A/N-Revised 3/14/08
Both Hastings twins remain frozen for several seconds, Sebastian breaking the stunned silence first.
"Man, Vi. I'm so jealous of you right now."
The spell broken, Viola responds, whispering harshly. "Jealous? I have the unconscious body of the girl who just molested me in my lap and all you can think about is that you're jealous?" She gingerly slides out from under Olivia, and eases her to the ground. Cloud-filtered moonlight obscures her colorful facial expressions. "What are we going to do with her? I'd rather not be the first person she sees when she wakes up."
"I wouldn't mind being that person."
"Sebastian! Thinking with your downstairs brain is not helping my situation."
"Can't help it. She's hott." He kneels down next to the two girls. "Well, we can't leave her here. Illyrian students aren't the only ones who come to this lake. Who's her roomie? We could tell them where she is, give them this problem to deal with."
"It's Julia, but she asks too many questions. She'll want to know why Liv passed out when she hasn't been drinking." Hearing the question in his silence she adds, "She didn't . . . smell like she'd had anything."
"What did she smell like then?" In response he receives a half-hearted punch. "OK, okay, I'll help you get her back to her dorm. I don't see a purse. Check her pockets for keys so we can dump her in her own bed." Seeing her hesitate, he nudges her. "Come on, I'm sure sleeping beauty won't mind you groping her a bit. Or should I?"
"It's gonna be long time before I live this one down, isn't it?"
"Ooo yeah."
"Fine, let's do this."
RING. RING. Huh? Who's calling me? RING. RING.God, Mom, it's too early. What do you want? RIN . . .
"Hello?"
Irritation is very evident through the earpiece. "Olivia? Where are you? You were supposed to be here over twenty minutes ago!"
Mouth half smothered in pillow, she mumbles back. "Huh? What time is it?"
"Eight-twenty-two. Don't tell me you were still sleeping. You promised you would help set up for tonight. I expect you here in the next hour young lady. It just wouldn't do for the ball coordinator's daughter to break her promise. Is that boy you like escorting you tonight?"
Her sleep riddled mind struggles to answer. Shoot, I totally forgot to ask him last night. Ew, I smell like beer. Wait, I slept in my clothes?
"Olivia, darling are you listening to me? Hello?"
"Yes, mother, I'm getting up." Did I take my shoes off? "No, I don't have an escort for tonight. I just need to shower. I'll be there soon." When, no, how did I get home?
"No escort? Boys do not tell my daughter 'no'. Did you even ask him? Were you too nervous, sweetie? I have Mrs. Hastings' number. She would too happy to call Sebastian for you. Or I could go through his lovely sister, Viola."
Viola. Now wide awake, she responds a little too loudly. "NO! Don't call his sister. That's tacky, Mom. I mean, he uh, already has plans tonight. Umm, a birthday party for one of his friends or something."
Mrs. Lennox does not even try to hide her disdain hearing this. "Oh. He's not even going to his own sister's social debut? Obviously, he is not the right one for you. Don't worry, dear. I do have a backup plan. Now hurry it up."
CLICK.
Sitting Indian-style on the mussed bed, she rolls her eyes. Great. A backup plan. I hope it's not Eddie. He's such a sleeze. When I passed out at that New Year's party, and he crawled on top of me, feeling me up and tonguing me. A shudder passes down her body. Waking up with him in my face was so gross. Oh my God. I did the same thing to Seba . . . Viola. Just not the feeling her up part, I would have noticed something wrong sooner. They both probably think I'm such a slut. Feeling her eyes burn with tears, she mentally slaps herself.
No. Don't think about this now. Mom will notice if I've been crying. She does not need to know about what I did, but what if Viola tells her? She probably thinks I'm disgusting. If Julia finds out, she'll never leave me alone about it. What if Sebastian does show up tonight? Mom will so know I lied and she'll want to know why. If Mom finds out that I kissed a girl . . . Kissed? Who am I kidding, I practically raped her face. Mom's feelings about two girls being overly friendly are quite clear. My life is over.Angrily, she hurls herself into motion, gathering her towel and shower bag.Olivia Lennox, stop it! Now go take your shower and concentrate on tonight. The faster you get there, the less time Mom will have to think of questions for you. Right. I can get through this.
