Before the Sun Sets

Olivia Bella Fleur




Leo Valdez

Olivia raced down the street on her little purple bike looking around as her hair whipped back in the breeze. She swerved in the street thinking she might find some kids at the park. It was a nice summer day after all. She pulled up to the curb and hopped off her bike looking around and moved over tot he swings. Olivia sat on a swing in the park on Cherry Creek Lane, just down the street from the new house. She swung her legs lazily with a sigh. Her head rested on the chain as her foot occasionally hit the wood chips. The sun warmed her ginger hair. It was the summer before eight grade year and she had just moved into the dead end street. Her father and mother where unloading the moving van and had gotten to the heavy things. So they had sent her away, to go play outside, to be out of their way. So far she hadn't seen anyone else on this street. Even the little park with it's covered slide, monkey bars and duo swing set was empty. Olivia wiggled her nose trying to think of another place not too far away that there might be kids around. She had done a fair amount of moving around so she knew how important it was to make friends quickly. Just for a moment she thought back to the last house and her friends there. They had been talking about how they where finally going to be top dogs at school and the big eight grade field trips. When Olivia had to tell them she was moving they had all cried at the last sleep over they would ever have. She sighed again and closed her eyes just a moment before she felt a shadow. She looked up to see a boy with brown hair down to his shoulders and dark brown eyes. She tilted her head waiting for him to speak.

@ Jinx...
Leo wore a plaid button up and jeans with scuffed up knees as he and his friends went to the park. It was the weekend so they all decided to meet at the park that was on the end of their street and play some games together. The group consisted of 3 boys and 2 girls, all the same age and in the same class. Leo and his friends decided on playing tag hide and seek throughout the park. He was it. He counted to 60 and then darted off in hopes of finding his friends. He enjoyed tag hide and seek more because even if you were found, you could run and make it to the flag pole and be safe! Leo had seen a girl on the swing and thought she was part of their group as he ran up to tag her, but as he got closer he realized that she wasn’t part of their group and he didn’t know who she was. He stopped in front of her for a moment and cocked his head to the side. He had never seen someone with bright orange hair like her. When the girl noticed Leo standing there he blushed bright red. His chubby kid cheeks pink with embarrassment. “Oh hi... sorry. I thought you were one of my friends. We’re playing tag hide and seek!” He said and smiled. “Your hair is so pretty, I’ve never seen hair like that.” He told her. Leo heard rustling in the bushes behind the swings. “I see you Andre!” He yelled before running towards the bush. A young African American boy ran out from the bushes and bolted towards the flag pole. Leo sprinter after him, barely making it. Tagging Andre before he made it. “Tag you’re it!” He said with a laugh. Leo looked back at the new girl and told Andre to follow him. “Sorry, didn’t want to let him get away. I’m Leo, this is Andre.”

@ BadStreetBoys
Olivia smiled at the blush on the boys cheeks. He looked cheery. She looked around for his friends as he said they where playing hide and seek but with tag. She hadn't played it that way before. She looked back at the boy as he commented on her hair. She pulled it to the side blushing her cheeks and ears turning pink as she looked down mumbling out a thank you. When the boy turned and darted off she looked up to see him chasing after his friend. She grinned thinking it looked like it was fun. The boy was fast. She wouldn't want to be running from him. He looked brilliant when he laughed. She watched him as he came back looking over at his friend and back as they walked back towards her. She smiled softly as he apologized and she shook her head softly. "It's nice to meet you." she said to Leo then looked at Andre to include him in that as well. She swung back lightly. "So do you all live around here?" she asked. Olivia ran her fingers through the ends of her long fiery hair.

