cherryblossom
01-22-2009, 12:46 AM
So i wrote this story a while back and posted it on deviant art, but its kinda hard to get writing feedback on deviant art, so i thought i`d try it out on here. Thanks for reading
Olivia
“Avery? You’re taking Olivia to school tomorrow right?” My mother asked my older sister at breakfast; naturally she rolled her eyes and turned up the volume on her i-pod.
“Its okay mom, I’ll walk. I don’t mind” I said smiling. I didn’t really mind when my sister did this or when I walked to school; it gave me my own personal time to think.
“No, you have an older sister with a car and a license, who would like nothing more than take you to school” she said smiling.
Our mother was always lumping us together in hope of forging a better relationship between Avery and me. Our mother and her sister had been like a teenager and their cell phone (In other words, inseparable). I didn’t mind her when she did this, in truth I had always hoped for me and Avery to be closer, but it never seemed to work out.
“Mom! You can’t be serious. Olivia is in junior high, I’m in high school!!! Do you know how embarrassing that would be?!?! I might as well commit social suicide!!!” Avery yelled on another long speech about how I embarrass her. One time I hug her good-bye in public and then I’m on the hit-list for life.
My sister was always complaining how much harder high school relationships were than Junior high. I had once asked her why she cared so much about what others thought and of course she fired back with her usual lame answer:
“If I said what I thought then I’d be rejected and be demoted to sit with the board lickers!!!”
Board lickers were Avery’s nick-name for the students who were a bit strange. The ones who run around thinking they can cast spells and wear cloaks. I personally thought the “board lickers” to be kinda cool. Two of my friends at school were (quote, unquote) “board lickers”. Even I went through a Harry Potter crazy.
Avery’s high school life was so defined by what was acceptable or what would push you to a different lunch table. I had to admit that my junior high life, sounded easier to manage than hers, but it could just be the way I choose to live it.
“Ugh!!! Fine, I’ll take her. Hurry up Olivia, I’m not going to be stuck explaining why I’m late because my fourteen year old sister needed a ride.” She said sighing.
“Thanks Av.” I said smiling, hoping she saw how much I appreciated the ride.
Avery’s 2006 midnight blue Toyota Corolla, sat in the driveway. Not one scratch shown on the perfect paint. She treated that car as if it were her baby; washing it every Saturday and vacuuming it out at least twice a month. Obsessive for a car? a car that was none the less two years old? Oh yea, but then that was my sister for you.
“You know the drill” She muttered angrily as she got in.
“The Drill” was when we past the high school I would duck in my seat to save my sister the embarrassment of being seen giving her sister a ride. She was so juvenile, and I was the younger sibling!
We pulled into my junior high’s drop off zone with five minutes before the final bell rang.
“Thanks Av. I owe you.” I said getting my lunch bag.
She smiled a smug smile pushing up her designer sun glasses before reaching over to slam the car door shut and zooming away.
“I see her highness is in a good mood” My best friend Carlie said as she walked to my side.
I smiled back at her “Avery is just being Avery”
“Well if you ask me Avery needs to be someone else.”
I laughed; Carlie was funny when she wanted to be. She always seemed to agree with me about Avery being wound too tight. “Your sister is going to get wrinkles before she hits her 20`s” She had said once.
I grabbed up my bags and began walking through the court, Carlie at my side.
The eight grade president; Erica approached us wearing her usual shy smile
“Hey Olivia. You’re still in charge of the dance committee right?”
“Yep. Carlie`s mom is giving us a ride at 8. Right, Carlie?” Carlie was a bit like my right-hand-man, she always kept me on my toes.
“Yep, we’ll be there” Carlie answered as she thumbed through her accordion folder, pulling out a copy of the dance flyer and handing it to Erica.
“Great. See you guys tonight.” She smiled and skipped to the leadership room.
I continued my walk when stopped again.
“Bonjour, my little biscotti!” Yelled Ryan. Ryan was an awesome friend of mine who didn’t know how to take no for an answer.
“Hey Ryan” I greeted as he ran over to me and Carlie. “What’s up?”
“I was wondering if you would want to go with me to the dance tomorrow night. How about it mien amour?”
I would never understand why Ryan insisted on throwing in French while talking to me. Maybe it was meant to sound sexy; to me it was just annoying.
“Thank you but Austin already asked me. Save me a dance and I might save you a place for my date at the next dance.” I said smoothly (hopefully he will by then drop the phony pepe le pew act.)
I threw him a wink and continued to walk.
