48. Driving

Olivia

I'm at the top of the happiness cliff, dancing and singing without worrying about falling and meeting the consequences of gravity.

But how much of me will break when I fall from this cliff and smack on the ground?

It's been a week that me and Joel are dating and those have been the best days of my life. We try to keep it a secret as much as possible because if the whole school knows then our families will find out too.

Joel waits for me in the school parking lot every morning and we walk to school together, Lucy and the others walk with us too. He buys me my favorite chocolate every lunch break and sits beside me in the couch. He kisses me in every chance he gets when we're alone, when the cafeteria is empty, in hallway's corners or in an empty classroom.

The rooftop has become our very secret place now. We go there to escape from everyone, from our families, from the weight of our last names, from our responsibilities, and from everything that ties down our freedom. In the rooftop it's just Joel and Olivia, nothing more and nothing less. Just two normal teenagers who are in love with each other, living their teenage life.

We play a charming game on the rooftop invented by Joel himself; he gifts me a carnation flower daily, and I have to guess its color. The carnation from yesterday was orange which I lost to guess because I said it's pink. I wonder what today's color might be.

The '' enemies'' between us is crushed and replaced by something else much stronger than hate or anything else. Sometimes I wonder how the heck that big hate shifted into this love.

But even that me and Joel aren't enemies anymore, our families are.

I can't imagine what would happen if they found out about it.

''Are you okay, Liv?" Lucy asks interrupting my train of thoughts.

We're going to school and as always Lucy is driving her white BMW. Her driving is so good, and she looks so hot in front of the steering wheel, it makes me want to learn how to drive too. I'm sixteen and legally able to learn how to drive and get a driving licence, but I'm too scared to.

Can I ask Joel to teach me how to drive?

''Yeah, I'm fine.'' I answer.

''You seem lost in thoughts.''

''I'm thinking what would happen if our families found out about me and Joel.'' I sigh.

''I can't stay it would be fine.'' Lucy says, ''But let's just hope for the best.''

Lucy drives her car into the parking lot and to her space.

''He's cute.'' Lucy says pointing at Joel who's waiting for me in front of his car.

''Right?" I smile and get out of the car.

I approach him slowly and he smiles at me.

''Good morning princess.'' he says.

''Morning.''

He hops an arm around my shoulder and hugs me to his side dropping a kiss on my cheek.

''We shouldn't be this close.'' I say looking around in concern.

''We'll tell them we're friends.''

''Friends don't act like that.''

''What? No!'' he gasps acting surprised and I laugh.

''I'm of to the library, see ya later.'' Lucy walks ahead of us.

''She always goes to the library.'' Joel says, ''My brother goes there too, do you think they see each other?"

"Maybe.'' I reply.

''Chérie!'' Andy shouts coming toward me and then stops when he sees Joel, ''Ugh, you're here too.''

''Yeah, you got a problem with that?" Joel glares at him and hugs me tighter.

''Yeah, I do have a problem.'' he crosses his arms.

''Well, it's your problem not mine.'' Joel says and walks ahead with me at his side.

I bite the inside of my cheek to stop myself from laughing.

Andy rushes to catch us and then grabs my arm, pulling me away from Joel.

''I'll never get used to this, chérie.'' he drops an arm around my shoulder.

''Get used to what?" I ask.

''You two being a thing.'' he answers pointing between me and Joel.

''Who gives a fuck if you get used to this or not?'' Joel grabs my arm and pulls me toward him.

''Are you mad lover boy?'' Andy says and Joel glares at him.

''Just saying Olivia loves me more because I'm her best friend and I met her before.''

''Just saying I don't give a fuck if you're her best friend and even if you met her before I know her more than you do.'' Joel says.

''Oh yeah?"

''Yeah.''

''Okay guys stop, I love both of you.'' I say going between them to stop the tension. ''Shall we head inside now?"

I grab both of their shoulders and walk ahead with them at my steps.

''I just love messing with him.'' Andy whispers next to me.

''I heard that.'' Joel says at my other side.

''Good, because I was about to say it louder this time.'' Andy says and Joel scoffs.

