Disclaimer: She's the Man characters were for entertainment purposes in this story only, and they don't belong to me in any way. I do own the storyline though.
Okay, so for everyone who is confused as to why Viola was dressing up as her brother at that time and why Viola treated Olivia like she did, here's exactly what happened, and how it go to that point.
Viola propped both of her arms behind of her head as she lied down on her bed, staring up at the ceiling. As 'Ken Oak Band' was playing on the radio with their song, 'Inda', Viola's thoughts wondered back on the events that happened yesterday and how it all started.
----
"Viola Hastings," drawled the teacher as he noticed the dark haired girl entering the class, "late for class." He stated. Viola made a small guilty face as the whole class turned to look her way. She immediately looked for a place to sit down for History class. "If you'd kindly take a seat next to Miss Olivia, perhaps I could continue with my lecture, Hastings." Said the teacher now clearly displeased by her tardiness.
"Another minute and you might as well be late as your brother," voiced the teacher. Viola mumbled under her breath as she readjusted her bag and went to sit in the vacant chair next to Olivia.
"Hey Liv," greeted Viola as she sat down. It was only after taking out her pen and notebook that Viola noticed the blonde girl didn't reply.
Out of the corner of her eye, Viola saw that Olivia looked as frazzled as she did the other night. Viola leaned slightly towards Olivia but not so much as to not make it obvious to the teacher. "Are you alright?" asked Viola softly. Not looking back at the other girl, Olivia gave a small nod, her lips taut. Viola then decided to play the innocently-ignorant card. "Hey look," she whispered as she faced the blonde beauty, "I didn't really know what happened the other-"
"Ms. Viola!" barked the teacher loudly, Viola then turned to look at the teacher, slightly irritated. "Distressing other students does not make you know about World History now does it?"
After a moment of silence ensued by a small glaring competition between Mr. Shineer and Viola Hastings , the teacher then continued with his lesson. Viola began tapping the pen softly against the notebook, not caring with anything that was written on the board.
"I'm sorry-" began Viola softly to Olivia. "Ms. Hastings, this will be the last time I warned you." The teacher cautioned.
"Mr. Shineer," Interjected Olivia the next second as she stood up abruptly from her seat. Viola noticed the fact that Olivia's voice was slightly higher than usual. The dark haired girl then turned to look at the blonde and saw that her eyes were now brimming with tears. "May I be excused to the bathroom?" asked Olivia.
With the permission that she was excused, Olivia hurriedly went out of the classroom. Viola gave a discontented sigh after that and didn't intend to pay attention in the rest of the class.
Even after the bell rung, indicating the end of History class, Olivia had yet to return from the bathroom. Viola even stayed back for five minutes, and waited for her. It was only after when a different batch of students started to fill the classroom that Viola gathered her things, along with Olivia's, and left the classroom.
Viola bumped into Maria and left Olivia's bag with her.
The soccer- playing twin went off to the rest of her classes slightly concerned over Olivia. --I thought by not dressing up as Sebastian, I wouldn't have to face Olivia, but now it seems that even Olivia is bothered by the sight of Viola. Lord what do I do?-- Viola soon took a seat in Chemistry and saw that Olivia was now feeling better and not making eye contact with the dark haired girl.
Time quickly ticked on for the rest of the day and Viola found herself thinking less and less of Olivia, because she had other things to worry about; meeting up with Sebastian's band mates later on proved to be one and learning how to strum a single note on the guitar before meeting Sebastian's friends proved to be the other. When the final bell rang, Viola quickly exited out of the classroom and proceeded to find an empty room to change into the disguise of her brother.
After she did, she came out looking as Sebastian. She checked her watch and figured that she still had an hour to learn some basic strums on the guitar. Viola made a beeline to her brother's dorm, not wanting to waste her time.
Just as she was about to reach room 234, the door opened revealing Duke Orsino about to leave for soccer.
"Hey man, wassup." Greeted Viola as she stepped into the bedroom. "Hey," replied Duke, letting her pass.
