Don't Let Me Go

13

"Can we talk?"

The famous words that most people hated to hear.

Especially James.

James was in the library trying to study for his chem exam during a free period when Olivia slid into his view.

She was constantly showing up now. Trying to worm her way back into his life.

He removed his AirPods and placed his pencil down, "Hello Olivia," he said.

She nodded a hello, "Do you mind?" she asked gesturing to the chair across from him.

He nodded.

"What's up?" he asked her.

"I feel like we need to clear the air," she said.

"About?" he asked.

"I think we left things on bad terms back then,"

"Back then when?" James asked raising an eyebrow.

"When we used to date,"

James sighed, "Look. I'm over it. Okay? I really don't want to rehash the past. I don't. If you feel that's what you need to do in order to clear conscience then fine but you left. So, that's it and I'm over it,"

Olivia nodded tucking a piece of hair behind your ear, "I feel like your girlfriend doesn't like me,"

James chuckled, "I barely like you," he said causing Olivia to narrow her eyes at him.

"So, what? You made me out to be the bad guy in front of her?"

"No, I told her the truth. Whatever she decides to do from there is up to her,"

Olivia nodded, "I think it's funny. I come back and you act like you hate me-"

"It's been two years Olivia. Two, " James said, "And you left without saying a word to me. If you expected me to sit around all this time waiting for you, you must've not known me at all,"

"James you have to understand. I didn't leave because I wanted to,"

James leaned across the table lowering his voice, "Really? Because you could've fooled me,"

Olivia sighed, "James look, I knew I couldn't leave things they were. It's been eating me up inside, okay? I feel bad about the way things went down and I want to make it right,"

James nodded, "Okay, well thanks," he said grabbing his stuff and putting it in his bookbag.

"James please," she said grabbing his hand.

James' gaze landed on her hand on his and he jerked his hand back, "Don't touch me," he snapped, "In fact, don't talk to me anymore. This conversation is over,"

With that, he stormed out of the library.

Olivia sighed. There was a reason she came back and there was only one thing standing in the way of her getting what she wanted.

James made his way to the boys' locker room and happened to run into Iris carrying about five paintings down the hall.

"Hey," she said smiling.

"Need help?" he asked.

"God, yes," she said and he took two of the paintings from her.

"What's all this?" he asked.

"Our art show is next week. So we're starting setup from today,"

"Oh, wow,"

"I meant to tell you but I keep forgetting," she says chuckling.