The lump on the other side of the room watches her blearily, vaguely wondering how the blonde managed to not ask her crush to the ball. With a shrug she closes her eyes, hearing the door shut. Olivia's damp return causes little movement from the other bed. Unceremoniously dropping her towel and using the closest moisturizer at hand, she rubs her legs down and concentrates on her list of things to have for the day. Next, clothed in comfy warm-ups, she collects her dress and other essentials for the evening.
She pauses to make sure she has everything, only now paying attention to the bottle she had grabbed. A frown creases her sculpted face, but she refocuses her attention. Yep. I've got all I need. Her nostrils flare, drawing in the exotic scent and an unbidden smile of remembered bliss steals upon her lips. Hurrying to get herself and her many bags out the door, the frown returns quickly, oblivious to the other movements in her room.
The door clicks shut with a slightly irritated Julia picking up the moisturizer that had been taken from her desk. She goes to put it back, but for a moment she just blinks blankly at it, puzzled by Olivia's reaction. Slowly, through the fog of hangover, last night's conversation surfaces.
'Ah, so you agree he has the same build as his sister. And you admit you like his girly fig . . . Wait. She smells like coconut?'
'Yea, I could smell her moisturizer on her neck'
'What?'
'I, I tripped and she caught me.'
Thin lips triumphantly curl upward as she reads the label.
Coconut-papaya.
Mrs. Lennox completely fails to notice her daughter's preoccupation while she supervises the other Junior Leaguers helping to prepare for the night. Somehow, something always manages to grab her attention whenever she stops to observe her workers. So she scurries here and there, argues with photographers, makes final corrections on seating arrangements, and enjoys how perfectly everything is going her way. Around one o'clock she checks her checklist one last time, gives the social hall one last look over, and proceeds to clap her hands vigorously.
"A superb job, everyone, we have truly outdone ourselves this year. Now, go refresh, maybe have a light lunch, and make yourselves perfect. Tonight you will be properly introduced into respectable society."
From all around her sighs of relief and brief applause are echoed. She immediately hurries to Olivia's side to remind her of her appointments and when to return by. Trying to exude confidence and preparedness, the worried girl attempts to cut the conversation as short as possible. She congratulates her mother on a job well done. Yes, she remembers which day spa her appointment is at. Thank you, your choice of an escort will be fine. No, she won't be late. Of course she loves her mother dearest. Ciao mom, mustn't be late for an appointment.
On any normal day an afternoon being pampered by professional cosmetologists would be incredibly relaxing. Also on any normal day her mother's choice of an escort for the evening would take the highest priority on the 'what to worry about list', but not this day. Today, all she can do is fidget nervously, attempting to devise a defense strategy for the coming evening. Briefly she decides on being absolutely polite and charming, and depending on his intelligence factor how late she will stay. Whether or not Sebastian shows, she will avoid her mother at all costs, except for pictures and such. Everything else she can take in stride, using her usual air of sophistication and refinement to ward off anything too unpleasant, like that Monique girl.
Yet one thing constantly returns to nag at her overburdened mind. Small talk with the employees of the shop, over-worrying about problems she knows she can handle, and even her unusual habit of breaking down the chemical properties of various compounds and chemicals covering her fail to ward IT away. Viola Hastings. Sebastian's pretty twin sister. The very female twin whose lips she had mistakenly taken for Sebastian's when she ravaged them last night.
Her thoughts chase themselves in circles. She can't avoid the brunette, it would be too obvious to everyone something is wrong, that is the only thing she can agree with herself on. How though, should she expect her to react to the presence of her molester? What should she say? What should she not say? Should she apologize, no that would bring to many questions from anyone who overhears. Not apologizing would be rude, and she really does want to tell the poor girl how awful she feels about the whole thing.
Being coldly polite and completely ignoring the subject would make her seem like a horrid ice queen. Definitely she cannot pretend she doesn't remember; she hadn't had any to drink. Viola would definitely have noticed the taste, the smell, of alcohol on her lips, breath. Cindy, the woman trying hard not to be irritated with the jumpy teenager, finally gets that last strand of hair to obey, and asks if there is anything else she may help you with, Miss Lennox? No, thank you. The bill was prepaid, you have a fabulous evening, see you next time. Watching Olivia glide out the door, she shakes her head slowly, wondering what could be bothering the usually calm, confident young lady.