I start laughing at their childish behavior.

''What are you laughing at?" Joel narrows his eyes at me.

''Because I'm too funny of course.'' Andy smirks.

''You're not funny.''

''Girls seem to think otherwise.''

''Ugh, stop with this behavior.'' I roll my eyes and push them forward, making them walk.

''What behavior? We're best friends, right Joel?" Andy says.

''Don't you have other things to do?'' Joel asks annoyed.

''Besides from messing with you?" he makes a thoughtful face, ''Non. I have all my attention on you, mon papillon.'' he says, and I burst out laughing.

Joel looks at me, his eyes terrified and I laugh more.

''What the fuck did you call me?" Joel asks him, horrified.

''My butterfly.'' Andy answers and pinches Joel's cheeks.

Oh, my fucking God, I can't believe the scene in front of me.

''Princess, I swear to God get your best friend away from me or I'll-'' Andy tries to kiss Joel's cheek making him stop talking and focus on pushing him away.

The two of them struggle with each other, Andy tries to kiss Joel's cheek and Joel tries to get Andy away from him. I stay in place, looking at them and laughing.

Suddenly Andy manages to kiss him, and I gasp.

''Eww.'' Joel says disgusted, wiping his cheek and Andy starts laughing out loud. ''Disgusting human being.  Eugh'' he gags.

''Andy, you made him sick.'' I laugh as Joel acts as throwing up.

''Chill man, are you allergic to human touch?" Andy asks.

''I'm allergic to your touch.'' Joel says wiping his cheek repeatedly, ''Don't come near me again.''

''Aw mon cher.'' Andy walks toward him, arms opened.

''Stop bullying him, Andy.'' I push him away and Joel looks at me like a lost child.

''Get his filthy touch away from my skin, I can't stand it.'' Joel says disgusted and I struggle to hold my laugh. I tiptoe and give him a kiss on the place where Andy kissed him.

''Better?" I ask and he nods.

''I feel betrayed.'' Andy gasps.

''Fuck off.'' Joel glares at him.

We walk toward the cafeteria with an amused Andy and a pissed Joel.

''I heard that Winter Gala is coming.'' Avril says. ''What is that?"

''Oh, that's my favorite event of the year.'' I grin, ''Royal Academy organizes a party on winter where the parents can come with their children, it's the biggest event ever and each year is more marvelous than the last one. It's always on 23rd December, one day before Christmas eve.''

''Lucy right here.'' I drop an arm around Lucy's shoulder, ''Is the best organizer ever. This is her third year organizing the Winter Gala as the school's president and she surprises us every year.''

''It's nothing.'' she smiles shy.

''How important is this party?" Joel asks.

''Oh, very important.'' I answer, ''This event shows off the school, is where the parents come, and they need to be impressed. Everything in this gala needs to go well otherwise the school loses its sparkle.''

''And'' Andy adds, ''it's a competition too. The parents show off their wealth by donating. It's like a war between them, who donates more money wins.''

''True,'' I nod, ''And it's a competition between us too, whoever has the best outfit look wins. Which I have won every year.'' I say with a proud look.

''You have won all the time?" Avril asks.

''Yes, together with my sis. The Meyer girls win together.'' I wink.

''Ugh, shut up chérie, that's because I have voted a hundred times for you.'' Andy says.

''We could've won even without your votes.'' I say.

''Where does the donated money go?" Luke asks.

''Some of it is donated to charity and the other is used by the school to replace the old stuff with new modern facilities.'' Lucy answers.

''But rumor has it that principal Nova gets some money too.'' I say, ''Because that's a hella lot of money.''

''That's just a rumor.'' Lucy shakes her head.

''It might be true.'' Andy shrugs.

I believe it's true because principal Nova is on the list of the richest principals in California. And not just that, but she is at the top of the list, number one. Where did she found all that money by just being a principal? She definitely takes some of the donated money.

''Who wins the donation?" Joel asks.

''Christian Meyer.'' I answer with a smirk.

''Of course.'' he scoffs.

''Now that I'm thinking, this year is going to be a bloody war since Adam Cullen and Christian Meyer are both participating.'' Andy says and I shiver at the thought of my father and Adam Cullen meeting.

