S I X | Step By Step

{Pic of Neel}

Song: Sick Boy

Artist (s): Chainsmokers

It takes a huge effort to free yourself from memories.

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Neel had directed me to a room opposite his and told me to settle in. The walls were a cream colour and bare of any pictures. The room was decorated with a double bed along with a bed side table along with a desk. There were two other doors in the room, connecting to a walk in closet and bathroom.

I placed my school bag, looking around the room, not knowing what to do. I really needed a shower to help myself relax but I realised I had no clothes. After a lot of contemplating, I finally decided to seek the help of Neel.

Finding my way to Neels room, I stood outside, knocking twice. When I heard a rough 'come in', I opened the door stepping in, keeping my eyes locked on the carpet underneath me.

"Did you need anything?" Neel asked shuffling around his room. I played with my fingers and finally decided to look up. Neel was stood in front of his mirror, with only a pair of grey sweatpants covering him. He was scrolling through his phone with one hand, and with the other he was drying his hair with a towel. He turned around and an instant blush crept up my face.

"Olivia" Neel called out for me. I cleared my throat, looking anywhere but at him.

"I...erm...I don't have any clothes" Neels chiselled 6 pack was very prominent and very hard to miss. I don't know how I hadn't noticed before but Neel's right arm was littered with tattoos, mimicking a sleeve. Neel nodded walking into his closet and returning with one of his sleeveless shirts and some shorts.

"These are the smallest clothes I could find" Neel held them out to me but I didn't take them. They wouldn't cover them. My scars would be on display. Neel looked at me questioningly when I didn't take what he offered.

"I'm sorry, I'd just keep what I've got on." I turned around to leave, not wanting to bother him. Before I could leave, Neel grabbed my wrist pulling me back. I instantly tear my wrist out of his hold and hold it against my chest.

"If you don't want these, you can take whatever else you want from my closet. Tomorrow after school, we can go buy you some new clothes." Neel said pointing to the closet. I thanked him, walking into his closet. I grabbed the baggiest, long sleeved shirt I could find and some sweatpants. Thanking him once more, I headed straight for my room and into the shower.

*****

Neel

I sighed as I watched Olivia leaving my room. It would take some time before she completely trusted me. I quickly pulled on a black shirt heading downstairs, to talk to Julian and Julius. Thankfully, I found them both in the living room. As soon as I walked in, they sat up waiting for answers.

"That's Olivia. She goes to my school." I sat on the couch next to them, they didn't need to know anything else. They both sighed, slumping themselves down next to me. There was only a few minutes of silence before there was a harsh knock on the door. I stood up making my way towards the door, pulling it open.

"My names Officer Gail. I'm look for a lad named Neel Taylor?" An officer stood in front of my door, and I had no doubt about who sent him.

"That's me" I answered, opening the door further.

"Right. I've been informed you have taken a girl against her will and are forcing her to stay here?" As soon as those words left his mouth, I heard footsteps coming from the stairs.

"Who gave you this false news?" I asked the officer not holding back the eye roll. He ignored me and looked over my shoulder. I followed his gaze, letting my eyes fall on Olivia. She stood at the bottom of the stairs, her hair dripping water, looking as though she was drowning in my clothes.

She was beautiful. I blinked twice, snapping myself out of it. Now was not the time.

"You must be Olivia Greene. Correct?" Officer Gail looked down at a piece of paper, before looking back at Olivia, who had physically begun shaking again. My fists clenched at the sight. I rubbed the back of my neck before holding my hand out for Olivia,hoping she would take it and - thankfully - she did. From the corner of my eye, I saw Julian and Julius leaning against the door frame of the living room.

"Mind if I come in?" Officer asked and I nodded allowing him inside. Olivia was still clutching my hand with a death grip and I had a strong urge to comfort her. Julian led the officer to the couch and Olivia and I took a seat opposite him. Julius and Julian left giving us some privacy.

"Olivia, why aren't you at home?" The officer asked Olivia. When she didn't reply the officer glared at me, before looking back at Olivia softly. He stood up coming to kneel in front of her. She instantly began pushing herself into the couch to avoid his touch.

"Don't touch her" I ordered covering Olivia with my body.

"I'd move out of the way, if I were you boy" Gail sneered looking down at me once he stood up to his full height and I followed.

