FIRST NIGHT IN THE MANSION

Olivia did not sleep all night.

The unknown call kept playing in her head.

Victoria is his stepmother. Ethan is being poisoned.

She called the number back. It was switched off.

It must be a lie, she told herself. Someone wants to ruin my job.

Her eyes fell on the contract on the table.

It said ten million dollars. Father's treatment.

She picked up a photo. Her father on a hospital bed. Weak.

For dad, she whispered. I have to go.

The gates were open today. Four lawyers stood there with papers.

Victoria wore a white dress. She was smiling.

Did you have breakfast, Olivia.

No ma'am, Olivia said.

Then eat first. Then we will sign, Victoria replied.

The dining table was thirty feet long. Only two people sat.

Servants stood in a line.

Victoria put pancakes on Olivia's plate herself.

Eat dear. You are too thin. You need strength to take care of Ethan.

Olivia ate slowly.

Victoria asked every two minutes. More tea. More juice.

There is no force, Olivia, Victoria said and pushed the contract forward.

If your heart does not agree, you can say no now.

Olivia picked up the pen. Her hand shook.

She signed. Olivia Brooks.

Victoria hugged her right away. Thank you. You kept a mother's heart.

My eyes got wet, Olivia said. I will try, ma'am.

From today you are the lady of this house, Victoria said and gave her keys.

The room was big and white. It smelled like medicine.

Ethan lay on the bed looking at the ceiling.

Beep. Beep. Beep. From the machine.

Victoria held his hand. Son, this is Olivia. Your friend.

Ethan turned his head. He looked at Olivia.

His eyes were grey. Deep. Tired.

Hi, Olivia said softly. I am Olivia.

Ethan said nothing. He looked for three seconds. Then closed his eyes.

Victoria's face fell. It will take time. No one talks to him for more than two minutes.

I will come every day, ma'am, Olivia said.

You are an angel, Victoria said and touched her head.

Olivia felt her chest get heavy.

A nurse explained everything to Olivia.

Medicine times. Injections. Physiotherapy.

Head Nurse Mrs. Clara was fifty and strict.

Listen Miss Brooks, Clara said. Keep a record of everything for Mr. Ethan. No mistakes.

Yes ma'am, Olivia replied.

Clara gave her a tray. Four pills and water.

This is the afternoon medicine. I will be back in ten minutes, Clara said and left.

Olivia looked at the pills. Small and white.

She remembered the phone call. Poison.

Her heart beat fast.

She smelled a pill. No smell. She dissolved one in water. The color looked normal.

I am going crazy, she thought. Madam Victoria is so kind.

She gave the pill to Ethan.

He opened his eyes and swallowed it. He did not speak.

Victoria had home food made specially for Olivia.

You come from a simple home. You must like home food, she said.

Olivia ate bread and curry. Her stomach was full for the first time in two months.

Victoria touched her head. Your mother would be so proud of you.

Tears filled Olivia's eyes. Thank you, ma'am.

Do not call me ma'am. Call me aunt, Victoria laughed.

Olivia nodded. The warmth felt real.

For a moment she forgot the world outside.

This felt like family.

Olivia's room was next to Ethan's room.

At twelve the alarm rang. It was medicine time.

She went into Ethan's room. It was dark with only the machine light.

Ethan was awake, staring at the ceiling.

Olivia gave him medicine and water.

Cannot sleep, she asked.

Ethan shook his head no.

Olivia pulled a chair and sat down. Want to hear a story.

Ethan closed his eyes.

She spoke softly for ten minutes.

About her father and how he stopped her from playing in the rain.

When she looked, Ethan was asleep.

His breathing was calm. His face looked peaceful.

Olivia smiled. For the first time someone listened to her.

The door opened quietly.

Victoria came in with a blanket. It is cold, she whispered and put it over Olivia.

Thank you, aunt, Olivia whispered back.

Victoria looked at Ethan sleeping.

Tears came to her eyes. After five years, he is sleeping peacefully.

She held Olivia's hand. You gave me back my son.

Olivia forgot about the phone call completely.

The alarm rang again. Medicine time.

Olivia got up and went to Ethan's room.

Nurse Clara was already there with a ready injection.

Oh, you are here, Clara smiled. I can give it.

I will do it, aunt, Olivia said. You taught me.

Clara handed her the injection. Good girl. You are very responsible.

Olivia gave the injection. Ethan did not even open his eyes.

When she was leaving, she saw Clara lock the medicine cabinet.

She kept the key with her. Everything looked normal.

Victoria had made breakfast herself.

Ethan did not groan in pain twice last night, she said happily. That is because of you.

Olivia felt shy.

Then a lawyer came in. Madam, the first installment. Two million dollars. To Olivia's account.

Olivia's phone buzzed. Two million dollars credited.

Her breath caught.

She called the hospital immediately. The bill is cleared. New treatment starts tomorrow.

She started crying with happiness.

Victoria gave her water. See, I told you. Everything will be fine.

Olivia was sitting in Ethan's room reading a book.

Suddenly Ethan grabbed her hand.

Olivia got scared. Ethan.

Ethan opened his eyes. His voice was very weak, like sand.

Lie, he whispered.

Olivia's heart sank. What.

Ethan closed his eyes again. Too tired.

Olivia sat still with questions in her head.

Did he say lie. About what. The phone call. Or something else.

Then Victoria came in with a fruit tray.

What happened, she asked.

Nothing, aunt, Olivia said. He was probably dreaming.

Victoria kissed Ethan's forehead. My child.

Olivia looked at Victoria. So much love. So much care.

The man on the phone was lying. She decided.

Olivia was asleep in her room.

She heard a sound. A click.

She got up and went to Ethan's room.

The door was slightly open.

Ethan was not on the bed.

The bathroom door was closed. Water was running inside.

Olivia knocked. Ethan. Ethan.

No answer.

She pushed the door hard.

Inside, Ethan was on the floor, unconscious.

There was foam at his mouth. And in his hand was a broken medicine bottle.

Olivia screamed. Someone. Doctor.

Victoria ran in. Her face went white.

No.

Alarms rang. Nurses ran. Doctors came.

Olivia stood in the corner shaking.

In her hand was the broken bottle. The label said sleeping pills. Ten times the dose.

Only one thought was in her head.

The man on the phone said Ethan was being poisoned.

And the last thing Ethan said was lie.