Sydney to the Multiverse Episode 19 - The World Where Olive is In Trouble
Written by: DrDroom2006 and Fun But Shy Girl
Based on a Story by: SomeRandomWriter1
Prologue:
I can hear the voices of the surrounding paramedics. I can feel the pain on my shoulder and my belly. But what really hurts me is that I didn't notice it earlier. I can hear Olive crying. Someone put an oxygen mask on me and says things I can barely hear. The ambulance stops. I feel them moving me and the pain gets worse on my belly. I can't understand what they say. Something tells me it's not good. Is this really how my journey across the multiverse ends? Olive... why didn't you tell me…
Five Weeks Earlier:
In a blue flash: Sydney suddenly found herself in what appeared to be a garage. In front of her were many large boxes full of papers. Sydney then noticed Olive looking through some boxes nearby. Suddenly Olive looked exited as she held a folder out.
-Sydney, I found it!
-Found what?
Olive then brought a folder over to Sydney as she spoke.
-The first step in finding out who my birth father is.
Sydney now looked very confused.
-Your birth father?
-Yeah. Remember when after my parents got divorced, my mom told me that my dad wasn't really my dad, but she refused to tell me who my biological father was. Well, I have bank statements here that list my mom receiving anonymous deposits to her account, but there are notes her that say For Olive's Summer Camp Fund, and For Olive's College Fund. And they're not from my other relatives. Sydney... I have a father out there that's been secretly providing me... and now I have to figure out who he is.
Sydney looked a bit confused, but smiled a bit.
-Well... it looks like I've got an interesting mystery to solve in this next journey...
Three weeks later, Sydney was stepping into her bedroom wearing only a towel. On a nearby end table, Sydney's jade stone was glowing. Then just as Sydney took off her a towel, a holographic image of Cyber Olive appeared. Cyber Olive began to instantly speak to Sydney, but quickly stopped when she realized Sydney was nude.
-Greetings Sydney PriAAAAHHHH!
A freaked out Sydney quickly grabbed a blanket to cover her body.
-GAAAH! Cyber Olive!
Cyber Olive turned her head away, as Sydney quickly began to put her clothes on. As Cyber Olive's face was red, she talked to Sydney with her head turned.
-I'm sorry. So sorry Sydney Prime. So... um... how are things going in this world?
Sydney's face was very red as she put her clothes on and responded.
-Umm... fine, I guess. Of all the worlds I've been to so far, this one definitely feels like the one closest to mine. Except for a few classes and teachers I've had to deal with, it honestly feels like I'm finally back home. Okay, my clothes are back on. You can turn around now.
Cyber Olive turned her head as she looked at Sydney.
-Well... you deserved a little vacation. We haven't detected any sign of Dark Harry or any other issues on this world. It looks you're really just on this world to help this reality's Olive.
-Wait Cyber Olive. Can you use your advanced sensors to find the father of this world's Olive?
Cyber Olive turned her head as she tried to give a sympathetic face.
-No. We don't have that ability. However I do have the ability to compare my own DNA with the Olive of the world you're on... and the Olive of this world definitely has genetic material from a man that's different than the biological father that Olive Rozalski's on all other worlds have.
-Really? But this world's Olive looks like any other Olive.
-Well... the Olive Rozalski of every universe always has a mom with very dominating genetic material. Sorry I can't do much to help though.
-Well... it's okay. The Olive of this world said she hired a private investigator to look into it.
-Wait. How can the Olive of this world hire one of those?
Sydney suddenly looked stunned, paused and then answered.
-That's... a pretty good question. I'll look into that.
Some time later, Sydney found herself walking into her familiar high school, and soon found Olive walking over to her.
-Hey Syd! - A very happy Olive said
-Hey Olive - Sydney replied
-Did you finish the English essay? - the blond girl asked
-Yeah… went to bed at 3am, but I managed to finish it. Sheesh… high school is sure never easy.
Sydney was about to say another word when the sound of an alert interrupted her. Sydney quickly realized that it came from a smartwatch Olive was wearing. It surprised Sydney because she had both seen it at an electronics shop in the mall, and it was extremely expensive, especially for Olive who never seemed to have that much money in the past.
-Whoa. That's a real expensive looking smartwatch. How did you…
-Oh, I saved some money here and there.