“Austin at 12 o’clock” Carlie said (See? Right-hand-man. Always looking out for me.)
“Hi Olivia, we still on tomorrow?” He asked while passing me to get to class.
“Yep” I answered smiling
He smiled back and turned to continue his walk to class.
“Hey Olivia!” My friend Hanna said waving from across the court.
“Busy this morning, huh?” Carlie said handing me the plans for the dance.
I smiled; this was the way most of my mornings worked. I seemed to be extremely lucky in junior high with friends and my peers. I unfortunately couldn’t say the same for Avery.
Part 2: Avery
I sighed as I drove from my sister, Olivia’s junior high. When I reached the high school I pulled off my sunglasses and pulled out my make-up bag. I wore naturally colored make-up around my family, but as soon as I got to school; I needless to say I “dolled up” for my friends and boyfriend. I wasn’t a personal fan of wearing so much make-up but it was “the look”.
My boyfriend; Parker, was a personal fan of all the cosmetics, so every morning I arrived a half hour early to put on the massive collection of make-up. I had been with Parker for a month, and being with him had promoted me into high school royalty. I and Parker had become the Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie of our high school, “The ideal couple”.
I however though differently, we may have appeared ideal on the outside but we were anything but when we are together. Quiet and long silences made up a better percentage of our dates, but because I was the beautiful prom queen he didn’t test the waters of trading up. As for me well he was “the go to guy” every guy wants to be him and every girl wants to be with him.
I finished putting what felt like plaster on my face and got out of my car.
“Avery!” Shelly shrieked from across the parking lot. Shelly had been one of my dearest and closest friends since elementary school, but since I moved up in status and she didn’t I hadn’t actually talked to her in a month. She was upset when I told her I couldn’t be seen with her, and personally I was upset myself. It was one of the meanest things I had ever done, and what for? A guy who barley says three words to me.
Parker came to meet me in the parking lot, kissing me awkwardly. Kissing Parker was nothing like in the fairytales; you know where the prince comes, sweeps the girl off her feet, and they share a tender sweet single kiss. These kisses where more like kissing a relative, cold and weird.
He took my hand and led us to campus. I looked over at Shelly who had walked away frustrated. I hated doing this to her but what else could I do? My sister Olivia said I should throw everything to the side and do as I please, but what would she know being only in junior high.
“Want to hang out Sunday night?” Parker asked casually as we climbed the three steps to the hall buildings.
“Can’t, it’s Olivia’s birthday, and we’re having a family party” I said with a yawn. We were truthfully no more exciting than an old married couple.
“Oh, maybe Monday?”
“Sure” I said smiling.
He walked me to my class and dropped his hand, stretching it out like his hand was in pain. He walked forward kissed my cheek and left. I walked into English and took my seat next to Savannah. Savannah had been one of my newest “friends”; she was Parker’s ex-girlfriend, but if you ask me she’s still trying to regain that spot. She was nice to me but I could help but figure it was a show for Parker; sorta like “well even though we broke up, we can still hang out.” I sighed and pulled out my notebook.
At lunch I sat at the “popular” table with Parker, his friends, and Savannah. I checked my cell phone for text messages.
“1 unread text” It read. I opened the text and read the text my mom had sent two hours ago.
“Could u pick up ur sis please? I have to pick up ur dad @ 3 from the airport. He is returning early from his business trip 4 Olivia’s b-day party. ~Thx mom”
Drats!!!! I was so hoping to go home and collapse on my bed. I just wanted a few minutes to rest, to escape this world. By the looks of it though I wouldn’t be getting those few minutes today.
I flipped my phone back open and wrote to her “K. I’ll get her.”
Part three: Olivia
At 3:00, Avery showed up (30 minutes late) to drive me home.
“Hey Av” I greeted smiling. “How was school today?”
She rolled her eyes and turned up the stereo, drowning out my voice. This was her way of saying ‘shut up Olivia’ without actually having to say it. Avery drove fast down the little side streets, splashing into puddles as she drove. I stared out the window, watching the water spray the side of her car. I wish that she could find another way to calm herself down other than driving fast.
With the speed that Avery was driving, we arrived back at the house quicker then expected. I got out and ran into the house to pick out what I’d wear to the dance tomorrow night.
“Olivia? You’re on your own for dinner tonight. Mom is picking dad up at the airport.”
“Okay, thanks!” I yelled down the stairs. Maybe I’d make pasta for dinner, yum! I loved these nights; they gave me a chance to practice cooking.
