I apologize in advance for the grammatical errors, I am just really ecstatic to finally update! It's been a while :)

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Chapter 9:

Opposite Sides: Blurry

Olive sat leaning on her bedpost, her fingers tapping the space of her laptop as she waits for Bronwyn to answer. She was in a fidgety state, mentally scolding herself for giving away an unconscious thought even when she hasn't come to terms with it. He asked her such an honest question, she naturally answered with what she knew of it.

Surely he wouldn't think further of it, would he?

But she does. She knew she meant something from it. The climax of the film rode with the tension in her gut. Realization swept her in its arms with dark rims and absence of abs, it looked at her with such deep hue, she drowned. Her heart nearly pulled all of her ribs just to hide. She cannot face it, how can she?

She planted her elbow to the surface and leaned on it. Her head felt heavy due to the impact of her confession. Such answer hit her hard that her skin shivered with the thought that he was just a floor away. She wrapped herself with her arms in an effort to feel warmth. She doesn't have the willpower to get her blanket from the scene downstairs knowing what lies next to it.

Olive Elephanta knew what lies behind the fifth and sixth ribs of her body, and it wasn't supposed to react to a certain Enoch O'Connor. She was no scientific minded person, but she knows for a fact that hearts do not beat for a person.

But perhaps he stimulates her dopamine. Despite her current withdrawal episode, she cannot deny and will no longer act oblivious, to the knowledge that she rather likes it when she could lift the ends of his lips and make his throat vibrate with laughter. She, for the safest conclusion to say, admires him. She proved to herself how right she was when she predicted he'll develop a pivotal role.

The screen popped Bronwyn's tab and the woman greeted her with droopy eyes and a tired smile. It was already way pass Wyn's bed time, yet she rarely complains on anything.

Olive however, was dazed, preoccupied with the thoughts that run in her head. On her face was a small stretch of a smile, unnoticed and candid. Bronwyn softened then, waking up from her state and saw how Enoch O'Connor once again, made an appearance in the story.

To yet another person she deeply cares about.

"You certainly are happy, Miss Magpie" She voiced out, exhaling with a sigh and a comforting smile. Despite the sharpness of her features, she has the softest regards for people.

"I am and not at the same time, it's weird" the girl, whom she witnessed growing up, still looked at her with the same glint she had seventeen years ago. "What is the matter, Olive?" Olive albeit being twenty five, was still her little magpie. She was still that little brown eyed feisty child who clung to her whenever she was too tired to pretend she's made of steel.

And now, even after witnessing Olive in such years when she dated douches, she was taken aback that her little one is experiencing such turmoil. It was like the first day nature knocked on the magpie's life and pronounced her adolescent. It can also be compared to the very first heart break when she locked herself in her room and danced until her feet went swollen as with her eyes. Her little Magpie looked so much like her younger self, and not, at the same time.

Olive scrunched her face with her hands, groaning behind the shield.

"I usually catch myself thinking of him, Bronwyn, it's driving me mad, am I turning mad?"

"I think you know what that is, little one"

Bronwyn glanced at Sam upon their bed, sleeping soundly with one arm sprawled to her side of the space. She smiled the same one Olive did when she, most probably, thought of Enoch.

She removed her gaze to the sight and brought back her attention to the girl in the screen.

"I need you to tell it straight to my face" the said girl commanded.

"You are interested in him"

"Erm, Bronwyn, I was thinking along the lines: 'You just need some sleep Olive' or 'that's just your boy crazy brain talking'" She found herself chuckling despite the silence that succumbed with the night.

"I apologize for chuckling. What could be wrong with what you feel?"

Olive pouted, frowned, as her eyes looked down to the designs glued on the board.

"Because we're friends"

"Is not that the foundation of a better relationship?"

"And he's not like them, Wyn"

"Exactly"

"Exactly. That's why he couldn't think of me like that"

For once, when love knocked at the door yet again, the hopeless romantic was afraid. Bronwyn saw the wildness and the hesitance in the younger woman's eyes. And yes, the said girl was afraid. Afraid that the growing strength of her feelings would soon engulf her too tightly, she'd be knocked out of her shoes and nobody would be there to catch her.

Of all people, Enoch O' Connor would be the first she'd say as someone who would never look her way.

"But Zach does" She said as a whisper, though Bronwyn must've heard her. "Is it that mister you've mentioned before?" The woman infront of the screen leaned in closer, her brows shot straight to her forehead in anticipation.

Olive shrugged Enoch off, smiled, and reveled on the chivalry of her gorgeous friend.


It was during the first thirty minutes of his second film did he notice the white fluffy blanket upon the unoccupied space of the sofa. He looked at it for a brief moment, having quite a debate with himself as to leave it be or not. Surely, Mama Dust would retrieve it to her quarters, surely, she would notice it sooner and come back for it.