Back at the social hall and one of the last to arrive, Olivia is greeted energetically by her mother before the harried matron dashes off on some important little issue. In the general confusion of last-minute details, she slips between gushing debutantes to finish her own ensemble. Hose, shoes, and other undergarments in place, she works her way into her tailored ivory dress. Stubborn as they always are, the zipper insists on stopping halfway up. A groan escaping her lips, she closes her eyes to gather a bit of patience.
"Let me help you with that."
Before she can tell that soft voice no a pair of hands expertly grips her dress, squeezing it into submission, pulls the zipper to the top, then mates the hook-and-eye closure. Their task complete, the hands slide to her shoulders to rest a moment. Silky auburn hair tickles a bare shoulder. Mild blue-green eyes look into the dressing mirror to meet tense green ones.
"About last night, don't worry about it. I'm not mad and neither is my brother. We don't think you're gross or anything, it's not your fault anyways. So, umm just try to enjoy tonight's patriarchal display of daughters for sale." A jaunty wink accompanied by gentle pressure from warm hands and Viola walks away, neatly severing Olivia's tortured tangle of thoughts.
"My beautiful baby girl. You look like such a lady tonight." A small hug and she is held at arm length a moment before the ball coordinator continues, "I'm sure Mister Orsino will think so too."
Duke? Ugh, he must be the escort Mom found for me. Her previous moments crowd in, reminding her a little charity is good. Well, at least he can be a gentleman and he's not Eddie. Maybe a little awkward, but I can handle it. "Thank you, Mom. I'm sure we'll have a lovely time."
"Oh, hoo hoo. Sweetheart, always so proper. Now remember you're right after Monique and her escort, so you are number seven. OK? You know which table you sit at, make me proud. Got to run, we're about to start." Another motherly squeeze before she again plunges into the crowd waving a clipboard, her deep indigo gown blending into the dim hall. Wonderful, she's camouflaged. Mother'd be great at guerilla warfare.
A roll of her eyes and the younger Lennox sets off to find her designated escort. Finding him quickly enough, they exchange necessary pleasantries, and spend the rest of the wait in mild quiet. Being silent around girls he likes is not uncommon for the star athlete, yet this one is tinged with irritation and Olivia can feel, avoidance. Curiosity piqued, she forces herself to wait for a better time as number four has just entered the limelight. Admirably enough, when her turn arrives to make the stroll down the walkway, he summons up a debonair smile and proffering his arm, he displays stunningly. They take their seats, him taking out her chair, politely acknowledge their table mates, then return their divided attention properly back the way they just came.
Olivia makes sure to notice how nicely everyone is dressed, waves genially at her mother, nods at some pleasant acquaintances, and wonders why Duke is acting strange. Briefly glaring at Monique, her attention is recalled to the raised aisle as she hears the name Hastings. Looking uncustomarily very ladylike is Viola, resplendent in a mossy green dress. It hugs her body attractively down to the knees where it suddenly flows in a gush of fabric to the carpeted floor. Next to her is a dashing male dressed in a gorgeous Armani suit and light green tie, a roguish smile playing across his lips. For the cameras he gives the beauty's cheek a light kiss, getting a blush of laughter from her. The cute couple completes the runway show of teenage socialites and takes the only empty seats left, a few tables away.
Vaguely disappointed she won't be able to talk with her until much later, she notices Duke's gaze had followed the two as well, his brows slightly knit. Smartly following the parade of expensive suits and chic dresses, a speech touches on how wonderful everybody did, how fabulous they all look, how delightful the whole evening is, and do enjoy the dinner about to be served. Exquisitely prepared, the small courses melt upon the tongue, satisfying the belly but not weighing it down. Such a perfect meal before a lovely dance. Not even needing a nudge, Duke genteelly offers his hand for the first dance, the ball organizer's daughter first to grace the polished hardwood floor. Live violinists set a delightful ambiance and Duke's obvious dance lessons show through. Properly enjoying the whole shebang, Olivia almost misses her partner's whispered curse over a very familiar name.
"Dammit, Sebastian."
"Sebastian? What, did he show up?" Eagerly, she looks around.
"No." He sighs. "I'm sorry. Look, forget I said that."
Curiously she asks, "Are you guys fighting?"
"How did you know? I mean, yea, kinda."
