Olive's P.O.V.
Dad had called, but I ignored it. I didn't want to talk to him right now, especially not by mom. It's his fault I missed all these years with her. It's his fault that she had to run away. How could he ever hurt her like that? I watched mom sleep, wondering how she endured him for 10 years. She was strong in her own way.
I decided to use this time to call my doctor and get myself checked. She placed an order with the hospital I was at, to take my blood and have it tested. I would have the results in two weeks, and we'd talk about options once she had them. She then scheduled me for a breast screening at the end of the month. I checked in on mom again, seeing she was still asleep.
"Sorry to bother you, Nancy." I spoke to the nurse at the round desk. "Can you please let my mother know that I went to get my blood drawn if she wakes up wondering where I went?"
"Of course, darling. No problem." She answered in her sweet southern accent. I'd only ever heard it in movies, having lived in the north all my life. It was adorable to listen to.
----
"I am glad you are getting that going." Mom told me the next day.
She had slept for the rest of my visit Monday, but I had stayed by her side anyway, only going home once it had gotten dark. Neither Lucas nor Leo had texted me, yesterday or today and that was fine. I know Leo is going through a lot and I'm sure Lucas is by his side. I didn't text them myself, feeling like I would be a nuisance right now.
"She told me I would get my results in a couple of weeks."
You might not be here to hear them.
The thought had my heart squeezing in pain. I sighed, feeling the most overwhelmed and depressed I've ever felt. I wanted to cure her cancer. I wished there was something I could do for her, but there's nothing. I fished my phone out of my pocket feeling it vibrate once, letting me know I had a text.
Leo: How's your mom?
He just lost his father, but he was checking in on me. He shouldn't be worrying about me.
Olive: Not well. How are you holding up?
I asked him, wishing there was more I could do or say to make him feel better. I've only known him a week, but in that week I've seen that Leo had a gentle heart. He's kind and he's funny. He's clumsy but still somehow cool.
Leo: Not well.
Olive: I am so sorry, Leo. Is there anything I can do for you?
I have a lot on my own plate right now, but I would add on to it, if it would help him in some way.
Leo: Distract me.
Olive: No problem! Are you wanting memes? Dark humor? Or maybe a run down of my life? Lol, kidding about that last one.
I will scour the internet for the best memes to make him laugh, but not really sure what his sense of humor is.
Leo: Actually that rundown of your life seemed the most interesting of my options. Haha
I slapped my forehead so hard that I almost woke mom back up. She stirred for a moment, taking a deep breath. She was still beautiful despite her graying complection.
Olive: Oof, I would need lots of alcohol and about 3 hours of your life. Lol
Leo: I'll bring the alcohol if you tell me what you like to drink, because I clearly don't know.
He referred to his choice of drink for me at the tunnel nightclub.
Olive: Deal! Bring Whiskey, I need to feel the burn, and whiskey always gets me talking about deeper things in life. Hospital roof sound good?
I honestly don't think I've ever opened up about my past with anyone. Hailey knows the most about me, but even with her I hadn't told her about my mom or dad until just last week when I found out mom had cancer and needed someone to talk to.
Leo: Yeah that's fine. I'll come around 7 tonight. I hope it's okay that Lucas is coming too. I haven't been able to get him to leave me alone.
Another loud forehead slap had mom stirring. I am sure my forehead is red now. I sighed, because for some reason telling Lucas about my life feels different than telling Leo. It feels more intimate and I don't really like that.
Olive: In that case I'm going to need more alcohol.
Leo: No problem. Thank you, Olive. I really appreciate this.
That was enough to make me feel better about the whole thing. I took a deep breath, letting the nerves fly away.
Olive: I got you, Leo! Also call me Liv.
Leo: Okay, Liv. See you at 7
With that I refocused on my school work, not trying to fall behind in my junior year. It feels impossible to get out of the hole you dig if you miss too much work or class.
----
"There she is, the woman of the hour." Leo greeted me with open arms as I walked through the roof door.
I wasn't sure if the door would lock behind me, so I left a wooden block as a wedge. I gave Leo a big hug, feeling his arms wrap around me and squeeze me tightly. I felt him inhale deeply, slumping his shoulders as he did. He pulled away sniffling. I could see him trying to bite back the tears. I could see my future in him right now. I'll probably be the same way in a week or so.
"Do I get one of those too?" Lucas asked with a smirk, his arms held open.
I thought about it for a moment, but Lucas didn't give me much choice. He took me in his arms, squeezing me gently. I melted into the hug, wrapping my arms around him too. His sandalwood and vanilla cologne attacked my lungs, making me dizzy with lust for a moment. I was the one to pull back first, when I realized this hug had become a long embrace.
"Okay where's the whiskey?" I asked, looking around.
Lucas handed me the bottle.
"No glasses?" I asked.
"Nope. That bottle is just for you. Leo and I are just drinking beer." Lucas explained, holding up a 6 pack.
"Perfect." I smiled.
I opened the bottle chugging a good amount, feeling like I just incinerated my chest. Lucas and Leo stared at me with wide eyes as I downed a quarter of the bottle in one go.
"Damn." Lucas muttered with a smirk, as if he liked seeing the way I could handle my liquor. Leo on the other hand seemed concerned with his brow slightly furrowed.
"Where do you want me to start?" I asked Leo, because tonight is about making him feel better, even if it's at my expense.
"At the beginning, tell me about your childhood." Leo smiled. Poor guy probably doesn't realize he's asking for the worst years of my life.
"Okay, one second." I drank more whiskey, to their surprise.
"Is it that hard for you to open up?" Lucas raised a brow.
"You'll see. We should probably sit." I pointed to the folding chairs that were set out here, probably by staff members.
After we each took a seat I took a deep breath and dove right in.
"I grew up in New Hampshire, in a small house on a winding road. We didn't have close neighbors, and looking back at it now, I know it was on purpose. My father didn't want others hearing the screams."
They both looked at each other for a moment as I stared at the ground. I took another swig.
"My mom, dad, and I were only ever a picture perfect family in public, but behind closed doors my father would abuse my mother. I am not sure when it started or why, but as long as I can remember they would fight. It always started with yelling, leading to things being thrown, and eventually him hitting her."
"Olive...Liv, you don't have to. I'm sorry I didn't realize." Leo shook his head.
"No, it's fine. It's too late now, I've already drunk quite a lot." I smiled. "Anyway, my dad was an MMA fighter so his punches were always hard. One time I got in front of my mom, trying to keep him from hurting her, but in his fit of rage he pushed me away to get to her. I hit my head on the corner of the kitchen counter splitting my forehead open."
I touched the scar, remembering the warmth of my blood flowing down my face. I have to continue this story now that I have started it.