Just when Viola was sure Duke would leave, he spun her around. "Wait, you haven't seen Viola have you?" he asked. When Viola was to slow to think up of an excuse, Duke continued, "Because she's missed practice for two days now." Viola mentally kicked herself for forgetting; she's been so caught up with Olivia recently…
Viola started by saying, "She's been quite busy with…" she trailed off looking away for an excuse, "our mom." Duke's features creasing slightly to a confused pout. "You know, those debutant gowns and stuff." She mumbled, scrunching up her face. "Oh okay…" replied Duke while he spun the soccer ball with his fingers, "Well, could you tell her?" he asked, unsure. "Cause if she doesn't practice soon, our team would suck." He continued in a lighter tone. Viola gave a reassuring grin back. "Yeah no problem, dude."
Duke then left for the soccer field. Viola threw her bag next to her brother's bed, picked up the guitar she left earlier, sat down on the edge of the bed and propped the guitar on her lap.
Viola ran her fingers through the strings and not really knowing how to play in the first place, she moved her fingers up and down the strings but never really making a tune. She then tried to remember what Sebastian taught her when they were ten; something about tuning the guitar and placing specific fingers on the fretboard. After fifteen minutes of monotonous strumming and staring out the window to listen of she had managed to make a note out of the instrument, Viola gave an exhausted sigh and stared out the window.
She then picked up her phone and called Paul.
It took a couple rings before a familiar voice picked up, "Hey, cross-dresser," greeted Paul over the sound of the busy salon. Viola nonchalantly waved it off.
"Paul, I don't know how I'm going to do this…" she said, "I've been sitting here for fifteen minutes and not a single note has come out of the guitar." The sound of a hair dryer was still existent in the background as Paul took a second to think. "That's because you have to pick it up and strum it to hear something, Vi." He said amusedly.
"Paul, I'm serious," cried Viola, "I'm about to meet Sebastian's friends in forty five minutes and I don't even know how to play electric guitar." Clearly emphasizing on the word 'electric guitar'. Paul sighed into his phone. "Well, Vi," he started as the hair dryer died down, "you can't be perfect at everything can you?" he asked. Viola gave a sigh of her own, except hers were more annoyed. Before she could hang up the phone, Paul's voice came through again quickly
"Okay, okay, look," he said thinking quickly, "maybe I can help you out…" he suggested, and before she could reply, the line was cut off. When she attempted to call Paul once more, the line was busy. She flipped her phone shut. Checking her watch, she made a hasty decision and took Sebastian's hand phone out of her pocket. Without thinking twice, she dialed Matt's number.
"Hey man, wassup," greeted Matt.
"Hey," she replied in her deep voice, muffling it slightly by covering her nose. "Listen, uh, I'm kinda sick today--"
"Oh," said Matt, "but will you be able to make it though?"
"Nah I don't think so." Viola gave a loud sniff, "It's pretty bad."
"But you were able to make it that day you had food poisoning right? That one was pretty bad too."
Viola felt peeved by her brother's enthusiasm to make it to every band practice.
"Look, I'd try to come by later, alright?" she lied, "But I gotta find a way out first, though." Hoping that would be what Sebastian would likely say.
"Just tell Olivia the same thing, every time you practice, dude. You've done it a dozen times."
Viola then felt like a bag of bricks was slapped across her face. Sebastian has been ditching out on Olivia more than once?
"Besides, I'm sure she'll understand. She always does." continued Matt.
When Viola didn't reply, Matt went on, "Well, I gotta go and prep up the amps, I hope you can come soon, bro. See ya." With that, Matt got off the line.
Sebastian's phone now hung limp in Viola's hand. Various thoughts and emotions were now running through Viola like a speeding bullet. She was mad at her brother for always making up excuses to Olivia, she was livid that he was spending more time with the band than with her, and she was angry at Olivia for being too naïve at all the excuses Sebastian gave.
