Prologue
Olivia POV
Summer was about to end and in 2 weeks I will be going back to school. But I do not feel like going back to school or anywhere else. My parents died in a car accident a week ago.
I just got home from the burial with Aunt Becky, my mom's best friend, and in an hour, we are to meet with the family lawyer. Aunt Becky lived just an hour and a half from Los Angeles and came just a few hours after the accident happened. Amongst my parents' friends, she is the one I am closest with.
We are now in the kitchen preparing for early dinner. I am so tired. I have not eaten and slept well these past few days. I have been crying myself to sleep and then I cry some more during the day too. I am in so much pain from the loss of both parents.
I am 14 years old, still far from being a legal adult. My life had been perfect. I live in a beautiful house, have a few but loyal friends, am a straight A student and a popular one in school, attends dance and voice classes, and goes to yearly vacations with my parents. Even if I am the only child, my parents did not spoil me. They know how to shower me with so much love and attention. And I am now missing them so much.
Aunt Becky and I had a long talk a few days ago. She would like to take care of me, as long as no one from my relatives will declare themselves to be my guardian. Well, as far as I know, both of my parents were estranged from their families, as their parents do not want them to be with each other. There are also no unexpected relatives who came to the funeral. So then, I am pretty sure no one will block her way on taking her role as my guardian.
My mom's best friend is divorced from her husband and her son has recently been deployed to UK. Aside from owning a bakery in her hometown, there is nothing much to do. She looks forward to having company in her house and had already planned in her mind to enroll me in the nearby school for the coming school year. I find it comforting that someone would want me to live with them. Aunt Becky's visits to Los Angeles had always been fun. She always brings me gifts every time. My mom trusts her, then I just have to trust her too. But it saddens me to think that I will leave the only place I have lived in my whole life. I will also be leaving my friends behind.
I am so overwhelmed with all these emotions. I would just like to lie down and sleep.
"Olivia, honey, it must be the lawyer outside," Aunt Becky said, interrupting my thoughts.
I must have been so deep in my thoughts that I was not able to hear the doorbell ring.
"Oh! I'm sorry, Aunt Becky. Come on and let's have this done already."
Aunt Becky was ahead of me and has already welcomed the lawyer at the front door.
"Good day, Olivia. How are you doing?"
"Not getting better, Attorney. But I am glad Aunt Becky is here. And I think a long sleep will help a lot."
After an exchange of tired smiles, Aunt Becky motioned us to dad's office. I was already introduced to Atty. Williams during the wake, but have not talked with her in length about my parents.
The office is like a small library. It has a small sitting area consisted of 2 two-seater sofas and a small square center table. I sat with Aunt Becky, while Atty. Williams sat across us.
"Okay then, Olivia and Becky. I will get straight to your parents' last will and testament."
Atty. Williams got several documents inside a brown envelope and after a few seconds has started to read the contents. I was not that surprised with what my parents had left me. I know they are both well-off, leaving me with the house and 3 cars, about a million dollar from insurance, the remaining balance from their savings accounts amounting to about half a million, a trust fund of half a million also and a college fund. I am really grateful to my parents for taking care of me even when they have passed away. I can still live my life well. But if only I could trade all of these possessions for them to be with me again, then I would. I still want them to be alive.
I am a crying mess after Atty. Williams has finished reading everything. Aunt Becky handed me a tissue box and hugged me from the side.
"Attorney, nothing was said about Olivia's guardian. As no relatives has come forward, I would like to take the place of Olivia's guardian. Well, if Olivia is not against it, I would like her to come and live with me."
"I, I will go with you, Aunt Becky." With tears still falling down my face, I gave Aunt Becky a hug also.
"Okay then, I will arrange the documentation, Becky. I know you have the best interest for Olivia. All the money will be transferred to the trust fund account that your parents had set up for you, Olivia. I would have to ask though, if you will be leaving with Becky, do you have any idea what to do with the properties?"
I wiped my eyes and took a deep breath. "I do not really need the 3 cars, but I would like to keep one. Would you have, by any chance, have a space for 1 more, Aunt Becky? I would like to keep the Escalade please."
"Yes, honey, you can bring 1 car. Don't worry, I have space for that."
"Thank you, Aunt Becky."
I turned my attention to the lawyer. "Atty. Williams, I do not know what to do with the house yet. Aunt Becky will be staying with me here until next week. We could list the things that can be donated. I am afraid I would have to trouble you for at least a few days more, Atty. Williams."
"Do not worry about anything, dear. After you leave, we could assign a caretaker for the house, while you have not decided what to do with it. Will that be okay with you?"
"Yes, I think that would be better." I replied. Aunt Becky nodded her agreement as well.
We have discussed further all arrangements. As I see it, I will be leaving Los Angeles in a week.
After Atty. Williams left, Aunt Becky and I returned to the kitchen to eat our early dinner. Aunt Becky and I had laid out our plans for the whole week before leaving LA. After that I am so exhausted. I went to have a quick shower, then laid down on my bed hoping for Mom and Dad to visit me in my dreams.
