MY UNUSUAL ROMANCE
Chapter 5
Eileen played on her phone for a while before taking a glance at Olivia. The cold, distant Olivia sat far away without paying much attention to her. Ever since their little dispute at the cafeteria, Eileen refuses to talk and make amends. Since she wouldn't make amends, Olivia didn't even bother to initiate first. This frigid person doesn't even know how to apologise!
Sure, calling her childish and immature shouldn't be a big deal, but what hurts her the most is she feels that Eleanor is the one who Olivia vibes with the most. The one that Olivia really likes to hang with the most. The one who Olivia relates with the most. From their matching preferences, anyone can see that they're suitable for each other. In addition to what Olivia said, it felt like a slap in the face because those words proved true about her being dramatic and immature.
Eleanor has a soft and gentle demeanour, well-spoken and sweet in nature. Contrary to Eileen, she's quiet and elegant, just like Olivia. Although Olivia is more reserved and cold, Eleanor is as placid as the waters of a calm lake. The two of them have similar taste in almost everything! Whereas, Eileen and Olivia are two poles apart. Eileen is more garish and clamorous. She doesn't study, doesn't like books, and especially, she doesn't eat cake. She couldn't figure out why her friend enjoys cake as much as Eleanor does.
Nevertheless, no matter how one looks, their differences are distinguishable like the sun and moon!
"Lin, what's the matter?" A girl's voice suddenly interrupted Eileen's thoughts.
This girl is none other than Savannah Lewis. A popular girl in their class and knows almost everyone in school. Savannah is bold and charismatic, no wonder she became a cheerleading captain. She knows how to lead, has a strong personality, and has a knack for interacting with people. Whenever she talks in front, all the attention would fall to her. That's how influential and persuasive this person is.
"Nothing's wrong. Why would you ask that..?" As Eileen spoke, Savannah grabbed a random chair and sat across Eileen.
"Couldn't help but notice you aren't hanging out with your nerd friend." Savannah lazily laid back on the chair.
Eileen couldn't help but frown. "Don't slander my friend."
"Sorry, sorry… I didn't mean it that way." Savannah gave a perky smile and waved her hand as if saying that she doesn't have to take her words seriously. She leaned closer to Eileen. "Did you and Olivia fight?"
Eileen sighed. "It's complicated…"
"Whoa, girl… That's a long, upsetting sigh." Savannah replied, moving her chair a little closer to caress Eileen's hair. "Cheer up, Lin. I'm sure the two of you will be okay in a few days. For now, let's give her some space." She added, giving her reassurance.
"Oh? Did something bad happen to Lin?" The boy's charming voice startled Eileen from her seat.
"Eileen and her friend just fought. She's been down ever since." Savannah told the boy.
Sean approached them and stood in front. He flipped his gorgeous, long, copper hair to look at Eileen clearly, which made her cheeks go slightly red at the sight of him.
"No wonder you're not being yourself these days. I've always seen you down and gloomy." Sean gave her a worried look. "But the reason for this… You and Olivia actually quarrelled?" He asked, as if surprised that the two inseparable friends are capable of arguing with each other.
"It's not like we haven't argued before…" Eileen pretended to act naturally, refusing to show a bit of affection. "There are times that Olivia would lose her temper, but it was not that big of a deal… On occasion, she just calms down and still talks to me. Now…" Her voice trails off.
"...Now, she's just avoiding me." Eileen let out a sigh again.
"Hmm… I don't know what really happened between you… But, I just want to let you know that if you ever need someone you can lean with…" He looks at Savannah and back to Eileen. "We're here for you."
Eileen caught a sight of Sean's angelic smile while comforting her. Just as she thought she could faint anytime just by seeing his smile, Sean raised his hand and ruffled Eileen's hair. She felt her heart beats even faster that she might die.
When the two of the most popular kids left, Eileen couldn't help but feel euphoria when Sean decided to talk to her. She needs someone she can talk to about this. She was about to approach Olivia to tell the tale when she noticed that this person can't be found inside the classroom anymore.
Eileen also realised that she forgot about the feud between them. It would be awkward if she just started a conversation out of nowhere, talking all about Sean's handsomeness at that.
Now, she's contemplating whether she should talk to her or just ignore her.
In the end, she left the classroom to find Olivia.
The only place she could think of where her friend usually goes to is in the library. Probably where she would be reading a book with Eleanor. Although she doesn't want to see that soft girl, she still needs to apologise.
She entered the library and didn't see the person she was looking for. Instead, it's the person she least wanted to see. Eleanor is sitting at her usual place where she frequently reads her books with Olivia. Despite the reluctance, she approached Eleanor slowly to say sorry.
The soft girl was so immersed in reading that she didn't notice Eileen in front of her.
Eileen clears her throat loudly to get her attention. That's when Eleanor raises her head to look at the source of the sound.
"Eileen? What are you doing here? Olivia's not here." She said.
"I know. I was looking for her, but found you instead." Eileen told the purpose of her coming to the library. "Since I'm here now, I just wanted to say that I'm really sorry for troubling you that day."
"Oh- no..! It's alright! I think I should be the one who's apologising… I can't help but notice your behaviour towards me. Perhaps you don't like me hanging out with Olivia..?"
Eileen's eyes widened when she heard the other person's words. She stayed silent and looked away from her. A few moments later, Eleanor chuckles.
"Not hearing any word from you, it seems that you don't approve of me and Olivia's friendship…"
"That's not…"
"Olivia hasn't seen me ever since that day. Maybe she felt bad and wanted to reconcile, but judging from her attitude… She most likely failed." Eleanor stared at her, then smiled. "Go find her. I believe the two of you should talk it out instead."
Eileen immediately understood the meaning of her words, nodded, then rushed out of the library.
Just when she was about to go back to the classroom, Eileen stops running when Olivia comes out of the comfort room. Turns out, she was just inside the restroom all along! Eileen immediately felt fatigue from running all the way to the library.
Olivia's eyes stared directly at Eileen's, as if the words coming from their mouths shifted into their eyes, exchanging glances instead.
Just one look, the two of them knew what they were about to say. They're two halves of a whole, after all. One will never be complete without the other.
In a glimpse, the two polar opposites, black and white, sun and moon, blend together perfectly in a tight embrace.