-But I've been meaning to ask you Olive. How do you suddenly have the money to hire a private investigator to look for your biological father and buy the latest smartwatch?
-Well... like I said... just been saving some money here and there. Anyway, gotta go to an emergency awareness club meeting. See ya later Syd.
That afternoon as Sydney walked home, she couldn't take her mind off the smartwatch and Olive's sudden new ability to have so much money. In the end she decided to leave it alone for the time being. Olive was her best friend in nearly every universe she had been to, and if something wrong or good was happening in her life; Olive would be the first to know. Yet the following Friday night as all of the Four Amigas were in the basement watching a Ricky Angelo concert, Max appeared on the stairs.
-Hey, did someone ordered pizza from Augustus'?
-Oh I did, thanks Mr. R! - A joyful Olive said getting up from the couch.
The other three were surprised when Olive came back down with two pizzas and two liters of soda; Sydney more than anyone.
-Olive this is the finest pizza in Portland… my Dad takes us there every once in a while and...
-Oh that's why I left one for your dad and Grandma J upstairs. -Olive replied
Before she could think more about it, Sydney got distracted by Sophia who called her attention back to the concert. Yet, the following morning as she was cleaning up, Sydney came across the bill for the pizzas and her eyes opened wide as she saw that the whole meal had cost over one hundred fifty dollars. She ran upstairs and approached her father who was just coming out of his bedroom.
-Dad, I'm really, really sorry. I didn't know Olive ordered all that. I promise I'll pay you back by working at the bike shop for the next three Saturdays.
-Syd wait, what are you talking about?
The brunette handed her father the bill. Max then looked at Sydney and explained the situation.
-Sydney I didn't pay for this, Olive did…
-HUH?
-I saw her; she paid the delivery guy.
-She paid for all of that... on her own?
Max nodded.
-Yeah. I offered to help pay, but she said she had it taken care of.
-Olive, we're talking Olive Rozalski here - Sydney replied
-Look, I know this is weird, but maybe she had that money saved for a special occasion and last night felt like a special occasion for her. I know I do that from time to time. I mean... you and Olive have been as close as sisters for years Syd. We've done a lot for her, and I think she just wanted to do something nice for us.
-Hmm... I guess...
Sydney spent the rest of the day helping her dad clean around the house. Sydney eventually went to her room where she sat on her bed. Something wasn't adding up… the smartwatch… the expensive pizza… the private investigator... how was Olive able to simply save some money here and there and pay for all these things? Things seemed to go back to normal for a couple of days until an afternoon where Olive went to Sydney's to do another English assignment. The first thing Sydney noticed was that she was late and sweaty from running.
-What happened to you?
The blonde responded between breaths.
-I… I… had… an errand… to run… sorry for being… late…
-No prob. Let's get to work.
But as Sydney turned on her laptop she noticed that what Olive was getting out was not her usual laptop. Instead of an old one-hand me down from one of her brothers, it was a brand new one: pink with an illuminated keyboard and very bright screen.
-Whoa… Someone got new gear. - Sydney said
-Ain't it pretty? I can finally do my homework like a human being. - Olive said with a smile
A few days later, Sydney arrived to the bike store and saw Emmy and Sophia already waiting for her.
-Hey guys, where's Olive?
-She texted me to wait for her, and that she was doing an errand - replied Sophia
-Olive has been working a lot lately - Emmy said
Sydney sat with her friends trying to ponder what was happening with Olive until, once again, her thoughts were cut off by Sophia who began to prepare to work on the homework they were working on.
The next Friday night at the Reynolds house: Sydney, Olive, Emmy, and Sophia were in the living room in her pajamas watching their favorite show on TV.
-I love this new series, it's so romantic - Emmy said
-I hope my boyfriend is as romantic as that guy - said Sophia... causing everyone to immediately look at her
-I mean... WHEN I get a boyfriend...
Sophia became worried of the questions that would follow, but for her good luck: Olive changed the subject as she went for a package she had left beside the door. As Olive opened it, she extracted four pink jackets with the words: The Four Amigas in white embroidered on the back and a logo made with a four and a letter A on the left side of the front. And under that was each girls' name.
-Wow, this are beautiful! - Emmy said taking hers
-I knew you'll like them. Now we'll be like a club in high school - said Olive with a smile
-Where did you get them? - Sydney asked.
