So after three days, I decided to stop hiding and went back home.
My mom wasn't really upset with me. It was actually the opposite.
She's kinda acting weird.
She's whispering something on my brother's ear.
Are they keeping a secret from me?
"So Tori is a really beautiful girl, isn't she?" She said a little louder.
She's not even talking to me. She's talking to Oli. What's her deal?
Oli nodded and made a goofy smile.
"Mom, do you need help in the grocery?" I asked ignoring the atmosphere from them.
"Yeah sure.. by the way, how is Tori doing? Will she celebrate new year with us?" She asked
"Yeah I invited her over. I think she will. Her parents are not around and I just thought it will be nice to have her with us." I replied casually.
"That's great! The more the merrier. Sarah's parents are joining us too." She said estatically.
Of course..
We heard a few knocks at the door.
Oli open it and there go Sarah.
She kiss Oli's cheeks and went inside.
I just gaze at her as she enters.
She's still ignoring me.
"Hey Aunt Liza, I heard you're going to the supermarket? I thought I could come and help you." She offered smiling.
"Great.. Via is going to help us too." My mom replied.
She just nodded but still didn't give me any attention.
I sighed.
I decided to go in my room to changed.
I look at my own reflection in the mirror. I looked at the necklace I was wearing.
"Olivia and Sarah friends forever? Really?" I said while I decided to cover it with my shirt sadly.
I ended up calling Tori.
She was more than happy to join us for New year's eve. I guess at least I'll have her.
After a few minutes, I heard a knock at the door.
"Yeah wait a sec.." I replied while getting off my bed.
I open the door and it was Sarah knocking.
She was really cold. I can't read her expression.
"Y-yeah.. what's up?" I asked hesitantly.
"Your mom wants to know if you're ready for groceries." She said coldly.
"Yeah.." I said smiling.
She just turn around and left.
I can't stand it.
I know it's my fault but why does she have to make it harder?
The whole drive was just about my mom talking about anything while I sat quietly in the back.
Sarah and I were in charge of the other ingredients while my mom was left on the meat section.
"We should split up. I go here and you go on the left." She said while pointing at the other direction.
She really doesn't want me anywhere near her huh?
I nodded and force a smile.
"Okay.." I said shortly.
It took me about thirty minutes to finished getting the ingredients.
I was about to meet my mom back on the meat section when I saw a wet floor sign. I was being careful not to slip.
I saw Sarah approaching. She was busy looking at her list. I don't think she notice the sign.
I rush to her side.
"Hey watch out!" I warned her.
She got startled by my voice and I saw her slip.
I grab her hand before she could fall.
I pull her firmly towards me.
"Be careful.." I said out of breath.
She embrace me in an instant.
After a few seconds, I heard her sighed.
I release her from my touch.
"Are you okay?" I asked gently.
"Yeah.." she said shortly.
Not even a thank you?
Okay..
She walked forward and I just followed her silently.
After shopping we went back to the parking lot.
My mom turn her head and she looks like she's looking for something in the bag.
"What's wrong?" I asked.
"I think I forgot the milk.. Wait in here." She said and took off.
I inhale deeply.
"Sarah.." I call for her name.
I really just want everything to go back to normal.
"We don't need to talk." She said coldly.
"No.. I want to talk.. Just please listen." I said seriously as I walk closer.
"What for? You hate me.. You said you wish you never came back and made that contract." She reasoned.
Oh geez..
I facefalm myself.
"I didn't mean what I said." I replied.
"I don't care whether you meant it or not. It doesn't matter to me anymore." She replied.
"What are you saying?" I asked.
I gulp once.
"Are we not friends anymore?" I asked hesitantly.
She didn't answer.
I walked closer.
"Is that what you want?" I asked again.
I place my hands on her shoulder.
She look up to face me.
I'm just looking at her sadly.
My eyes landed on her neck.
I tried to supress a smile.
She's wearing the same necklace she gave to me.
