bed buddies ? {oli/arcadia}

After the challenge had finished, most of the others had stood around awkwardly in the aftermath of what had turned out to be an extreme aerobic workout. My blood was pumping more than I’d been expecting for the first day in the Villa, but I would have been SO on board for round two and the chance to get to know a few of the contestants a little better.

However, all good things must come to an end, and there was no doubt going to be plenty more lip-locking action in the coming… days? Weeks? How long was this thing supposed to be again?

Anyway, whilst the others were trying to figure out whether to hit the pool or the hot tub first, I had a mission of my own in mind. Petelia had mentioned something about a ceremony tonight and that we’d be getting assigned beds then, but that wasn’t going to stop me from having a quick power nap. Finally.

Whilst I’d usually prefer to mingle, I’m grateful for the quiet of the bedroom as I find myself there alone. The sheets on the bed I’d lay down on for all of five minutes are slightly creased from where I’d sunk into the mattress earlier. I sit on the side of the bed, mentally preparing for the bliss of lying down that is only a few short seconds away…

until I hear footsteps behind me.

For fuck’s sake, not again!

I groan aloud at the intruder before I’ve even turned around to face them. But when I do, our eyes locking onto each other, I feel like an idiot.

She’d been on my mind ever since I’d seen her. It wasn’t a coincidence we’d been each other’s first kisses in the challenge. She was captivating to me – not to mention drop-dead gorgeous. But there’s an incessant tugging at the back of my head that resurfaces – as if there was something I was missing, something I should know. I shake my head and smile warmly at her as she approaches the bed, but can’t help my gaze from travelling down to her legs as I notice her limping slightly. She speaks before I can ask if she’s okay.

“We didn't get time before, but let me introduce myself properly. I'm Olivia Harper–” and honestly, I don’t hear much more of what she says after that, because my ears are ringing with realisation as the puzzle pieces start to fall into place.

“Oh my god.” I remember now, assaulted by the image of Syrena’s triumphant sneering face when she’d returned from District Four victorious. “You’re the girl who’s leg my cousin chopped off!”

I clamp my hands over my mouth, cringing at the high-pitched squeal in my voice, but come on! What were the chances?! Had Trylle known?

Duh, of course he had. It would be just like him to go snooping around in other people’s business – anything to get an upper hand on this so-called competition.

“I am so, so sorry about that! I was mortified when I heard! I’ve never liked Syrena very much, for what it’s worth?” My words are rushed and I’m mostly just babbling to try and dispel the panic of my racing heart, hoping my words sound as sincere as they had in my head. I don’t feel sorry for her – it’s clear as day that she’s not the type of person to wallow in self-pity – but I do find myself wishing things had turned out differently.

Hmm.

I cast her a long side glance as I peel my hands away from my face and let the corners of my mouth lift slightly in a small smile, eyes flashing. “Is there anything I can do to make it up to you?”