-They're custom made, just for us - Olive replied
Sydney was shocked, a jacket like this was expensive on it's own; but having it customized would definitely make it even more expensive.
Two days later Sydney was walking through the school hallway, but stopped when she saw Olive exchanging her backpack for another one she had on her locker.
-What's with that backpack? - Sydney asked noticing that it was more like a masculine backpack than what Olive used to like.
-Huh? Nothing, just an errand I need to run. I'll see you later at the shop OK?
-Can I go with you?
-What? No, it's fine. Don't worry - a nervous Olive replied.
-But...
Before Sydney could say another word, the blonde girl ran out. Yet as Sydney walked out, she noticed her talking on her cellphone. More curious than concerned, Sydney decided to follow her.
After a couple of minutes of walking, Olive entered a park and kept walking until she reached a secluded area were she sat on a bench. After a few minutes a strange looking man approached her and took the bag, checked the contents, and gave Olive an envelope after which he left. The teenager waited until he was nowhere in sight to stand up and leave. Sydney meanwhile was hiding in a set of bushes nearby and had seen the entire thing. As Olive walked away, Sydney quietly whispered to herself.
-Olive what are you up to?
Later that afternoon, Olive arrived at the bike store where Sydney, Emmy and Sophia were waiting for her.
-So... done with your... errands? - asked Sydney
-Yep, all done. So, are we doing homework?
The four girls began their work until they were interrupted by a call coming into Olive's phone (which Olive immediately answered).
-Uh oh... yes... tomorrow? AWESOME! We'll be there!
As she hung-up the other girls were intently glaring at her.
-What? - Olive asked
-Are you going to tell us what was all that about? - Said Sophia
-Oh that. I got us matching dresses for Saturday's school dance.
-Huh? - Sydney said in disbelief
-They're beautiful, and we have to get them tomorrow
-And your mom paid for the four dresses? - Sydney asked
-No, I did.
Not knowing what to say they returned to their homework.
To say that the other three girls were overwhelmed when they saw the dresses the day after could be an understatement.
-These dresses are incredible - Emmy said excited
-Olive you shouldn't... - Sydney tried to say
-It's OK. Don't worry. We'll be the envy of all the girls! - Olive said excitedly
Later the afternoon: Sydney approached her father Max who was working behind the smoothie counter at the bike shop. Max immediately noticed something was wrong, and began speaking to her.
-What's wrong Syd?
-Well dad... I'm worried about Olive. I mean... she's been acting a bit different lately, and I saw her the other day have two backpacks in her locker.
-Well Syd, you are both in high school now. This is the age where you both are starting to really change and find your identity. As for the two backpacks thing; that's not too weird. When I was in high school, I wore two watches for a year... don't ask why.
-But dad, I'm still worried. Maybe you can talk to Olive. Maybe she'll say something to you that she won't to me.
-I'd like to Syd, but I'm pretty swamped with work here at the bike shop while your grandmother is on vacation. I'm sure Olive will be fine.
Sydney sighed, and then walked away.
The following day, Sydney noticed the same pattern on Olive's behavior: exchanging her backpack for an old one with a "Z" mark on the side, going out of the school, taking a call and walking towards the park. As usual Olive pulled the old backpack from her locker but this time something inside was a bit heavy and the blonde girl could hold it and it feel on her feet. Her scream prompted Sydney to run over and go help her.
-Are you okay?
-Yeah… no worries. I need to go and...
But it was then when she realized that Sydney had pulled open the zipper on the backpack and had a horrified look on her face as she looked at the contents inside.
-Olive…
Without saying a word the blonde girl took the backpack and ran out of the school. It was not until she was in the park that Sydney was able to catch up with her.
-Olive, what is going on? This is dangerous!
-Sydney what are you doing here!?
-This is how you have been getting the money you used to buy things?
-JUST GO!
-Olive I'm calling the police, this is not right!
-No you're not Sydney!
Sydney then forcibly opened the backpack and extracted a gun from it
-DO YOU KNOW WHAT THIS IS?
-SYD, PUT IT BACK!
-NO! THIS ENDS NOW!
