Bloom

Oleander

Marie and Ennis were newly wed when they discovered the new addition to the family. Two new additions. In 1971 Oscar and Olive opened their eyes to the world and began their life. There was a rivalry but a closeness between the pair, and despite their differences they loved each other.

Oscar was brave and fearless. He would not worry about his late homework or the flood of the river nearby, because he knew he would get through it all. The boy inspired a courage in those around him, the courage that inspired Louisa to even sneak out at all.

Olive was ambitious and determined. She was not a child genius but she was a stubborn thing and did not lack common sense. She knew what she wanted (which was most things) and would get it one way or another, through multiple favours or just plain hard work. 

As Olive was born second she felt a need to overcome her brother, and as Oscar was born first he wanted to uphold his dignity and reign as the oldest and best child. So when Louisa came along they fought to be the best sibling. When she showed signs of unnatural ability to learn, they quickly gave up on that.

There were arguments galore between the two, and the house was very often noisy with tantrums and tears. One particular day in 1986 there was a rather ferocious argument, pertaining to who would be more successful. There were a series of challenges, and they were about to have a race until they realised the large storm sat outside their front door. At 15 they had a healthy disrespect for authority as most children do, and so they stayed up late eating ice-cream for breakfast and watching old DVD's.

Just as Oscar was drifting asleep, Olive went to put their spoons by the kitchen sink, when she discovered a fire spreading in the garden. In a flurry she called the fire brigade and woke her brother, who immediately went to fetch Louisa, knowing she'd love the sight. His face was pale as a ghost when he returned from trying to find her. Olive put the phone down sullenly, and looked at the tree burning outside. Their old tree-house was barely recognisable at all, and the rain was lifting quickly, letting the fire continue on.

Souls softened and broke and left the family. When Ennis and Marie returned they brought with them a strange atmosphere of sorrow and guilt. Oscar had vowed to stay with his parents and help their small town for all of his life, but when the time came, he knew he wanted to go to university with his sister. She was there on that night and she knew that nothing could have been done; they comforted each other in this knowledge.

The day before they left the city they wanted to create a nice memorial, and ran about the forest next to their home to collect some flowers. Hands had small cuts and feet were sore from walking, but they collected large bunches of flora to lay about the tree. They knew Louisa would have been jealous of the adventures and knowledge they were about to pursue in university, and knew that Marie would be easier on letting them go if they brought her flowers and chocolate.

The lazy summer day of 1992 brought smiles and tears. Marie and Ennis helped their children pack all their things into an old car, and farewells were given. Oscar was more excited than anything to leave the strange atmosphere behind and to start afresh, while Olive started to doubt herself. She had needed an excuse to leave for years and her time was now. If she didn't leave, she knew she never would.

Grown-up children hit the road, and their drive was smooth for a few miles, but on the long stretch out of the town they started to run out of petrol. Olive saw this as sign. She needed to go back to get some. She was determined that she never would. Urging Oscar to keep going, they made it a few hundred miles until they were in the middle of nowhere. The nearest pump was who knows where, and they were stranded. 

Night was fast approaching, and Olive grew scared: they did not even have a phone. Her brother's instincts took over as the oldest and bravest, and he got out of the car. Eventually Olive came out too, and Oscar decided that they would walk along the road towards a station and they would do so before night-fell. There, they could call for help, and be picked up.

Home was close but Olive was determined. The car was safe but Oscar was brave. The answer was obvious but the twins looked away. 

They almost made it to the nearest city, roaring with night-life and cars and parties. If only they had stayed inside the car.