A new sister

Oliver deliberately chose the chair beside the wall.

That part of the dining room was darker, and the table concealed most of his lower body. Their mother sat opposite him while Jessica took the chair beside him.

Oliver tried to eat normally.

It wasn't easy.

He could feel the unfamiliar bra around his torso whenever he moved his shoulders. Beneath his trousers, the nightdress felt much softer and looser than the clothes he normally wore.

But the strangest feeling came from knowing his mother was sitting directly opposite him.

She couldn't see anything unusual.

Oliver knew that.

Still, every time she looked toward him, he wondered whether she'd somehow notice.

Jessica leaned closer.

"Relax."

"I am relaxed."

"You're holding your fork like you're being interviewed by the police."

Oliver loosened his grip.

"Because this was your idea."

Their mother looked up.

"What are you two whispering about?"

"University," Jessica answered.

Oliver nodded far too enthusiastically.

"Yeah. University."

Their mother shrugged and continued eating.

⸻

A few minutes later, their mother stood and went into the kitchen.

Jessica immediately whispered, "Ollie."

"No."

"I haven't said anything."

"I know that voice."

Jessica glanced underneath the table.

"Take off your pyjama trousers."

Oliver nearly dropped his fork.

"What?"

"You've already got the nightdress underneath. The table hides everything."

"No way."

Jessica smiled.

"Come on."

"If Mum walks around this side of the table, she'll see me!"

"She won't. She's exhausted."

"That doesn't guarantee anything."

Jessica continued quietly teasing him.

"Come on, sister."

"Don't call me that. Mum might hear you."

"Then take the challenge and I'll stop."

Oliver stared at her.

"You're impossible."

Jessica grinned.

Oliver looked toward the kitchen.

He could hear their mother moving around.

He looked underneath the table.