DRAWN TO LOVE

Chapter 17-18

Tami POV

The bell had barely rung before I grabbed my bag, practically flying out of the lecture hall. Every step felt heavy with the weight of the week—a week spent carefully avoiding Oliver Thomas, dodging his gaze, and pretending to be absorbed in my own world. And yet, no matter how many times I tried, there were those moments when my eyes would betray me, flicking toward him before I could stop myself.

I could feel Lola’s presence before I even saw her. She leaned against her car in the parking lot, arms crossed loosely, a frown tugging at her lips. “Rough day?” she asked the moment I reached her, voice casual, though the crease between her brows gave away her concern.

I shrugged, letting my backpack slump heavier against my shoulder. “You could say that.”

Lola tilted her head, not buying it. “Tami… come on. I’ve noticed. The cafeteria, the hallway… every time he’s around, you tense up. You’re practically vibrating.”

I froze, my hand tightening around my bag strap. How could she know? Lola didn’t know about my past—not the grade school years when Oliver had tormented me, not the way those memories had buried themselves deep inside me. Not that I would ever admit it to her… not yet.

“I just… I don’t like the attention,” I said finally, keeping my voice neutral. “I’m fine. Really.”

Her eyes softened, but her frown remained. “You’re not fine. And you know it. Don’t lie to me. You’re better than pretending everything’s okay just to avoid dealing with someone.”

Her words lingered in the air as we drove back toward my house, the silence between us comfortable but charged with unspoken thoughts. I focused on the streetlights flashing past, forcing myself to breathe normally. I had been so careful, walking the line between avoiding Oliver and pretending I didn’t notice him. And now Lola was poking at that carefully built barrier.

By the time we pulled into the driveway, Lola hadn’t let go of her observation. She glanced at me, eyes soft but insistent. “You can tell me, you know. I’m your friend. You don’t have to carry this alone.”

I hesitated, staring at the steering wheel, hands gripping it tighter than necessary. For a long moment, I didn’t say anything, my thoughts spinning. Then, slowly, I let a sigh escape.

“I… okay,” I admitted quietly, voice almost lost. “It’s Oliver Thomas. He… he’s complicated. I mean… not like I know him well, but—” I faltered, unsure how much to reveal.

Lola leaned forward, encouraging me with a small nod. “Go on.”

I swallowed, glancing out the windshield at the darkening street. “Back in grade school… he… he bullied me. A lot. He… he embarrassed me, teased me, made my life miserable in ways I couldn’t explain to anyone. And now… now he’s here. And he’s… different. But every time I see him, I… I don’t know how to act. I can’t just… ignore what I remember. And I don’t want him to see that I remember.”

Lola’s expression softened further, her arms relaxing as she reached over and gave my hand a gentle squeeze. “Tami… I get it. That’s a lot to carry. And it makes sense you’d avoid him. But you don’t have to go through it alone. You can trust me.”

Her words felt like a weight lifted from my chest. I let out a shaky breath, nodding. “Thanks, Lola. I… I just didn’t want to bother you with it. You don’t even know him, and I… I didn’t want to drag the past into now.”

She shook her head, a faint smile tugging at her lips. “You’re not bothering me. Friends don’t let each other carry heavy things alone. And, for what it’s worth… I don’t like him either. I noticed how he made you tense the first week he came, and I didn’t like seeing it.”

I blinked at her, surprise flickering across my features. “You… noticed?”

“Of course I did,” she said matter-of-factly, a little amused now. “You can’t hide much from me when you’re like this.”

I chuckled softly, tension finally starting to loosen. “Yeah, well… I guess I need a better poker face.”

She laughed, the sound light and comforting. “Or maybe just stop carrying old ghosts around.”

The drive ended with a sense of relief I hadn’t expected. For the first time in weeks, I felt like I wasn’t trapped by my own fears. Lola had listened, had understood, and had offered me her quiet support without judgment.

Inside, the house was warm and familiar. My mother sat on the sofa, knitting, glancing up at me with a soft smile. “How was school?” she asked gently.

I shrugged, a small smile tugging at my lips. “It was fine, Mum. Really.”

She nodded, sensing my mood but not pressing. Sometimes the best comfort came from her quiet presence, the steady rhythm of the home she maintained.

I collapsed onto my bed later, hugging a pillow to my chest. The memory, of Oliver sitting casually with Jason, laughing, still lingered. But the heaviness was different now—not crushing, just present. I had shared a piece of it, and that made a difference.

I closed my eyes, letting the quiet dark of my room wrap around me. Tomorrow would come, and Oliver would still be there, unpredictable and frustrating. But now I felt a little braver, knowing I didn’t have to carry the fear alone.