"Teens may legally leave home when they reach the age of majority. The age of majority here is 18 years old." I gritted, getting annoyed by the passing second.

"I wasn't talking to you" he continued to stare at Olivia, who seemed more aware of her surroundings now. She stood up, standing next to me.

"I chose to stay here. No one forced me" Olivia whispered. Officer Gail looked between the two of us for a few minutes before sighing. He quickly pulled out a writing pad, scribbling something down, before handing it to Olivia.

"Call me if you need anything" Gail said eyeing me. I didn't blame him though. He was just doing his job, if Olivia was actually in trouble right now, he could have helped her. After Gail left, I made my way back to Olivia who just sat on the couch.

"I can leave if you want, I don't want to be a nuisance" I heard Olivia say after a few minutes.

"I'd rather have a million cops at my door every day, then let you go back there" I took a seat next to Olivia and we just sat in silence.

"Can I ask you something?" Olivia asked and I nodded immediately jumping at the chance to get her talk.

"How come you live alone?" I knew this would come up, but not this early. I shrugged facing her.

"I don't have any family. My parents died a few years ago and I'm a single child." Olivia nodded at the information. I knew she had more questions.

"You can ask me more questions" I said. She looked up at me and I couldn't help be get lost in her eyes. They were a gorgeous crystal blue colour.

"I don't want to intrude" she shook her head.

"You won't. Ask away" I settled back into the couch getting comfortable, hoping that she would too.

"You said before, you can legally move out or live alone at the age of 18. If your parents died a few years ago, how were you allowed to live alone?"

"I lived in an orphanage for a while. My parents didn't do the best of jobs out there, but it got them a load of money, which they left to me before they died. It's enough to get me through life, without working a day. I bought this house with the same money, once I turned 18" I answered. Olivia nodded listening to me.

"How do you know Julian and Julius?"

"They're just friends." Olivia nodded once more and we fell into a silence once more. A few seconds later, the twins burst through the door.

"I'm am absolutely starving" Julian cried jumping onto the couch. I rolled my eyes at his antics as did Julius.

"Then make yourself something" I muttered getting my phone out.

"I want pizza" he declared.

"Then order some" I groaned. Julian jumped off the couch dialling a number and walking out of the room.

"Ignore him. His brain is still developing" Julius said looking at Olivia, who didn't reply.

"I heard that, you bastard" Julian yelled from the hallway before we heard a quiet 'no, I wasn't talking to you'. A few minutes later Julian walked back into the room.

"I ordered one Hawaiian pizza and one pepperoni pizza. Is everyone okay with that?" Julian asked mostly directing the question to Olivia.

"You're supposed to ask that before order, you doofus" Julius slapped Julian across the back of the head.

"Stop making me looking like an idiot in front of Olivia" Julian groaned.

"It's better to let someone think you're an idiot, than open your mouth and prove it" I finally spoke up, effectively shutting him up. When I saw Olivia smile, I wanted to give myself a pat on the back. Why did her smile make me so fucking happy? God dammit. I need to stop being such a pussy.

Approximately half and hour later the bell rung. Julian shot up off the couch, nearly tripping over his own two feet.

"Finally" he yelled running towards the door. He will never grow up. Julian returned carrying two boxes of pizzas along with some fries and a bottle of coke. As well all dug in, Olivia just sat there staring at us.

"Go on" I motioned towards the food. Olivia shook her head, making a move towards the door. I instantaneously followed her and stopped her before she got to the stairs.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

"I'm not hungry" was all she said. I called bullshit.

"You have to eat something" I held her hand pulling her behind me. That was until, she yanked at me to stop.

"I'm not used to eating such food. I haven't had pizza for years. I don't know if I'll be t-"

"Well today's your lucky day. You can have all the pizza you want" I led her back to the living room and to our original place. I picked up a slice of pepperoni pizza - placing it on a plate - before handing it to her. She hesitated looking at me, before she finally took a bite. After she sent me a curt nod, I started eating my own pizza. I had finished 3 slices by now but Olivia was barely on her first slice still. Once she had ate half of it, she put it back on her plate and onto the table in front of her.

"I'm full" she said looking at me

"You've hardly had a slice. At least finish it off" Julius said looking at Olivia. Olivia just stared at me pleadingly. I just nodded allowing her to leave. There was no point forcing her. We're just going to have to work on it.

Step by step.

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