As Viola was too busy in her own thoughts, she didn't hear the soft knock on the door.
It was only until the presence of someone else in the room did Viola look up to see a blonde closing the door silently behind her.
It was Olivia Lennox.
There was a moment of ensued silence, before somebody spoke.
"Sebastian, I'm really sorry."
Viola just glared at a spot on the wall.
"Look if you could at least let me explain-"
"Explain?" interjected Viola loudly as she channeled Sebastian's mind-set and her emotions got the better of her. "What is there is to explain Olivia? I saw everything – actions do speak louder than words."
"But please, you have to let me explain." Started Olivia as she tried to reach out to Viola, "I don't think I'd believe any word-" interrupted Viola as she got up to the window to distance herself away from Olivia.
Olivia cried and then said "I went out with James because I didn't want to hurt you."
"Hurt me?" rivaled Viola, "don't you think this what you're doing now?"
"I thought by dating James, I could forget the image of Viola through you, Sebastian." Olivia answered her eyes brimming with tears. Viola faltered in her step but didn't reply.
"Sebastian, I'm in love with your sister and I have been in love with her since the first day I saw her. That's what I've been trying to tell you the other day." Olivia looked away dolefully. "But then you ran off, and you made me think of what I've said. I've tried to transfer my emotions of Viola to you, Sebastian, and it worked on some days. Yes, I liked you but it was just not the same. I couldn't keep fooling myself with this lie. Viola got everything that she wanted but-" Olivia gave a distraught sigh before turning back to face Viola.
"Do you know how confused I am when I'm around both of you?" exclaimed Olivia as tears started to stream down her face. "Do you know how hard is it to keep pretending to myself?"
Viola stared silently back at Olivia, still fuming at Olivia for being too naïve at Sebastian's excuses.
"When I'm around you it hurts me to lie to you because I think of Viola when I'm around you. You'll do something that reminds me of her or share the exact same smile. And when I'm around Viola, I feel guilty because I'm thinking of your sister in this way."
Olivia then made a small defeated gesture as she tried hard to explain, "I thought by dating James, I wouldn't hurt both you and Viola and maybe I could forget these feelings I have for the both of you."
Olivia took in a shuddering breath as more tears fell from her face. Viola only looked away, finally realizing the destruction of relationships and the confusion of feelings that was her causing. And the person who suffered the most from it all was standing in front of her.
"That's the reason why I've been avoiding both you and Viola." Stated Olivia quietly as her tears slowly came down her face. "Sebastian you're a really great guy, but the first time I met you – it wasn't the same person that bumped into me in Gold's office."
By now, Viola couldn't bring herself to say anything; to even try to defend her and her brother's position.
"I never meant to hurt anyone, Sebastian, especially you but-" By now, Olivia couldn't hold back her tears and she was left to sadly pour her heart out and cry. Turning away from the window, Viola saw that Olivia had tuned away from him in embarrassment, her cries now muffled as her hands covered her face. Olivia then made a move to walk to the door.
Before she could reach it however, Viola strode up to her and grabbed her by the arms, turning her around and wordlessly hug her. Without resisting, Olivia shakily wrapped her arms around Viola and continued to cry on her shoulder. The dark haired twin could only comfort her by stroking her hair with his free hand while the other supported her back.
When Olivia's crying began to cease, she turned her head to face Viola, still locked in embrace.
Viola noticed that Olivia's face was flushed, and her cheeks were still wet. Taking pity on the blonde girl, she immediately wiped them dry with her thumbs and then proceeded to tuck the loose strands of hair the fell over her face. Olivia's green orbs kept locked on the other's gaze.
Acting on instinct; Viola leaned in and kissed her forehead, hoping that it would calm Olivia down. When her lips parted from skin, Olivia looked up at her anxiously. Olivia then slowly closed the distance between them as her lips found Viola's. The latter did nothing but submit by pulling Olivia closer.
