"Please don't make me do this." I whined. I had hoped that studying in the library would provide the focus I needed to get through my math homework. This proved not to be the case, as I'd been stuck on the same problem for the better part of thirty minutes and had yet to even come close to the right answer. "I'm an English major, subjecting me to pre-calculus is cruel and unusual punishment. Look it up, it might actually be against the Geneva Convention or something."
Olivia shot me a sympathetic smile but tapped a pencil on her own textbook which was opened to the next topic. Unlike me, she actually enjoyed math and had no trouble picking up on the material.
"Sarah, you have to keep going or you'll never be ready for the exam. I believe in you." Olivia said before turning the pencil back to notetaking.
Classmates sometimes asked if we were sisters and it wasn't hard to see why. Dark hair, olive complexions, and rarely spotted without the other while on campus. The only major differences was that Olivia's hair was black to my brown and she stood a few inches taller.
Our friend Samantha always insisted she couldn't see the resemblance, citing Olivia's exclusively black wardrobe and tattoo sleeves as distinguishing points. Our friend group had come to a silent conclusion that the reason Samantha was always so adamant on this topic was because she had a crush on Olivia. This was all but confirmed when Samantha asked Olivia out last week but was politely turned down.
"You're right. I don't know what I'd do without you sometimes."
The scratching of the pencil on paper stopped, but I barely noticed having already turned back to the practice problems.
"You are so sweet. Like you just slip in with these little compliments that seem like no big deal but are actually really nice." I could feel myself blushing but didn't want to get distracted.
"Stop you're making me blush." A devious smile played out across the table and I could hear the warning bells, but it was too late. Teasing among the friend group was usually in good fun. But Olivia liked to find a weak point and poke it for a little bit longer than most.
"Oh, don't say that. Because then I'll have to make you blush harder." Despite not wanting to be distracted and knowing I'd be encouraging her, the next question tumbled out.
"And how exactly would you do that?" Olivia's blue eyes were considering for a minute, clearly weighing her response in her head. She must have come to some conclusion.
"You really want to know?"
"Yes." The answer came quick and breathless. Every molecule holding its breath for the next reply.
"I would start by telling you what a good person you are. You always offer to give me notes."
It was true. Olivia had missed several days of class due to a broken leg mid-semester and I would send her notes without being asked. Though Olivia was always profusely thankful and offered repayment in the form of caffeine, it was nice to hear again.
"And if that didn't work," she continued even though the blush was clearly spreading. "I'd tell you how much I like your eyes. They remind me of the ocean."
