| Fan Fiction |
by Suki Chan
Danny had really grown up; Matty had to face it, “How do you feel when you see Olive? And when she’s not around, do you think of her all the times?”
“…hm…when I see Olive? My face goes so hot….and heart goes bub-bub-bub-bub…so fast. Scary.” Danny pointed at his chest, “But I get really happy to see Olive…not happy when she’s gone. I wanna see her all the times.”
Matt looked into Danny’s innocent eyes; he cannot tolerate to lie to Danny, “You don’t just want to be buddy with Olive, Danny. You want to step forward and be closer with her.”
“Is that how it is when I LIKE someone?” Danny was confused.
“Yes. When a guy likes a girl, that’s how it feels. So, Danny likes Olive.” Matt felt a stabbing pain in his heart on every word he spoke out, “Danny wants to be cosy snuggy with Olive…to make her happy, to hold her hand, to give her a hug, and…to give her a kiss.”
“…hm…yucky…” Danny shyly buried his face on Matt.
“That’s nothing to be yucky about.” Matt softly stroked Danny’s head, “When you really like someone, it all comes naturally. It shows how you care for her, and how she means special to you.”
“…like how Matty used to hold Ivy’s hand?” Danny wondered.
“Yes.”
“So…I can hold Olive’s hand too?” Danny whispered.
“Tell Olive you like her. Tell how you feel for her.” Matt uttered, “You ask her really gently first if you can hold her hand. If you says yes…then you can.”
Danny’s eyes were filled with sweetness and joy, imagining that scene in his head. Then his cheeks flushed red and sneaked a little smile.
Matt sighed softly…soft enough that Danny could not notice it.
Danny flipped the birthday card back and forth seriously, “…sure card is really good? Matty look again…”
Matt pointed, “There’re some blank spaces. Why don’t you draw something to fill it up?”
“Yeah…” Danny always listened to Matt, “…draw what?”
“How about some flowers? Different colour flowers like red and yellow ones?” Matt suggested.
Danny thought and nodded. He quickly ran back to the living room and picked up his pencil crayons to add on the drawings.
*****************************
Today was Olivia’s birthday. The three planned to go watch a movie, and then have dinner together as celebration.
Olivia and Danny stood at the lobby of the cinema. They had been waiting for a while but Matt had not shown up yet.
“He asked me to go pick you up first, and he’ll come join a little later.” Olivia peeked at her watch, “What’s up with him? Movie’s starting soon.”
Danny hugged Olivia’s gift and wondered too.
At this time, Olivia’s phone rang, “Hey Matt! Where are you?”
Matt apologized, “Sorry Olivia. I have to stay behind in the warehouse to fix something. It’ll take a while. I can’t make it to the movie.”
Olivia was very disappointed, “You promised to come. We bought 3 tickets already.”
“I’m very sorry, but I really need to stay behind for work.” Matt said, “You two go watch the movie then.”
Olivia frowned, “What about our dinner afterwards? Are you coming?”
“I’ll try.”
“Matt do you still wish to celebrate my birthday for me?” Olivia could feel the coldness in his tone. She was getting upset.
“Don’t get mad. It’s your big day today. Gotta be happy and keep a smile.” Matt comforted, “Movie’s starting soon! Come on…enjoy the movie. I’ll talk to you later.”
“…Matt.” Olivia raised her voice, but he hung up already.
Danny wondered what happened.
“Your bro is not coming. He has to stay behind to finish off some work.” Olivia puffed.
“Oh.” Danny heaved, looking at the gift in his hug.
Olivia thought, “…ok forget about him. Let’s go in to watch the movie first.”
The cinema was not busy tonight. They easily found some empty seats and sat down. The air-con was quite strong as usual.
Olivia took out her cell phone and made it to silent mode.
Danny took a thin sweater out from his bag and lectured, “Air-con’s always cold in the cinema, so Matty says gotta bring a sweater and cover up.” He turned to her, “Olive did you bring one too?”
Olivia shook her head.
“Hm…” Danny looked at his sweater and thought seriously what he should do, “One sweater. Olive’s cold. Danny’s also cold.” So he reached over and covered the sweater on both Olivia and himself.
“Thanks Danny.” Olivia was touched. He was indeed very gentle and caring.
The light dimmed and the movie began. They did not talk further and concentrated on the movie. It was a new animation movie. Danny really enjoyed it; he laughed loudly at the funny scenes, and amazed at the impressive 3-D pictures.
The movie finished. They steadily followed the crowd and walked out of the cinema.
Olivia took out her cell phone and turned the volume back on. A message popped out:
Olivia,
Sorry can’t join dinner either. You and Danny have fun.
Matt
Olivia tried to call Matt but he did not pick up his phone.
She fumed.
Danny peeked at her face.
“He’s not coming for the dinner either. Gee…” Olivia curled her lips and dragged his arm, “Let’s go.”
Danny did not know what to do and just stood there.
Olivia looked at Danny and softened up, “Sorry I ain’t feeling too well. Maybe let’s cancel our dinner celebration tonight.”
“Olive’s sick?” Danny was worried, “Then go home and sleep. Sick. Gotta sleep more and drink lots of water.”
Tears were about to burst out from Olivia’s eyes as she heard his caring words. She whispered softly, “I’m fine. Thanks a lot, Danny. You’re such a kind boy.”
“Go home now.” Danny suggested.
Although Olivia was upset and felt like burying herself in the bed now, she had not forgotten about Danny, “I will accompany you home first. Can’t leave you behind and let you go home by yourself, especially it’s getting late at night.”
Danny did not object.
The cinema was not far from Danny’s place, and they decided to walk back. They strolled down the street.
Olivia peeked at the gift in Danny’s hug. She bit her lips, “I guess you and Matt were going to give me the birthday gift together, but you can be the rep now.”
Danny thought and reached the bag over, “Happy Birthday Olive.”
Olivia lit up a smile and took a look; it was the doggie stuffed toy that they lined up for her at the toy store. No surprise, but she was still happy about it, “Thanks. I really like this toy.”
Danny was glad and pointed, “And there’s a card. Look.”
Olivia found a hand-made birthday card inside the bag along with the toy. It was filled with beautiful drawings, says “Dearest Olive, Happy Birthday.” Signed at the bottom were both Danny and Matt.
“You made this card?” Olivia could guess.
“Yeah.” Danny nodded.
“This is very nice. Thanks Danny.” Olivia smiled.
“You like it?” Danny asked.
“Yes I like it very much.” Olivia said sincerely.
They continued with their walk. Danny kept peeping at Olivia.
Olivia bewildered and softly sighed. It looked like she had something heavily struck in her heart.
“…Olive.” Danny took a deep breath.
Olivia turned at him.
Tell Olive you like her, Danny. He said to himself.