I turned on my computer and sat down in my small office chair and spun around in it, while the computer booted up. I signed into my e-mail account, which was filed with unanswered e-mails. I answered them all and headed down stairs to start dinner. Avery sat at the counter, busy chatting on the phone.
“I’m sorry Shelly” She said into the phone sighing and hung the phone up. I sighed too, turning away from her to face the cabinets. My sister treats Shelly as if she were the plague these days. She has no right to, and she knows that.
I had once told her to stop acting like a child and do the right thing. This set her off, she blew up in my face saying “You think I like abandoning my best friend?!? Do you think I like have replacement friends?! And boyfriend who never talk to me?!? Well I don’t and I can’t stand it!!! But I’m stuck with this situation until I leave high school”
I straightened my back and retorted back speaking calmly “Yes, until you leave high school, and don’t you think it might be nice to leave there with one true friend?”
For this she had no answer, she simply shoved past me and ran upstairs. She looked ashamed as she ran past me and now as she sat at the counter; her dirty-blond hair falling in front of her face, that same look shadowed her features. I had never seen my sister so unhappy until now. The dread that filled her face was so real so serious; I finally turned my head and grabbed out the ingredients out of the pantry. I tried to busy myself to forget that look and was so pain filled. Growing up, I now discovered that you can’t help people who didn’t want to be helped; and my sister didn’t want to be helped.
Part four: Avery
The weekend; to my misfortune, flew by and soon enough it was Olivia’s birthday. Our dad had come home early to celebrate and our mom’s sister (our aunt) was driving up, for the party. Aunt Via, was one of the coolest relatives we had. Olivia was always proud to say that she was named after her.
“Avery, would you go get your sister and tell her Aunt Via is here please?”
“Sure mom” I said smiling as I walked past her into the hallway. I walked up the stairs slowly and poked my head into Olivia’s room. She sat in her computer chair asleep, book in hand, with her head resting on the book. She was exhausted from the dance and had gotten home late last night and flopped face down on her bed, then in the morning started to write an English report when she crashed.
“Hey birthday girl, wake up auntie is here” I whispered in her ear.
“A plot is the story line!!!” She yelled, her head snapping up; her auburn hair spraying all over her face. She looked at me, disoriented and yawned.
“Sorry Av. What were you saying?” She asked groggily.
I sighed loudly “I said! Aunt Via is here”
Comprehension crossed her face and soon enough she sprang to life; jumping up and pulling a comb through her hair. Then she bolted for the door, feet pounding down the stairs.
I followed her at my own pace and stopped at the base where Olivia was already jumping into our aunt’s waiting arms. Her pea-coat was soaked with rain but Olivia didn’t care, hugging her back with just as much force.
“Happy Birthday, Sweet Pea.” She said smiling. “Where’s my other niece?” She asked looking around till her eyes found me. I waved and walked forward to hug her.
“Hi Auntie, How have you been?” I asked pulling back to see her face.
“I’m good and you?” She said smiling appraisingly
“Good. How long are you in town?” A asked trying the create conservation
“Just for today, I have to be back for work in the morning.”
I nodded and mom stepped into the room; carrying a cake, lit with sparkler candles.
“Well let’s get this party started” she said with a grin.
The evening sped by and before I knew it, it was mid-night. Olivia was passed out on the couch, a smile carved into her face as she snored silently. Our aunt was getting ready to leave.
She hugged me and then began out the door. “Oh, I almost forgot” She exclaimed reaching into her bag “I have something for you and your sister.”
She pulled out a silk cloth, which she unfolded and held out to me. I reached out and grabbed two charm bracelets. The silver chains held a broken heart charm, my name engraved on one half of the heart and Olivia’s on the other half.
“When you combine the two half’s you’d be amazed what can happen.” She said smiling. She threw me a wink and walked out into the rain to her car.
I couldn’t help but wonder if mom put her up to this; they had been so close and they wanted me and Olivia to be that close. I rolled my eyes, right like that would ever happen.
I walked to the couch where Olivia was sleeping and pulled the blanket back to reveal her right hand. I carefully clasped the bracelet onto her wrist and covered her back up.
I walked into the kitchen to help our dad finish cleaning up. I quickly put on the bracelet when I saw mom in the kitchen with dad. I figured I’d at least wear it for one day to please mom and Aunt Via.
“That’s a nice bracelet, Avery” dad complimented.
“Thanks, from Aunt Via”
“You take care of that bracelet, Av.” Mom said over her shoulder as she walked to pick up the rest of the plates.
“Avery, let your mom and me finish up here. You go get some rest; you’ve still got school tomorrow.”
