OLIVIA
TIME flies by so quickly, and before I knew it, we were at Lewis' house in Clover City.
Clover City was a long way from where we had been. My mother stated that she stayed and studied here during her senior year of high school and that she lived with relatives who migrated to Canada after she completed her senior year.
I thought I knew my mother well for a long time, but lately, I've been surprised by what I've discovered about her. During her senior year of high school, Zaldy was her first love and boyfriend.
My Mom and Uncle Zaldy, whom I still refer to as "Uncle Zaldy" because I am not used to addressing someone as "Dad," which he says is okay with him, reconnected last year when Mom ran into him at Changi Airport in Singapore.
They recognized each other right away, but they didn't have much time to talk because my mother had to catch her next flight. But what are the chances that Uncle Zaldy is now a pilot and is the pilot in command on the plane where mom is?
I'm not sure what you call that occurrence, but she says it was fate if you ask my mother. I recognize the word, but I'm not sure what she means. She stated that I would understand what she meant if I ever experienced falling in love.
Mom and Uncle Zaldy had been inseparable since that beautiful coincidence, and the love they had shared in high school sparkled once more.
Mom just told me all of this when we got home from dinner the night after she surprised me with a new Dad and a sister.
I wasn't wholly opposed to it. I was just stunned for a moment about Mom's relationship, and it never occurred to me that she might need someone other than me.
I recall her saying that she doesn't need anyone else as long as she's with me. But I suppose that's the beauty of love. I just heard that expression from my mother. I'm still unsure what she means by it, but I'm okay with it.
How come I can't? Do I want to deprive mom of pursuing her happiness after seeing her so happy while talking about Uncle Zaldy? I adore my mother and want her to be happy because she deserves it. That's why, when I saw my mother express her strong desire to marry Uncle Zaldy, I didn't object.
Uncle Zaldy was a pleasant individual. He's very approachable and easy to get along with. He's a really nice guy. He appeals to me. In addition, when my mother married Uncle Zaldy last month, I gained an instant sister.
His daughter, Zoey, was the same age as mine. Zoey was the quiet, shy type with a cute nerdy appearance. In her glasses and braces, she's pretty attractive. I expected it would be difficult to get close to her, but we immediately hit it off. Maybe my extroverted personality helped me pique Zoey's interest. Even though we are diametrically opposed. However, as the adage goes, opposites attract. So, Zoey and I are probably like that.
Mom informed me that Zoey's mother died three years ago. I'm not sure why, but mom told me to be careful when discussing Zoey's mother. So I promised my mother that if Zoey and I ever discussed her mother, I would be cautious about bringing up that subject. Zoey appeals to me as well. I had the impression that we were going to be great sisters.
Anyway, we just arrived in Clover yesterday, and I won't have much time to explore because my first year at Clover High School begins tomorrow. Sorry, but Zoey and I will begin our first year at Clover High tomorrow.
I was giddy with excitement as I prepared my belongings with Zoey. If I'm not mistaken, Zoey and I are classmates. I'm excited to start at my new school. I am confident that this time will be different for me. All of them are excellent. I'll make sure of it.
Zoey assisted me in unpacking my belongings to my room, and as usual, I talked a lot, and she would just listen to me and smile cutely.
Her smile makes me happy. It gives me a warm feeling that I will always be okay and safe in her presence. Aside from my mother, I felt safe when I was with The Lewis's.
Lewis's residence is a two-story tower house. I'm not very good at describing things, so all I can say is that their house was ideal for a family. There are four rooms in total. On the second floor, there are three rooms. Zoey and I shared the two smaller rooms while our parents slept in the main bedroom.
I'm still not used to using or hearing the word "parents," but it feels great to have a complete set.
Returning to Lewis's residence. What made it even better was that the house was only a ten-minute walk from my new school. Isn't that incredible?