Yet, he found himself clutching the blanket, carrying it with two good arms. His feet drag him out of his bottom and up the staircase, straight to the hallway. It was like the usual route, for when he's to sleep, returning to his own room. But this time, he walked pass the door, which almost gouged him with its glare.

There was a slight gap between the frame. Soft light passing through, contrasting to the timid lit the skies behind the thick raging windows possess. Her room was a new world, he barely even remember what it looked like before she existed in it. She looked so out of place yet so fitting, it was a lot to take in.

"He asked me if I could give him a chance"

He stopped to his track, gliding flat to the wall. Her voice was soft yet vivid to his hearing, passing to his auditor canals swiftly as well as his comprehension.

Surely she's talking about that Zachary, he thought.

"Yes of course, you should see how he looks like. The genes are too strong, he's the epitome of boy band, could also pass as a hot doctor, gorgeous"

He rolled his eyes, barely seeing the gorgeousness she practically almost salivated to. Sure he has such remarkable teeth, but his smile was too commercial, it almost looked fake.

"Maybe"

He tilted his head further, trying to hear whatever it was the one she's talking to says.

"I mean, it will not be hard to love him back. He sees me"

"After all, what's not to love? I got lucky"

There's something about that Zachary which he's annoyed about. Sure he's not allowed to comment at all, who is he to meddle in? Olive can go marry the guy for all he cares.

Really.

He pushed himself from his hiding spot and went straight ahead. It was done due to something that nuzzled in his abdomen, the annoyance of knowing that he's in fact, while happy that Olive is bring treated right, is extremely bothered by how it bothers him.

His knuckles met her door and immediately, her shadow moved. There was a weird, comfortable aura that generates from her, effecting and knocking him speechless for a split second. "Come in" She stood next the bed with her eyes larger than they were, the life inside her room glaring at him amidst the dark hues of his clothes.

"Hey you" She placed the laptop diagonally. Enoch glanced at the screen and was taken aback with seeing a familiar face he didn't want to see just yet.

"Good Evening, Enoch" Bronwyn greeted, her face, a palette filled with different hues of worry and gladness.

He cleared his throat and nodded distractedly for a reply.

"You left this downstairs," he made sure his eyes were glued to Olive.

"Oh wow you came all the way from downstairs just to give this to me? Thanks Enoch"

Her face scrunched up to the smile that he usually sees her doing when he does something that pleases her. It was that silly, toothy grin that made his lips raise slightly. He cannot find any difficulty getting distracted when he needed one and Olive is around. She's a one woman show, and she never fails to deliver.

"Don't get your hopes up, Elephanta" he said, and her hands touched the surface of his wrist. Just one innocent move yet he mentally forgot about that Zachary.

We're not there yet.

Yet.

Yet.

Yet?

"Well, good night" He backed off sharply, leaving her stumbling to her feet. Bronwyn in the screen looked at him with surprise, yet he was already outside Olive's room to even comprehend her look. He did not see the shock, questioning, and slightly hurt expression written on Olive's face.

He felt smiling and that was odd and frightening. His heart cannot stop pounding in rhythms.

He liked it.

Behind the door, Olive's brows crunched and her lips thinned. He moved against her as if she was fire that burned him. His face, spiteful, disbelieved.

She sat upon her side, defeated. Bronwyn stared, pity written in her eyes.

"Are you alright, magpie?"

"He doesn't think of me like that"

Her heart ached. Something in the middle of her tummy had tied in knots in a defeating way.

It hurt.

"He seemed more likely afraid than disgusted, Olive"

She shook her head once and deliberately did it in a hurried motion.

"I'd sleep this one out"

The night outside her window was too quiet, embracing her to a comfort she knew was of pity. She let the gesture loll her to sleep, for what else could she do? She's way too tired to fight back. All the questions she pretended not to hear back lashed, forcing her to know the answers. Her lone tear was not just about cleansing her eye. It was something much more deeper.


Her footsteps were soft and tired. He did not know how he suddenly mastered distinguishing the little details of her, yet he knew immediately that she has her lips pushed slightly out, pouting in a sense that you'd further your conclusion of her mood.

"Morning" he greeted, puzzled, fazed that she just slumped in her chair without her usual mirth. She was prepared for the day, hair held tightly in a bun and face fresh despite staying up late at night.

"Morning" She mumbled back a greeting, eyes down-casted, focused, hiding.

He frowned, confused, recalling whatever it is that he made wrong. It was a first. But he doesn't have any other friends to compare her with though. Emotions are not his forte, it'll take a whole day if he'd analyze every step he took.

"What is it, Olive?" His voice sounded irritated, yet was more flustered.

Her placid face scrunched, frowning at his question, as if disbelieved he put it so bluntly. She met his eyes, returning to the reality that he does not have the knack for feelings, then had her face all serious and pretty.

"I'm hurt, Enoch" She replied, stared at him for a split second, and went back to the world she just had constructed; one without him existing.