"What could you be fighting with him about? I thought you two were pretty close. Spending lunch and a lot of extra time on the field together are usually good indications of guys who get along okay."
A pause interrupts speech while he slowly spins her in time with the music. His gaze lingers on hers before pulling abruptly away.
"It's nothing. Really."
In the dim light of music, she can see his ears and cheeks deepen in color.
"Is this about me?" Duke's lack of response and refusal to meet her eye answers that. A set of glossy lips pout. "Duke, Sebastian has never tried anything with me. In fact, all he ever does is tell me how great you are and how I should date you."
"Really?" Abruptly his grip on her waist tightens. "Then why did I see him kissing you?"
"Kissing, me? W-when did you see that?"
"The night before the game. He definitely let it go on long enough."
I am way too nervous. "You shouldn't be mad at him, that was completely my fault."
"Look, Olivia. I know you like him, you don't have to cover for the traitor."
"Duke Orsino. I am not covering for him. He had no idea when I pinned him against that cab, I just wanted to show him how I feel."
"You really did start that kiss? Then why didn't he push you away if he didn't want it?"
She responds dryly, "Apparently both Hastings lose all muscle function when they are overly surprised."
"Huh?" Duke catches some of that doubly loaded phrase, but without context it just goes over his head.
Why did I say that? "He was too shocked to do much, he just stood there. I don't think he feels the same about me, sadly. Sebastian wouldn't betray you purposely. I'm sorry, Duke. It really is my fault."
Without a reply, they finish the dance mechanically and quietly. About to break apart and return to their table, Olivia catches her mother standing far too close for comfort. Hastily she maintains her hold on Duke. "Can we dance again?" She asks quickly, stealing a nervous glance back towards the hovering matron.
Peering down into her imploring eyes, he repeats her sarcastically. "Can we dance again?" Following her next stolen peek with his own he is only more confused. "Why?"
"I don't really want to deal with my mom right now. I'll understand if you don't want to be near me though." Olivia nibbles on her lip anxiously and meets his gaze.
Comprehension dawns and he chuckles. "Well, well. Even the great Olivia Lennox has family issues too." Tension broken, he allows real warmth and light into his lopsided smile. "Alright, I don't mind. I can imagine worse ways to spend the evening than having you in my arms." Again, color returns to darkened his masculine features.
Getting back into their starting positions, they smile at each other. "Wow. Duke Orsino, I've never heard you be so bold towards a woman."
"Yea. That makes two of us. I'm never this comfortable talking to girls. I guess Sebastian's right, you gotta find something in common to talk about. If it's right, it'll flow." In tune, more now than before, they commit to more complex footwork.
"He is a smart man. So, when did you take lessons?"
Several dances later the now laughing couple take their leave from the floor. Duke heads to the wet bar for refreshments while Olivia takes her seat again. The other occupants of the table greet her presence, then return promptly to their own private conversations. Glancing at her date waiting in line for drinks she can't help but to rethink her previous opinion of him. Not just another musclebound jock. Mom gets props for good effort. I don't see her anywhere, am I going to get off easy tonight?
"Darling!"
Guess not. "Mom! The ball is wonderful."
"Thank you, I did do a marvelous job, didn't I?" Not to be misdirected, "Well, I spied you dancing happily with Mister Orsino. I also saw you two laughing together." Misses Lennox curls a many ringed hand around a slender arm and bends down to whisper conspiratorially. "So, do you like him? He is awfully hunky."
"Mother, really. He has been admirable company. Thanks, you picked a decent one this time." The elder woman doesn't seem to catch the last part's second meaning or she chooses to ignore it. Either way, her face lights up even brighter and she proudly continues.
"You are most welcome, sweetie. Now, why where you so late this morning? That's not like you."
Damn, so close.
"Excuse me ladies. Mrs. Lennox, may I speak with you a moment?"
"Oh hoo, Mr. Davies. How wonderful to see you here tonight." Aside to her daughter she remarks, "I'll talk to you later, darling."
SAVED!
"Yes, your daughter . . ." Her colorful voice blurs into the crowded hall. At the bar, the soccer captain lobs a content grin, still waiting patiently. Across the table, her companions continue their own exclusive conversations over some tiresome subject of who's dating who. Dancers swirl around the floor, some more duck footed than others. Entering the more brightly lit restrooms, she glimpses the attractive guy she saw with Viola, and wonders who he is. Caught up in watching the mingling of guests the movement in Duke's chair is not immediately perceived.