Oh yes school; great. I nodded and walked up the stairs. After brushing my teeth and taking a shower I headed into my room, but I was too anxious to sleep. I eventually got out from my warm covers and turned on some peaceful music off my I-pod deck. I got back under the covers and let the music lull me to sleep.
Part five: Olivia
My alarm buzzed loud and clear beside my head, at exactly 6:30 in the morning. I stretched my arms out while yawning and turned off the clock. My eyes remained in sleep-mode as I stumbled into the bathroom. I searched for the light blindly when I felt cold metal touch my wrist. I flicked the switch on and saw what had caressed my wrist.
On my left wrist was a silver bracelet with a broken heart charm, with Avery’s name graved into the heart. That’s weird, I didn’t remember putting this on. I shrugged, maybe it was a gift from Avery, but then why won’t it have my name? Whatever, if it was from Avery, then I loved it.
I looked up from the bracelet, into the mirror and gasped out loud, for it wasn’t my reflection in the mirror that stared back, it was Avery’s. Her peach complexion, pale pink lips, and shocked blue eyes, were all there standing where I was.
“Olivia!!!!” I heard someone screech down the hall but I didn’t move a muscle. I soon heard running footsteps into the room and stop at the door base to the bathroom. I turned slowly to see me staring back.
The girl’s intake of breath was loud as her eyes bugged out of her head. “What’s happened to us?”
“Av?” I said slowly walking toward where she stood.
“What did you do?!?” She screamed at me with fierce eyes that would frighten a mountain lion.
I was taken aback from the tone of her voice. ‘What did I do?’ right like I planned this to happen. “I didn’t do this Av. I don’t even know how this happened.”
I followed her into her bedroom, where she collapsed on the bed and let out a heavy sigh. She sprang up suddenly with bewildered eyes.
“Come here!” she commanded.
I ran to her before she had another chance to yell at me. She grabbed up my wrist with the bracelet and turned it over. She brought her wrist to mine and with force that looked like she was trying to wield it together, brought the pieces together to form a full heart.
“Come on!!!” she yelled frustrated. “Where’s the magic? Why aren’t we back?”
I stared at her confused. I think Avery was beginning to lose her mind as she pulled the charms together and apart again and again. She stood up and grabbed my arm pulling me from the room and down the stairs.
She ran into the kitchen, towing me with her. Our dad sat at the counter, coffee cup in hand reading the newspaper.
“Morning dad” I said smiling. Avery turned to give me another fierce look with my eyes.
“Dad, where’s mom? We have a problem that she probably knows how to fix?” Avery said irritated as usual.
He lowered his paper a little confused why ‘Olivia’ sounded so upset this morning and ‘Avery’ like little miss. Goody-two-shoes.
“Um, she went shopping with your aunt.” He responded a second later.
“Well that’s just great!” She yelled “Come on Avery”
She stomped out of the room and up the stairs.
“What’s with her?” He asked me.
“Olivia’s not feeling like herself this morning” I said with a shrug.
I walked back up the stairs to Avery’s room. She was plowing through her drawers, clothes thrown everywhere. She walked passed me throwing clothes into my arms and continued to her closet, where she began rummaging through shoes.
“What’s this for?” I asked holding up the clothes.
“If mom’s not going to help us and if where stuck like this for who knows how long, it’s best just to go about our day as if everything is normal. I’m picking out your outfit for the day.” She said tossing a pair of high heeled shoes onto the pile.
“Now” she said turning to face me “what do you want me to wear?”
“I don’t care Av. I trust your style instinct. Pick out whatever you feel is appropriate.” I said over my shoulder as I walked into the bathroom to change.
There was no way I was wearing a miniskirt and high heel shoes when it was raining out. I figured I’d wear it out of the house for Avery and change once at school. I finished changing and walked into Avery’s room where she sat at her desk, already dressed in black slacks, a clean blouse, and 1 inch heels. I didn’t mind the style change, it wasn’t terrible and I won’t be the one stepping into the puddles.
“Okay so here” she said handing me a school map with all her classes highlighted on the map. “Only talk to Parker or Savannah. And please please don’t talk to Shelly, I know it bothers you but please I need you to do this. Promise me and I’ll do whatever you need in return.”
I looked down at my lap; it wasn’t a promise I wanted to make. “Okay, I promise” I said with a sigh. What Avery didn’t see was that my fingers were crossed behind my back. Maybe this was my chance to help Avery, even though she didn’t want me to.
“What do you want me to do?” she asked with a smile.