@ Jinx...
Leo and Andre both smiled and greed it was nice to meet Olivia as well. “Yea we do, we all live down this street.” He told her and pointed southward. “If you wanna play you gotta help us find the others!” He said excitedly. “There’s four more, two boys and two girls. We’re looking for Jasmine, Monica, Raymond, and Charlie!” He told her. Luke offered his hand to help Olivia off the swing. “Are you new here? I haven’t seen you at school before.” Leo inquired as Andre went off searching for the others. Leo was excited to meet someone new! There hasn’t been someone new in their grade for 6 years, since the second grade! Everyone knew each other and had their friend group. Kids got so excited seeing a new kid and everyone wanted dibs. Leo was excited to have met her first, hoping they could become good friends. Leo began to look around the park for the rest of his friends. As he, Olivia, and Andre found them and chased them, they tagged some and missed others. When everyone was found Leo introduced the group to Olivia.

@ BadStreetBoys
Olivia smiled softly. She was glad there where other kids here. She nodded happy to help look for the others. She took Leo's hand and he pulled her off the swing. She grinned as they started to go look for the others. Leo talked easily and she looked at him enjoying his chatter. "Yeah I just moved down the street. My parents are unloading our things." she said and looked up at him with green eyes. "What about you? Have you lived here long?" She asked and then looked back out looking for his friends and good hiding spots they might be in. This seemed like a friendly neighborhood and she really thought Leo was really friendly and kinda cute too. Olivia wasn't usually shy around other girls but she felt shy with Leo. She didn't know what it was about him that made her feel so funny. It was like he had found her hiding spot and she was running form him but she was working with him to find the others not hiding. The feeling colored her cheeks still. They played through the game and as Olivia met his friends she smiled and the girls instantly asked what she liked to do and she talked about riding her bike, climbing trees and adventuring. "I guess I like taking pictures too and singing." she shrugged and the girls looked at each other. The boys asked her about her bike and if she ever jumped her bike. She showed off a scar on the bottom of her foot and told them about the time she had fallen and landed on a stick that went through her foot. "My dad came and had to pull it out. I had two stitches." she grinned.

@ Jinx...
Leo nodded a she listened to her. He blushed slightly listening, he wasn’t sure why but he enjoyed listening to Olivia, she had a nice voice. Maybe it was just because she was new to him that he liked her so much. “I’ve always lived here! Most of us have, we haven’t had any new kids move in in so long! It’s exciting to meet someone new.” He said with a grin. “If you need help with unpacking or moving anything I’m sure my dad would love to help! He’s a handyman.” The friend group moved to the small field of grass besides the park as they all sat in a circle. The kids all wanted to know everything about Olivia. Leo frowned slightly as olivia’s attention was diverted from him. But he shook it off, it was a nice to share your friends. When Olivia showed them her scar everyone began to show their scars, as kids do. Leo pulled his sleeve up and showed Olivia a scar he had on the back of his shoulder. It was about 1 inch across and half an inch thick. “My brother and I were playing darts and he missed, badly, the dart got stuck in my shoulder.” He told them. Leo glanced to Olivia, he wanted her to think he was tough so he hoped that this fact made him seem cool. From down the street a mother’s voice was heard calling Andre. Andre waves goodbye to his friends and ran off down the block. The other kids each begun to realize they had to go as it was nearing dinner time.

@ BadStreetBoys
Olivia smiled listening to everyone. She looked at Leo's scar and grinned. "Wow." she said. "You have a brother?" she asked him. As everyone started to run off she waved and stood when it was just her and Leo left. She dusted off her pants and looked back at him not really wanting to go home. "Well..." she looked down and kicked some of the drying grass. "I guess I should head back and see if they are ordering pizza or whatever." she said. "You want to hang out tomorrow?" she asked trying to seem cool like the older kids did but it was a weird transition from seventh grade to eighth grade. She felt too young to be cool and too old to be young and play. Olivia bit her lip. "You could probably come over and help me set up my room." she shrugged though she wasn't sure if it would be a good day tomorrow. Her parents had good days and bad, and she never could really tell when a bad day would happen just usually when it was close.

