Chapter 42 - In a Nutshell (1/2)
Cultural Center
”YOU WHAAAT?” Emily's hands dropped from Olivia's shoulders down to the latter's wrists. She was gripping it tightly before she quickly scanned it, afraid that she put too much force on it after Olivia flinched.
”No, no. We didn't go all the way. My nose bled so we stopped midway,” Olivia shyly whispered like a teenager confessing to her mom and bowed her head to avoid eye contact. Huffing, she asked with a defeated smile, ”This is messed up, isn't it?”
”No, it's not messed up… I think. I haven't heard the full story sooo… and it's not that I'm conservative or anything. I just told you this space,” she moved her arms up and down like a graceful ballerina to emphasize her point, ”...is judgment-free zone, riiight? I know one night stands happen buuut the way you've said it might have shocked me juuust a little.”
Emily grabbed Olivia's wrists and rubbed her thumbs over it unsure of what to say next. She's half thankful that Maxen and Olivia haven't done the deed yet but half scared that they almost did because it could mean one thing: Olivia somehow took a fancy on Maxen too. Now, all she had to was think of ways to reunite the star-crossed lovers because how could she let down Maxen now that he's ready to get in a serious relationship?
'Damn you, Maxen. Why do you have to be a playboy?' Emily cursed in her mind.
Seeing that Olivia calmed down, Emily gestured towards a seat and the two ladies found their way to the corner of the room by the floor to ceiling window where a view of the landscaped garden at the back of the building was in full view.
”Tea? Coffee? Water?” Emily offered but Olivia shook her head. The two stared at each other in silence for a few seconds before Emily reached out for Olivia's hand, prompting the latter to speak up.
Olivia bit the inside of her cheek. She never opened up to another soul about her feelings or thoughts that speaking up about it now felt like uncharted territory for her.
She glanced at Emily who never left her eyes on her and thought if the glint in Emily's eyes was a look of pity or concern. However, Olivia got distracted by the warmth of Emily's hands so she moved her gaze to the latter's hands that was still clasping hers and smiled. She really hated touchy-feely persons but she guessed Emily was an outlier.
Left with no choice, Olivia let out a frustrated sigh, charmed by the sweetness of the lady named Emily, and said, ”It's weird. Talking with somebody but I need this madness out of my c.h.e.s.t right now or god knows how I'll survive the day. I don't like this… this weird stabbing feeling,” Olivia pounded her fist on her c.h.e.s.t.
”You know, I'm used to talking with colleagues, students, clients, but I never had someone talk about scholarly matters.” A resentful smile curved Olivia's lips as she narrated her life in a nutshell that Emily's heart bled for her new gal pal.
”Really? How about friends? Do you have friends in England, Livi?” Emily inquired. She couldn't fathom a lady as engaging as Olivia to not have a single friend.