“Nothing Av. I trust that you’ll do what you think is right” I said smiling back. “Good luck”
Olivia
“Avery? You’re taking Olivia to school tomorrow right?” My mother asked my older sister at breakfast; naturally she rolled her eyes and turned up the volume on her i-pod.
“Its okay mom, I’ll walk. I don’t mind” I said smiling. I didn’t really mind when my sister did this or when I walked to school; it gave me my own personal time to think.
“No, you have an older sister with a car and a license, who would like nothing more than take you to school” she said smiling.
Our mother was always lumping us together in hope of forging a better relationship between Avery and me. Our mother and her sister had been like a teenager and their cell phone (In other words, inseparable). I didn’t mind her when she did this, in truth I had always hoped for me and Avery to be closer, but it never seemed to work out.
“Mom! You can’t be serious. Olivia is in junior high, I’m in high school!!! Do you know how embarrassing that would be?!?! I might as well commit social suicide!!!” Avery yelled on another long speech about how I embarrass her. One time I hug her good-bye in public and then I’m on the hit-list for life.
My sister was always complaining how much harder high school relationships were than Junior high. I had once asked her why she cared so much about what others thought and of course she fired back with her usual lame answer:
“If I said what I thought then I’d be rejected and be demoted to sit with the board lickers!!!”
Board lickers were Avery’s nick-name for the students who were a bit strange. The ones who run around thinking they can cast spells and wear cloaks. I personally thought the “board lickers” to be kinda cool. Two of my friends at school were (quote, unquote) “board lickers”. Even I went through a Harry Potter crazy.
Avery’s high school life was so defined by what was acceptable or what would push you to a different lunch table. I had to admit that my junior high life, sounded easier to manage than hers, but it could just be the way I choose to live it.
“Ugh!!! Fine, I’ll take her. Hurry up Olivia, I’m not going to be stuck explaining why I’m late because my fourteen year old sister needed a ride.” She said sighing.
“Thanks Av.” I said smiling, hoping she saw how much I appreciated the ride.
Avery’s 2006 midnight blue Toyota Corolla, sat in the driveway. Not one scratch shown on the perfect paint. She treated that car as if it were her baby; washing it every Saturday and vacuuming it out at least twice a month. Obsessive for a car? a car that was none the less two years old? Oh yea, but then that was my sister for you.
“You know the drill” She muttered angrily as she got in.
“The Drill” was when we past the high school I would duck in my seat to save my sister the embarrassment of being seen giving her sister a ride. She was so juvenile, and I was the younger sibling!
We pulled into my junior high’s drop off zone with five minutes before the final bell rang.
“Thanks Av. I owe you.” I said getting my lunch bag.
She smiled a smug smile pushing up her designer sun glasses before reaching over to slam the car door shut and zooming away.
“I see her highness is in a good mood” My best friend Carlie said as she walked to my side.
I smiled back at her “Avery is just being Avery”
“Well if you ask me Avery needs to be someone else.”
I laughed; Carlie was funny when she wanted to be. She always seemed to agree with me about Avery being wound too tight. “Your sister is going to get wrinkles before she hits her 20`s” She had said once.
I grabbed up my bags and began walking through the court, Carlie at my side.
The eight grade president; Erica approached us wearing her usual shy smile
“Hey Olivia. You’re still in charge of the dance committee right?”
“Yep. Carlie`s mom is giving us a ride at 8. Right, Carlie?” Carlie was a bit like my right-hand-man, she always kept me on my toes.
“Yep, we’ll be there” Carlie answered as she thumbed through her accordion folder, pulling out a copy of the dance flyer and handing it to Erica.
“Great. See you guys tonight.” She smiled and skipped to the leadership room.
I continued my walk when stopped again.
“Bonjour, my little biscotti!” Yelled Ryan. Ryan was an awesome friend of mine who didn’t know how to take no for an answer.
“Hey Ryan” I greeted as he ran over to me and Carlie. “What’s up?”
“I was wondering if you would want to go with me to the dance tomorrow night. How about it mien amour?”
I would never understand why Ryan insisted on throwing in French while talking to me. Maybe it was meant to sound sexy; to me it was just annoying.
“Thank you but Austin already asked me. Save me a dance and I might save you a place for my date at the next dance.” I said smoothly (hopefully he will by then drop the phony pepe le pew act.)
I threw him a wink and continued to walk.
“Austin at 12 o’clock” Carlie said (See? Right-hand-man. Always looking out for me.)
