Shattered Pieces

Chapter Two Luke

After making sure Olivia got back to her room safely, Luke closed his door. He ran his fingers through his hair, opening a bottle of whisky. This particular bottle was one his father had sent him last Christmas. The night had taken a turn, leaving him exhausted and annoyed. How could one girl seem to always find a way to throw a wrench in his life?
Olivia Hayes.
Luke now sitting with his head back on his chair, drink in hand. He slowed his breathing trying to collect his thoughts. The first time he met her Seemed like so long ago but to him, it felt like yesterday.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

A Petite little girl, flowers in hand wandered up the path in his family's garden. She must have been no older than five years old, maybe six.
He often went there to escape studying, climbing into a tree nearby so he could look over the gardens yet not be seen.
The girl had Chocolate brown hair that went midway down her back, she wore a red shirt that had a few flowers on the right shoulder and denim jean shorts. Who was she and why was she at his house? Luke who was around 9 at the time stared at her curiously, wondering when she might notice his presence. She didn't. The strange girl continued to stop at each flower inspecting it before moving to the next, occasionally picking one she deemed worthy. Luke noted the ones she had in her hand were pink, red, or white.
This went on for what felt like forever, then the girl stopped. She now had a dozen flowers in her arms but was now placing them neatly into an arrangement. Making sure each one was turned just the right way as she smiled proudly.
Luke lost track of time watching her. From the way she had to make sure every detail was perfect to the many facial expressions she made when she believed no one could see. The more he watched the more interesting it was.
"Lucas Greyson!"
Shoot. He scanned the garden to see his mom, making her way through the rose covered arch entrance. He must have missed his afternoon study session. He let out a sigh and made his way down the back of the tree so she couldn't identify his exact hiding spot.
Peering out from a bush now, Luke searched for the girl. However, when his eyes landed on her she had completely changed. Her smile was gone and her back was straight as she stood facing the entrance of the garden. She looked like a doll, emotionless.
"Olivia!" A Deep voice boomed. A tall middle-aged man followed behind Luke's mother.
The girl flinched a little, clutching the bouquet that she had spent the last hour or so perfecting. Luke watched as she visibly inhaled a deep breath, took a step forward, and plastered a smile on her face. Except this smile was different. Her lips curved upward, But her eyes that were sparkling moments ago were hollow.
"Daddy! These are for you!" The small girl presented her masterpiece to the man, her father. Her empty smile never faded as she stared up at him as he looked down at her in silence.
"Olivia Hayes, apologize right now for destroying Mrs. Greyson's garden." Olivia's father had a cold tone, not that of any parent Luke has ever heard. He watched now as Olivia's forced smile depleted and her cheeks turning as red as the roses in her hands.
"I'm very sorry Mrs, Greyson." Shame and defeat reflecting her small voice.
"It's perfectly fine sweetheart! I'm glad someone can enjoy the garden, I just never seem to find the time anymore."
Olivia's smile started to return, this time with a slight twinkle in her eyes looking up at Luke's mom. She peered back to the flowers and appeared to feel a renewed pride in the bouquet. Once again she looked up to her father. His expression never changed, just a stone demeanor and a sharp look in his eyes. What was his deal?
"For you, Daddy!" She repeated.
"Throw those away and get cleaned up, it's time to go home." Mr. Hayes stated flatly, he turned and exited the garden. Leaving Luke, His mother, and the now red-nosed little girl. Something in his chest throbbed as he watched the little girl grip the rose's, lily's, and assortment of other flowers. She was now staring at the ground with shaking shoulders.
"Oh, Hunny it's alright. I think you did a beautiful job! Let's go find a vase, I would love to put these up in the kitchen! How does that sound?" Luke's mom crouched next to Olivia rubbing her back. She gently coaxed the flowers out of Olivia's grasp, revealing small punctures dripping a crimson liquid where the thorns must have been. She still didn't say anything. Just stood in silence fighting back tears, never letting a single one fall as she stared in the direction her father had gone.
Luke made his way out of the bushes, startling Olivia as her eyes got wide in shock.
"Where have you been? " his mom asked now holding the bouquet and little Olivia's hand. "I wondered the entire house looking for you! Honestly Luke." She sighed. Olivia glanced back and forth between Luke and his mom.
Now that he was closer he could now tell just how blue her eyes were. They were such a deep blue Luke imagined them to be what the deepest part of the ocean would look like.
"Luke, This is Olivia. Your father's are old friends. She's only three years younger than you. Now that they live in town again we will be seeing them often." she turned to Olivia. "Sweety this is my son Luke, and my daughter's name is Christina she is the same age as you! I just know you will get along splendidly!" His mom smiled ear to ear. Olivia, still looking at the ground nodded her head.