COURTNEY's POV

I snapped back into life when I noticed Olivia struggling to keep her head above the water. What? She couldn't swim!

I was about to jump into the water to help her. But, someone already beat me to it. When I looked down, I thought it was the lifeguard, but someone else dived in to save her.

It was...

"Chad."

He swam towards Olivia with all of his might and incredible speed, cutting through the water with each stroke. I'm sure he knew she couldn't swim that's why he looked so determined to save her and reach her in time.

When he finally made it to her, he grabbed her with one arm and used the other to paddle and keep them both afloat. Olivia was still frantic and struggling against him.

"Livi, Livi!" Chad shouted her name, trying to calm her down. "It's okay, Livi, I'm here."

When she finally realized it was Chad, she somehow calmed down. She immediately clung to him, her arms wrapping tightly around him as she buried her face in his neck.

Olivia was trembling, and Chad hugged her close. "It's okay." I heard him say, "I got you." He added. His tone was soft, but loud enough to get through her frightened state and for me to hear. "It's okay. I'm here now."

She pulled back, her breathing still heavy. I could see her fear slowly fading away and eventually she stopped shaking. Chad smiled at her reassuringly and said, "You're safe now."

"Court." Suddenly there was a hand on my shoulder, making me realize that I might have been staring at these two for God knows how long now. I let out the breath that I didn't know I was holding, before facing the one who touched me.

When I turned around, I saw my friends standing behind me, looking concerned. They had obviously seen me watching Chad and Olivia, and were worried that I might have been hurt by what I saw.

Yes, that was painful, no, heartnumbing painful to watch. I came here to celebrate my birthday, not to watch what seems to be a freakin' romantic movie!

He's just trying to save her. She was drowning!

The inner me reasoned.

"Did they get back together or something?" Jenny asked in a curious tone. I felt my stomach twist, thinking that maybe they did.

"Jenny!" the girls snapped at her.

I won't lie, Jenny's comment caught me off guard and probably stabbed me in the heart. I had been hoping, even praying, they didn't. But, who knew what happened in a span of what, less than 24 hours? While living under the same roof? Haven't seen each other for years? Maybe rekindling an old flame? I tried to stay positive, but it seemed like a losing battle!

"What?" Jenny asked in a defensive tone. She gestured to Chad and Olivia, who were slowly making their way back to the pool's edge. "Am I the only one who saw what just happened? It looks like--"

"Seriously!" Lucy exclaimed, cutting off whatever Jenny wanted to say. She cocked her head in my direction, her eyes wide and hinting at something.

As if Jenny finally understood what was happening, she turned to me and tried to apologize. "Court, I'm--"

"What?" I said, forcing a fake laugh. "I don't know what you're sorry for. It's fine." Straightening my back and holding my chin up, I added, "Olivia needs to be saved."

"Sorry, Court. This is my fault." Fiona's shoulders slumped and her eyes filled with guilt. But she immediately straightened up and defended her actions. "I can't just stand there knowing what she did and... and... you know, try to spite you!"

I completely understand why they acted that way. Maybe they felt I was feeling hurt, angry, jealous and frustrated, and acted on my behalf. But, I guess Chad's righteousness and his sense of rationality has rubbed off on me, so that's why I still tried to be civil with Olivia.

Yeah, she might be provoking me or making me jealous, but what if she's not? Besides, if these were her intentions, I think I'm mature enough to ignore it. I know I had a moment of pettiness last night at Chad's house, but I wasn't proud of it. Look what happened? It just backfired on me again big time.

It felt like I was hit with bad Karma.

"I know you're looking out for me. But, look what happened? Olivia almost drowned." I told Fiona, her eyes heavy with regret. "I'm grateful to have friends like you, I do. But catfighting is not the kind of fight we need. Maybe beat her ass in the competition instead?" I suggested to her, smiling, trying to lighten up the mood.

"Who are you and what have you done to Courtney?" Terry asked laughing.

"Yeah, I know. I'm not sure what's gotten into me. I'm usually petty!"