''Yeah.'' I whisper.

''What's the dress code for this event?" Avril asks. Good subject change.

''The Winter Gala is based on Victorian era which our school is built. The students need to wear ball gowns and vintage outfit which fit this era. For this year I choose the 1900s as a theme and I'm going to decorate the place that way.'' Lucy answers.

''Ball gowns? Are you serious?" Avril says.

''Yes, isn't it awesome?" I say excitedly, but I don't think she likes the idea of gowns.

''I'm having kinda problems with the ornaments and decorations though.'' Lucy says, ''I don't know if it would be as marvelous as the last time.''

''You can do it don't worry.'' I clutch her shoulder.

''Can I help you with it?" Luke speaks, ''I have some knowledge for the Victorian era, maybe I can help.''

''Sure.'' Lucy smiles.

''Last year, Alexa won 'the best couple' title and that's my failure.'' I say.

''With whom was she?'' Andy asks.

''I don't remember his name, but it was a third year.'' I say.

''Who was your date?" Joel asks.

''My sister.'' I smile, ''Because the traitor over here abandoned us together with Aaron.'' I look at Andy angry.

''Oh, come on, Alice was fire, and you know that.'' he says, and I roll my eyes.

''Who's Aaron?" Joel asks raising an eyebrow.

''Aaron was our best friend.'' I say sadly, ''He left school last year and went to another country like an idiot.'' I add and Andy snorts.

''Yeah, he left me alone with those two witches.'' Andy says.

''The plan was like this.'' I say ignoring his statement, ''My date was Aaron and Lucy's was Andy. But those two went with the cheerleaders at the first chance they got. And Alexa won.'' I scoff.

''Chérie you two are like our sisters we needed a date that we can kiss and sneak into the bathroom.'' Andy says.

''Eww.'' me and Lucy say at the same time.

''Disgusting piece of shit. Both of you!'' I hit him on the shoulder, and he laughs.

''Aaron went to a classroom.'' he laughs, and I hit him more.

''You disgust me.'' I act like throwing up.

''Shut up Andy, Aaron is not like that.'' Lucy scoffs.

''Wanna bet?" he grins.

''Anyway, I'm winning the best couple this time.'' I cross my arms.

''Oh yeah? Who's your date?" Andy asks.

''Not you.'' I scoff and he acts like brokenhearted.

I sneak a look at Joel and he's looking at us amused. We're sitting close to each other, our shoulders touching. He has his arm behind the couch around me and his hand is at the side of my arm.

I want Joel to be my date at the Winter Gala, but wouldn't that create suspicion? Our parents will be there too, so it's completely dangerous to do that move. I want to win the competition and I want to win it with him beside me, but the level of this being possible it's too low. Besides he hasn't asked me to be his dates, the boys are the ones who ask the girls. Does he want to go with me?

Suddenly his hand touches my arm and my body shivers. He traces circles with his thumb and I relax at his touch.

The bell rings, signaling us the beginning of the first class and we get up from the cozy couch.

I have math as my first period.

Great. Just great.

''Red.'' I say.

We're on the rooftop and Joel is holding a carnation behind his back.

''It counts since it has red on it.'' he says and reveals the flower.

I smile at the beauty of the carnation. It's white with red at the corners of the petal.

''I love it.'' I say and try to get the flower, but he snatches it away.

I frown. Is this another game when I need to grab the flower from him?

He sinks down on one knee and holds the carnation in front of me. I look at him confused and he smiles, the dimples of his making him more handsome than he already is.

"Olivia Meyer," he begins, and as I raise an eyebrow, "Would you do me the honor of being my date at the Winter Gala?"

I laugh with joy and nod my head.

''Yes?" he asks.

''Yes.'' I smile taking the carnation.

He raises to his feet and kisses me. A very passionately sweet kiss that makes my knees fall and my brain to melt.

''You're very romantic, Joel Cullen.'' I say against his lips.

''Only for you.'' he says and kisses me again.

''Joel.'' I say after a while.

''Hmm?''