“Hi Olivia, we still on tomorrow?” He asked while passing me to get to class.
“Yep” I answered smiling
He smiled back and turned to continue his walk to class.
“Hey Olivia!” My friend Hanna said waving from across the court.
“Busy this morning, huh?” Carlie said handing me the plans for the dance.
I smiled; this was the way most of my mornings worked. I seemed to be extremely lucky in junior high with friends and my peers. I unfortunately couldn’t say the same for Avery.
Part 2: Avery
I sighed as I drove from my sister, Olivia’s junior high. When I reached the high school I pulled off my sunglasses and pulled out my make-up bag. I wore naturally colored make-up around my family, but as soon as I got to school; I needless to say I “dolled up” for my friends and boyfriend. I wasn’t a personal fan of wearing so much make-up but it was “the look”.
My boyfriend; Parker, was a personal fan of all the cosmetics, so every morning I arrived a half hour early to put on the massive collection of make-up. I had been with Parker for a month, and being with him had promoted me into high school royalty. I and Parker had become the Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie of our high school, “The ideal couple”.
I however though differently, we may have appeared ideal on the outside but we were anything but when we are together. Quiet and long silences made up a better percentage of our dates, but because I was the beautiful prom queen he didn’t test the waters of trading up. As for me well he was “the go to guy” every guy wants to be him and every girl wants to be with him.
I finished putting what felt like plaster on my face and got out of my car.
“Avery!” Shelly shrieked from across the parking lot. Shelly had been one of my dearest and closest friends since elementary school, but since I moved up in status and she didn’t I hadn’t actually talked to her in a month. She was upset when I told her I couldn’t be seen with her, and personally I was upset myself. It was one of the meanest things I had ever done, and what for? A guy who barley says three words to me.
Parker came to meet me in the parking lot, kissing me awkwardly. Kissing Parker was nothing like in the fairytales; you know where the prince comes, sweeps the girl off her feet, and they share a tender sweet single kiss. These kisses where more like kissing a relative, cold and weird.
He took my hand and led us to campus. I looked over at Shelly who had walked away frustrated. I hated doing this to her but what else could I do? My sister Olivia said I should throw everything to the side and do as I please, but what would she know being only in junior high.
“Want to hang out Sunday night?” Parker asked casually as we climbed the three steps to the hall buildings.
“Can’t, it’s Olivia’s birthday, and we’re having a family party” I said with a yawn. We were truthfully no more exciting than an old married couple.
“Oh, maybe Monday?”
“Sure” I said smiling.
He walked me to my class and dropped his hand, stretching it out like his hand was in pain. He walked forward kissed my cheek and left. I walked into English and took my seat next to Savannah. Savannah had been one of my newest “friends”; she was Parker’s ex-girlfriend, but if you ask me she’s still trying to regain that spot. She was nice to me but I could help but figure it was a show for Parker; sorta like “well even though we broke up, we can still hang out.” I sighed and pulled out my notebook.
At lunch I sat at the “popular” table with Parker, his friends, and Savannah. I checked my cell phone for text messages.
“1 unread text” It read. I opened the text and read the text my mom had sent two hours ago.
“Could u pick up ur sis please? I have to pick up ur dad @ 3 from the airport. He is returning early from his business trip 4 Olivia’s b-day party. ~Thx mom”
Drats!!!! I was so hoping to go home and collapse on my bed. I just wanted a few minutes to rest, to escape this world. By the looks of it though I wouldn’t be getting those few minutes today.
I flipped my phone back open and wrote to her “K. I’ll get her.”
Part three: Olivia
At 3:00, Avery showed up (30 minutes late) to drive me home.
“Hey Av” I greeted smiling. “How was school today?”
She rolled her eyes and turned up the stereo, drowning out my voice. This was her way of saying ‘shut up Olivia’ without actually having to say it. Avery drove fast down the little side streets, splashing into puddles as she drove. I stared out the window, watching the water spray the side of her car. I wish that she could find another way to calm herself down other than driving fast.
With the speed that Avery was driving, we arrived back at the house quicker then expected. I got out and ran into the house to pick out what I’d wear to the dance tomorrow night.
“Olivia? You’re on your own for dinner tonight. Mom is picking dad up at the airport.”
“Okay, thanks!” I yelled down the stairs. Maybe I’d make pasta for dinner, yum! I loved these nights; they gave me a chance to practice cooking.
I turned on my computer and sat down in my small office chair and spun around in it, while the computer booted up. I signed into my e-mail account, which was filed with unanswered e-mails. I answered them all and headed down stairs to start dinner. Avery sat at the counter, busy chatting on the phone.
