Before the Sun Sets

@ Jinx...
Leo’s eyes carefully watched Olivia, almost distrustingly. He had grown up so distrusting of the people closest to him that this side was second nature. He was a kind and gentle kid. But he also had a side of himself that had manifested itself in him long ago, the side to protect himself. If he was wary and cold he couldn’t get hurt, not emotionally anyway. He swallowed as he watched her, noting changes in her body language and expressions. Leo snickered quietly in response to her question. “You mean going back to a guaranteed 7 hours of being away from the man who beats me regularly? Of course I’m excited.” He told her dryly. Leo had grown up too in the two months, he was a little taller, a little stockier, and a hell of a lot older emotionally. The last two months had done a number on Leo. He felt like he was six years older than the last time they had talked. “Tell me about Hawaii, Liv.” He said gently, not wanting to completely shut her out or push Olivia away, but still unsure of where they stood.

@ BadStreetBoys
Olivia didn't like the way he looked at her. It made her sick. And even worse it remember her of the way her father got when he and mom fought. She frowned looking at him as he snickered. He spoke and she flinched looking away. She turned away feeling like she was going to cry. She rubbed her arms and hear him speak a little softer. She was pull out frowning now not able to hide but she was keeping the tears at bay for now. She didn't feel like she could tell Leo the truth. Any of her pain didn't measure up to his and any joys she had resulted in his pain so what was she suppose to say? She opened her mouth and her bottom lip quivered. She sighed and squared her shoulders looking out the window as she spoke. "It was fine. I spent a lot of time a lone on the beach. I emailed you pictures." she said. She hadn't sent one of herself since before Thanksgiving because she hadn't felt like smiling in pictures. She had missed him but apparently that wasn't what he thought. He had called himself the Olivia whisperer at one point. She wondered what he saw now. "It's cold..." She said not just talking about the weather. "I should go. I just wanted to see you first thing when I got back like I promised. I should go help unpack and get ready for school tomorrow." she said and looked at the exit behind Leo not wanting to get close to him. Her heart hammered in her throat and she had never felt like this. For month she had been pinning and longing for Leo. She heard his words in the sky and the seas and the wind, everywhere she went she had thought of him but now her heart was being crushed and it was like Leo was gone. She looked away not wanting to look at him. He had changed. He was more refined, hard and beautiful to her. She still wanted to kiss him. Wanted to hear his sweet words in her ear but there wasn't a chance for that now. He was just like all the other friends that disappeared when she went long distance. She had thought he was different but maybe he just wasn't what she thought he was.

@ Jinx...
Leo watched Olivia, sighing to himself. He felt bad, but at the same time, he thought this was her fault. Why should she be the one who’s feeling bad? She was able to be away at some fancy place, abandoning him for months. She had no right to be upset. This thought angered him more and he shook his head tightening his jaw. He swallowed again, nodding as he listened. “I saw. They were really good. Like the ones you’d see in those travel brochures.” He told her, a quick smile setting on his lips as he thought about it. “Cold?” He asked, frowning slightly. Leo wanted to be a hard add but sometimes he just couldn’t help but be soft. “Want my jacket?” He offered. Then nodded with a sigh. “I understand. See you at school tomorrow.” He mumbled. He reached out and touched her shoulder, not wanting to fully embrace her. But something. “Bye Olivia.” He told her before climbing down from the treeehouse. He glanced up to see if she was following and would walk with him. But when he saw the hesitation he began to walk back on his own.

@ BadStreetBoys
Olivia nodded. He said some kind things and she felt so confused. He smiled and she let the side of her mouth pick up before it fell again. "Thanks." she said. He offered his jacket and she shook her head. He needed it more and it wouldn't be much good. She didn't know how he wasn't freezing. Olivia felt his hand on her shoulder and she felt like she was going to break. She could just hug him. He pulled back and she felt the panic of it. He was letting go. She stepped forward quickly and hugged him her face buried in his chest. "Goodbye Leo." she said feeling like this was more than just a goodbye for the day. She stayed like that just a moment before stepping back. She looked down at Leo and wished she had her camera. He had no idea how heartbreaking and how much of a heart throbbing he was like this. She saw him turn away and she felt the warm tear slide down her cheek leaving a cold spot on her face. She crawled down and headed home.