''Will you teach me how to drive?''

He pulls away a little and looks at me, eyebrow raised.

''You want me to teach you how to drive?" he asks, and I nod.

''Will you?"

''I will, but why me?"

Why him? My heart tells me to, and I trust him enough for it. I'm not afraid when he's with me and I'm sure I won't be afraid seated in front of the wheel when he'll be with me.

''I trust you.'' I say and he smiles. A full genuine happy smile.

''Lucy goes to the charity organization every day after school for about twenty minutes and I always go there with her. We can use this time, if that's okay with you?" I ask him.

''It's perfect.'' he kisses the top of me head and I smile.

I'm learning how to drive. Bring it on.

''I'm going to explain to you the parts of the car and their functions. And you have to learn all of them, okay?" Joel says and I nod.

The school's parking lot is empty, only a few cars are here, my sister's and the other students who take part on the volunteering. This is a good thing; Joel and I will have more space and we'll be alone.

Joel enters the driver's seat in his glorious black Audi r8 V10 model and I follow after him, sitting in the passenger's seat. His scent immediately surrounds me, and I take in a deep breath, finding comfort in it.

''This is the steering wheel.'' he says, and I give him a disbelief look.

''I know that.'' I say and he laughs.

''This is the place where you start the car.'' he says pointing at the red button on the steering wheel, ''To turn on the car you have to push the button like this.'' he says and the car roars to life.

''Did you get it?" he asks, and I nod. ''Perfect. This is gearbox, it's used to change the gears. The car is automatic, so it chooses the gears for you. This is P for park, D for drive, N for neutral and R for reverse.'' he explains, and I nod when he makes eye contact with me. Then he starts to explain the use for each gear, and I start to wonder how the heck will I remember all those.

''This is the clutch, this is the brake pedal and the gas pedal.'' he shows me them with his feet. ''And this is the emergency brake handle.''

Soon the whole car tour is over.

''Let's switch places now.'' he says and gets out of the car. I take in a nervous breath.

I'm kinda anxious now that I have to seat on the driver's seat.

''Come on, there's nothing to worry about.'' Joel opens the passenger's door. ''I'll be here.''

I nod and get out to sit on the other side.

''You remember what I said to you?" he says, and I nod. ''Repeat them.''

Strict teacher I see.

''Steering wheel.'' I say with an eye roll, ''Key place, gearbox, gas pedal, brake pedal, clutch, emergency brake handle.'' I point at each of them.

''Very good.'' he says, ''Now to start the car you have to put your foot on the brake pedal and then push at the button.''   he says and I do it.

''Do I have to press the brake?"

''Yes.'' he answers

I do and the car roars again to life. A weird sensation comes through me, and I exhale a shaky breath.

''Don't be afraid.'' Joel says. ''And don't let go of the brake pedal.''

''Put a hand to the steering wheel and the other to the gear selector.'' he says, and I do. I think I forgot how to breath, ''Now shift the selector to the D, drive mode.''

''The car is going to move, are you ready?" he asks.

''No.'' I shake my head scared.

''It's okay, it's very easy you're only moving forward. Don't be scared.'' he says, ''Focus princess, I know you can do this.''

I nod and put both of my hands on the wheel.

''Reduce the pressure on the brake pedal and apply pressure on the gas one. But keep it light not too much, okay?" he says, and I nod.

Soon the car begins to move forward, and I let out a breath I forgot I was holding.

''Keep the steering wheel in place, hold your hands tight on it and remember never cross your arms while driving.'' he says.

''What happens if I do?" I ask.

''You lose control of the wheel.'' he answers.

Never cross your arms. Got it.

''Take a little turn on your left.'' he says, and I turn the steering wheel left and the car turns. I turn the wheel straight and the car moves forwards.

''Oh my God, I'm driving!'' I say.

''Yes you are. I knew that you could do it.'' he says and my heart fills with pride.

''You did it!" Lucy says and I get out of the car to hug her.

''I did it.'' I laugh.

