By New Year's Eve.

Chapter 8 - Olivia

Confused. Utterly and thoroughly confused. That is my current state of mind. It's been about a week since my brother and Mackenzie started their fake relationship. I would say it has progressed really well between them at least according to my brother Sebastian. But I don't think that's the case for Mackenzie. I am not certain though, but it just doesn't seem like it is going where Seb wants it to go. Granted they are great friends now. Mackenzie has become my friend too. But is she just my friend?

Last week the day after Seb and Mackenzie's first date, the three of us hung out at the same restaurant they went to for their first date. And true to Mackenzie's word she searched for Kate as soon we entered the place. And to my utter dismay Kate was there. She recognized the two and welcomed us with a smile. At first, I thought that smile looked so fake. But as the evening progressed, I realized she truly changed. More like grew up from her high school days. She apologized to Seb again and even to me once she learned I am his sister. Even though Seb forgave her I was reluctant. But for some reason by the time the evening ended, and we left the place I somehow forgave her. How that happened I have no idea?

I do have an idea of another thing that happened that very same day. At the very restaurant. That happened while my brother went to the bathroom. It was not a huge thing, but it was and still is to me. Mackenzie and I started talking in my brother's absence. This is the thing about us. For some reason I do not think we have ever talked freely in my brother's presence. Always when he is not in the room or when we met separately. Even on the first day we met. So, on that day Mackenzie started talking normally. I think she was trying to find out which girl Seb actually likes. I couldn't actually tell her it is her after all. So, I evaded it at best. Or I tried to before I became flustered. That's another thing Mackenzie does. She flirts with me whenever we talk privately. But in front of people never.

I was so shocked when she first did after few minutes of meeting me. I remember the hug she gave me which made me feel strange. Because I fixed the headlights' switch of her car. Such a small thing to receive a hug for. Then just before we started watching the movie. And during the movie. Same thing happened on that restaurant. She was asking questions about the random girl while brushing her hand against my own. And after Seb returned she didn't stop she just hid it from his viewpoint. I know Seb noticed my strange behavior because I couldn't explain it. I felt guilty because I actually liked it. It made me feel something I have never felt before. Then last week on Friday Mackenzie just told me that we are hanging out today. Not a question anymore.

I had fun. I won't lie. It was so awesome and carefree. We went bowling for some odd reason. And Mackenzie insisted on showing me how to bowl. I did not pay any attention to that at first but as soon as I felt her hands on my elbows and my waist to guide me. Yeah, my mind was more on that than the bowling ball in my hand which is why I was the worst bowler in history. Not once was I able to drop a pin. All my balls ended up in gutter. Honestly it was a miracle I didn't drop them on my feet with all the 'care' Mackenzie was showing me. It was empty at the alley considering no one really goes bowling nowadays. At least not on a Friday in this town. After bowling I was sure we would go to our respective home. But no, somehow, we ended up at the arcade. Another hangout which once used to be crowded by teenagers now stands as a deserted place. There were few people at the arcade though and all the machines worked. Now that is a miracle. But it also told me people actually visit these places otherwise wouldn't they be out of business?

The arcade was fun. We were freer there. I was at least. Mackenzie was being herself from the start. If being herself means flirting with me, constantly touching me. She does those things whenever she is around me. I have no idea why. And I am a little frightened to even find out the reason. But by then I was used to her subtle touches here and there. It was good. Then at the end of the night we were having so much fun trying to do a motorbike race that we forgot to look at the time. The manager at the place said it was 11.30 and we had to leave. Mackenzie held my hand as we then rushed out of the place after getting some stickers. Mackenzie wanted to gift me a soft toy, but she didn't win it. Neither with the game where you can grab it nor with the tickets she had. She didn't use my tickets as well because she didn't want to give me the teddy using my tickets therefore, she promised to do it again. And I agreed.