Better apart [Unedited]

Chapter 1

"Oliver?"

He turned around and for the first time did not look like the high school guy I adored, he looked devastated, as though he was tired of living.

"Mia!"

He sounded so messed up!

"Oh my, God, Hi Oliver, yooo-oou loo-ook like...."
"Like I'm just out of prison, right?"

"Yee-Noo!! Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I haven't really shaved since a week now."

"Duh, I can see that...is everything all right, I mean, are you okay?" That question hit him hard. Maybe he was not okay. Clearly he was not okay! And that was not just an unusual thing because somehow I always happened to meet him when he's a mess.

"I'm good, just trying out a new look..." he was lying.

"Dude, you're clearly failing at it, wait, unless you wanna audition for a role of a murderer...then, it's perfect" I thought maybe this might cheer him up?

"Ha-ha, funny? What brings you here?" he sharpened his look at me, nudged me with his elbow and with a smirk he continued, "Following me?"

"You think this is funny?" and then putting my proud cap on, I continued "I have come here for my photography project in which I plan to capture the moments of people enjoying in the park. But I think I should change my theme to helpless people because I think I just found my subject" I was sarcastic, maybe?

"Really? Who?" like he didn't realize I was referring to him. Well, he never understood my sarcasm so jokes on me!

"YOU, you idiot" my tone was annoyed but I was extremely happy to see him, "Why don't you get my sarcasm, Oliver...or is it that you choose to make me look really dumb?" my high-school curiosity was finally out!

"They're not funny, Mia. Your jokes, oh wait, your SARCASM is not funny" he pretended to be very serious but instead burst out laughing. And he believes he is smart. But on a serious note, his laugh...it wasn't the real him. Something was definitely bothering him and I can say and see it clearly because his laugh just broke with a long stare on the ground. He was lost and by the look on his face, he was broken and I felt that it was just meant for me to meet him today to help him out.

I placed my hand on his shoulder; I've heard it helps people. "Are you sure, you're okay Oliver? I mean, walking alone on the streets and hair not done isn't really your thing"

"I'M FINE!! Would you please excuse me I have to go" he started walking away. What just happened?

"Oh my God Oliver wait!" I yelled, wondering what on earth did-I-just-say to offend him so much that he just walked away. He turned and asked, "Why?" as if people have asked him to move out their lives and suddenly I asked him to stay. I figured talking to him about 'what's wrong' is not the correct decision so I said, "I have to go the park to complete a pending project, come with me" I didn't really ask him just invited him.

He came closer, looked straight into my eye and asked, "Why?" I was lost in his eyes too.

Silence.

"Ummm" I looked away breaking the silence, "I-I-I" before I could continue, he interrupted, "Why do you always happen to be around when I am in trouble, WHY?" he broke my sentence and felt broken.

"Trouble? Oliver, what is it, tell me!" I got serious.

"Nothing, just forget I mentioned", he started speaking and with a very weird face moment and with a change in voice, "So, where is this park you're taking me to, and come again, why are we going there?" he tried his best to build up a joyous mood.

"Oliver, let me explain to you in simple words that you might understand because clearly 'pending project' seems hard", I started joking around and with a little laugh I continued, "I have an art exhibition coming up next week and I need some pictures of the park. I had to go there last week and complete but the weather never supported my idea. Today seems like a perfect weather for the clicks so I am on my way to complete the pending clicks. Did you understand?" I asked, more like making fun of him.

"Mia, that's not the point, what I meant was, why do you do all of this, clicking pictures and art gallery?" he was behaving like a five year old kid. I mean who asks this sort of question. Insane soul.

"Oliver, I am not even gonna answer that question" he realized his question was really funny and dumb while I continued, "you either behave like an adult or I will make sure you have your finger on your lip while walking", I joked.