Only if you know (Book 1)

Chapter 11

Olivia woke up earlier than usual, feeling strangely calm about returning to school.

      She dressed in a pair of fitted black jeans and a red, long-sleeved, checkered shirt. Her hair was tied back in a neat ponytail, with two strands falling softly around her face and a bang that partly veiled her eyes. A touch of black eyeliner framed her green irises, and a swipe of baby-pink gloss added a hint of warmth to her lips. White sneakers completed the look—simple, confident, and unpretentious.

      She took her bag and went downstairs once she was satisfied with her appearance. Eliana and William complimented her as she entered the kitchen, and Caleb was enthralled. She can't blame him because she didn't make a good first impression and knew she wasn't a bad-looking person.

Caleb was taken aback when he first saw Olivia. He had no idea she'd look this good. Yes, he thought she was cute, but she looked nothing like she did when she came into his life. Caleb had noticed Olivia always wore baggy clothes since she had been here. But this was the first time he saw her dressed normally.

      They ate a quick breakfast before heading out together. Olivia hitched a ride with Caleb since they both attended St. Elite, and she still didn’t have her own car. The drive began in silence, heavy but not hostile. 

      To break it, Olivia turned toward him. “So, who’s the captain of the cheerleading squad this year?”

      “Jenna,” he said casually. “Why? Thinking of joining?” This was the first time they were having a decent conversation.

      “Cheerleading is not for me. What about you? Do you play for any team?”

      “Football,” he replied.

      “Interesting. Who is the captain?”

      “Trevor,” 

      Her smile widened. “Really? That’s great.” She was glad that Trevor finally became captain of the team. He had always aspired to be one.

      Caleb noticed the warmth in her voice. Which meant she must’ve known him before. His curiosity sparked, but before he could ask anything more, Olivia spoke again.

      “Could you stop here, please?”

      He blinked, confused as he pressed the brake. “What? We’re still a few minutes away.”

      Olivia moved her gaze to the window and explained. “It doesn't take a genius to know that you are popular, and I doubt you want to be seen with me, let alone have everyone know I am staying with you. So, you can carry on without me.”

      Before he could respond, she was already unbuckling her seatbelt. “Don’t worry. I know the way. I’ll walk.”

      And just like that, she was gone.

      Caleb was stunned. He had no qualms about being seen with Olivia. He was undoubtedly fine with it. But before he could say anything, she had left him alone in the car, leaving him with no other choice but to show up solo. He arrived at St. Elite quickly and met his best friends, Sia and Mason.

Olivia arrived ten minutes later. She drew a deep breath and walked inside. She arrived a little earlier than usual, so the corridors weren’t as crowded. Her heart raced, but she kept her head high.

      At the reception desk, she spotted a familiar face.

      “Hey, Gloria,” Olivia greeted with a genuine smile. 

      “Olivia! Oh, sweetheart, welcome back!” Gloria beamed, handing her a stack of books and a printed schedule. “Same locker as before. I’m so glad to see you again.”