Chapter 31 The last day of the break
Chapter 31: The Last Day of The Break
A Sunday so calm it felt staged, soft breeze, lazy sun, the kind of weather that made emotions louder than words.
Golden had barely finished packing her backpack for school resumption when her phone buzzed.
Allan: Are you free? Meet me at Greenstone Park.
Just that. No emojis. No voice note. Classic Allan. She still smiled. She stood inside her closet contemplating on what to wear.
Was this supposed to be a date?
They had only ever hung out at the estate. Now he wanted to meet at the park.
Golden thought of calling Alex for help but she decided against it.
She had kept the whole Allan thing quiet and although she felt bad for not telling her bestie, she didn't actually know what to tell her.
Were they in a relationship, a situationship? Even she didn't know. And somehow she just wanted to protect whatever it was they had.
Finally, she settled for a pair of blue jeans, a white camisole, a grey button down cashmere sweater which she paired with a grey and black sneakers.
For her hair, she decided to do a soft curls that she patted to the side and let fall to her back.
She wore a simple silver necklace with a ruby pendant and matching earrings and a vanclef silver bracelet.
Then she applied some powder, a light lipgloss and finished off the look with a coco channel scent.
She picked the most inconspicuous car in her garage which was a silver 2021 Lexus LC 500.
Greenstone Park was predictably half full, kids running, teenagers taking pictures, parents pretending not to be exhausted.
Golden spotted Allan instantly. He was by the lake, hoodie on, hands in pockets, looking like trouble dipped in mystery.
But beside him stood a girl, petite, auburn braids, curious eyes that scanned Golden before she even reached them.
“Allan, is this her?” the girl asked.
Allan rubbed the back of his neck. “Uh… yeah. Golden, this is Octavia. My sister.”
Octavia’s entire face brightened. “Finally! I’ve heard so much about you.”
Golden blinked. “You have?”
“Oh yes,” Octavia said, linking her arm with Golden’s like they were already best friends. “He talks about you more than he realizes.”
Allan shot his sister a murderous glare. Octavia only grinned wider.
Golden’s cheeks warmed.
“It's nice to meet you Octavia” Golden smiled.
“Where's Rema” she asked looking around.
“Oh he's home with my mum” Octavia responded. “Mom said the breeze might be too much for him.
Can we go and get some ice cream? Allan said to wait till you get here” Octavia looked at Golden pleadingly while ignoring Allans soft glare.
“Sure. My treat” she responded with a soft smile.
They got the ice cream and Octavia tugged Golden towards an empty bench.
“Allan says you are studying to become a doctor,” she said as she scooped her ice cream.
“Why do you want to become a doctor? I know Allan wants to be a doctor for Rema's sake, even though I think he would make a fine artist.
Why do you want to be a doctor?” she asked looking seriously at Golden.
Golden wondered if 12 year olds were this bold and smart or if it was just Octavia.
At the moment, she felt like she was on the hot seat and Octavia's serious expression had her carefully thinking about her answer.
“Well I chose to become a doctor so that I can help people. There are so many sick people out there and there can never be too many doctors.
I guess, I want to be able to do my own part in helping to heal more people.”
This was the very first time Golden was saying this out loud and she meant every word.
Allan stared at her for a while before dropping his gaze.
“I would love to be a dancer when I grow up. Dancing is liberating” she said with a big smile. “you should come watch me dance sometime”
“I would love to. Just let me know when, and I'll be there.”
Octavia then tugged Golden's sleeve and asked decisively, “Are you two dating?”
Golden froze. Allan froze harder.
Octavia turned to her brother. “Well? Aren’t you going to answer?”
Golden’s eyes slid to Allan, slow, hopeful, unsure. She didn’t say anything; she wanted him to define it. To give it a name. To claim her if he wanted to.
Allan looked away.
“We’re… not labeling anything,” he muttered. “It’s not… like that.”
Something small and soft inside Golden drooped, not shattered, just quietly folded away.
Octavia blinked at him like he was the dumbest thing alive. “Right. Sure. Whatever helps you sleep.”
Golden gave a tiny laugh, shaking off the sting. She wasn’t going to push. She’d promised herself she wouldn’t ruin anything by forcing it to become something too soon.
“Yeah,” she said lightly. “We’re good as we are.”
Octavia looked between them, unconvinced. She might be 12, but she wasn't a fool, but...
Allan looked at the ground.
Golden looked at the lake, letting the moment pass like ripples on water.
When they finally left the park, Allan insisted on walking her to where she parked her car on the other side of the road.
Their hands brushed once. Then again.
Then they stayed touching not fully held, but not apart either. It was nothing.
And at the same time, it was everything.
Golden didn’t ask for more. Allan didn’t offer more.
And the undefined space between them was warm, fragile, unspoken, it held them both together.
“Thanks for inviting me out” Golden said as she got to the car.
“I had a lovely time, and Octavia is such a delightful girl.”
“And inquisitive too” Allan added with a smirk.
“Yeah and inquisitive. It would help her in her dance career.”
Allan looked at her queryingly.
“Was just kidding, loosen up tough guy” she said as she punched him lightly on the shoulder.
“I should get going now, and you should head back to Octavia.”
Golden didn't know why, something felt a little off. Like the end of a honeymoon.
Maybe because it was because it was the last day of the break.
Or because of Allan's answer to Octavia.
Whatever it was, she would deal with it later.
She hugged Allan tight and gave him a peck on the cheek. “See you around”.
She entered into her car and drove away.