Flame [h.s.]

01| She

A woman who's just in his head
And she sleeps in his bed
While he plays pretend
So pretend

She

Present time

Olivia

"I'm so happy you could make it." Sarah hugs me as I greet her walking inside her spacious kitchen, almost making me drop the tray of chocolate chip cookies I brought to the party. She better not make me drop these because I spent the whole night awake just to make them.

Well, mostly because I burnt the first batch and was forced to make a second one, which took me most of the night to make. Next time please remember you have your nephew's birthday party ahead of time so you don't end up having to spend the night awake preparing for it.

"Of course I was going to come, it's my nephew we are talking about." I smile, placing the tray of cookies on top of the table among all the other plates of food.

How can a three-year-old have so many guests at his party? He doesn't even have that many friends. This food is able to feed a whole army of people.

"Last year you were not this eager to come." She raises an eyebrow at me.

"Well, that was last year." I fake a smile. This year I have a reason to come, one I didn't have a year ago.

Sarah, my sister-in-law loves throwing huge parties every time there is an important event. For her, even the simplest event was enough to throw a party. A month ago, it was her birthday and she threw a roaring twenties party, everyone had to come dressed accordingly or they couldn't even set a foot inside the house. The house had been decorated to the minimal detail and it did look like we were in 1920.

It was fun, don't get me wrong, but they just throw too many parties.

"Where is Caleb?" I ask looking around not seeing my brother anywhere.

There weren't any guests here yet, probably because the party isn't supposed to start in another half an hour, but I decided to come early and help in any last-minute problem. Usually, there are always balloons that need to be hung or food that needs to be plated.

Today, surprisingly, everything seems to be on track.

"He is outside playing with George. He's supposed to start the barbecue but I doubt he has even looked at it yet." She points to the backdoor which connects the house to the backyard.

My brother and his wife lived in this magnificent house just outside Bristol. Oh sorry, it is not a house, it is more like a mansion. Caleb and his wife met a long time ago when they both were interns on a real estate business. Years later, they decided to form their own company and now they were one of the most successful real estate agents in the area. They were the power couple of the industry.

It was only fitting they lived in the best house in this area as well.

"Do you need anything? Or can I go see them?" I say looking once more at the clock, wondering when he would arrive. He said he would be here early so we could spend some time together, but I didn't see his car parked in front of the house. As usual, he is late.

I'm sure it's his wife's fault.

"Sure, I have this under control, George has been asking for you all day." Sarah smiles and I'm glad she doesn't need anything.

Making my way out of the kitchen, I smile instantly when I see small George running around with three balloons on his hand. He's so small that I'm afraid he will fly due to the balloons tied to his hand. He is so entertained that he doesn't even notice my presence in the backyard.