Chapter 5 Feelings for me

~ 005

~ OLIVIA

I was sitting in class, feeling drained and weak. Brian approached me, concern etched on his face. "Hey bestie, what's up?" he asked, his voice soft.

I yawned, rubbing my eyes gently with my palms. "Hey Bee, what's up? I'm not feeling too well," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.

Brian's expression turned serious. "What's wrong? You look like you're about to pass out."

I hesitated, then admitted, "I've been diagnosed with typhoid and malaria."

Brian's eyes widened. "Have you taken your medications?"

"No, not yet. I haven't gotten enough money to purchase them," I said, feeling a bit embarrassed.

Brian nodded. "How much does it cost?"

"$12.10," I replied.

"I can help you out," Brian said. "But let's go to the pharmacy after school, okay?"

I smiled weakly. "Don't worry, I've got it covered. You can just accompany me."

Brian's face lit up. "Really? You don't have to do that."

I smiled softly. "Of course, what are friends for, after all?"

As we headed to the canteen, Brian got me my favorite snacks - strawberry ice cream and pizza. I was touched by his thoughtfulness.

When Brian handed me the snacks, I gave him a quick peck on the cheek. "Thanks, Brian. You've really made my day."

Brian's face lit up, and he asked, "Seriously, what was that for?"

I smiled mischievously. "Just my way of saying thank you."

Later, as I was eating the snacks, my ex-boyfriend's best friend appeared, trying to persuade me to go back to Gabriel. Brian returned to find us talking and seemed a bit jealous.

"Who's that?" Brian asked, trying to keep his tone neutral.

"Oh, that's my ex-boyfriend's best friend. He's been pestering me to go back to Gabriel," I explained.

Brian's expression turned stern. "He's got nerve."

I smiled. "But I told him we can't and never will work out again."

As we parted ways, I noticed Brian looking at me differently. Maybe he had feelings for me, but I wasn't sure.

Meanwhile, my friends were speculating about my relationship with Brian. "I think he's Gabriel the second right now," Tasha said, smiling.

I rolled my eyes. "Stop it, Tasha. Let this be the last time I hear you talk about Gabriel."

But the gossip continued, with some of our classmates believing Brian and I were dating.

Just then, Gabriel appeared, his eyes fixed intently on me. "Hey sweetie, what's up?" he said, his voice dripping with condescension.

My expression turned icy. "What do you want?"

Gabriel's smile faltered, but he pressed on. "I just want to pass a message."

My eyes narrowed. "Do I look like I care? I'm in a haste. I don't have time for you."

Gabriel's face darkened, but before he could react, Brian appeared out of nowhere, his eyes blazing with anger. "You dare to threaten her?" he growled, his fists clenched.

Gabriel took a step back, his eyes wide with fear. "Back off, Brian. This doesn't concern you."

But Brian wasn't having it. "You're not going anywhere until you apologize to Olivia," he said, his voice firm.

Gabriel's face twisted in anger, but he knew he was outmatched. "Fine," he spat, his voice dripping with venom. "Sorry, Olivia."

My expression remained unimpressed. "Save it, Gabriel. I'm not interested."

As Gabriel slunk away, Brian turned to me, his eyes softening. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice gentle.

I nodded, a small smile playing on my lips. "Yeah, thanks to you."

Brian's eyes locked onto mine, and for a moment, I felt like he was seeing right through me. Maybe, just maybe, he had a chance with me after all.

As we walked to our next class, Brian asked me about my favorite subjects. "So, Liv, what's your favorite class this semester?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with interest.

I thought for a moment before responding. "I think it's a tie between English and History. I love reading and learning about different cultures."

Brian nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah, I'm more of a math and science guy myself. But I can appreciate a good book every now and then."

I smiled. "I'm sure you're a genius in math and science. But I'm not exactly sure I'd survive in those classes without your help."

Brian chuckled. "You're not that bad, Liv. You've got a good grasp of the material. You just need to apply yourself sometimes."

I playfully rolled my eyes. "Thanks for the vote of confidence, Bee."

As we approached our lockers, Tasha and some of our other friends were chatting and laughing. Tasha called out to me, "Hey, Liv! What's up?"

I waved at her. "Not much, Tash. Just trying to survive until the end of the day."

Tasha grinned. "I feel you. But at least we've got each other, right?"

Brian nodded in agreement. "Definitely. We're a team, Liv."

I smiled at him, feeling grateful for our friendship. "Yeah, we are."

As we continued to chat with our friends, Gabriel walked by, giving me a dirty look. Brian noticed and instinctively stepped closer to me, his eyes fixed on Gabriel.

I placed a hand on Brian's arm. "Hey, it's okay. Don't let him get to you."

Brian's expression softened, and he nodded. "You're right. I'm just looking out for you, Liv."

I smiled at him. "I appreciate that, Bee. But I've got this."

Brian smiled back, and we continued to hang out with our friends, enjoying each other's company and the rest of our day at school.