Sorry for the late chapter, more info about Olivia. I hope you like it. ❤❤❤

Chapter 5:

I think I could make progress this semester. Ms. Donavan was sweet and understanding, everyone else seemed nice for now. The meeting was short though. It looked like her and Damien had a weird mutual connection but I'm seeing where this goes. He was cute, carefree. The type that craved rebellion.

Strolling on the sidewalk, I enjoyed the crisp fall air today and it was relaxing. Maryland in the fall and winter had a calming effect on me, I took in nature and people watched in and outdoors. The colored leaves were beautiful, it reminded me of being in a pumpkin patch. My stomach grumbled lowly, holding the sound with my hands. I passed by a student hoping she didn't hear it. I smiled tightly. The only thing I had was ice cream, three hours ago. I headed straight to the Stamp Student Union. The food court had various restaurants: Subway, Panda Express, McDonald's, Sushi, Auntie Anne's and others. I only had 6 dollars, Subway was the only answer, I stood in line as three people were in front waiting to order.

I rubbed my eyes to keep myself awake, widening it and focused on a mustard spot near the napkin holder. That needs to be cleaned, I thought of the gnats and ants that could crawl through the food court and infest the entire food court and shut it down completely. A tap on my shoulder snapped me back to reality, I snorted loudly from my hyper imagination, turning behind me to them. Brown eyes and raised eyebrows, she pointed in front of me and said sternly, "you're next."

My head faced forward, she was right. The cashier gestured for me to move up. "Sorry," I said sincerely and made my steps fast to the counter where I placed my sandwich order. He gave me the price and receipt but I didn't miss the weird look on his face before he turned his back to me. I frowned and stepped aside for the girl behind me to place her order. I leaned against the counter with my fingertips tapping in a random rhythm. I checked out the mirror above and squinted at my tired face: deep, dark under my eyes and pale skin. If my parents saw me, they would have a fit. Mom would assume I'm taking other pills beside my own prescribed ones. No wonder the cashier looked at me strangely, I'm a walking zombie. He handed me my tray of food, swiping my ID through the machine for payment. I thanked him and headed to an empty table. At least I wasn't too tired to eat, I was halfway through my sub eating like a caveman.

***

I was close to the Mckeldin Library so I didn't have to take the bus again when I left the Stamp.

I passed by students playing frisbee on the brownish-green field. I smiled at the carefree feeling and thought of joining in but I was still too tired. Bread and chicken did that for me and I'm exhausted. The frisbee was coming my way, I attempted to catch it but someone's hand grabbed it before I could reach. Looking back at them as he threw it to the group, he smiled at me and I smiled back to the familiar face of my best friend. "Justin!"

"Hey! It's good to see you!" We both hugged ecstatically, he lifted me up from the ground and gave me a spin. My best friend since fifth grade, we met him on the playground and I assisted him to the nurse's office after he cut his knee playing duck duck goose outside during recess.

"I thought I'd never see you again," he said with a kiss on the cheek and let me down.

"Summer wasn't that long ago." I ruffled his shaggy brown hair playfully.

"Yeah, but I got worried. You left right after you passed out during the volleyball tournament last month." I cleared my throat nervously and picked the scab of an old cut on my forearm, flicking off the dead skin.

"It was no big deal. Dehydration. I had to rest at home."

"Right." His eyebrows raised in suspicion.

"How are you and Louise?" I asked with a pat on his shoulder changing the subject. We began walking side to side on the field. They've been dating for six months when he met her in our World History class. He was smitten, he liked to always talk about how she smelled of oranges.

"We broke up, she transferred to Oregon," he informed me.

"Aww," I pouted my bottom lip, "I thought you guys had plans for going to the same school."

"She had other ideas since the biotechnology program there. She accepted the scholarship. I wanted to stay in-state for my film studies," he shrugged, hands in his black hoodie pocket.

"You two seemed destined, you even exchanged bracelets. You still talk?"

"She called me last week of orientation and... that's it."

"Oh." I kicked a stray pebble off the ground, it flew over the grass.

"Besides its college. I am playing the field for all the potential hot available women," he winked at me. I rolled my eyes and poked his ribs once, he did the same and began poking my belly.

I didn't see Justin as a player. He was fun and sweet, more of a commitment, relationship type. Since his growth spurt, he went from 5'0 to 6'0, with a scruffy beard and muscles. He had girls flirt with him but had eyes for Louise only. University was all about finding yourself so whatever Justin wanted to do I support him.

I told him I was on my way to my room. We exchanged numbers and hugged again as I entered the building. Penny wasn't here, I removed my shoes and backpack. I huffed out a tired breath, plopping face-first on the pillow. The pillow was cozy, I shoved my face deeper and groaned until my eyes felt heavy.