It All Began When...

2. The Birthday of America: Part I

"Don't trust everything you see, even salt looks like sugar."
- Unknown
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It had been about two weeks since I had moved in and I hadn't even stepped outside after we unpacked my Aunt Reagan's car.

She didn't mind that I stayed home but she did insist that I explore the neighborhood. Instead I just adjusted to my new home. I had decorated my room, organized my old clothes and new clothes in my closet, and cleaned my aunt's house. I would have thought that she would have had a tidy house being just herself and all, but, man, was I wrong.

She had Chinese take-out boxes on her counter. Stacks of papers completely covering her dinner table. Clothes were scattered across the floor along with wrappers of granola bars. I found at least one pair of shoes in every room! If that doesn't surprise you, she used her oven as a place to keep her valuable documents in with a chain locking it shut, which was hidden behind a cloth hanging from the bar. Now how was I supposed to cook? I didn't want to risk burning her papers by turning the stove on.

She always came home around 3:00 p.m., so I took a look at the clock and it read 1:33 p.m. I released a deep breath and sat on the couch to view out the window. There was more activity than normal being the day before Independence Day and all. I saw cars go along those road and neighbors touching up on decorations. Man, these people really went full out on their American pride.
*ding dong*

Well that's new, I thought before I jumped to the ground. I was sure not as heck going to let the stranger, a.k.a the bell ringer, know somebody was in the house. I stealthily crawled to the door to look out the window. It was an aged woman that looked somewhat sweet and polite. Then I noticed something in her arms...FOOD!! I jumped up, quickly fixed my appearance, then opened the door. She was the first to speak.

"My, you are a beautiful young lady! You must be Olivia! Reagan told me all about you and how you stayed home alone. So I thought I'd bring you this!", she never took her eyes away from mine and held out the tray I had seen through the window. I took it.

"Uh...Yeah-I mean-Yes, I am Olivia. Um, thank you. My Aunt Reagan told you about me you said?"

"Oh yes, yes, I'm your next door neighbor. You see?-" she pointed to the two-story house on the right side of my house, "I'm Suzanne Easswin, many call me Suzy."

"Oh, very nice to meet you Mrs. Easswin", I said as I held out my hand to shake hers. She gladly accepted and went on with a slightly nervous laugh.
"It's just Miss, dear, and you may call me Suzy", she smiled politely. I smiled back then became aware that we were still standing at the door.

"Would you like to come in Miss Suzy?", I blurted out. She let out a light laugh.

"Thank you, dear but I must get heading back to prepare for tomorrow. You ladies are already invited and I've told Reagan and she confirmed that you ladies would be attending. So, see you tomorrow!", then she left.

What was this about spending the 4th with her? Where was my say in this? Guess I'll find out in a few minutes. I must've stared out the window for like an hour. It was already 3:21. There it was, the sound of the car engines. I unlocked the door and watched my Aunt Reagan come in with her suitcase and other supplies. I started my interrogation.

"So, tomorrow's the 4th of July. Any plans, perhaps?"

"Well, I was going to ask you today if you'd like to join Suzy, our next door neighbor, for the 4th of July? It'll be so much fun and you can meet lots of new people from the neighborhood! She is sooo good at cooking!". I couldn't believe her! She knew she already accepted yet she was trying to convince me to say yes! So I gave her the hard way out. I put on my innocent little girl face and spoke with a pout in my voice.

"Aww, man, I was really hoping we could cook some dinner and maybe bake some cookies together or something. I was just really really", okay I knew I was milking it now but I didn't stop, "looking forward to finally having some bonding time with you. Especially since it's a holiday and you don't have to work tomorrow..." she looked at me with a touched expression. Right when I thought I had her, she fought back as sweetly as possible.

"Olivia, you need to come out of this house sometime and tomorrow would be the perfect opportunity."

"Please? Pretty Please? My mom wouldn't want me to do something by force...". That's when she put her foot down.

"Olivia Wren Woods! You are 14 years old and it's time you learn that you don't always get what you want in life! I know you already know! That tray-", she pointed towards the tray Miss Suzy had given me, "belongs to Suzy and I know she told you, young lady." She tapped her foot and crossed her arms. She may have been single with no children but, dang, could she be a strict mother. I did the only thing I could think of- smile and look down.

"Today we are going over to help her prepare for tomorrow so go get your shoes on."

"But-"

"No 'buts', its time you see the outside world and learn to live where your cave isn't!"

I had no rebuttals. That's when I had that light bulb moment. I grabbed my stomach.

"Oh! Okay just-" I gave her a pained face, "let me go to the bathroom. I always get diarrhea and gas when I'm nervous..." I looked at her until she gave me her approval. I kept up my act until I turned a few corners and no longer saw her in sight. I relaxed and walked into the bathroom. Well, now that I was in here I might as well do my business, right? I whipped out my phone and got on iFunny. About twenty minutes had passed when my Aunt Reagan came to knock.

"Olivia, we need to go, now!"

I forced painful grunts. "Ugh, it's the-", another grunt, "diarrhea! Please just go on without me." i looked up from my phone paying attention to any possible sound from her. After a few seconds she gave in.

"Fine, Suzy waiting for me and you so come. I want you there by today!" Okay, today that's all she wants. Oh I'll go "today" alright.

"Alright, sounds good. See ya."

I went to sleep that night without even leaving the house.

My, doesn't victory smell great?!
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A/N So if you guys haven't noticed I update every Friday. Since this is a part one that means part two will be updated next Friday. Sorry!

Do you guys see Olivia portrayed by anybody? I haven't really given a description of her, yet.  Comment who you think fits her best! I'd like to know your thoughts! :)

Keep smiling and reading my beautiful friends!
Until the next.
~ A