"Just give me another chance to explain myself. I don't want to lose you. You're too special.." I replied softly as I stare at her longingly.
She was looking at me with the same sad eyes.
"I miss you.." I said gently.
She tried to avoid my gaze.
She pushed me gently when my mom got back to meet us.
"I got the milk.. let's go home." My mom said.
"Tonight.. I'll explain everything. I promise." I whisper to her before we got inside of the car.
The rest of the drive was still a bit awkward but at least I hope Sarah will stop giving me the cold shoulder.
After a few hours,
Sarah's parents arrive the house.
I was still waiting for Tori.
I really hope I'm doing the right thing here.
I text her to know where she is.
I got ready and wear something nice for tonight. I even curl my hair.
I walked down the stairs and caught all their attention.
"Wow Sweety! You really dress nicely today. You look beautiful." She said praising me.
Oli's jaw was drop open.
"Well look at that.. Who would have thought you can dress like a girl." He said teasing me.
"Shut up Oli.." I said.
Mr. and Mrs. Wilter complimented me as well.
"You look really pretty. Are you sure you're not trying to impress someone today? We heard someone is joining us for tonight." Sarah's mom said smiling while giving my mom a meaningful look.
Sarah was just staring at me.
I felt myself tensing up so I had to look away.
Then after a few seconds, I received a text from Tori.
She's outside of the house.
I rush to meet her.
She gave me the same awe expression. Her mouth wide open
"You look like you've seen a ghost.." I said jokingly.
"I think I'm seeing a goddess.." She corrected me while smiling warmly.
I felt my face blushing.
"I'm nowhere near as pretty as you.." I said nudging her side playfully.
She place both of her hand on my face.
"You have no idea how much I've been holding myself back from kissing you." She said softly.
My face became totally red.
"Stop teasing me.." I said while pulling away.
She chuckle lightly.
"You're so cute right now.." she giggle softly then she look at me again.
"So about our deal. Do we start now?" She asked curiously.
"Only if you're up for it." I replied nodding.
"Okay so basically, we'll do the things you and Sarah do when you're still pretending as Oli. Am I right?" She asked.
"Yeah.. something like that." I replied in a low voice.
"Does it involve us kissing.. hugging and talking sexy?" She asked teasing.
"W-what?" I asked stuttering.
She pinch my cheeks.
"Just kidding.." she said while giggling sweetly at me.
She took my hand and interlocked our fingers together.
I'm starting to get nervous though we are just pretending.
"Hi aunt Liza.. I brought wine." She said smiling warmly.
For a moment, my mom gaze at our hands.
She smiled widely at Tori and gave her a big hug.
"Hello Tori.." Sarah greeted her.
"Oh hey Sarah.. you're here too." She said casually then she gave her a peck on the cheeks like sisters.
Sarah also introduce Tori to her parents.
I sat next to Tori.
She gently took my hand and smiled sweetly at me.
"So are you two..?" Richard spoke but Margaret slap his shoulder before he could finished his question.
"Don't be so upfront.." she said giggling.
"What? I'm curious... Olivia is like a daughter to me so what's wrong with me asking?" He replied casually.
My mom couldn't stop laughing.
"So we are wondering sweety.. is there something special you want to annouce to us today?" She asked while raising her eyebrows playfully.
I took a glass in my hand and drink it.
Tori just chuckle beside me.
I shook my head.
"She's really shy.. it's cute." Margaret said.
"I think they already know.." Tori whispered.
I look at her confused.
"Huh?" I asked.
"Are you pretending or are you just really dense?" Tori asked giggling.
Am I missing something here.
My eyes landed on Sarah. She was just drinking her wine.
I excused myself and went to the rest room.
I fixed my make up.
After that I open the door.
Sarah was waiting for me.
"Oh hey.." I said smiling nervously.
"I'm still waiting for you to explain yourself." She reminded me.
"Yeah.. yeah I know." I said nodding.
"Are you gonna used the rest room?" I asked.
"Yes." She said shortly.