I was ecstatic to be here at Lewis' house. I never imagined that having a complete family would make me so happy. Even though I had only known them for a few months, Uncle Zaldy and Zoey welcomed us into their family with open arms. My mother likes Zoey as well, and they get along great. I sometimes feel envious of her because my mother will defend her over me when we have minor disagreements.
It was a rare experience to get along in a stepmother or stepfather slash stepdaughter relationship, but I am grateful that what happened to Cinderella did not happen to me. That only goes to show how wonderful the Lewises are. I couldn't have asked for anything more.
Everything seemed too good to be true. And I'm convinced that this is only the beginning of my new happily ever after.
OLIVIA AFTER TWO YEARS... "ONE MORE TIME!" exclaimed our cheer captain, Piper, as she asked us to perform our final routine. "Come on, guys, one more time, we just need to nail it," she added. Piper, a senior and the cheerleading squad's current captain, was a stickler for detail. We know she wants us to win the cheerleading competition next week, but I thought we did well earlier. And I was utterly exhausted. I can see that my coworkers are also exhausted. The last routine was incredibly taxing. Everything seemed too good to be true. And I'm convinced that this is only the beginning of my new happily ever after. Miss Peyton butted in, "Piper, that's all right." She serves as our cheerleading team's adviser and coach. She works as a teacher
OLIVIA "KIDS, we're home!" my mother exclaimed as the front door swung open. Uncle Zaldy was following my mother into the house. Zoey and I were cuddling on the couch, watching N*****x's All of Us Are Dead. It came naturally to us. There was no malice to be found. I also enjoy cuddling Zoey. Her warm embrace envelops me in comfort. Because it's the weekend, there will be no school or practice for the time being. "Mom! Uncle!" I ran up to them as if they were children, kissing them on the cheeks one by one. Zoey silently followed me and made the same gesture to our parents as I did to her. One of the reasons I enjoy being at home is that I can express myself freely. I am a clingy, childish, and whining child. Zoey, on the other hand, was a quiet and calm kid.
OLIVIA I WAS GETTING BUSY WITH CHEERING PRACTICE AS THE COMPETITION NEARED. Zoey and I didn't have much time to hang out either these days. I noticed she was also preoccupied because her childhood friend had returned to town and transferred to Clover City. It turned out to be the girl from the Oceanarium. I'm not sure what her name was, but she introduced herself as Nora or Neri. I'm not entirely sure. I wasn't interested at all, especially since she was sitting right next to Zoey's chair. Zoey and I were in the same class. It was difficult to conceal our actual relationship, but fortunately, we are very good at it. But Zoey's childhood friend will make things more difficult for us. What if she realizes Zoey is my stepsister?
OLIVIA "ARE YOU ready, guys? We're going to be the next performer," our cheer captain said. "Yes, captain!" we said. It's the day of the cheering competition. I haven't had the opportunity to speak with Zoey again because I've been swamped over the last few days. Even though I was so busy, she took care of me when our parents were not present. She prepares breakfast and handles all of the housework. And if I have some spare time, I'll just help her out a little bit at a time. Zoey never complains. Instead of assisting her around the house, she will simply smile and encourage her to get more rest. Isn't she the sweetest person you've ever met? Unfortunately, Camila and the girls do not recognize the Zoey I know. Anyway, it's t
OLIVIA MY HEAD IS EXTREMELY ACHING. I felt the excruciating pain inside my head when I woke up earlier. I was drunk last night, according to Zoey. Mom was upset, but I insisted on not drinking. That is to say; I did not consume any alcoholic beverages. We fought for a while, but Zoey's expression changed when she heard something from my mother. Then mom was tending to me like a baby again. Wow. Zoey's ability was incredible. I'm curious about what she said to my mother to change her mood instantly. Anyway, it's a good thing the "drinking" incident occurred on a Friday night because we don't have school today. But I still have to go to school because our coach, Miss Peyton, said we would have a quick meeting, and it couldn't w
