, I was not able to.

Another thing I wanted to mention: When I took you to the studio with me back when we first became friends, the paparazzi was there, and they took photos. Those photos surfaced on the internet and rumors started to roam on social media that you and I were together. I thought these spread like wildfire, however it quickly got laid to rest before it got to you.

My toxic behavior and actions were nothing but to protect you, Otis. Nonetheless, I was still a significantly toxic person. I feel more guilty than you would ever know for what happened to you. You almost died for me.

My fears of this letter being in the the wrong hands are strong, and you are constantly in danger with me in your life. You deserve better, and Nick deserves better. My departure is now. Whether or not I will still be here after you read this letter is unknown.

Thank you for everything, Otis Milburn. You understood me like no one else did, and was there for me when no one else was.

All my love,

Vivienne Parker