Olive then tried to pull the gun from Sydney's hands, but as Olive grabbed the gun... she inadvertently pulled the trigger. Olive screamed at the detonation and closed her eyes... and as she opened them she saw directly into Sydney's eyes... they were opened wide... and that's when Olive realized there a huge red stain starting to grow on Sydney's pink sweater.
-Sy… Sydney…
-O… Ol… Olive…
A half hour later, Olive was crying her eyes out in the hospital when Max arrived to the emergency room, the blond teenager didn't know what to say or do.
-Olive, what happened? - Max asked
-I'm sorry Mr. R… I really am… please… just… don't hate me…
-Olive, it's okay. Just tell me what happened.
But Olive found herself unable to say more. All she could do was bury her face in her hands. Olive closed her teary eyes as she remembered an event that happened in her house two months prior as she overheard one of her brothers talking with a friend in the boy's cave.
*FLASHBACK:
-Look man, it sounds good but no, thanks anyway.
-Come on, you'll get a lot of money and all you have to do is deliver the backpack to where we tell you. My 'organization' does a lot of big money business in town, and we need an unsuspecting looking intermediary for our business.
-Yeah, thanks but no.
-Well, your loss.
Olive saw her brothers' friend walk out of the house. As he did, she went after him.
-WAIT!
The teenager turned and glared at her
-Well, what do you want pretty thing?
-I want the job.
-What?
-The job you offered my brother. I... I'm tired of living with so little to call my own. I'm willing to be a part of something that makes some big money.
The guy glared at her and passed his hand on her face
-If you want to make money there are other 'jobs' I can offer you...
Upset, Olive pushed his hand away
-Forget it, this was a bad idea anyway.
Before she could walk away, he pulled her back
-Relax pretty thing. I like you. OK then. I'll need the combination of your locker. You'll be left a backpack every day. Now go and take this cellphone. We'll tell you where to take it
-That's it? - Olive asked
-That's it. And never, ever, look at what's inside the bag. Understand?
Olive talked between hiccups and tears
-But… but… I knew… I… knew what it was…
Max glared at her
-You mean…
-That guy… that guy… was… always… bad… bad… news…
-Olive…
-I told Sydney to leave, I swear. But she insisted and she saw what was inside… and then… then…
Max remained silent for several moments, Olive looked at him with tears still running down her face.
-Olive...
-I pulled the gun from her and... and... it... just happened... I.. I'm so sorry Mister R. I wish I could anything to fix this. I'll do anything!
All of a sudden a doctor came out.
-Family of Sydney Rose Reynolds?
The doctor approached Max and noticed Olive
-Mr. Reynolds, I think we should talk in my office. - he said
Olive's eyes opened wide
-NO! I WANT TO KNOW IF SYDNEY IS OKAY!
-How is my daughter doctor? - Max asked
The Doctor closed his eyes for a moment measuring his words.
-Sydney underwent emergency surgery in order to control the bleeding and repair her injuries. Due to her blood loss we had to perform transfusions and we were able to stabilize her. Unfortunately she lost one of her kidneys. It was directly damaged. Also... Sydney's other kidney was damaged as well... and won't last much longer. She will be taken to the ICU soon, but... she is going to need a kidney donation as soon as possible. We can put her on dialysis, but because of the blood loss she's experienced; finding a suitable kidney to donate to Sydney is of the highest importance now. The donor can be you, or any other close family member.
Max sighed, as he looked down for a moment... and then looked at the doctor.
-I already donated a kidney to my cousin when I was in my 20's. And Sydney's grandmother is overseas right now, and is probably too old anyway.
-Then let me do it! - Olive suddenly loudly said.
Max looked surprised as he looked at Olive. Meanwhile, the doctor then looked at Olive as he held his hand out.
-Ma'am, you need to calm down. It's not as simple as...
-I WANT TO, BECAUSE IT WAS ME! I HURT SYDNEY! THIS WHOLE THING IS MY FAULT! LET ME DO THIS AND HELP HER NOW!
The doctor looked at Olive with concern in his eyes.
-Ma'am, kidneys are far more likely to work when they're donated from family members. So I can't ask you to...
-Do it - Max suddenly said.
-What? - the doctor said in surprise.
-Do it doc. I... I can't explain why... but I believe Olive is compatible.
The doctor sighed, looked down, and then looked at Max and Olive.