----
Now, Viola unconsciously traced her lips with the tip of her fingertips; where the taste of Olivia's kiss still lingered. The memory of watching Olivia suddenly stopping the kiss and immediately leaving Viola alone in the dorm room swiftly came through her mind. The dark haired twin then reassured herself it was only because Olivia thought she wasn't kissing the person she was supposed to. Viola then sighed as if finally realizing something.
"Hey sis," greeted Sebastian as he entered the bedroom, making Viola jump slightly in surprise. Viola was sure no one would find her in this temporary haven. How did he know she was here? Viola voiced her question out loud.
Sebastian shrugged as he sat next to his twin sister.
"Since no one we know in Illyria knew where you were, I figured I'd find you here." He answered looking around the bedroom. "Just don't ask me how I know, it must be a twin thing." He said smiling. Viola too laughed in response. "So, uh," began Sebastian after a few moments, "what are you doing in my bedroom?" he asked. Viola sat up and answered truthfully said, "I don't know," Sebastian frowned before Viola continued, "maybe it's because your room seems more 'comfortable' than mine."
Sebastian slightly nodded, understanding, "Yeah," he said, "I think mom is intent on brainwashing you to actually become more girly." Both twins then identically scrunched up their faces, slightly horrified at the fact and knowing that the room next door was filled with debutant gowns at the moment.
Suddenly Viola realized something.
"Sebastian, why aren't you in your basement?" asked Viola, eyes wide. Sebastian shrugged once more, "I heard that you had a little problem with meeting up with my band mates for a practice session," he answered. "So Paul thought it'd be safe for me to go, and save you the embarrassment of humiliating me in front of the band." Viola laughed nervously. "But don't worry," her brother assured quickly, "it was a good thing you didn't come too, 'cause then it would've been weird for my band to see two Sebastians." Sebastian gave a genuine laugh at the thought. "Besides, Matt also told me that 'I' was sick." He finished.
Viola then had to look away, unsure of what to feel or say, and suddenly remembering Sebastian's excuses for Olivia.
"Actually I was going to Illyria to tell you that I'd be meeting up with my band mates, but…" Sebastian then trailed off, suddenly leaving Viola tense, "I figured Paul would've gotten to you first." He said.
"No, he didn't." she answered softly looking away and trying to figure out why the hairdresser didn't.
Even though Sebastian couldn't quite figure out why his sister was acting so strange, he could tell that he had to change to subject. Sebastian cleared his throat before he spoke. "So, how are things going on with maintaining my life?" he asked in a lighter tone, smiling up at his sister. Viola had to tense up once more and before she could reply, Sebastian continued, "I heard that you had a fight with Olivia yesterday." He stated, still smiling mischievously.
Viola was inwardly freaking out. --How would he know that?-- she thought. Both Viola and Olivia were alone in that dorm room yesterday. Weren't they?
"Sebastian," she started off cautiously, but her brother cut her off, "Nah, its ok I knew what was gonna happen." He stated, still trying to stifle the laughter that was building inside of him as he watched his sister. The dark haired boy's statement only further troubled the girl, afraid that she was caught. "She and I quarrel a lot, too." He explained. Sebastian then saw his sister visibly relax slightly at that and he couldn't help but aggravate her a bit more.
"So did you guys kiss and make up?" he asked, smiling from ear to ear.
Before Sebastian knew what was happening, Viola jumped up and tackled him to the ground. Instead of getting mad and being in pain, Sebastian finally let all of his suppressed laughter out. His loud laughter drowned out his sister's little ramblings and questions. It was a full minute that both twins were left like that.
"What is going on?" asked a concerned voice as it came up quickly in the hallway. "Viola, what are you doing?" asked the voice which now belonged to mom. Daphne then got into the tussle and pried Viola of her brother. "Sebastian, are you hurt?" asked mom immediately as he helped himself off the floor "No mom, I'm fine." He replied as he brushed himself. As Daphne turned to reprimand her daughter of her actions, Viola was no longer in the room. The sound of a door slamming in the hallway indicated so.