"That's too mature, Court!" Fiona giggled and nodded. "But, you're right, we'll show her what's the real cheerleading spirit is about!" She said. "It's going to be easy. They suck, you know." Fiona added proudly.

"Totally!" Jenny seconded with excitement.

"Yeah. Jackson said the same thing. Our school should beat their asses." Lucy agreed with a grin.

I know that my friends were trying to make me feel better, for me to somehow divert my attention away from Olivia and Chad. It worked, but not entirely.

In fact, I kept watching them from the corner of my eyes. I saw the lifeguard shaking Chad's hand. There were club personnel who handed them towels. I also witnessed how Chad wrapped the towels around Olivia's shoulder. This made my heart constrict in pain as I remember how he did that to me days ago.

I wasn't sure what had gotten into me, but I suddenly told my friends I'd go and check on Chad and Olivia, to ask how they are.

"Are you crazy?" Terry pulled my wrist just before I left. Her eyes widened as if she was shocked by my plan and she shook her head. "No. Don't even attempt it."

"I have to make sure she is okay."

"We don't want to see you get hurt." Terry insisted.

I already am. What's the difference if I go there now?

"If that's the case, we'll go with you."

I could almost hear Fiona's protest and hesitation, but she bit her lip to stop herself.

I gave them a smile and convinced them, "It's not a big deal. Plus, she might get triggered if she sees us all there. I'll be okay."

She sighed and reluctantly let go of my wrist. "We'll just be here."

I nodded. I know.

I tried to catch up with Chad and Olivia before they left the country club. It was a good thing they were still in the empty courtyard. Actually, I was hesitant to approach them at first, since I didn't know where to start the conversation. But I decided to just be straightforward and ask how they were. If they are okay or need any help.

I took a deep breath and called out, "Olivia!"

She turned around, but her expression caught me off guard. Her face was red with anger and frustration, and her eyes were burning with rage. It looked like she was about to explode.

I don't understand.

"You! You pushed me into the pool. I don't know how to swim!" She marched towards me, pointing her finger at me accusingly. "You could have killed me!"

What?

Chad came in between before she could reach me, gently pushing her away and putting his arm around her shoulder. "Livi, it's okay," he told her soothingly.

I stepped back, feeling a little bit confused.

Did she just say I pushed her?

Did she really think I would do something like that?

I couldn't believe it. I was so taken aback by her accusation that I was speechless! But, I knew I had to defend myself and clear this misunderstanding as soon as possible.

"Olivia, I didn't--" before I could even complete my sentence, she cut me off by saying that she didn't believe me and I was a liar.

I was shocked. I wanted to insist I didn't do it. She was in a lot of stress and maybe traumatized by what happened that's why her recollections were clouded.

I couldn't believe this was happening. I chased them to check if they were okay, but was faced with this kind of accusation instead?

I was going to step forward, to apologize and ask for a chance to explain myself, but I paused when I heard Chad say, "stop."

At that moment, his word had frozen me in place and... it felt as if he had also ordered my heart to stop beating. I was completely taken aback, not knowing what to do or say.

Don't tell me you really think I did it?

"Chad-"

"Not now, Courtney. Please." His voice was weary and exasperated as he spoke. Olivia was crying on his shoulder, her body shaking as she sobbed. I may not see Chad's face at this point, but I could feel the disappointment radiating off of him.

"I didn't do it." I said, almost in a whisper as I watched them starting to walk away.

I can't.

I just can't let this one go!

I felt anger building up inside me, and I wanted to scream out loud. I wanted to shout and let out all the pain and frustration that was boiling inside me, not just from this incident, but from everything that had been happening.

This has to stop.

I ran after them, just when they were about to reach the parking lot, I called out Chad's name. He stopped in his tracks, but didn't turn around.

I just can't take this anymore.

"I want to talk to you."

-END OF CHAPTER 54-

A/N: Thank you for your nonstop support to this story. Since SILWAG is ending soon, I have a new story BETTER THAN REVENGE available soon on my Patreon account: notjustarandomgirl.

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