“I’m sorry Shelly” She said into the phone sighing and hung the phone up. I sighed too, turning away from her to face the cabinets. My sister treats Shelly as if she were the plague these days. She has no right to, and she knows that.
I had once told her to stop acting like a child and do the right thing. This set her off, she blew up in my face saying “You think I like abandoning my best friend?!? Do you think I like have replacement friends?! And boyfriend who never talk to me?!? Well I don’t and I can’t stand it!!! But I’m stuck with this situation until I leave high school”
I straightened my back and retorted back speaking calmly “Yes, until you leave high school, and don’t you think it might be nice to leave there with one true friend?”
For this she had no answer, she simply shoved past me and ran upstairs. She looked ashamed as she ran past me and now as she sat at the counter; her dirty-blond hair falling in front of her face, that same look shadowed her features. I had never seen my sister so unhappy until now. The dread that filled her face was so real so serious; I finally turned my head and grabbed out the ingredients out of the pantry. I tried to busy myself to forget that look and was so pain filled. Growing up, I now discovered that you can’t help people who didn’t want to be helped; and my sister didn’t want to be helped.
Part four: Avery
The weekend; to my misfortune, flew by and soon enough it was Olivia’s birthday. Our dad had come home early to celebrate and our mom’s sister (our aunt) was driving up, for the party. Aunt Via, was one of the coolest relatives we had. Olivia was always proud to say that she was named after her.
“Avery, would you go get your sister and tell her Aunt Via is here please?”
“Sure mom” I said smiling as I walked past her into the hallway. I walked up the stairs slowly and poked my head into Olivia’s room. She sat in her computer chair asleep, book in hand, with her head resting on the book. She was exhausted from the dance and had gotten home late last night and flopped face down on her bed, then in the morning started to write an English report when she crashed.
“Hey birthday girl, wake up auntie is here” I whispered in her ear.
“A plot is the story line!!!” She yelled, her head snapping up; her auburn hair spraying all over her face. She looked at me, disoriented and yawned.
“Sorry Av. What were you saying?” She asked groggily.
I sighed loudly “I said! Aunt Via is here”
Comprehension crossed her face and soon enough she sprang to life; jumping up and pulling a comb through her hair. Then she bolted for the door, feet pounding down the stairs.
I followed her at my own pace and stopped at the base where Olivia was already jumping into our aunt’s waiting arms. Her pea-coat was soaked with rain but Olivia didn’t care, hugging her back with just as much force.
“Happy Birthday, Sweet Pea.” She said smiling. “Where’s my other niece?” She asked looking around till her eyes found me. I waved and walked forward to hug her.
“Hi Auntie, How have you been?” I asked pulling back to see her face.
“I’m good and you?” She said smiling appraisingly
“Good. How long are you in town?” A asked trying the create conservation
“Just for today, I have to be back for work in the morning.”
I nodded and mom stepped into the room; carrying a cake, lit with sparkler candles.
“Well let’s get this party started” she said with a grin.
The evening sped by and before I knew it, it was mid-night. Olivia was passed out on the couch, a smile carved into her face as she snored silently. Our aunt was getting ready to leave.
She hugged me and then began out the door. “Oh, I almost forgot” She exclaimed reaching into her bag “I have something for you and your sister.”
She pulled out a silk cloth, which she unfolded and held out to me. I reached out and grabbed two charm bracelets. The silver chains held a broken heart charm, my name engraved on one half of the heart and Olivia’s on the other half.
“When you combine the two half’s you’d be amazed what can happen.” She said smiling. She threw me a wink and walked out into the rain to her car.
I couldn’t help but wonder if mom put her up to this; they had been so close and they wanted me and Olivia to be that close. I rolled my eyes, right like that would ever happen.
I walked to the couch where Olivia was sleeping and pulled the blanket back to reveal her right hand. I carefully clasped the bracelet onto her wrist and covered her back up.
I walked into the kitchen to help our dad finish cleaning up. I quickly put on the bracelet when I saw mom in the kitchen with dad. I figured I’d at least wear it for one day to please mom and Aunt Via.
“That’s a nice bracelet, Avery” dad complimented.
“Thanks, from Aunt Via”
“You take care of that bracelet, Av.” Mom said over her shoulder as she walked to pick up the rest of the plates.
“Avery, let your mom and me finish up here. You go get some rest; you’ve still got school tomorrow.”