-Well... if you both say so. Ma'am, I'll have to have a parent sign off for you.
-My mother will be here soon - Olive said
The doctor walked away leaving Max and Olive alone again.
-I can only hope this works - Olive said.
Max then looked down, took a deep breath, and looked at Olive.
-I know it will.
Sydney lay on a hospital bed attached to machines while unconscious. Sydney was still wearing her jade stone, which was glowing. From it, a holographic image of Cyber Olive appeared and stood next to Sydney while speaking to her.
-I'm trying everything I can to pull you from this world Sydney Prime. I know once you're sent to the next world, you'll be healed. But until then... uggh, I feel so helpless. Now, look. I did some research. One major thing that's different on this world is they have the technology to transfer kidneys from one person to another extremely quickly, and can tell within an hour if the donated kidney will work in the body it's been sent to. So just hold on Sydney Prime. Don't go. Just hold on a little longer.
Olive wore a hospital gown as she walked down a hallway. There she saw Max and her mother standing. Olive's mother immediately hugged Olive as she spoke.
-Olive... I'm so proud of how brave you are.
-Well mom, it's the least I can do for Sydney.
Then Max approached Olive and put a hand on her shoulder as he spoke with tears in his eyes.
-Olive... I'm sorry you felt like you weren't provided for well enough, or couldn't come to me for help with your problems. I... I should've done more for you. I should've done so much more for you. I should have said so much to you sooner.
-Mister R, you've done so much for me already. Anyway, I have to go into surgery.
Olive then walked away, leaving her mother and Max alone in the hallway. Olive's mother then looked at Max as she spoke.
-I should've said something sooner as well.
-Well Debbie... maybe now it's time...
Many years ago in the past, a five year old Sydney was playing in the back yard in a sandbox. Suddenly Max slowly walked out and spoke to Sydney.
-Hey Sydney. I want you to meet someone. One of our neighbors down the street: Miss Debbie, has a daughter about your age we thought you could be friends with.
Suddenly a little five year old Olive walked into the back yard, with her mother not far behind her. Little Olive then approached Sydney and sat next to her.
-Hi. I'm Olive.
-Hi. I'm Sydney.
-Cool. I like you hair Sydney. It's pretty.
-Thanks. Wanna play dolls with me?
-I love playing with dolls. The only toys I have at home are always destroyed by my brothers.
-Well Olive... you can play dolls with me whenever you want.
Then as little Sydney and Olive held some dolls out, they smiled as they played. Meanwhile Max and Debbie smiled as they watched Sydney and Olive play together.
Sydney slowly opened her eyes as she saw her father: Max sitting near her. Max smiled.
-You're okay Sydney. You're okay. You're in the hospital.
-I... I was with Olive... and... I felt myself getting hurt.
-You were Sydney. Your... your kidneys got damaged... but Olive donated her kidney, and it looks like it worked. You're gonna be just fine.
Sydney turned her head and saw Olive was already awake as well, while lying in a bed right next to hers. Olive's mother was also in the room sitting nearby. Sydney then looked confused as she spoke.
-But... how was Olive's kidney compatible with my body? I... I thought only a family member or close relative could donate a kidney to someone.
Max then looked down for a moment... took a deep breath... and then looked at Sydney and Olive as he spoke.
-Well, that's because... Sydney... Olive... you're half-sisters.
Sydney and Olive then both looked shocked.
-WHAT!? - both teenage girls said.
Olive's mother looking guilty then spoke to the girls.
-We both decided long ago not to tell you... but... we both made decisions long ago we truly and deeply regret... and we didn't want to hurt our families and our marriages, so we hid the truth... even though every day, I regret not confessing it.
Max then began to have tears come from his eyes as he spoke.
-Sydney, I loved your mother... so much... and I thought I was protecting my marriage and protecting you from the truth... but... I think I was just trying to protect myself because I didn't want you to see me as the terrible man I've secretly been all this time... and Olive... I should've been there for you... acted as your true father this whole time. Maybe then you would've have felt alone, abandoned, and desperate. This is all my fault.
Max tilted his head down as he began to cry. Then Olive suddenly grabbed Max's hand and looked into his eyes as she spoke.
-But... you were there for me. You always treated me like I was part of your family... and now I know why.
Olive's mother then touched Olive's other hand as she spoke.
