Lemon Whiskey 071 - Olivia's POV
Reece has many versions. A myriad of expressions. There's happy and excited Reece, when her mouth is stretched upwards, her teeth showing, the apples of her cheeks prominent, her eyes smaller and cuter, and her smile brightening her entire face and everything around her.
There's angry Reece with the puffed up cheeks and her reddish nose, sad Reece with a relentless pout on her mouth, and determined Reece with the fire and glisten in her eyes.
As I stare at her across the dining table, I wonder what version of Reece is sitting in front of me. She looks...meek. Shy. Her movements are small and controlled, as if afraid to make any sudden disturbing noises. Cautious and guarded.
I don't like it.
When I reach in front of us to pour lemonade on her glass, she looks away from me even more, as if she hasn't been looking away this entire time. Why is she avoiding me?
Her plate remains untouched, and she keeps fiddling with her water. Doesn't she like the scallops?
I stand up and walk towards her, reaching for her wrist. Maybe she'd be more comfortable if I ordered her something.
"Oli?" She says, slightly startled, but standing up now. I envelope my hand around hers and walk towards the rooms near the kitchen, Reece right on my tail. I knock once and Manang Letty lets us in. I search the room for Reece's overnight bag and once I find it, I take it with me to bring with us upstairs.
Just as I turn to exit the room, Reece stops me. "W-wait!" I look at her. "Kahit kina Manang na lang ako matulog, Oli–"
"No." I don't know why this is even up for discussion. The rooms here are just enough for the staff, but not for an extra guest. Besides, Manang has a single bed. How are they going to fit? Is she going to sleep on the floor?
Manang interrupts us. "Ma'am Olivia, ipinagbilin kasi ng ina ni Reece na rito na lang muna siya matulog para matutukan din namin."
"Mom won't be home 'til the night before our flight." I answer. "You have nothing to worry about," I look at Reece. "Kapag may sinabi siya, nandito naman ako." When I finish talking, I notice her cheeks down to her neck are pinker now.
I continue walking, with Reece's hand still enclosed in mine. When we reach the upstairs landing and until we're inside my room, Reece still doesn't say anything.
I get the urge to reach for my phone to text Charles but I shake the feeling away. I want to do this on my own.
I put down Reece's bag and motioned for her to sit on the cushioned bench at the foot of my bed. She does as she's told, which is even stranger. I try to look at her face but her head is down. I don't like not seeing her, and I hate it even more when I don't know what she's thinking.
"Reece," I say, sitting beside her now and keeping my voice quieter than usual. I don't know what's wrong but it's not fun for me to see her so...desolate. Just last night she told me all these things. Was it wrong for me to tell her I felt the same way?
"What's wrong? Can you please tell me? You barely ate. And now you can't even look at me."
I expect her to whine, or shout, but she keeps her head down and only shakes her head and plays with her fingers.
I let out a breath. This is so frustrating.
"Do you want McDo?" I ask her. She nods after a few seconds.
"Cadbury? I have the caramel one." She puffs her cheeks and nods again.
"More lemonade?" She shakes her head. "Tubig lang, Oli."