Before she entered, I spoke again.
"Um.. Sar, can I sleep in your room later?" I asked hesitantly.
Afraid of rejection, I closed my eyes.
I always sleep in her room when it's new year.
I heard her move so I open my eyes.
"How about Tori? Will she not stay over tonight?" She asked.
Right.. I forgot.
"Thought so.." she said then close the door as she enters.
I went back to the living room.
Tori and Oli were chatting.
I sat next to her.
She kiss my cheeks sweety.
I felt uncomfortable.
I mean my mom and Sarah's parents are also in the room.
After a while, we ate dinner.
I sat across Sarah while Tori was beside me.
We are all chatting together.
I felt myself more relax now. Tori is really good at calming me.
There was also a lot of wine involve. I tried to take as little as I could.
"So I think everyone is wondering. O.. what exactly is it with you and Tori?" Sarah asked. Her attention was only focus on mine.
I drop my spoon at her sudden boldness.
I think I'm starting to get nervous again.
"Are you guys together or what?" She repeated her question.
They all chuckle when Sarah asked that question.
"Easy there darling.. You almost sound like you want to grill your best friend." Her mom said playfully.
"But we're really curious though." Her dad follow up.
"Um.. we-well Tori and I, we are.." I said struggling to finish my sentence.
"We are lovers.." Tori finished for me.
I almost choked up.
I knew this was going to happen. I replay it many times in my head but i was still not prepared for it.
Our parents squeal as Tori mentioned that.
"I knew it! You guys owe me 100 dollars!" My mom said.
"Wait.. you guys are betting on us?" I asked.
"Just to be clear, I was the only one who bet in your favor. These four bet against you guys." She said laughing.
"Well I was about to bet on their favor now." Richard said laughing.
"No take backs.." my mom said.
We all just laughed with them except Sarah.
Is she still mad at me?
"And yet you said you two are not together." I heard her say.
There was a bit of awkward silence because of that.
"Aren't you happy for us Sarah?" Tori asked Sarah out of the blue.
Okay? What?
Please don't push her Tori.
Sarah was taken aback by Tori's question.
She suddenly laughed hysterically.
"Oh course I am Tori!" She said as she laugh louder.
Tori and I decided to spend time outside.
"That was fun... but I think I should go. I don't want to stay up too late." Tori said softly.
"I thought you're staying over tonight." I said.
"I changed my mind. You should try to talk to Sarah." She replied suggesting.
"I don't know.. I think she's more pissed at me that before. You see how she's acting earlier." I said.
She just shrug her shoulder.
"Just go talk to her. If things don't end well then come see me." She said smiling.
She squeeze my hands gently.
I was about to hug her when she suddenly peck my lips.
I pull away shocked by her gesture.
"Sorry.. I couldn't help myself. You really look beautiful." She said giggling lightly.
She fix a few strands of my hair and place it behind my ear.
"I should go before I changed my mind. I might end up jumping on you in the bed." She said laughing casually.
I closed my mouth and gasp.
"I'm kidding.. sort of." She said while walking off and waving goodbye to me.
After a few minutes, the party was over and Sarah left with her family.
I help my mom clean the house.
Then when everything was done. We all came back to our room to rest.
I still want to talk to Sarah. We didn't have much time to talk earlier since she was too busy with Oli.
I promise that I will explain myself tonight.
I glance at her window.
It was already dark.
I wonder if she's sleeping.
After two hours of arguing with myself on whether to go or not..
I decided to follow my heart.
I went outside and climb up to her window.
I made a few quiet knocks.
"Sar... hey.. wake up!" I said whispering a little louder.
I realized that her window wasn't even lock.
I open it and jump in her room.
It made one loud sound which made Sarah wake up in her sleep. She was completely startled and took the nearest pillow and attack me.
"Who the hell are you?!" She was shouting.
"Hey! Hey it's me! Stop!" I said while I tried to push her.
I grab her hand and push myself up as I push her on the bed.
