One Big Mistake

all too well, having heard them many times before during her time with Emily. The two-hour drive seemed to stretch forever, like an endless ribbon of asphalt winding throu

Kelvin said, g

it, stepping out onto the warm sand, her feet sinking into its softness. The house before them was a stunning contemporary structure with

ed around wonderfully at the two large palm trees framing the entrance, their leaves rustling gently in the b

eps echoing through the spacious living room. Olivia followed close behind, taking in the bright, comfortable furniture and the large windows that offered a breathtaking v

thed, admiring the

oom, leading them outside to a large wooden deck. Emily had already made herself home, lounging in one of the deck chairs and gazing at the ocean. The deck was surrounded

sed with her reaction. "Let me show you the bedroom," he said, walking back inside. Olivia followed him into a large bedroom with a four-poster bed a

th wash over her. She knew that whatever happened in thi

were cooking, filling the air with mouthwatering aromas of spices, herbs, and freshly baked bread. It was like a hive of ac

be helpful. Kelvin's blue eyes twinkled under his dirty blonde h

. Before Olivia could answer, Kelvin chimed in. "Yes, I am," he said with a roguish grin. Olivia laughed nervously as the sound of vehicles pulling

as filled with guests. Kelvin's friend Trevor walke

thm that seemed to sync with the beating of their hearts. Everywhere Olivia looked, people were talking, drinking, and dancing. "Looks like the par

and strange conversations. She spotted a group around the kitchen table, drinking and lau

wanted to say no, but she found herself nodding in agreement. She followe

cended upon them. "So," Emily began, "do you have any ideas for games?" One of the girls, a brunette with br

ace. The last time she played the game, they made fun of her. Em

hear the party buzz, laughter, and conversations from inside. She watched the shadows of people dancing in

she couldn't quite name. The music changed, and the party began to pick up. Olivia dec

He took her hand and guided her to the dance floor. "Come on, let me show you how to dance." Olivia was taken aback, but before she coul

ended, Olivia thanked Kelvin and returned to Emily. Emily was still playing the game but also watching Olivia with a smile. "What?" Olivia asked with a grin. "You," Emi

a mischievous grin, then slowly began to walk towards the pool, ignoring her pleas. Olivia's arms were stuck in a tense hug a

e pressed her eyes shut and braced herself for the inevitable splash. But when T

dove into the pool to get Olivia out. Emily ran out and screamed, "Oh my god, who did this?" she shrieked, her voice echoing in the evening air. No

close. Olivia coughed, expelling water from her lungs. "I am so sorry," Kelvin said, crooning soft words of comfort. Kelvin

to assure her, but her face was still pale and drawn. "I will go get you a towel," Kelvin said, quickly turning to Trevor, who had been w

ack, Olivia was sh

nd then scooped her up in his arms once more. "It's a Good thing I packed some extra c

Kelvin gently laid Olivia on the bed and grabbed a blanket to cover her up. Emily hovered nea

he saw her weekender bag on the floor beside the bed, took out jean shorts and tank tops, and put them on. Kelvin stood by the bathroom door when Olivia came o

she said. "I feel better now." "Does that mean we're going home?" Emily asked. Olivia glared at her, and

want to come in the first place, and I didn't want him to drive us here," Olivia said. "Now you're trying to make me feel bad for making

ng better. She took a seat in the vehicle and offered a quiet apology to Kelvin. "I'm sorry for making you leave your party early," Olivia said. Kelvin gave her a

ch house had been replaced by an oppressive air of tension. Emily stared out of the window,

d through the darkness, guided by the yellow glow of street lamps and headlights of other vehicles. Eventually, they arrived at Olivia's house; Olivia opened the car door and l

d and nodded. "Thanks, Kelvin," Olivia said, looking at Emily. "Call me when you get home, Em's." "I will," Emily replied. She got in her car, and Kelvin and Emily drove off. Olivia walked into the house, stra