Olivia got up the next morning, dressed, and went downstairs for breakfast. Eliana was at the counter preparing a light snack, while William sat at the dining table with his newspaper.
“Morning, Eliana. Morning, William,” she greeted with a small smile.
“Good morning, sweetie,” they both replied warmly.
“How was yesterday’s party? You two came back pretty early,” Eliana asked, glancing over her shoulder.
“It was good,” Olivia said softly, setting plates on the table just as Caleb walked in and dropped into a chair.
“It was better than good,” Caleb cut in. “Olivia finally made Jenna take a step back and showed her where she belongs. Jenna challenged her to sing in front of everyone, and Olivia and her band shut her up. Look at this video.”
Olivia tensed at the word video. “Video?” she asked slowly.
“Yeah,” Caleb said, clearly excited. “Some students recorded your performance. It’s gone viral.”
“This is fantastic, Olivia,” Eliana said, beaming with pride.
“Eliana’s right,” William added, watching the clip on Caleb’s phone. “You kids are great. You should enter the band competition this year.”
“They might,” Caleb said.
“What do you mean?” Olivia’s chest tightened as she looked at him.
“Word is that Principal Rodrick wants your band to perform instead of Jenna’s ‘Devil and the Angel,’” Caleb told her.
“That’s amazing news,” Eliana exclaimed.
“I don’t think so,” Olivia replied quickly. “Principal Rodrick did mention it yesterday, but… we don’t think we can do it.”
Before anyone could respond, a new voice drifted into the room.
“Good morning.”
Caleb stiffened. Olivia turned toward the doorway.
A man stood there, slightly older than Caleb, with familiar features that made the resemblance impossible to miss.
Caleb shot to his feet. William and Eliana exchanged nervous, guilty glances. “What is he doing here, Mom? Dad?” Caleb’s voice sharpened.
“Son,” William began carefully, “Carson came last night while you were at the party.”
“So you simply let him in?” Caleb’s tone rose. “After everything he did to us, you just let him in?”
“Caleb, that is no way to talk to your brother,” Eliana said firmly.
Brother? Olivia blinked. She had never seen a single picture of him in the house.
“It’s okay, Mom. Dad.” Carson gave them a weak smile. “His reaction is understandable.”
He stepped toward Caleb and reached out to touch his shoulder.
Caleb flinched back like he’d been burned. “Don’t touch me,” he snapped. “Just leave. You’re dead to me.”
He turned and stormed upstairs.
Silence settled like a heavy blanket. Olivia sat awkwardly at the table, unsure what to do. William and Eliana both looked torn and exhausted before quietly leaving the room, disappointment and hurt written all over their faces.
YOU ARE READING
Only if you know (Book 1)
Teen FictionOlivia or Livy for short. She has been through a lot. More than you can possibly imagine. She has lost touch with her true self. Old Livy may still exist deep within her soul, but to others, she is nothing more than a girl with a stone heart who doe...