ZOEY I USED TO BELIEVE MY FAMILY WAS PERFECT WHEN I WAS A CHILD. My father is attractive, dependable, and our breadwinner. And then there's my mother, the lovely and wonderful stay-at-home mom. Things were going smoothly. We are happy. My loved ones adore me. Mom and Dad had me at the age of twenty. My parents were too young, and their lives began, but my father was a man of his words. So, when my mother announced that she was pregnant with me, Dad did not flee but instead assumed responsibility for my mother and me. He was a wonderful, devoted father. Dad and mom's family helped them raise me, so it wasn't difficult for them. I admit that I was exposed to almost everything growing up. My parents come from wealthy families. Nonetheless, my parents instilled in me the imp
ZOEY "WELCOME HOME. You look so tired. You must be starving," I said to Olivia, who appeared in the kitchen next to the door. Her head and shoulders are bowed. She appears to have used up all of her energy today. "Sit down," I told her. She wouldn't budge, so I approached her and drew her to the nearest chair at the kitchen counter. "Eat first, then rest," I said, about to leave because I was going to prepare her food, but she drew me closer and hugged me from behind. I can feel her head resting on my back. There's that tingly sensation all over again. Ha! I like what Olivia is doing, but I'm also feeling guilty. "I'm so tired, Zola," she's the only one who addresses me as such. She said it was a combination of my first and last names. Olivia desired to stand out from the
ZOEY ELECTION DAY. "Interesting. Miss Queen Bee appears to be winning this election as well," Nova said as she handed me a box of cold pineapple juice. "Thank you," I said. I drank the box through the straw. "Ah, pineapple juice is delicious!" I exclaimed. "I know, that's why we're friends; we both like pineapple juice," Nova agreed. We clapped our pineapple juice boxes as if they were wine glasses. We are currently in the gym, counting and validating the ballots from today's election of new sets of SC. We were far away from the gym stage where the teachers were counting votes, but a large LED screen displayed the automatic updates of the votes. I am delighted to see Olivia advancing in the polls. She's truly unique.
"LEWIS," the teacher called Zoey's last name.Camila looked behind her and saw that Zoey was not in her seat.Aubrey was admiring Nova's beauty. She had no idea Zoey was missing."Lewis?" the teacher inquired once more. Everyone in the room is now staring at Zoey's seat. It was deserted. "Scott, did you see your best friend? Where has she gone?""I'm not sure, teacher. Perhaps she's in the restroom. You know, answering nature's call," Nova tried to laugh, but she was getting nervous. She has a bad feeling about Zoey's absence."Perhaps," the teacher replied. "Okay, let's go back to our previous lesson. Lewis can catch up later."The teacher continued the lecture,
"YOU ARE GOING TO STUDY IN SEOUL AFTER GRADE SCHOOL," Dad said. We're having dinner quietly right now, and then he comes in with this kind of news. "Dad? Seriously?" With a sour tone, I said. I stopped cutting the steak on my plate. "I'm serious, Con. You are not taking your studies seriously. You keep slacking. It would help if you were with your grandparents. Maybe they can tame you there," He added without looking at me. He kept eating casually. He had no idea his words were piercing my veins. It's as if someone is slowly and painfully cutting me. "Please, Dad... Mom. I will put in a lot of effort. I'm going to study very hard. I promise," I begged them. I looked at Mom, pleading for help. Mom shook h
ZOEY STARING at my reflection on the whole body mirror, I sighed with satisfaction at what I was seeing. I was wearing a black casual dress, above the knee, no sleeves, and slightly showing the top of her chest. My shoulder-length black hair formed in beach wavy curls. My beautiful partner nicely did my make-up. I paired the dress I was wearing with my 2 inches heels, pearls, and crystal black bow kitten. It was a new gift from my stepmother. This is the second time I will wear this kind of clothes. The first time was when my father remarried four years ago to a wonderful woman who brought the gorgeous person I have ever known in my life. Anyway, it's my graduation day today, and I was excited. Two years have quickly passed, and here we are now. I am graduating as a valedictorian despite the hardships I encountered du
ZOEY "AS THE SCRIPTURE SAID IN ROMANS 8:38-39 - For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord," said the parish father. He conducts Olivia's father's eulogy before being buried on the ground. Yes, we are here for Olivia's father's funeral at the cemetery. "Kenneth, our beloved brother, is now at our father's side. There will be no pain. There will be no illness there. Dear Lord, I cry for those of us who have been left behind, for the lonely ones who have hollows in our hearts. I pray You to comfort us, give, restore hope, and lavish us with family and belonging. Meet us in the depths of our grief with Yourself. I pray for everyone's safety. We have complete faith in your methods. Amen."