@ Jinx...
Leo smiled and blushed when he saw the grin on Olivia’s face in response to his scar, when she asked about a brother he nodded. “Yea just the one. It’s me, my brother Ricky, and my dad.” He told her, though his face dropped slightly at the mention of his dad. Leo stood up as everyone left and shoved his hands in his pockets, looking at the ground. He was sad when she said she would have to go too. He knew he wasn’t allowed to be alone at the park and that mean he would have to return home, something he dreaded doing. “Oh you gotta go too?” He asked sadly, when Olivia asked to hang out tomorrow his face lit up. “Yea! That would be cool.” He exclaimed. Leo rand a hand through his slightly too long hair and blushed. “That would be cool. I can help you with all the heavy stuff.” He grinned as he said it, wanting to seem strong in front of her. Leo hoped his father was in a better mood tonight than he was this morning, he would have to judge whether his mood would be better tonight or tomorrow when he asked if he could go out. “I’ll walk you home, so I know the way tomorrow.” He offered and held out his hand with a smile.

@ BadStreetBoys
Olivia grinned as he agreed to come over. She hoped her parents would last the next couple days without yelling. She chuckled. "Yeah I have some books too unpack." she shrugged. Olivia stepped forward as Leo offered his hand and to walk her home. She blushed and slipped her hand into his. "Alright but I got to get my bike back at the swings." she said. They walked hand in hand back to her bike. She let her hand slip out of his as she grabbed her bike. She bit her lip looking at him. "This way." she nodded down the street and walked with him to the right side of the large cul de sac. She set her bike on the side of the house and then turned to Leo as they walked up to her porch. "It was nice to meet you." she said and tucked her hair behind her ear. "Goodnight!" she said hurriedly and opened the door stepping in. She turned looking back at him with a huge smile and pink cheeks before she closed the door. She sighed her heart hammering a million miles an hour. Hopefully she would see him tomorrow and they could talk more. Olivia walked into the dinning room her parents unpacking boxes music playing int he background. It was tense but they weren't yelling at least. "Hey!" she beamed as she came into the room bouncing onto the counter and her mother handed her a mug to put up next to her. "Pizza's on its way." Her mother kissed her head. Olivia chuckled. "Hawaiian?" she asked and her mother nodded. "Of course Olive."

@ Jinx...
Leo grinned when she said she would like the help unpacking. He jokingly flexed his biceps for her, though he knew they were definitely not impressive. He followed Olivia to the swings and as they walked down the street. As they walked, leo was pointing out the other kid's houses. He also pointed out houses of grumpy older people. "I live just outside the cul de sac." he told her and smiled gently. As they arrived at Olivia's house, Leo frowned slightly, he didn't want the time to be over. He saw her turn and smiled bright, cheeks flushed, Leo gave a big wave. "You too! See you tomorrow!" he called out. Leo waited for Olivia to be inside before he began to walk back to his house.

Leo noticed it getting dark so he started to rush home, knowing his father would be angry if he was out after dark. Leo made it home just before the streetlights turned on. He gingerly opened the door, shutting it as slowly as he could so it wouldn't creak and alert his father. As Leo made his way through the living room he could smell the alcohol coming from the kitchen. He knew his father would be drunk, and probably angry, so he tried to get upstairs before being noticed. "Get back here!" His father boomed. Leo hung his head as he walked into the kitchen. "Where have you been? I told you not to be out after dark?" His father, Reynaldo asked angrily, taking another sip of the whisky. "The street lights aren't on yet, I thought I made it back on time" Leo answered weakly. Leo's father smacked him from across the table. "Do NOT talk back to me!" He screamed, 'Do you Hear me, boy?!" Leo whimpered and nodded, "yes sir, I'm sorry." Leo's father shoved him away, telling him to go to his room. Leo hurried up the stairs. Once in his room he locked the bedroom door, shoved his face in his pillow, and just cried.