Oh yes school; great. I nodded and walked up the stairs. After brushing my teeth and taking a shower I headed into my room, but I was too anxious to sleep. I eventually got out from my warm covers and turned on some peaceful music off my I-pod deck. I got back under the covers and let the music lull me to sleep.
Part five: Olivia
My alarm buzzed loud and clear beside my head, at exactly 6:30 in the morning. I stretched my arms out while yawning and turned off the clock. My eyes remained in sleep-mode as I stumbled into the bathroom. I searched for the light blindly when I felt cold metal touch my wrist. I flicked the switch on and saw what had caressed my wrist.
On my left wrist was a silver bracelet with a broken heart charm, with Avery’s name graved into the heart. That’s weird, I didn’t remember putting this on. I shrugged, maybe it was a gift from Avery, but then why won’t it have my name? Whatever, if it was from Avery, then I loved it.
I looked up from the bracelet, into the mirror and gasped out loud, for it wasn’t my reflection in the mirror that stared back, it was Avery’s. Her peach complexion, pale pink lips, and shocked blue eyes, were all there standing where I was.
“Olivia!!!!” I heard someone screech down the hall but I didn’t move a muscle. I soon heard running footsteps into the room and stop at the door base to the bathroom. I turned slowly to see me staring back.
The girl’s intake of breath was loud as her eyes bugged out of her head. “What’s happened to us?”
“Av?” I said slowly walking toward where she stood.
“What did you do?!?” She screamed at me with fierce eyes that would frighten a mountain lion.
I was taken aback from the tone of her voice. ‘What did I do?’ right like I planned this to happen. “I didn’t do this Av. I don’t even know how this happened.”
I followed her into her bedroom, where she collapsed on the bed and let out a heavy sigh. She sprang up suddenly with bewildered eyes.
“Come here!” she commanded.
I ran to her before she had another chance to yell at me. She grabbed up my wrist with the bracelet and turned it over. She brought her wrist to mine and with force that looked like she was trying to wield it together, brought the pieces together to form a full heart.
“Come on!!!” she yelled frustrated. “Where’s the magic? Why aren’t we back?”
I stared at her confused. I think Avery was beginning to lose her mind as she pulled the charms together and apart again and again. She stood up and grabbed my arm pulling me from the room and down the stairs.
She ran into the kitchen, towing me with her. Our dad sat at the counter, coffee cup in hand reading the newspaper.
“Morning dad” I said smiling. Avery turned to give me another fierce look with my eyes.
“Dad, where’s mom? We have a problem that she probably knows how to fix?” Avery said irritated as usual.
He lowered his paper a little confused why ‘Olivia’ sounded so upset this morning and ‘Avery’ like little miss. Goody-two-shoes.
“Um, she went shopping with your aunt.” He responded a second later.
“Well that’s just great!” She yelled “Come on Avery”
She stomped out of the room and up the stairs.
“What’s with her?” He asked me.
“Olivia’s not feeling like herself this morning” I said with a shrug.
I walked back up the stairs to Avery’s room. She was plowing through her drawers, clothes thrown everywhere. She walked passed me throwing clothes into my arms and continued to her closet, where she began rummaging through shoes.
“What’s this for?” I asked holding up the clothes.
“If mom’s not going to help us and if where stuck like this for who knows how long, it’s best just to go about our day as if everything is normal. I’m picking out your outfit for the day.” She said tossing a pair of high heeled shoes onto the pile.
“Now” she said turning to face me “what do you want me to wear?”
“I don’t care Av. I trust your style instinct. Pick out whatever you feel is appropriate.” I said over my shoulder as I walked into the bathroom to change.
There was no way I was wearing a miniskirt and high heel shoes when it was raining out. I figured I’d wear it out of the house for Avery and change once at school. I finished changing and walked into Avery’s room where she sat at her desk, already dressed in black slacks, a clean blouse, and 1 inch heels. I didn’t mind the style change, it wasn’t terrible and I won’t be the one stepping into the puddles.
“Okay so here” she said handing me a school map with all her classes highlighted on the map. “Only talk to Parker or Savannah. And please please don’t talk to Shelly, I know it bothers you but please I need you to do this. Promise me and I’ll do whatever you need in return.”
I looked down at my lap; it wasn’t a promise I wanted to make. “Okay, I promise” I said with a sigh. What Avery didn’t see was that my fingers were crossed behind my back. Maybe this was my chance to help Avery, even though she didn’t want me to.
“What do you want me to do?” she asked with a smile.
“Nothing Av. I trust that you’ll do what you think is right” I said smiling back. “Good luck”