He blinked back, still with the frown he usually have. It was all new to him, to have someone professing that he hurt their feelings with such innocent emotions. People who hate him, that he could manage, flawlessly. But friends? Her? How on earth would he apologize? In fact, didn't she already made it clear that she'd understand him?

Despite the thick tension, he heard her chuckle. Looking at her, the source was definitely, not him. The back of her neck was straight and bare, few tendrils of hair falling to her bowed head. Her eyes were sparkling, not from her pupils, but the reflection of her phone.

He inched close, brows shooting up to his forehead. Apparently, her delight came from the pretty boy named Zachary.

There were smileys and all that flirty, annoying stuff that he cannot help but to dislike.

"What is it?" Even when he was almost leaning onto her, she still managed to distance herself. She was stiff in her spot but her face was puzzled and slightly annoyed.

"What did I do wrong?" Perhaps it was the way her eyes seemed to still have such warmth in it. Possibly, it was the way her strands fall clumsily and how he felt weird not seeing her smile. But whatever it was, he automatically asked.

She took a deep breath, utensils silenced upon their plates. The room was still, almost staring at them, anticipating for either one's move. Her eyes met his' and she almost swore she'd blurt what she felt. He stared, waiting, wanting to know. His heart, such rhythmic organ was beating in his ears, the silence of the room waiting for the moment.

They both thought the ribs would open and they'd crack.

Her hand buzzed and the screen went alit once again.

"I have to go." She stood abruptly, pushing her seat by the back of her legs. The spell was cut off, everything was breathing noisily. His heart was caged in his system.

"Go on, Olive, tell me." He took the last three digits of her hand. Fragile and faint movement, yet her eyes faltered to the same eyes she had that night.

"Enoch, Zach's already-"

"Fine then, go, for all I care"

Her hand was hot and it almost burned his. His face changed, though in the spur of a moment, he did not know what it looked. Her face was bewildered though, more so close to tearing. Her eyes which were fogged, turned misty. She was fighting back the tears.

He strode off, not looking back at her. His system though, his system could not be fooled. His skin was highly active, sensing her presence.

Yet, she only cleared the tears from her eyes harshly, blowed off the strands of her bangs, then left.

He sat on his bed, leaning against his bedpost. By a minute or two, Mama Dust would knock in his room and force him to finish his breakfast or worse, and highly possible, force him to apologize or lend Olive her fair share of forgotten food and reinforcement.

And yes, he was right. He did not even got the chance to close his eyes when the woman opened his door wider. She was looking at him attentively, her lips sporting a knowing, sheepish smile.

"It's not my fault" It was childish but he still insisted.

Mama Dust sat on the edge of his bed, her hand patting his head as though pronouncing him silly.

"In my defense, I asked her why but she's just stubborn. Not my problem"

"I already did my part"

"She already has that pretty boy, why can't we just let her be?"

His eyes hardened and he moved his gaze away in shame. He found how scarily true his pent up emotions were. Mama Dust listened patiently as he rumbled. It was as if she already knew something all along and was waiting for him to figure it out.

He was happy for them wasn't he? Yet, why does he despise the man?

"What? What is it with you as well Mama Dust? I simply cannot understand you people"

"We both know, Enoch darling, you can't and she doesn't want you to"


She sat next to Zach in the workshop. As partners, they began planning for their upcoming project. The room was empty except for their presence, it almost made her glad except for the fact that her head was as full as how her surroundings were vacant.

"Are you alright?" Zachary nudged her. He looked extremely dreamy with pen upon his auricle and hair slightly messy. And so she smiled, leaning her heavy head to his shoulder, trying to decipher if she feels something for him or not.

"Talk"

"What?"

"Please"

He cleared his throat and began his strings of words. She closed her eyes, feeling the rise and fall of his voice. He started with the most beautiful food he'd ever eaten, then with his most embarrassing moment. Despite the ache in her chest, she found herself laughing. In her head, Enoch was looking at her. In her head, she knows how to ignore him, how to love somebody without thinking about him.

"Olive?"

"Yeah?"

His hand crept on her and her eyes opened. He smiled, his toothy grin that was too genuine. "You're beautiful, yeah?"

"Zach-"

"It doesn't matter if you'd return my feelings or not. I just want you to be happy, Olive"

She mouthed a thank you, giggling with how romantic he is. Enoch be damned as of that moment. Maybe she was not trying hard enough, maybe if she'd concentrate to her cavalier, she'd love the person who wanted her.

"I hope I will, Zach. Help me"

He leaned in, cupping her in his palms. She closed her eyes and sighed, gripping his hands in hers as his lips touch her forehead.


She already has that pretty boy, why can't we just let her be?

His eyes narrowed, looking at the lovers behind the transparent glass doors.

We both know, Enoch darling, you can't and she doesn't want you to

He gripped the knob tightly, pushing the door right before he could think of anything to say to her. Plans be damned, he couldn't watch such intimacy, his chest and stubbornness couldn't bare it so.