The Architect of Life

Chapter 3

Zoe

The next morning we get up and get ready. We go down to help Nanny finish up breakfast. We get everything ready and add a spot for Oli. There's a knock at the door. It's him. I give him a hug as he comes in. So, Oli, Nanny has a rule everyone eats breakfast. He chuckles of course she does. Zoe, where's June? I give him a small smile. He blushes a bit, shut up. She's getting ready. She wanted to look a little more grown and professional. So, there's this killer suit she bought, that she hasn't wore yet. That is what she's wearing. Killer suit? Yeah we went shopping and she saw it. Thought it'd be good for interviews and such. Anyway, after she bought it, she got it tailored. She told me getting your clothes tailored to fit makes a huge difference, and she was right. Just then Oli's mouth drops open and he's just staring at the stairs. I turn and June is hott. Wow!June you look amazing and all grown up. Thanks I need to get my shoes. I heard Oli and thought I'd bring my bag to him. So, he can put it in the car. I elbow Oli. Oh, yes of course and yes you look beautiful. She hands him the bag, blushes and runs upstairs. Well Oli I do believe you need some water cause you're looking thirsty, I laugh. Shut up he rolls his eyes and says she doesn't look like a kid today. Yeah but still a year and a half till you can touch her. He says I'm not doing anything to her just wonder if she looks like that now what's she gonna be like in that time. I laugh, go put her stuff in the car. When he comes in everyone is at the table Oli is sitting between June and myself. June puts very little on her plate. This has been happening over the last six months. A guy that's popular at her school called her a cow, and now she watches every calorie. She's lost 15lbs we all hate it and aren't sure what to do about it. I look accross and say June you had better put more on your plate. I suspect she is at the starting stages of an eating disorder and I don't want that for her. Nanny says she's right. June says you know I'm trying to lose weight and before I can say anything Oli drops his fork.

Oli

I know I didn't hear that right. Say what? I look at her. I am trying to lose weight. I pinch her side there's nothing to lose in fact you should gain 20 to 30lbs and then you'd be perfect. I'm not saying you're not beautiful but with the extra weight it would look fantastic on you. If your body was meant to be this small it would be one thing. I'd be happy with that, but your not meant to be this small. You should be the size you're suppose to June. Don't be anything else but you. I know I just messed up a little by implying I want her to gain weight, but who am I to her. She looks at me and says really. Really. We continued breakfast and then said our goodbyes we should make it to the city by 10ish. On the drive there it's quiet. I reach over and grab June's hand and squeeze. I wasn't trying to be harsh with you earlier. It's just I think that you should know men don't think the same as boys. She looks at our hands her breath caught when I touched her hand. I can feel her pulse ramming in her wrist. June I know you have questions, we can talk about it later. Ok ? Sure of course. Oh I meant to ask earlier but you have you're eppi pen and insurance card just incase? Yes I do. Any thoughts on where you'd like to go for dinner? I suppose sushi is out. I actually like sushi but Zoe usually makes it, because it's too dangerous for me to eat it at a restaurant. That makes since. Since I don't know the city well you pick. Well what kind of food do you like, June? Oh I love Mediterranean food and southern food. Ok good. I know a place I will get us a table there it's a small place not fancy is that ok? Oli, I am a simple girl. I love walking barefoot being outdoors and camping. I can bate my own line and I can hunt. My dad taught me how to shoot. I also love art, museums, history and books. Despite my dyslexia. I love fashion and a good pair of heels. I'm pretty easy going maybe a little too sensitive and take things to heart. I don't need any of these things though as long as I have people who love me I'm good. I love hot summer days at the beach as much as I love the mountains and snow. So food I really love to eat and like most things I've tried. I have always had a hard time connecting to people my own age and most of my friends are older. I listen to her talk and am seeing some of the connections we have it's cool learning all these things about her. I really love her voice, its soothing not high pitched and annoying.

You have dyslexia? I go back to that. Yes, it was hard when I was younger. My parents got me help and I have learned skills to help me with it. Any written report I have, there's a special program that helps me. I also ask my dad to check. When I go to college I will have access to special accommodations to help me be successful. You are so smart and it's great that you got help with your disability. Well I was not good at school untill I got help. Now I will graduate two years early with college under my belt. I learned from Zoe, it's good to be proud of myself. So, I am proud of me. Not that it matters to you, but I'm proud of you too. Oh, Oli, it does mean so much to me. Thank you for telling me your proud of me, Oli. Everything you say good, bad and in-between I take to heart. I give a small smile to her as I think to myself I will keep that in mind. I must be sincere when speaking to her and no ill jokes. She's a precious soul, delicate and beautiful. I really like her.