Sleep With One Eye Open

Chapter Nineteen- Dedication

For the most of the day, Oliver avoided Marian and I. Anytime we’d see each other, Oli would quickly turn and walk away, which practically killed me. I didn’t expect Oliver to react this way.

It was finally dinnertime, the four of us sitting at the dinner table in the dining room next to the kitchen. Lee had yet to come home, so we started to eat without him. Oliver, surprisingly, sat beside me. Marian was on my right and Dad sat in front of Oliver. Whenever my older brother decides to come home, he’ll be sitting in front of me and beside my dad.

It was awkward the first few minutes, until Oliver spoke up. As soon as he started to speak, I realized it was directed at me. “We’re going to the studio tomorrow morning. The band and I will be recording a couple songs that will be on our new album.” His voice came out bland with a constant tone.

“And, what does this have to do with me?” I ask, as Oli puts his eating utensil down and meets my gaze.

“You’re singing in one of the songs songs, Jane. Remember, I’m letting you sing a little in the album.” His gaze was heavy, making me feel somewhat uncomfortable.

“Oh . . . That’s right,” I say, turning away from his gaze. In the corner of my eye, I could tell Oliver’s eyes were still on me.

I felt a hand on my shoulder. “I’m sorry about earlier, love. I was just frustrated. For a second, it felt like you’d rather have Andy than me.”

I dropped my fork as it screeched against the glass plate. I met his eyes, “Why would you think that?”

My father and Marian continued to eat, but I figured they were probably watching the scene as well. Oliver’s shoulders move up and down quickly. “I dunno. I was just . . . confused, I guess.”

“Well, Oliver, don’t you ever think that. I was really upset today. But I love you, okay? And I want to be with you.” I spit out, staring my love in the eyes intently.

He looks away shyly for a moment, then moves in for a quick kiss. I felt the warmth and love radiate from his lips, giving me chills and the reassurance he and I needed. Our lips just lingered afterwards, so close we could kiss again if we wanted to.

It became quiet except for the clanging of silverware as my father began to wash his finished plate. A clear of the throat scared me as I realized it was my father, giving us a sign that we better eat before our food gets cold. I giggled to myself and swiftly finished my meal.

Not even a minute later, as I brought my plate to the sink so Dad could wash it, Oliver finished his meal and did the same. As the two of us decided to linger in the dining room, I glanced over at Marian, still continuing to eat.

“You’re a slow eater, Marian,” I commented, laughing briefly.

She looked up at us, a piece of chicken still in her mouth, drops of a dark brown sauce on her chin. Oliver and I then burst out laughing hysterically, holding our stomachs as it hurt to laugh so hard like this.

“Oh shut up you two,” Marian says as she finished the piece of chicken that had just recently hung out of her mouth in such a messy way.

We ignored the comment and continued to laugh like crazy. It felt good to laugh this much, especially with Oliver. I’m glad we fixed things. It only lasted a day, but to me, a day felt like forever.

After minutes of continuous laughing, Oliver and I gradually stopped. My chest and stomach hurt from amusing ourselves. As we stopped our hysterics, Marian finally finished eating and took her plate to my father who was lingering by the sink, waiting for her.

As Marian exited the kitchen, she says to Oli and I, “I’m going to go to bed early, if that’s alright. I’m kind of worn out.”

I nod, “That’s fine.”

“Goodnight,” Oli and Isay in unison.

She turns to my father who was washing her dish. Marian had to raise her voice to be heard over the rushing water. “Thanks for the meal, Mr. Malia. Goodnight.”

Luckily my father heard and said goodnight back.

Soon enough, Marian disappeared upstairs and into her room that I showed her earlier on in the day.

“Oh! I almost forget,” Oliver says out of nowhere. He makes his way into the family room, leaving my dad be.

I follow closely behind him, as he moves quickly. Oliver picks up a couple pieces of paper off of the coffee table and hands them to me. “In order to record the song tomorrow, you’ll need to know the lyrics.”

He stares at the sheet music along with me. I look at the title of the song. “Don’t Go”.

“It’s a love song,” Oli adds. He points to the blue and yellow highlights. “The blue highlights are the parts I sing. Yellow is yours.”

I study it and the lyrics carefully. This should be easy to sing. “Great!” I say, meeting his gaze. “Should I practice a little before we go to bed?”

“Sure. I’d love to hear you attempt this.” He grins.

I smile back as we walk up the stairs into my room, the sheet music in one hand and Oliver’s hand in the other.

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