Chapter 16

Olivia's POV

I walked to the hotel, feeling immensely relieved. It was as if a huge weight had been lifted off my chest. I was glad that Luther had taken it so well…or at least, better than I had expected.

But now, it was time for the really hard part: talking to Wen.

My phone buzzed in my pocket as I walked into the lobby.

To: Olivia

From: Stella

Hey, how did it go w/Luther? Im assuming u r done talkin 2 him now. When u get back, can u come up 2 the room, b4 u talk 2 Wen? Mo & I want 2 kno wat happend. :)

I smiled to myself, reading the text. My nosy, nosy friends…can't wait, can they? Well, got to love them anyways. I typed back a response to Stella.

To: Stella

From: Olivia

Sure :P

I headed to the elevator and went to the room.

Mo opened the door before I even slid my key card in.

"Impatient, are we?" I asked, "How did you even know I was there?"

"I didn't," she answered, coyly, "just a coincidence…just kidding. We've been looking through the peephole."

"Figured," I responded.

Mo grabbed me by my wrists and dragged me into the room. Then, she sat me down on the bed.

"So?" Mo questioned eagerly.

"So…" I repeated.

Mo hit me, "Stop it! You know what I'm talking about. Tell us what happened! I mean, you don't seem too upset or anything. So, I'm guessing it went…well?"

"C'mon Olivia," Stella persisted, "Is there ever going to be a time where we don't have to force something out of you? …We only do it because we care."

I smiled at them, "Actually, it went pretty well. He seemed to understand. In fact, he told me I should talk to Wen."

"I knew he was a good guy!" Stella commented.

"I'm glad it went well," Mo smiled.

We sat in silence for awhile, and then Stella spoke up again. "Well, I guess you got one more thing left to do…talk to Wen."

"I know," I responded. I got up, took a deep breath, and braced myself for what was to come.

"Charlie and Wen went to walk around Gilroy. Apparently there's an arcade or something. They left a while ago, like before you went out to meet Luther. They might be back, I'm not sure. Check their room first, since it is right there."

"Okay, will do," I went out into the hallway and knocked on Wen and Charlie's door.

Wen answered, his hair damp, only wearing shorts and some flip-flops.

I felt my face redden and saw his redden, as well. Bad timing, Olivia…

"O-oh, s-sorry," I stammered, tearing my gaze away from his toned chest. I began to stare at the ground.

"Uh, it's fine. I just finished taking a shower. Charlie got milkshake all over me," he explained.

"I thought you guys went to the arcade," I said.

"Um, yeah, we did. There was an ice cream parlor next door."

"Oh," I responded.

We fell into an awkward silence. Well, at least he was talking to me now; unlike before when he would only respond in grunts or one-word sentences.

"So, did you need something?" he asked, breaking the silence.

"Yeah…right. Well, I, um, wanted to talk to you."

"Okay, well come on in, I guess."

He gestured into his room, and I came in and sat down on the couch (AN: I never really described the hotel rooms, but it's like apartment style. It has a bathroom, sitting area, a small kitchen, and the beds.) Wen pulled on a red t-shirt and I let out a breath, thankful that I wouldn't have to be distracted any longer.

Wen plopped down on the couch beside me.

"Wen, I need to tell you something."

He looked at me attentively.

"I was a bit taken aback the other day…" I started.

His face flushed again, "Yeah…um, I'm sorry…about that." He began to avoid looking at my face, "I was caught up, or something, that's all. I thought about what you said, though. What you were saying before I…kissed you. I agree. I miss us, too, the way we were before? You know, like this, talking…"

He gestured in between us and let out a nervous chuckle.

"I'm glad," I said softly, "But, to tell you the truth, I don't want to go exactly the way we were before."

"Oh?" he frowned, confused, unaware at what I was getting at.

"I'd think you'd agree. Or at least I hope so."

"Yeah?" he said, his face relaxing, finally understanding at least vaguely.

I decided to stop being so subtle and just tell him.

"Wen, I've liked you for so long. And, thinking you didn't share the same feelings, I distracted myself with Luther. It worked for a little while, but, after yesterday…the feelings are back. And, now, they're stronger than ever. I knew I couldn't hide my feelings from myself or you any longer. So, I broke up with Luther," I admitted.

"You did?" he asked, surprised. He came a little closer to me on the couch.

"Yes," I responded, "Because, I realized…that now…I don't like you anymore. I think I love you."

There. The truth. It was finally out. After avoiding this for months, years even, my feelings were finally out in the open.

"I-I love you too, Liv," he leaned down and kissed me. But, instead of passionate like our first one, this one was sweet and gentle.

I wrapped my arms loosely around his neck and he tangled his fingers in my hair.

We broke apart for breath, our noses touching.

"Girlfriend," he said, not really asking.

"Definitely," I whispered back.

We were together. Finally.

That was Chapter 16! Ah, what we have been waiting for! I hope I did it justice! Quick question: Should this be the final chapter before the epilogue? Don't worry, because even if this ends up being the final chapter, there will be two more chapter-like things. They will be like epilogue part 1 and epilogue part 2. If you don't like the idea of a two-part epilogue, that's fine, too. The other option is to do one more chapter, then an epilogue. I really want your feedback about this. What should I do? Please read and review, though!

XOXOXO Bubblelina15