𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐰𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞, 𝐨𝐦𝐛/𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧

two.

Olivia Baker

It was the first day of school; the first day of Junior year, so Olivia needed to make sure she looked presentable, even though she was going to school in a not so glamorous Freeridge.

She didn't need to go all out with her outfit, but still, first impressions were everything. And they didn't do basic in the Baker family.

She put her necklace on, but felt a presence behind her. She turned around and saw her annoying ass twin brother. She huffed loudly. "Jordan, I don't have time for this, and neither do you. We gotta get to school."

"You wouldn't have to rush if you didn't decide to go to school in a different area," he argued.

"What's your problem with Freeridge?" Olivia demanded to know while swiveling around hastily.

"What's your fascination with it?"

"Dad grew up there, you know." She threw her hands up. "Maybe I want a feel for where he went to school."

Jordan disagreed. "Sorry sis, but that was more than a decade ago. Times have changed. I'm pretty sure Freeridge High isn't the same. I'm sure Freeridge isn't the same, and it's going to let you down."

She shrugged. "I guess I'll have to deal with that when it happens." She grabbed her bag and walked out. Jordan shouted after her.

"Olivia! Olivia, don't walk away from me!"

She ignored him.

Her mother bumped into her in the hallway. She had also heard Jordan's outburst. "He's still going?"

"He is."

She chuckled. "Don't worry about your brother. He just worries about you. Just make sure you stay safe over there, okay?"

"I will, bye." Olivia gave her a quick kiss on the cheek and then ran down the steps. "I'm ready, dad!"

"Let's go then."

-

As they drove through the streets of Freeridge, Olivia could definitely see the downgrade. The houses weren't lavish; they were quite small actually. And there was litter everywhere. It was ridiculous.

How could anyone live like this?

Billy laughed, which made her look at him. "What?"

"Not impressive, huh?"

She looked back out the window. "No it's not. It's actually pitiful."

"Why do you think I jumped at the chance to get out of here?" he began. "Luckily, I met your mother, and thankfully, she was a strong independent woman. Still is."

She gave him a distasteful look. "You should probably rephrase that, because it sounds like you used mom for her money."

"Of course not, but there's no denying the fact she helped pave the way for the life I now have. For the life I always desired." He looked at her seriously. "I have your mother to thank for everything, Liv."

He parked in front of her new school as she said, "Yeah, including birthing us."

"Exactly!"

She laughed and exited the car. Billy followed her lead. "Now remember, you have to go to the office to get your schedule. I also have to get settled in."

"I know, dad."

"Alright then. I'll leave you to it."

He gave her a goodbye hug and disappeared inside the school. As for Olivia, she stared at the building in front of her. That was where she was going to be five days a week for the next two school years. That was the neighborhood she would be in. Was she ready for it? She wasn't sure.

But she didn't have a choice but to be.

Jordan Baker

This was the first time Olivia had been away from him, and he wasn't handling it well. The school day had just began, and she was already clouding his thoughts. No way would he be able to focus. Then he'd get scolded by his father.

This was Billy's fault for letting her go through with the transfer. Jordan really didn't understand what the fascination with Freeridge was. Yeah, Billy grew up there, but he left for a reason.

Olivia didn't make the brightest choices at all. Now Jordan was left with the job of trying to fix this.

"Jordan!"

Jordan looked over at his best friend, John Ambrose. They'd been kicking it since freshman year. John was his homie for life.

"Wassup, John."

Before he could answer, a squad of cheerleaders walked past them, focused solely on Jordan. "Hey, Jordan," they purred in unison.

Jordan rolled his eyes inwardly. He was the star quarterback, so that was why they were so fascinated with him.

John saw his exasperated look and laughed. "Woah, since when do you reject the ladies?"

"Since my sister transferred to Freeridge High."

He began walking to his locker. John froze in place, in disbelief about what he'd just heard. Then he scurried behind Jordan. "Wait, Olivia transferred? I know your dad did, but I didn't know about her." Jordan nodded. "Man, that's crazy. Is she okay?"

"I wouldn't be surprised if she isn't." Jordan sucked his teeth. "I warned her about that damn neighborhood, but she's hardheaded."

"I'm sorry, but I have to say this," John said. Jordan looked at him. "Olivia shouldn't be in that type of environment. She's easy to crack. The people there are bad influences."

Jordan sighed and put his books in his locker. "I know, but what can I do when my dad isn't tryna hear me out?"

"What about your mom?"

"She has other things to worry about. Like criminals."

John twisted his mouth to the side, leaning against the lockers. "Well, maybe we're being pessimistic. Maybe Liv will be okay. Your dad works there, so-"

Jordan slammed his locker shut, cutting him off. "My dad working there doesn't prove shit, John. He's going to be too busy with the athletes. Olivia's gonna feel invisible, and then feel the need to confide in those thugs. Then she's gonna relapse."

"You don't know that."

"I do." Jordan turned his body to face him. "Why do you think she started doing drugs in the first place? Because we never paid attention to her. And now dad won't, and-"

John sighed. "Yeah, she's def gonna relapse. You gotta stop her, man."

"I'm not there to stop her."

"Then maybe you need to be."

Jordan furrowed his eyebrows at him. "Wait, you mean like, transfer to Freeridge High?"

"That's exactly what I mean."

"And leave you?" Jordan waved his hand around. "No way, man."

John clasped his hand on his shoulder. "Family comes first. You know that."

Jordan looked dead in his eyes. "You are family."

Then the bell rung. John looked up at the ceiling, following the sound. Then he said his goodbyes. "Gotta get to Spanish. I'll see you later. But seriously Jordan, think about what I said. The only person who can save Olivia is you. You're her other half."

The shitty part was that he was right.