@ Jinx...
Leo felt Olivia's hug and hugged her back just as tight. He needed it. He had missed these hugs and this closeness. But he couldn't shake that feeling of betrayal. He worried it was just a facade. He tried to hold strong when she pulled away, nodding and quickly leaving. As Leo walked home, he began to cry. He felt like he was losing his best friend and wondered if she felt the same way. When Leo got home, his father was in a worse mood than usual. Leo tried to duck inside, unsuccessfully. He and his father got in a screaming match. The man quickly going after and overpowering the boy. Leo was hit, tossed around, kicked, and yelled at. Leo cried out louder than he usually did in pain, looking down at his arm, both of them knew it was broken. Leo's father quickly sobered up, yelling for Ricky to get in the car so they could take Leo to the hospital. Once there Leo was quickly seen by a doctor, who prodded Leo about how it happened. He lied, as usual, saying he had fallen when climbing from a tree house.

The next morning Leo showed up at school with a bright red cast on his arm, his jacket barely able to cover the thick cast that covered his entire arm. He was quiet, reserved. Not really talking to anyone, not even his friends.

@ BadStreetBoys
Olivia walked up to school looking tired her nose red. She was flooded by their friends welcoming her back and Andre asking to see her new scar and how her tan looked nice. Olivia spotted Leo and frowned seeing the cast and the half worn jacket. She pulled off her scarf and excused herself moving over to Leo and wrapping the blue fluffy scarf around him. She sat next to him and took his good hand. She was quiet for what seemed like a long moment. "How bad is your arm?" she asked. Despite everything Leo was hurt and it concerned her. She knew why he was hurt and couldn't tell anyone. She knew they drifted apart but she wanted him to know she still saw him and was still here for him. She felt bad that she had been gone so long and realized how alone he must have felt after being able to confide in her. He realized that her parents would move her again though didn't he? He promised to be her friend even if she left. They had talked about her other friends and how they weren't her friends after she left. She had told him how hard it was and how it hurt. Now she had been away and he pulled away just like everyone else. She shouldn't be surprised but now wasn't the time for that Leo needed a moment where someone saw him and cared and she would always be that person to see him and care.

@ Jinx...
Leo jumped slightly when he Olivia's scarf touched him, he glanced over and smiled at her. He just shrugged. "I dunno, it's in a cast so not good." He said with a dry laugh. "I broke it falling from the tree house, remember?" He told her, framing it as a question, but they both knew why he was saying it. "Oh I have something." He paused. "For you." Leo reached into his jacket pocket with his good hand and held out a few of the photos she had sent him during the trip. "I figured you hadn't gotten them printed yet, so I got them done for you so you could add them to the portfolio." He told her and shrugged again. Leo heard the bell, grabbed his backpack that lay at his feet and began to make his way inside with Olivia. He shook his head trying to clear his thoughts. He figured that 'test trial' of Olivia being gone hadn't gone well for him. He knew it would only be worse if they got closer and then she left him permanently. He didn't want to have his heart broken again.

@ BadStreetBoys
Olivia nodded. "Yeah I remember." she said though she didn't want to lie for his father she knew Leo felt it necessary. Olivia tilted her head to the side as reached into his pocket wondering what it was. She looked at the photos as he handed them to her. She grinned. They did look stunning printed out like this. She smiled sadly down at them. This was painful to know it had all been a beautiful lie that they could completely know each other and still not be right for each other. He had convinced her to start a portfolio and it was starting to look really impressive. Olivia placed the photos in her binder to protect them and looked up when the bell rang finishing zipping her bag. She stood walking beside Leo. She felt so bad about his arm and hoped that she could help comfort him in some way. Maybe he would come over after school. They might not be able to be friends but that didn't mean she would abandon him in need. Her feelings didn't stop because she was hurt. Olivia walked him to his class this time insisting on carrying his books for him. She handed them to him at the door. "I'll see you later." she said then headed off to her own class.