"Oh, you're back already. What did, " A girl in a dress is not what she is expecting to be in this chair. "Viola! Why are you there?" Surprising herself, disappointment lurks in her voice.
"Sorry. Duke, the eye candy, is better company."
Agreeing with a nod, "Yes he is."
"Right. Well, gotta go then. You look nice, by the way." She starts to rise, but a delicate hands catch her wrist.
"Don't leave yet. Duke is eye candy. I'm sorry, I get a little distracted when I'm thirsty. Besides, I don't exactly have a lot to compare your company against." Nope, just your raspberry lips and tropical moisturizer. No. I'm not thinking about that tonight. Not unless she brings it up.
Viola's mouth twitches and she cocks her head slightly. "No. I guess you don't. Not my talking company." A little laugh. "Five seconds in the kissing booth, a bathroom brawl, and helping you escape a tree root hardly count."
Did she just bring it up? Do we talk about that now? Here? "The guy you came with isn't too bad either." Lame one. Nice.
"Paul? He is a cutie isn't he. He's such a pal, showing up like this, even if he is enjoying it more than me. I think he found someone to flirt with."
"Wait. Isn't he with you?"
"With me? No. Paul doesn't swing that way."
Olivia's mouth forms a convinced 'o'.
"I wouldn't mind having your date." The twin sighs a little. "But since he's obviously into you, I won't fight you for him."
"What if I like it when chicks fight over me?"
Viola jumps in her seat and squeaks out, "Duke! Hey, what's up?"
"Man, you're as bad as your brother. So jumpy." He laughs. "Seriously, the two of you are one of a kind."
"Yea. That's what I keep hearing. I'll let you have your chair back. Kept it warm for ya."
"Hey, you don't gotta leave on my account." A bit out of character he teases her a bit. "Honest. I can just stand here and listen while you ladies argue about who gets me."
Flushed features betray her confidence. "Not a chance." She rises from the chair, tossing Duke a flirty grin anyways. Sudden warmth disappearing from her wrist gives the playful girl cause to blink. Her other hand moving to rub now gooseflesh covered skin. Realization hits and looking back down, a similarly confused expression meets her own. "Um, I'll see you around. Bye now." A quirky grin reappears and off she goes.
"Night, Vi." Unreadable eyes follow her departure.
Oblivious to the discreet exchange, Duke retakes his seat, setting two cups and a bottle of water on the table. "What were you two talking about anyways?"
"Girl stuff. What did you bring me? That line was awful long." Thirstily she grabs the closest cup, hiding behind it to recover her composure. "Mmm. Pineapple. Thanks."
"Yea, no problem."
Spending the next few hours with her mom-chosen escort turn out to be quite enjoyable. Having overcome some of his shyness, his wry personality has a chance to flirt with the girl of his dreams. Several dances and cups of virgin drinks later, Olivia decides it's time to go. She gathers her things and lets her escort walk her through the parking lot. Good nights are said and Duke almost has the nerve to peck her goodnight. Almost, but Olivia doesn't give him the chance. She closes the distance faster, giving him a quick hug instead.
"Thanks, Duke. Tonight turned out pretty good. I'll see you in class."
A large hand reaches behind his head, rubbing it nervously. "Yea. Uh, well. Good night."
Quickly, she sinks into her custom Benz SLK and straps in. As the eight cylinder engine purrs to life, Olivia gives a final wave to her new friend. Smoothly her hand shifts the powerful machine into drive and the sleek coupe slides toward the lot's exit. Duke lifts his own hand in farewell, still gazing at the spotless white Mercedes, his clean-cut form sharply shadowed. Passing headlights illuminate the side fenders and door, the entire vehicle glowing brightly. Alloy rims flash and the tinted windows seem to absorb the darkness around them. As the lights pass by, bronze and copper tribal graphics stretching and twining from fender to rear spoiler appear to burn fiercely. Pulling onto the road home, Olivia's thoughts spike as dramatically as her car's departure. "Whywas I still holding her hand? And how the hell did I get home last night?" Dad, why couldn't you still be with us? If you were still alive, you'd listen, instead of freaking out like Mom will when she finds out. I miss you so much. Her resigned sigh is followed by nothing more than a single fat teardrop.