Ethereal Madness

Chapter 54- King of the Pile

I stood in front of her house that towered over me. I pulled out and checked my phone:

'2:05'

I took a deep breath but my anxiety didn't fade.

I worked so hard for this. All I have to do now is not screw up. Which is probably a lot harder than it sounds.

"You're late," Olivia's judgmental voice hurt my ears.

I turned to the door. She had arms to her side, glaring at me with disappointment.

"I got here at two," I pointed out. "You're late."

"No," she pointed at one of the many windows. "You're late. You got here at 2:01."

Should I be more concerned that she's holding me being a minute late against me or that she was spying on me from her window?

"Huh," I said without thinking.

I just noticed that she was dressed up. She wore a ruby red dress similar to the one she wore at the ball, but this was less extravagant. She also had make-up on, but it wasn't nearly as bad as Valerie so I didn't mind it.

"What?" She said defensively.

"You look nice," I said.

Her cheeks burned red. "W-w-what do you mean by that?" She acted as if I insulted her.

"What do you mean what do I mean? You look pretty. Dress suits you nicely too."

"T-than—."

"Though I don't think it's really necessary. We're just going to the arcade after all."

Her face went from scared to annoyed.

"I wanted to wear this dress. You got a problem with it?"

I shrugged. "Not really."

"Whatever. Just get your car so we can go."

"Car?" I cocked my head. "What car?"

"You didn't bring a car?"

"I usually walk to the arcade, so I didn't even think of it. Besides, I don't have a license."

"Ugh." She groaned.

"Are you okay?"

"No, I'm not," she snapped. She grabbed my arm. "Cmon. Let's get to walking then."

She dragged me along but stopped abruptly after a couple steps.

"Olivia?" I said.

She put her head down.

"You...don't know how to get there, do you?"

No response.

I grabbed her hand. "I'll lead. Follow me." I lightly tugged her along.

"A-Arthur." She cried out.

This time it was my turn to stop.

"Hmm? What's wrong?"

She snatched her arm away and pouted. "I'm not a child. I can walk on my own."

"Ah, you're right. Sorry."

"Why are you apologizing?" She snapped.

"Well because I—."

She put a finger to my lips. "I told you before. Only apologize if you did something wrong."

"Okay. S—." I caught myself. I laughed.

"You're the type to apologize for everything, aren't you?" She asked.

I nodded.

She frowned. "We're gonna have to change that."