@ BadStreetBoys
Olivia ate dinner with her parents and helped to unpack the house for what they needed for the night and some for the morning. When it was late she crawled into bed under the covers and fell asleep easily. In the morning Olivia woke up and got dressed hoping to see Leo today. She hopped down the stairs after making her bed and brushing her teeth. She slid into the kitchen chair and smiled at her dad as he set down some toasted waffles in front of her. "Thanks dad." she said and he ruffled her hair. Olivia ate breakfast and drank it down with milk. "Can I have a friend over today?" she asked and her father looked at her with surprise. "That's our girl." Her mother said. "Making friends everywhere she goes." she patted her husbands back. "Sure honey." she said. Her mother had the same fiery hair and green eyes. Olivia looked so much like her mother her father teased that they would have to wear name tags when Olivia was older in order to tell them apart. It always made her giggle. Olivia thought her mother was the most beautiful woman in the world so she didn't mind being a mini version of her. "Great!" Olivia said as she got up cleaning up her plate and putting it in the dishwasher. She moved through the house looking for her boxes to her room so she could have Leo help her with them later.

@ Jinx...
Leo cried himself to sleep that night, but eventually slept. When he woke the next morning he looked across the room and saw his younger brother was already up. Leo grabbed some clothes and took a shower, making sure to scrub himself good. He hoped his father would be in a good mood so he could go over to Olivia's house. In that case, he wanted to smell good and look good for her. When he finished Leo got out of the shower and dried off. He put deodorant on, pulled on his clothing and walked downstairs. Leo smelled toast, but not alcohol, this was a good sign. He walked into the kitchen where his little brother was eating a bowl of cereal and his dad was making toast. "good morning." he said and smiled between the two. Leo sat at the table, folding his hand on the table he began to twiddle his thumbs. Leo took a deep breath as he tried to build up the courage to ask his dad. "Hey dad.." he said softly, looking to his father. "Can I go to my new friend Olivia's house. She just moved here and needs help unpacking." he offered as evidence and support for him going over. His father looked away from the toast he was buttering and shrugged. "Sure, just be back on time, unlike last night." he said, glaring at his son for a moment. Leo smiled and nodded/ "Thank you dad! I will be!" He said excitedly. Leo's younger brother was almost like a replica of him, and both boys looked like their mother. They resembled their father but not as much as they did their mother. She had died in a drunk driving accident when Leo was 8 and his brother was 6. After Leo and his brother finished their breakfast, Leo gave him a hug and told him to be good before heading out the door. Leo walked to Olivia's house around 10:30 AM. When he arrived he walked up to the door, took a breath, and knocked 3 times.

@ BadStreetBoys
"I'll get it!" Olivia yelled hearing the knock and skipped down the hall. She took a deep breath and fixed her hair before opening the door. "Hey Leo!" she grinned and stepped back inviting him in. She grinned as she looked him over. As he passed her she smiled smelling his fresh sent. Olivia closed the door and turned to Leo. "Come on let's go to my room." she said and lead him through the hall and into the kitchen where her father was breaking down boxes. "Olivia." he called stopping her. She blushed. "Hey daddy." she said sweetly. "Who's your friend?" he asked and looked at Leo suspiciously. "This is Leo." Olivia looked at him and smiled. Olivia's mother came into the room and smiled. "Oh hello." she said and moved over to her husband her hand running over his arm soothingly. "This is Leo honey." Olivia's father said to his wife. Olivia's mother grinned. "Hello Leo. I'm Bella and this is my husband Blake Fleur." she said and Olivia shifted nervously. "Have you come to help Olivia unpack?" she asked him.

@ Jinx...
Leo smiled big when he saw Olivia opened the door, blushing slightly as he came in. "Hey!" he said excitedly. Leo began to follow Olivia, freezing in his tracks when her father spoke. He swallowed nervously, but when he turned to face her father he gave a gentle smile. Leo didn't want to upset anyone or give anyone a reason to dislike him. Leo waved when Olivia introduced him. "Hello," he responded quietly. Leo felt uncomfortable with the look Olivia's father gave him, he looked down at his feet and rubbed the back of his neck. Leo looked up when Bella came in and he smiled, he instantly recognized the resemblance between mother and daughter. "Hello Ma'am." He said. Leo nodded and smiled. "Nice to meet you Mr. and Mrs. Fleur." Leo was still nervous but was desperately trying to hide it. He wanted to seem cool in front of Olivia, but also didn't want her parents to be suspicious of him. "Yes, ma'am I have. My daddy always taught me to help out new friends." He told her and smiled proudly. His father wasn't the best, but he did instill good values into Leo and his brother.

