Chapter 2 DAY DREAM

Olivia Harper,

You are invited to the Annual Football Club Party! Hosted by Ethan Cole & The Team

Date: Friday, 7:00 PM

Location: Ethan's Place Don't miss out on the biggest party of the year! Dress casual.

Bring good vibes.

See you there! The invitation sat on Olivia's desk, the bold letters staring back at her. She had read it at least ten times, yet it still didn't feel real. Ethan Cole-the star athlete, the guy every girl liked, the boy who barely noticed her in school-had personally invited her to his party. Why? Her first instinct had been to ignore it.

She was not the kind of girl who went to parties, especially ones thrown by the popular crowd. But the more she thought about it, the more a tiny voice in her head whispered

What if?

What if she went?

What if this was her chance to step out of her shell?

Her friends had already teased her about it, urging her to go. And after days of debating, Olivia finally made up her mind. She was going to Ethan's party.

The next few days felt like a whirlwind for Olivia. School was the same-homework, tests, and the occasional group project-but something had changed. The invitation to Ethan's party still lingered in her mind. Her friends teased her about it, but Olivia was not sure what to expect. For someone who prided herself on being a quiet, bookish girl, the idea of attending a party seemed completely out of her comfort zone.

She had never been the type to hang out with the popular crowd, and she certainly didn't want to make a fool of herself by showing up and not fitting in. But Ethan had invited her. Ethan Cole, the boy who had barely noticed she existed for most of high school. Olivia could not help but wonder: What if this was her chance? What if this was the moment she stepped out of her shell? She decided to go.

It was not as though she had much to lose. She told herself it would be just like any other school event, stay quiet, blend in, and leave early if things felt too uncomfortable.

The night of the party arrived.

Olivia stood in front of her mirror, adjusting the simple black dress she had borrowed from her older sister. It was nothing fancy, but it was something she could feel confident in without feeling out of place. Her hair was tied back in a loose ponytail, and she had decided against too much makeup-just enough to make her look fresh and natural.

As she walked to the door, she hesitated. Her heart pounded in her chest. She had no felt this nervous in a long time. What if I don't belong? What if no one talks to me? The worries danced around in her mind, but she pushed them aside. You can do this, Olivia. She repeated the words in her head, like a mantra, as she headed out the door. When she arrived at Ethan's house, the music hit her first-the thumping bass and the chatter of teenagers.

A few cars lined the driveway, and the front door was wide open, letting the sound of the music spill out into the cool evening air. Taking a deep breath, Olivia walked inside. The scene before her was chaotic, but not in an overwhelming way. It was just like how movies portrayed parties-people laughing, dancing, and talking in groups.

The air was thick with excitement. Olivia stood by the door for a moment, uncertain. She had never been in such an environment before. People passed by, and a few of them waved or nodded as they recognized her from school, but no one really paid her much attention. She made her way to the back of the room, where a group of students were gathered by the snack table.

She recognized a few faces-some classmates she had seen in history class, others from various clubs and school activities. But there was no sign of Ethan. Olivia's nerves started to settle, and she realized she had a choice: she could stay by the snack table, where she knew she'd be safe from any attention, or she could try to make herself part of the crowd.

What if I speak to someone?

Her thoughts raced.

What if I end up standing here all night, just waiting for something to happen? Just as she was about to retreat back into her shell, she felt a tap on her shoulder.

She turned around quickly, her breath catching in her throat. There, standing in front of her with that signature easy smile, was Ethan.

"Olivia," he said, his voice warm and familiar.

"You made it."

She felt her cheeks flush. "Yeah, thanks for the invite." He grinned. "Of course. I am glad you came." His blue eyes sparkled in the dim light, and Olivia couldn't help but smile back. "So, how's the party going?" she asked, trying to sound casual, though inside she was anything but. Ethan shrugged.

It's alright. But I am kind of tired of the same old thing. You know how it is. You came alone?" Olivia nodded. "Yeah, just me." Ethan's expression softened. "Well, you're not going to stand here by yourself all night. Come on, let me introduce you to some people." Before Olivia could protest, he led her through the crowd to a group of people sitting around in the living room.

Ethan introduced her to his friends-most of whom were from the football team or part of the popular crowd.

They were all friendly enough, but Olivia felt out of place, like she did not quite belong in this world of loud laughter and inside jokes. Still, she tried to make the best of it, chatting politely and laughing when appropriate. It was strange to see Ethan in this setting, outside of school and the football field. He wasn't the same confident, charming guy she would admired from afa, here, he was just another high school senior, hanging out with his friends and being himself. It didn't take long for Olivia to realize that Ethan had a way of making people feel comfortable. He was not the arrogant jock she had imagined he was funny, kind, and surprisingly down-to-earth.

As the night wore on, Olivia found herself enjoying the party more than she had expected.

She even found herself talking to a few people she had not known well before. At one point, Ethan returned with two cups of soda in hand. He handed one to Olivia, his fingers brushing hers for a brief moment. Olivia's heart skipped a beat. Hey, you are doing great, he said, grinning as he took a sip of his drink. Ivknew you would have a good time once you relaxed.

Olivia smiled nervously.

"Thanks for introducing me to everyone. I was not sure if I would fit in.

"You fit in just fine," Ethan replied.

He seemed to mean it, his voice sincere. In fact, I am glad you came. This party would not be the same without you here." Olivia felt a warmth spread through her chest at his words. She had not expected this, not from someone like Ethan. For a moment, she allowed herself to forget that she was just another girl at a party, just another face in the crowd. In that moment, with Ethan standing next to her, she felt like she mattered.

As the night wore on, the party grew louder, more chaotic. People danced, laughed, and talked in groups, but Ethan stuck by Olivia's side. He made her feel like she was part of something. He made her feel seen. When it was finally time to leave, Ethan walked her to the door. "Thanks for coming," he said. I had a good time hanging out with you.

Olivia's heart raced again.

Me too. It was fun.

I will see you at school, right? he asked.

She nodded.

Definitely.

As she stepped outside into the cool night air, she could not help but smile. The party had been more than she ever expected. And Ethan-well, he was more than she ever expected too.