"Vi?" asked mom, more concerned than ever.
Sebastian held her back gently. "It's ok, mom." He said, "It's my fault." He explained. "Don't worry; I'm going there to say sorry right now." With that, Sebastian brought his mom downstairs before going back up to console his sister.
Sebastian knocked on the door and called out to her before opening the door, grateful that she didn't lock it behind her.
When he entered her room, besides the usual debutant gowns placed strategically all over the place, Sebastian saw that Viola sat beside her bed, her knees brought up to her chest and hiding her face in them, sobbing quietly. "Hey, Vi." He said softly as he came up to her. "Go away," was her muffled reply. Instead of obliging to her request, he sat down next to her.
"Look, I know that was wrong of me to say that just now and it was extremely out of place," said Sebastian, "I'm really sorry." Viola accepted his apology after a few moments and looked up to face him. Sebastian gave a small smile when he saw that his sister was no longer crying and wiping the tears off her face.
"And seriously, I do know what exactly happened between you and Olivia yesterday." He said after a moment of silence. Viola immediately turned to look at her brother, with worry. "And I'm glad it did." He said smiling, leaving his sister lost and confused. "Like I said; Olivia and I have been fighting a lot these days. I just don't know why she stayed with me this long." He said softly.
"But how…?" asked Viola, wondering about how Sebastian knew about the quarrel.
"Paul wanted me to surprise you, so he told me what happened and he let me out of my basement and told me to find you in Illyria." Viola looked away from him as her gaze focused on the lamp on the table. "But when I got there, I found out that someone had already beaten me to my dorm room, and 'I' was actually already in there." Sebastian finished with a genuine chuckle.
Viola took a few moments to register what was said and asked, "What made you think she was going to leave you?"
Her brother shrugged, trying to figure that out himself, "Well, I was always so occupied with the band that even when she had a special occasion planned out for us, I couldn't make it." He answered.
"The excuses?"
"Was all Matt's idea." replied Sebastian in a heartbeat. "I never went with it. I just figured since we both trusted each other, I'd always tell her the truth."
Both twins didn't know what to say next and instead listened to the clock that was ticking on the wall. Viola decided to break the silence first.
"So…."trailed viola, wondering how she could put it in simpler words, "how much of it did you hear?" she asked
"The whole conversation, really," He answered, making himself comfortable on the wooden floor. "But I'm sort of glad it was you than me."
Viola laughed, wishing she could've said the same thing, "Yeah, but you do know that you have to face Olivia soon, right?" she said, picking at the carpet. Sebastian nodded, "You and me both." He corrected.
Viola turned to look at him, slightly stunned. "Hey!" defended Sebastian, "I don't think you'd want Olivia to fall in love with the wrong twin, do you?" He then gave a pointed look towards Viola's way.
Viola bit her lip and looked away. Without thinking it over, Viola asked "And you're okay with this??"
Sebastian waved it off nonchalantly with his hand, "Yeah," he answered, "she didn't fall in love with me in the first place, remember?" he pointed out. "Besides, I think Olivia would want someone who is always there for her." Sebastian gave her friendly a nudge, "As far as I know, you are the one who fits that category, even when you are dressed up as me." Sebastian looked away for a second to ponder, "Perhaps I'd be better off with those groupies, you know, to fit into that whole 'rock band' issue." He said thoughtfully.
Viola had to laugh at that and Sebastian then joined her, both twins were left in a fit of amusement.
The bedroom door then slowly creaked open and Mom's face came peering through the gap. "Is everything okay?" she asked. Sebastian and Viola greeted their mom and assured her they were both fine. "Oh good," said mom as she stepped fully into the room holding a tray. "Because I made cookies!"
Yay! Cookies make everything better and the current confusion is now solved! (takes a bite off a cookie) But now, how are both twins going to explain to Olivia on everything that has happened, will she understand or will she continue dating James and solve everyone's problems? (gasp)
--FlexibleFish--