@ BadStreetBoys
"Isabella." Blake whined and she patted his arm. "Yes love. Let's let them get Olivia's room set up and they will be back for snacks and drinks in a bit." she grinned and looked at her daughter who nodded and Olivia pulled on Leo's arm until he followed her out of the kitchen. She pulled at the tips of her hair. "Sorry about him. He'll come around. He doesn't really like new things." she said and turned up the stairs and into her square room with a big window a chair placed beside it so she could sit there in the sun. Olivia turned around only the furniture and her cloths put away. "So I have a couple boxes that need to come in from the hall and a few in here to go through." she said. Though she had asked him to help her really it wasn't what she had asked him over for. She had a feeling he would open up better without all his friends around. She knew it was easier for her to talk without everyone watching her though she could fit in anywhere it was hard to make deep connections. "So your brother Ricky? Is he younger or older?" she asked him as she tried to pick at the end of the tape on a box to try to open it. She moved to sit on the floor.

@ Jinx...
Leo quickly followed after Olivia as her mother dismissed them, just nodding when Olivia said her father didn’t like knew things. He understood that well, Leo had been surprised that his own father let him come somewhere new today. Leo looked around the room, it was so much bigger than his. “Wow your room is so big! I love the window!” He told her with a grin. “I can grab the boxes from the hall when you’re ready for them.” Leo offered. Leo blushed when she began to ask him about himself. “He’s two years younger than me, going into sixth grade.” He answered. Leo helped Olivia take the tape off of the boxes, opening them up so Olivia could sort through what was inside. While delegating tasks to him. Once all the tap was off Leo opened her bedroom door and began to carry the boxes from the hallway inside. When he finished that he sat on the floor, pulling tape off the new boxes, and looked over at Olivia. “Where did you move from?”

@ BadStreetBoys
"Yeah." she smiled at the window knowing she was going to enjoy it. "Thanks. If you could grab them in a bit they have my name on them." she said. Leo talked about his brother and she smiled nodding. "Wow that's great. I remember sixth grade. I was really glad I still had friends from 5th grade in middle school." she shrugged. Olivia pulled things out of the box and would have Leo help her with things as they talked. "I moved from Pensilvania. We move every few years for my dad's work. I don't think he would do it if mom didn't help him figure everything out." she chuckled. "Have you lived her a long time?" she asked him as she stood putting a picture of her with her girlfriends on the book shelf next to her favorite books. It was so easy to talk to Leo as they worked. He was helpful and didn't complain about it either which was really nice.

@ Jinx...
Leo liked helping out, it made him feel useful and worth it, despite what his father usually told him. When his father wasn’t drunk he was a good guy. He instilled real morals and values into Leo, like hard work and honesty. But when he drank, which was often, he was angry and violent. Leo usually took the brunt of it to protect Ricky. Leo smiled when she said she came from Pennsylvania. “My favorite football team is from there!” He excitedly told her. “The Steelers.” He elaborated. As Leo continued to help take things out of boxes and move the empty boxes out he kept looking to Olivia. He would smile when she wasn’t looking, he thought she was beautiful. “What does your dad do for work? Is he in the military? I know my friend Joey used to move a lot because his dad was in the military.” He explained. Leo looked at the photo and smiled. “Are those all your friends? They look nice.” He told her gently.

@ BadStreetBoys
"I don't watch football but I watch soccer! I played for a couple years but with all the moving it's been hard to keep on a team." she shrugged. Olivia smiled and shook her head. "No he's a consultant for some company. I don't know they deal with a lot of big companies fixing problems. I just kinda tune out when he talks about it with mom." she said and looked back at the picture and nodded her smile sad. "Yeah I was in Pensilvania the longest so I made some great friendships." she said. It was only about four years but they had went from elementary into middle school together and that had made them close." Olivia walked back over to him next to the box and sat down opening a music box. She noticed how he didn't want to talk about himself really. She wondered why. "What's school like here? Are the teachers nice?" she asked hoping that the neutral subject would help him feel more comfortable.