REAWAKENED DESIRE

UNRAVELING EMOTIONS

Stepping into Rachel's apartment, Olivia was enveloped in warm hug.

"Hey girl, where did you disappear to last night," Rachel asked concern etched on her face. "Because, you just said to give you some minutes, and then you disappeared."

Olivia looked at her, her lips curling up in a smile.

"I'm sorry Rachel, just got caught up with Liam," she explained, the smile not leaving her lips.

With a teasing smile, Rachel pulled Olivia to the chair, trying to know what happened between she and Liam.

"Girl, tell me everything that happened last night," she demanded, curiosity visible in her voice.

Olivia hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal.

"Let's grab some coffee, and I'll tell you everything later," she said, stalling.

Rachel nodded sensing something was amiss.

Over steaming cups of coffee Olivia began her story.

"After I excused myself from you, I went to talk things out with Liam, he apologized and you know we kinda ...kissed... and,"she didn't had the opportunity to complete her story, when suddenly Rachel gasped.

"You guys did what? kissed? wow just continue, because this story seem more interesting than I imagined.

Rolling her eyes, Olivia continued. "So the kiss kind of got heated and he suggested we go to his house....." She went on and on telling Rachel all that happened without skipping anything, and by the time she was done talking Rachel's mouth was left hanging, she didn't know what to make of all Olivia just told her.

After digesting the whole situation, the only question that left her mouth was, "are you guys together now?"

With a sigh leaving her mouth, Olivia nodded. "No we aren't together, or better still I don't want to get tangled in a complex relationship."

Rachel nodded her head in support to what Olivia said.

"But to be honest Liv, that was huge. Too much to take in." she said, pulling Olivia into a tight hug. "Don't worry I'll always be here for you. When you feel overwhelmed remember I'm here and there's nothing to worry about."

Olivia nodded her head, as she tightened her grip on Rachel. The thought of how they broke up came flooding in her mind like an ocean. She thought of how her heart got shattered by the person she once loved, and the thought of him coming back to her life felt really overwhelming.

She couldn't help the tears that had swelled in her eyes from falling. She kept on sobbing in Rachel's arm, as that was her only solace.

Few seconds later, she stopped sobbing and only remained in Rachel's embrace.

"Olivia, you need to brazen up," Rachel chipped in. "I know it's hard to accept, the fact that he came back after all this years.I remember you crying your eyes out everything night after the abrupt breakup asking what you had done, Livy," she continued. "But that doesn't mean you should keep leaving in fear Rachel, you need to fight those emotions of yours."

Olivia listened to everything Rachel was saying with keen interest. She agreed that she really needed to stand strong and firm when dealing with her emotions.

As she pondered Rachel's words, her phone buzzed, signaling an incoming call. She looked to see who it was, and seems like luck wasn't by her side because it was the person she least wanted to talk to at that moment, "liam"

She stared at her phone, contemplating whether to receive the call or not. Her heart skipped a bit as her hand hovered over the answer button.

Rachel noticed her unease,"Liv, it's okay. You don't have to answer if you're not ready."

Olivia took a deep breath letting her gaze drift out the window. The beautiful garden outside seeming to be a sense of comfort that calmed her racing heart.

With newfound resolve, Olivia answered the call.

"Liam?" she said, her voice cautious.

"He Olivia," Liam replied, his tone gentle. "I... was wondering if... if we both could meet up and... and you know catch up, I mean talk," he continued stuttering.

Olivia's grip on the phone tightened.

"I don't think that's really necessary, i mean there really isn't anything to talk about you know,"

There was a pause before Liam responded. "I really I'm not forcing you Olivia, i'm just suggesting. You know it's been a while since we last saw each other, and I feel we could just hang out, but it's fine...." he was interrupted by Olivia.

"It's fine Liam," she said.

Liam sign of relief sounded very audible over the phone.

"Thank you, Liv. I'll pick you up by 7 pm?"

Olivia nodded, even though Liam couldn't see her. "I'll be ready.

As she ended the call, Rachel's concerned expression caught her attention.

"You're okay Liv?" Rachel asked, her voice soft.

Olivia took a deep breath trying to process her emotions.

"I think so," she replied finally.

"And what did he say?" Rachel asked.

"He wants to meet up and talk," Olivia replied.

Rachel's eyes narrowed slightly. "About what?"

Olivia shrugged. "He didn't say. But I think its time we... figured somethings out."

Rachel nodded thoughtfully. " Whatever happens, I'm here for you."

Olivia's heart swelled with gratitude. "Thanks Rachel. That means everything to me.

As the evening drew closer, Olivia's nerve began to flutter. What would Liam say? What did he want? She tried to push this thought aside, focusing on getting ready for the meeting.

She took a deep breath, letting the warm water of the shower wash away her anxiety. She dressed in comfortable clothes, her fingers hesitating over the silver necklace Liam had given her. Should she wear it? In the end she decided against it, not wanting to give him the wrong impression.

As she applied light makeup and styled her hair, she felt a sense of trepidation, she feared something unpleasant might happen.

The door bell rang, and Olivia's heart skipped a beat. She took one last look at the mirror, before heading to the door.