"Sar it's me!" I said almost out of breath as I stood up.
"O?!" She said as she heard my voice.
Her room was sound proof so I'm sure nobody heard us.
"What the hell! Do you know what time it is?" She said annoyed.
"Probably 3am.." I replied as I pace.
"Exactly! So what the hell!" She was completely pissed.
"I couldn't sleep. I wanted to talk to you. Besides, isn't this what you do all the time. Bother me when I'm asleep?" I argued.
She threw a pillow at my face.
"You're not funny. I'm still mad at you." She countered.
"You said you were still waiting for me to explain myself. Can I do it now?" I replied.
"Well what is there to explain about now? You and Tori being lovers? Well you already did that earlier. Anymore secrets you want to share?" She asked sarcastically.
"I'm sorry.." I replied sadly.
"So why did you lie? Why did you avoided me?" She asked seriously.
"I just don't get it." She added.
"I wasn't ready to face you." I said as I lean back to the wall standing.
"Seriously? Did you think I'm not going to approve this? You and Tori? Being gay? How little faith did you have of me." She said completely offended.
Because I'm not even sure if I'm gay..
It's not like I find girls attractive that way..
Not until you.
"It's not you Sar.. it's me.. I was just not ready.." I replied with a heavy sighed.
"Come here." She said while waving for me to come closer.
I walked slowly to her.
"Sit." She said while tapping the side of the bed instructing me to sit next to her.
I sat next to her.
"There's just one thing I don't understand.." she paused for a second.
"About the party? Nightmares?" She asked softly.
I instantly remember the incident with Stella.
My hands began to shake again.
I shut my eyes close and lower my head as I tried to calm myself..
I need to stop thinking about that.
"Did you really hate the contract? Or coming back home?" She asked gently.
I shook my head and face her.
"No! It's not like that... I'm happy to see you. Like I said, I don't want to lose you. I want to fix this.. See, I never took the necklace off me since the day you gave it to me." I replied seriously.
She giggle softly.
"Yeah me too.." she said showing her own necklace.
"So about those nightmares?" She asked again.
"It's nothing.. I just felt like you were replacing me in your life. With you and Oli.. It felt like you didn't need me anymore. I know it's selfish and I'm sorry." I replied.
At least not all of it was a lie.
I just can't tell her about Stella.
She would just blame herself and I don't want that. I don't want her to worry.
She nodded gently.
"I completely understand because that's how I felt too. With you and Tori.. I couldn't help it. I feel like you're replacing me and it makes me feel awful." She said.
"Let's promise that whatever relationship we have with other people, we'll never forget about us. You and me bestfriends forever." She said with conviction.
I nodded smiling.
"Bestfriends forever.." I replied.
She kiss my cheeks gently.
"So does this mean that we will have double dates now?" She asked laughing.
I don't think that's a good idea..
She let her head rest on my shoulder.
"I'm sorry.. I wanted to make you feel how I felt when you ghost me." She said apologetically.
"It's fine.. I deserve it." I said.
"But you know.. I thought it will make me feel better but it didn't. It was the opposite. I felt more lonely and sad for trying to get even with you." She added.
"I felt awful too. I just kept on missing you. I was miserable in LA." I replied honestly.
"Why didn't you encash the cheque yet? You're not attending the acting program?" She asked curiously.
"I miss the deadline. I'll apply next semester." I lied.
"Oh okay.." she replied.
"Um.. O? Can you stay a little longer?" She asked softly.
I want to.. I really do but.. it hurts.
I didn't answer but I just made a slight nod.
We both lay on her bed.
"Happy new year Sar." I said as I closed my eyes.
"Happy new year too O.." she said softly.
She embrace me tight and lean closer to my ear.
That made me feel a little tense.
"By the way, you look really beautiful tonight. I couldn't take my eyes off you the whole evening." She said then gave me another peck on the back of my neck as she drift to sleep.
I felt my cheeks blush.
Sar, I don't think I can be normal around you.