OLIVIA PRACTICE WAS COMPLETED, and as Zoey had promised, she watched us practice. I was eager to be with her after it was finished, so I showered quickly. Unfortunately, Camila beat me to it, even though I quickly fixed myself. She was now in the hallway with Zoey. They were talking, and I'm not sure if it was funny, but Camila kept laughing while occasionally touching Zoey's arms. Camila is getting ahead of me. And, despite Camila's confession to Zoey, they appear to be getting closer. Does this imply that they are now dating? "Hello there, Oli. You appear to have intended to murder someone," Naomi stated the obvious. I didn't notice she was walking with me towards Zoey and Camila, who were flirting at the time. "What? No!"
OLIVIA "WHAT DID YOU SAY?" I asked Zoey, who was still lying in the hospital bed. The bill was paid, but we are still waiting for the doctor's final opinion on Zoey's results and medication. "You heard me, Vi," she said firmly. "No! I'm afraid I must disagree. I'm not going down without a fight!" I was enraged by Zoey's calm demeanor in this situation. "Please, Uncle Zal, take action against those who abused Zoey. Don't let the police back down on the investigation." I was furious. I'm furious at those who have harmed Zoey. How dare they! Uncle Zaldy was deafeningly silent. He just gave me that sorry look. I looked to my mother for support, but she just shook her head as if to te
OLIVIA I DID NOT GET A LOT OF SLEEP LAST NIGHT, but I awoke early and asked Mom to drive me to the hospital, even if that was not the case. Early in the morning, we received a text message from Uncle Zaldy confirming that Zoey had awoken and was fine. I was relieved, but I needed to see if she was okay with my own eyes to calm my worried mind. We leave for the hospital as soon as Mom finishes cooking and preparing the food we'll bring to the hospital. We were in the car when I heard my mother speak. "Zoey will be fine, Vi. She's a brave young lady," she stated. I cast a glance her way. My mother was concentrating on driving, and her gaze was fixed on the road. She gave me a glance and a smile. In response, I nodded.
OLIVIAI WAS not with myself; even the paramedics came and took the lifeless Zoey to the ambulance. I was with her in the ambulance. Nova was with me as well. I held Zoey's hand, and Nova was patting my back slightly. The liquid coming from my eyes was not stopping.The paramedic had given Zoey the first aid the first time they got there, and when they said that Zoey was still alive, I was relieved. But she is still unconscious, so my anxiety grows again."Zo, please fight. You can do it. You are stronger than me, remember? S-so p-please," I felt that my words were choking me. I couldn't finish my words and started crying again."She'll be okay. Zoey will be okay," Nova said. Not a single tear will be seen in her eyes, but I know she's worried sick about Zoey, too. "Right? Sh
OLIVIA"ARE YOU going to confess to Zo-Zoey now, Camila?" I asked Camila directly because I had the opportunity.We're doing retouches in the Student Council's comfort room because the afternoon class starts soon. Naomi was also present. Stella, the walk-out queen, was nowhere to be found. But, as Naomi stated, we're leaving her alone for the time being because she needs time to process what Camila has just revealed to them.Stella should join the drama club instead, in my opinion. Why couldn't she stand by Camila?Anyway, back to where we are: we use this comfort room after lunch because the regular comfort rooms are full."I'm not sure. We've only recently re-established our friendship. And what if Zoey rejects me? That will be