Chapter 24

Olivia approached Caleb, grabbed the cushion, and smacked him with it.

“What the hell, Olivia?” Caleb was irritated and yelled at her.

Olivia didn't care that Ella and David were staring at her; she kept hitting him with it as hard as she could.

“Why the hell are you hitting me, God?” He asked her again, this time while pointing daggers at her.

“So, what are you expecting me to do? You are one of the biggest knuckleheads ever. How can you abandon your brother in such a way? Without having even heard his side of the story.” She screamed at him.

When Olivia mentioned his brother, Caleb became enraged. “You better stay out of this matter, Olivia.” He told her firmly, his anger visible in his voice.

“No, I won't. I will not let your rage tear your family apart. Carson clearly loves you all and deserves a second chance.

“Yes, I see. My dearest brother told you about what he did in the past that ruined his and our lives. That's fantastic. You two will make good friends, if not a couple. You are both addicts who think highly of themselves.

“Do you even understand what you are saying? Do you realize how fortunate you are even to have a brother?” She screamed at him.

“Of course, I know what I am saying. As for being fortunate, please... I believe I am the unluckiest person to be associated with someone like him. Stop with your good facade, Olivia. Stop trying to be tough. We are all aware that you are the most vulnerable person in the room, in desperate need of love and care. Well, last night in the park showed that. You know, I am sure you want to reunite my brother with us because, if you had a brother, he might as well be dead to be associated with someone like you. After all, you are an orphan.” Caleb yelled at her, shocking not only Olivia but also David and Ella.

“Caleb,” David yelled at him, a warning tone in his voice.

“Even for you, that was a low blow.” Olivia was about to turn around and go to her room, but she changed her mind.

“Mr. Caleb Knight, for your information; Your brother is happily engaged to his girlfriend, who helped him get his act together after he was hospitalized due to a drug overdose. He went to rehab for a year to get clean in order to be a good brother and son. He is currently pursuing a degree in psychology. Oh, and yes, he left the house because he couldn't look you in the eyes after he hit you. You should also know that, since he couldn't stop himself from taking drugs, he hoped to die from an overdose and was nearly successful, but he survived. Unfortunately for you, it’s unfortunate for him that he has a brother like you who doesn't even appreciate him.” Olivia then exited the room.

Caleb and his parents were shocked when Olivia revealed this information to them. Caleb was having difficulty digesting the information that was being thrown at him. After a few minutes, he processed what crap he said to Olivia when she tried to make him understand Carson.

It had been a long night for everyone in Knights' house. Olivia couldn't sleep at night because of the flashbacks running through her mind. Caleb's thoughts were consumed by his harsh words to Olivia and his behaviour towards his brother Carson. Ella and David, on the other hand, were feeling guilty about not doing enough for Carson.

The house was silent the following day, which was Sunday. Olivia had just walked out of the room to eat. Caleb wanted to apologize to her but couldn't bring himself to do so. Ella and David were at a loss for words. Sunday flew by in a blur, and it was soon Monday.

Caleb was getting ready for school and waiting for Olivia when his mother told him that Olivia had already left. Her car was still parked in the garage, so he assumed she had walked. Caleb didn't feel well enough to drive, so he walked.

He met Olivia at school and was about to talk to her when she passed him without looking back. He'd never seen her so still and numb. Olivia was always showing some sort of emotion. His words did get to her badly. Even Mason and Sia attempted to speak with Olivia and him to find out what had happened between them.

She sat with Zack, Stella, and Gabby to avoid him.

Even though it was Tuesday, Olivia had said nothing to him. Even his parents engrossed themselves with work.

Tuesday came and went, and Wednesday arrived. A few students came to their school for workshops. Everyone was ecstatic because members of 'The Fire and Ice' were also there. They had won the inter-school band competition for the previous three years.

“Hey, guys, what is all the rush about at school today?” Olivia came to school late, very late because it was lunchtime.

Caleb was surprised to see her at their table next to him, but she had no choice because Stella and Zack had sat with them as there were fewer seats available today.

“Why the hell are people from my old school here?” Olivia asked them in a panic.

“Today is some sort of workshop for these people here,” Mason responded.

“Oh shit.” She murmured.

“That’s beside the point, Olivia. I doubt Jenna will be pleased to learn that we have taken her band’s place in the competition.” Zack said.

“I know that. She is definitely going to create a scene.” Olivia let out a long sigh.

“You taking part in the competition?” Sia asked them with wide eyes.

“Yes, Sia. I mean, we were supposed to compete in this competition a long time ago. So we decided to take this chance. He would have wanted us to win the competition.” Stella spoke.

“He most certainly would have.” Zack agreed with Stella.

Olivia exhaled deeply and stated, “And we should give it a shot. Jenna has no chance of winning.

Caleb was relieved that Olivia’s band was representing their school rather than Jenna’s. But he was puzzled because he didn’t know who the ‘he’ that Zack and Stella were referring to was.

She turned around when she heard someone call out “Olivia,” though it was more of a whisper.

“Ryan,” she mumbled, obviously surprised to see him. She hadn’t expected him to show up. She knew their paths would cross one day, but she didn’t expect it to be this soon.

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