"What is your friend doing?" Olive inquired, her eyes focused on Mark, her face showing anger. "Just what the hell is he up to now?"
"I'm not sure, but Lucas has never been known for his good intentions, especially when it comes to you," Mark responded with a sigh. "I guess I'll have to accompany you."
"What? You want to come too?" Olive asked, surprised by Mark's offer.
"Yeah, so that I can intervene if Lucas starts causing trouble," Mark explained, as Olive nodded in agreement.
"Arthur, get on the bus!" Mrs. Williams called from the front seat, peering out the window.
"Can I come to your house too, Mrs. Williams?" Mark asked with a smile.
"Sure! You're welcome to join us. Hop in," Mrs. Williams replied enthusiastically, prompting Olive and Mark to enter the bus.
As the Williams family bus sped down the express road, Olive felt a knot of anxiety in her stomach as she sat between Lucas and Mark. Her parents, filled with joy, chatted in the front seats, unaware of the tension brewing behind them.
During the journey to the Williams house, Olive locked eyes with Lucas and gave him a warning look. Why was he here? She hadn't invited him, and her parents' unexpected invitation had caught her off guard.
The air inside the bus was filled with the scent of fresh leather, walnut and her mother's perfume. Olive's usually cheerful father appeared subdued, his gaze fixed on the road ahead. In contrast, her mother engaged in lively conversation, asking Lucas and Mark about their interests and hobbies. Both Lucas and Mark responded effortlessly, with Lucas displaying his charming demeanor.
As they navigated through the winding streets, the silence between Olive and Lucas became more noticeable. She could sense his eyes on her but avoided making eye contact. Why did he feel the need to intrude on her family time? Didn't he respect boundaries?
As the bus turned onto their street, Olive felt a sense of dread. They were almost home. She mentally prepared herself for the impending awkwardness, brainstorming ways to minimize Lucas's presence without upsetting her parents.
As they arrived at the house, Olive's mother greeted them with a cheerful smile. "We're home, dear! And look, Lucas and Mark are our special guests!"
Olive rolled her eyes skyward. It was going to be a long afternoon.
They all disembarked from the bus and entered the house, with Mr. and Mrs. Williams in the lead and Olive, Mark, and Lucas trailing behind.
___
The living room exuded a warm and inviting atmosphere, with the comforting aroma of freshly baked cookies and the gentle glow of lamp light. Plush cushions and colorful throw pillows adorned the couch, reflecting the family's love for cozy movie nights and relaxing afternoons.
Upon entering the Williams living room, Lucas and Mark were captivated by the lively colors and playful patterns adorning the walls, artwork, and whimsical decorations. The room perfectly showcased the family's warm and vibrant personality.
In the center of the room, a sturdy coffee table displayed a selection of favorite books, a vase of fresh flowers, and a bowl of snacks that seemed to magically replenish themselves. The soft carpet underfoot provided a welcoming touch, encouraging them to relax and enjoy their time in the room.
"Welcome to our home, Lucas and Mark. Please make yourselves comfortable," Mrs. Williams said, gesturing towards the inviting three-seater couch where the two settled in.
"Olive!!! An eight-year-old boy came running over to Olive, throwing himself into her arms. Realizing his mistake, he corrected himself, "Arthur. How have you been?"
"I've been good, cutie," Olive said as she bent down to the boy's height with a smile on her lips. "You seem to have grown taller, Peter," she added, with a surprised expression.
"Who are those?" Peter asked, as his gaze fell on Lucas and Mark. "Are you trying to pick your future husband?" he added, whispering into Olive's ear, only to end up getting hit.
"Shut up, you naughty thing," Olive yelled as he ran after Peter, who quickly hid behind Mrs. Williams, who was carrying a bowl of cookies that Lucas and Mark could munch on before she's done heating up the food.
"Both of you need to stop. Arthur, please get the table downstairs ," Mrs. Williams said, shielding Peter behind her to prevent Olive from hitting him.
"I can't do it alone, Mom," Olive replied quickly.
"I'll help," Lucas offered, standing up with a smile. "I'm strong, you know."
"Huh?" Mark asked, surprised by Lucas's offer to help.
"No, Lucas. You're our guest," Mrs. Williams said.
"I insist, ma'am. I just want to help," Lucas said with a smile. Before Olive could object, Mrs. Williams nodded in agreement.
"Mom?!" Olive called, her eyes widening in surprise. She wasn't expecting her mom to agree on allowing Lucas to follow her to her room despite the fact that her room is decorated according to a girl's taste but it seems her mother has taken her to be a boy and has forgotten the secret she is hiding.
"Hurry up and get the table. The food will be ready soon," Mrs. Williams said with a serious expression before walking into the kitchen.
Mark could only swallow hard and sit still as he watched Olive ascend the stairs in anger, with Lucas following behind her.
___
The door to Olive's room soon swung open, revealing a vision of femininity that enveloped you in its soft, pink embrace. The walls, painted a delicate shade of blush, seemed to glow with a gentle warmth, as if infused with the sweet scent of roses.
The bed, a frilly delight, was swathed in a canopy of pale pink netting, its delicate fabric draping gracefully around the sturdy four-poster frame. The comforter, a fluffy confection of pink and white, was piled high with plush pillows, each one adorned with a delicate lace trim that added a touch of charm.
Every surface was a treasure trove of feminine delights - the dresser, with its soft pink finish shimmering in the light, was adorned with a delicate trinket box, its lid open to reveal a tangle of sparkly low grade jewelry and a few cherished mementos. The nightstand, a petite table with a dainty lamp, held a few favorite books and a journal, its pages filled with secrets and dreams.
"Is this your room?" Lucas inquired, puzzled by the pink decor.
Olive, wanting to keep her true identity hidden, quickly responded, "
No, it's my twin sister's room." She then searched for the table her mother had sent her.
"Twin sister? You never mentioned her before," Lucas remarked, noticing a framed picture of Olive dressed as a girl. "Is this her?"
"Yes, that's my sister," Olive confirmed, trying to maintain her facade.
"Where is she now?" Lucas asked, noting their striking resemblance. "You two could easily be mistaken for each other if you were dressed as a girl."
"She's dead. Olive lied as she sat down on her bed, unable to let Lucas, of all people, discover her secret of being a girl.
Lucas's expression turned sorrowful upon hearing Olive's revelation. He approached her and sat beside her. "I have a twin sister too," Lucas confessed, his eyes filled with tears as he looked into Olive's eyes.
"Oh, you do? I'm assuming she goes to a different school since Belmont is an all-boys school," Olive remarked, a smile playing on her lips as she observed Lucas's emotional struggle.
"She's dead," Lucas stated bluntly, causing sadness to wash over Olive. "She's no longer in this world."
"I'm so sorry to hear that," Olive expressed, her own face reflecting sorrow.
"It was my fault two years ago. If only I hadn't pressured her to abort her teenage pregnancy, and if our mother had been here to guide us, maybe she would still be alive. We could have graduated together and traveled the world," Lucas shared, tears now freely streaming down his cheeks.