⚛⚛⚛⚛

It's been one week that Joel is teaching me how to drive and I can say with a full pride that I have learned and that I am his best student. He gives me tasks to do, and I pass them with no struggle at all. I don't even need him to be inside the car with me anymore. With every task that I pass with ease I earn a sweet kiss from him.

Yesterday he took me to the street close to the school. I was scared shitless and almost peed myself whenever cars approached me. But I did it, I drove carefully and got myself a kiss.

And his car doesn't have a single scratch.

''Today we'll learn something different.'' he says, and I raise my eyebrow.

''What is that different?" I ask.

''Something cool.'' he says and gets in the driver's seat with a smirk on his lips.

A feeling deep in me tells me that this isn't going to end up well.

I put on the seat belt, and he starts the car.

He drives out of the parking lot toward the street. His driving is flawless, filled with confidence and skill. He has one hand on the steering wheel and the other on the gearbox. I can't keep myself form staring at him, he looks so hot and beautiful.

''Have you ever heard of a drift?'' he asks.

''Yes.'' I answer. I have seen videos of people doing it and I always thought that is cool as fuck. My eyes widen and I look at him, ''Do you know how to do it?"

''Yes.'' he answers. Oh wow.

Now he's way hotter than before.

''Where are we going now?" I ask.

''On a not busy street.'' he replies. So he can do the drift? I'm filled with the excitement now.

He drives to a place which seems to be far away from school. There are no people around and it's a large area with no traffic. Seems like a perfect place to do the drifting.

''Now.'' he speaks, ''Do you want to be inside or outside the car?"

I think a little bit before I answer.

''Inside.''

He smirks.

''My tough Olivia.''

While driving he puts his hand on the handbrake and turns the steering wheel sideways. The car starts drifting and I can see the smoke forming behind us. I start laughing in excitement.

''Did you like it?" he asks as the drifting ends. I look at the street and the tires has left marks.

''I loved it.'' I say and he chuckles.

''This is pretty dangerous, and you won't do it.'' he looks at me, ''At least not until you learn how to drive like a pro, which you will.''

''You think I can do it?" I ask.

''You can do everything.'' he says, and I smile.

''Now I'm teaching you something else.'' he says and starts the car, ''The U-turn drift.''

The what?

''Listen to me.'' he says, ''All you have to do is to approach the corner with a little speed then step on the brakes while turning the steering wheel on the side of the turn.''

''You make it sound easy.'' I say and he chuckles.

''When the turn is over you have to turn the steering straight otherwise you gonna crash.''

''That's logical.'' I say and he laughs.

''Okay, you ready?" he says and starts the car.

He does exactly as he explained it to me, stepping at the brakes and the gas pedal at the same time and then adjusting the steering wheel at the side. The car makes a perfect U-turn with a loud beautiful noise.

''Did you like it?" he asks laughing while driving forward.

''Yes. This is better than the first one.'' I say and he chuckles.

''You can do it too, just remember the word I said.'' he says and I nod.

Step at the brakes and the gas pedal and turn the steering wheel

I will never do this.

''Can I put some music on?" I ask.

''Do whatever you like.'' he answers.

I turn on the radio and put on a Chase Atlantic song, which both of us like.  The song I putted is called ''Into it''.

''Oh, I love this one.'' Joel says increasing the volume.

''Me too.'' I say and start singing.

I roll the window down and let the wind brush my face as I sing at the tops of my lungs.

Joel laughs as he drives, he doesn't sing but dances a little at the music.

''When I get my driving license, you're going to be the first person I drive with.'' I say brushing the hair from my face, ''I promise.''

''Okay.'' he says smiling.

''But you have to promise me too.'' I say and pull out my pinkie finger.

''I don't have to promise you for that. I'm coming with you no matter what.'' he says and a big smiles flash on my face.

''Anyways, you have to promise.'' I show my pinkie at his face, and he laces it with his.

''Promise?"

"Promise.'' he says and kisses my hand.

Author's note:

I was such a badass in this chapter😎

/⚠️/Warning/⚠️/

Do not try those car moves at home.

It's dangerous and you might end up kissing a wall, a tree or replacing the birds in the sky.

Stay safe y'all. ❣

Love you always.

G.T.Diola.❤