@ Jinx...
Leo felt bad that Olivia was insisting on carrying his books. He didn’t want her to be late or anything, and he didn’t want help. Leo was stubborn in that way. He didn’t like help or pity. Olivia was able to get through to him and help him because she didn’t frame it that way. When he went over after school, she always insisted they had snacks. Not because she knew Leo wasn’t eating much at home, but because that’s just what she did. In this way Leo was accepting the help because it didn’t feel like help or pity. “See ya in class before lunch.” He said. Leo moved into the classroom and took out both his class notebook and his writing one. Adding more and more details to his ongoing memoir.

@ BadStreetBoys
Olivia went through the day bored of classes. She was ahead in her school work her teachers having given her unlimited access tot he material while she was away. She doodled in the corners of her papers. When it was time for class with Leo she was wondering if they could talk out their issues. She didn't want it to stay like this. She didn't know why he was so upset with her. She knew it was painful for him to be apart and he was alone but it hadn't been her fault. But him being distant and acting cold was his fault. If anyone was suppose to be angry here it should be her. She didn't want to be angry though. She wanted Leo back because he was her everything and she didn't think that would ever change. She sat next to him in class. "Hey." she said timidly.

@ Jinx...
Leo’s memoir writing was a jumbled mess. There were notes, billet points, illustrations, actually paragraphs of worrying, everything and anything. This was only his first draft so he knew one day it would be good when it was polished and published. It was the piece of writing he didn’t want to show anyone until it’s perfect. He packed up and moved to his next class, with Olivia. He saw her sitting in her old usual spot, and took his besides her. “Hey.” He murmured, again taking out his notebook. “How are your other classes?” He asked, just as the late bell rang. Leo opened his notebook, turning to a blank and empty page. He tapped the pencil to his chin as he thought.

@ BadStreetBoys
Olivia went through the day distracted and feeling frustrated. If she didn't want to get away from her parents so much she would ask to do online school. The end of the day came around and though Olivia hung out with Leo they mostly did so in silence. As school ended she came up beside him. "Did you want to come over?" she asked him. she knew it was too cold to be outside otherwise he would probably be out with his other friends. She bit her lip nervously. "I can show you my new camera." she said. She had been pretty excited about the different lenses. She was starting to think she needed to learn to develop her own pictures but she wasn't there yet still trying to get use to her camera and figure out her style.

@ Jinx...
Leo had started talking to their English teacher about writing after class. He wanted to see what they thought he could do with his writings and how to actually become an author. He knew they were going but he wanted to prepare for the future. She gave him some advice and he left school pondering it. Their teacher had mentioned “pen names” for people who didn’t want their real name attached. He liked that idea. No one would know it’s him and he could become famous and laugh in the face of those who doubted him. He could become anyone he wanted with a fake name. Leo saw Olivia after school and walked over to her. “New camera?” He asked and nodded. “Yea sure.” He said and shrugged.

@ BadStreetBoys
Olivia nodded and walked with him. She bit her lip as they walked in. "Mom I'm home!" she called. Her mom came in and beamed. "Leo it's good to see you." she said and then smiled at her daughter. "How was school?" Olivia rolled her eyes. "Fine." she said flatly and walked into the kitchen. She pulled out some packaged chips and gummies. She set them on the counter and went into the fridge getting a drink and leaned against the counter looking at Leo. "How is your story going? Still workin on the same one?" she asked. It was safe to talk about their hobbies or at least it felt more safe than talking about feelings or their home lives.

