Torn Between Two Olivias

The Next Day

I woke up bright and early the next morning to the sun shining through my pink curtains. I began fumbling around my nightstand for my hope nervous and hopeful that Aaron was as excited to text me as I was. A huge grin spread across my face just before a squeal excited my mouth when I saw the banner on phone showing his name and a preview!

A: It was nice to catch up last night.

Trying not to appear too eager, I typed and re-typed my message back to him a few times.

O: Definitely. I enjoyed the ice cream too.

I stared at my phone in nervous anticipation his response. My fingers tapped back and forth on the screen while the 3 dot bubbles popped up showing he was typing.

A: If you’re not busy, maybe we could grab some again today? Or go for a walk or something?

Oh my gosh he wants to see me again! I have to tell Miranda.

O: Let me know how your interview went!

O: Aaron wants to hang out again today!! What am I going to wear???

I jump out of bed to rummage through my closet and then stop with a laugh. I’d better actually ask my parents if I can go and then text Aaron back. My mom was already at work, but my dad was just enough of an asshole to say no because he knew it would make me happy.

I sighed and worked up the courage to go down the hall.

“Dad, would you mind if I went to hang out with some friends today? I don’t think we have anything planned right?”

“Hmm, you know I don’t like it when you wait til the last minute to ask for things like this. Maybe you should stay and clean your room or your bathroom.”

“Um, well I feel like they’re both pretty clean but if you have something you noticed I’d be happy to clean it. And I didn’t mean to wait til the last minute - they just asked a few minutes ago.”

“Who is they?”

I blushed. I didn’t really want to tell my dad I wanted to go hang out alone with a boy, but I’m not a particularly good liar. I tried to keep a straight face as I responded, “oh, just Miranda and maybe a few other people. They want to go to Cambridge park.”

“Let me think about it and I’ll get back to you.”

It was so like my dad to be non-committal. I sighed, but didn’t say anything else because being eager was a sure-fire way to get him to say no.

About an hour later, I approached my dad again and mentioned that the ask to hang out was somewhat time sensitive as they were waiting for an answer. He begrudgingly said yes, and I repressed the intense urge to squeal!

I checked my phone and noticed I had one text from Aaron and three from Miranda.

M: Oh my gosh! Just be careful - I don’t want you to be a rebound girl.

M: Wear something cute but not like you’re trying too hard. Definitely a little makeup, but nothing crazy.

M: Btw, interview went well. Manager said I should hear back this week!

A: Hey, I didn’t hear back from you. No pressure if you don’t want to hang out.

I quickly responded to Aaron that I’d be up for walking around Cambridge Park (because if my dad checked my phone location I needed to be where I said I was). I completely forgot about Miranda and responding to her while I tried on 3 outfits in rapid succession while finally settling on an emerald green strappy tank top that complimented my chocolate brown hair and green eyes with a pair of light wash, distressed denim shorts and some slip on sandals. I added some mascara and swipe of shimmery eyeshadow for good measure before putting my hair in a loose braid.

After snatching up my car keys and grabbing a soda from the fridge, I yelled bye at my dad and rushed out the door. I’m pretty sure I made it home to the park in record time. As I pulled up and parked, I caught Aaron’s eyes and tried not to blush as he smiled at me.