-Even though we didn't want to admit the truth... I still wanted you to know your birth father and half sister.
Olive then looked into Max's eyes as she spoke to him.
-My dad... I always wanted you here with me... and it turns out you always were with me.
Then Olive looked at Sydney as she spoke to her.
-Sydney... you always felt like a sister to me... and now I finally know why. And now I finally know why... I love you both so much. Then Olive reached out and hugged Max. Max hugged Olive back, while a weak Sydney reached out and held Olive's hand.
A week later, Sydney was walking around her bedroom. Suddenly Sydney's jade stone glowed. From the jade stone: a holographic image of Cyber Olive appeared, who immediately spoke to Sydney.
-Hey Sydney Prime. How are you feeling?
-Pretty good Cyber Olive. You were right. This world may feel like mine, but they've got medical technology way advanced. Despite going through a kidney operation a week ago, I already feel back to normal.
-Great to hear. So... how is the Olive on this world doing?
-Fine. She still got in trouble for handling shady transactions involving guns. But... she made a plea deal in which she gave the authorities all the information she had. It turns out she actually helped take down a pretty big illegal operation going on. So she got out of going to juvenile hall, but she's still got a lot of community service she has to do... which she's probrably gonna have to wind up doing after school for the next three years. But... I think she's happy enough knowing she's not as alone as she once thought she was. Still... it's weird she's my half-sister on this world. Now you said you did a DNA check, right? Are you sure that only the Olive Rozalski on this world's father is my dad, and that's not the case anywhere else? Because if that's not true, then that means on some worlds I've been to...
-Oh, trust me Sydney Prime. I tripled checked the results... and quadruple checked the tests on my own DNA. Only the Olive Rozalski on this world's father is Max Reynolds, and nowhere else in the multiverse.
-Well... if you say so.
The holographic image of Cyber Olive disappeared. Then Sydney headed out of her bedroom and walked over to the front door. Then there was suddenly a door knock. Sydney opened it and saw Olive and her mother standing outside. Sydney made a big smile as she spoke.
-Hey there sister.
-Why, hello to you sister.
Then Max walked over from nearby to the group.
-Oh, hey Olive. Glad to see you.
Then Olive's mom waved as she spoke.
-Well... I better get going.
Then Olive looked nervous for a moment, but then spoke to her mother and Max.
-Umm... mom... if you and Mister R... I mean, dad... want to hang out together down here while me and Sydney are upstairs... that's okay.
Both Max and Olive's mother looked nervous for a moment as Max spoke.
-Olive... I mean... we both love you, but I don't know if it's appropriate if we...
Then Sydney interrupted Max as she spoke.
-Dad... I know you and Olive's mom feel guilty about what you did long ago... but you've confessed your sins and asked for forgiveness. Now... it's time to move forward and explore what's next for all of us. But unlike long ago... you're single now... and so is Olive's mom.
Olive then smiled as she spoke.
-So if you both want to explore something with each other... that's fine with us.
-Max and Olive's mom smiled as they both walked over to the couch together. Sydney smiled as she watched the two sit together. Then just as Sydney walked away, suddenly she was surrounded in a bright blue light and she disappeared...
In a flash, Sydney found herself sitting in her bedroom as she was looking at a computer screen. Sydney quickly realized she was in the middle of having a video chat with Harry. As Sydney tried to figure out what was going on, Harry spoke.
-Sometimes I feel so worthless and so empty... I just wanna kill myself. So, anyway... goodbye Sydney.
Sydney suddenly looked freaked out as she grabbed the computer monitor and yelled.
-No, Harry. Don't!
TO BE CONTINUED...
*Note from Writer: "Fun But Shy Gilrl" - This episode was based on the story: "Sydney's Secret Sister" by: SomeRandomWriter1; a great writer, and old friend of mine. This aforementioned writer as I once said before: was literally the very first writer to create any Sydney to the Max fanfiction online. The story: "Sydney's Secret Sister" was also the last solo story they ever wrote, as they have not published any new stories since mid-2020, and I have not heard from them since mid-2021. I don't know what happened to them... but if you're out there old friend... I hope you don't mind me making a sequel to one of your best stories you wrote, thank you for all the advice you gave me on writing, and thank you for inspiring me to be a better person.