@ Jinx...
Leo followed Olivia, smiling politely when he saw her mother. “Hello ma’am, nice to see you.” He said, waving with his good hand. He moved again as he followed Olivia. Pulling himself up and into the chair at the kitchen table. He frowned slightly at Olivia’s distance from her mother but pushed it behind him. It wasn’t his business. “Yea.” He said and shrugged. “I talked to Ms. Evans today about like. Writing in the future.” He said with a shrug. Leo picked at the snacks as he sat there. His mind still plagued by the idea that she was just like everyone else. He wanted to believe Olivia was different but he wasn’t sure he could anymore.

@ BadStreetBoys
Olivia smiled as she listened to him talk about his writing future. "That's amazing Leo. I know you will be awesome." she said her eyes sad. She sat down next to him and stretched her legs out on the chair across from her. She didn't know how to fix this. Maybe they couldn't but shouldn't she try if she needed Leo so much? She was thinking about it hard as he ate his snacks. She finished her drink and they headed up stairs. She went over to her desk and pulled her camera and it's large lens. " So the large lens is for little pictures like the starfish picture I sent to you." she said. "And even smaller like raindrops. I think I really like the little photos, their called Macro photography." she grinned seeming more relaxed. "But this lens makes amazing pictures of people." she said and screwed it on. "Here sit in the window and look out for me." she said and turned it on hoping her would let her take the picture.

@ Jinx...
Leo blushed bright red when she said he could do great things. He wasn’t sure about that. He would love to become a famous author. But, he just didn’t know if he had the resources. He quickly followed Olivia to her room when they finished their snacks and drinks. He sat on the side of her bed and looked at the camera and it’s lenses. Whenever Olivia handed him something he was gently holding it. “That’s cool.” He mumbled. “Okay.” He said and laughed. Olivia knew he didn’t like his picture taken. But he also couldn’t say no to her. He moved over and looked out the window longingly. He thought about her and him and their friendship. Wondering if it would recover. When she said she was done Leo moved over to see.

@ BadStreetBoys
Olivia smiled as he laughed. She loved the sound of his real laugh. He sat and she looked at him through her lens. She made some adjustments and got a few different angles before picking one. "Okay done." she said. She leaned over showing him. She had caught the light just right so it made him seem darker and more powerful. The picture evoked a sense of longing and promises on the brink of being made or broken. She grinned and looked up at him as he looked at it. "What do you think? she asked. "I would probably print it in black and white." she blushed and looked back at the picture of him. "You are a black and white photo." she said knowing he wouldn't understand it but she had to say it. Olivia sniffled all the sudden. "Leo..." she whimpered his name and tossed her arms around his neck hugging him tight not wanting him to see her cry.

@ Jinx...
Leo looked at the photo and smiled, he thought it made him look good. It looked almost like a movie poster or something. “That’s really cool.” He commented, raising an eyebrow at her comment. He didn’t understand what Olivia meant, but before he could ask she had thrown herself on him. He was surprised by it, eyes widened. Leo wrapped his good arm around her and squeezed his friend back. He could hear the shakiness in her voice. “Liv, what’s wrong?” He asked nervously.

@ BadStreetBoys
Olivia shook her head not daring to speak for now. She knew he didn't want pity and this isn't what this was. This was the pain of not being able to protect him because she cared for him. This was the pain of loosing him when she didn't do anything. "I want you back." she said. "I missed you like crazy." she said and rubbed her eyes before she let go and moved back to her desk pulling out her gift she had saved from Christmas and one from Hawaii. She handed him the box first. "Open it." she sniffed and turned putting her camera up. Inside the box was a waterproof and rip proof notebook. The cover was designed with etched leaves and a slim pen with his name etched into the metallic shell. She turned after a moment after she heard the box open. "It's so no one can take your writing from you." she said because she knew she worried about his father finding his writing. "Merry Christmas." she said her eyes still glossy. "Here." she handed him one more little box. Inside was a leather woven bracelet. She bit her lip nervously. Woven between on of the bands was a lava stone. "The lava stone is for grounding and protection." she told him and bit her lip looking down. "It's from Hawaii." she said and blushed. "I wanted to bring a part of it to you."