Chapter 28: Feeding the Kitten

Dawn broke. Olive's sleepy eyes fluttered open. She'd slept well, burying herself in the warm blanket and rubbing her face against it. However, the room was empty. A shiver ran down her spine. She hadn't awakened during the night, yet she'd felt someone beside her. Could it have been anyone other than Elvis? Or was it just an illusion?

Olive buried her face in the pillow, quickly inhaling Elvis's scent. The bed still held the warmth of his body. He had indeed slept beside her, clinging to her throughout the night. She gently closed her eyes. She'd promised to distance herself, yet they'd kissed and shared her bed. What was happening?

Olive stood. Aunt Rebecca remained in a coma. After administering an injection and conferring with the attending physician about her aunt's condition, Olive returned to the Red Villa.

At the Red Villa, Old Mrs. Samantha took Olive's hand. "Olly, is Aunt Rebecca better? It's too much for you alone. Let her stay with us. We can hire professional medical staff."

Olive was deeply touched by Mrs. Samantha's compassion. The old lady was so kind and caring. But not wanting to cause further trouble, she declined. "Grandma, the doctor said Aunt Rebecca needs to stay in the hospital. I'll observe her for a few days until she wakes. She can't be transferred now, but thank you so much, Grandma."

The old lady patted her hand, a hint of impatience in her voice. "Olly, aren't we family?"

"We are, Grandma," Olive replied with a dutiful smile.

Olive felt something brush against her feet. A snow-white kitten, looking like a high-bred breed, sat beside her. Her eyes lit up. She scooped it into her arms, exclaiming, "Grandma, where did this cat come from?"

"Olly, do you like it? It's a gift Elvis brought back from his business trip," Old Mrs. Samantha chuckled.

A gift from Elvis?

Olive stroked the kitten's soft fur. Mrs. Samantha held up a teddy bear. "Olly, Elvis got this for me, too."

Old Mrs. Samantha adored teddy bears and dolls; all sorts were piled on her bed. It was amusing that the old lady cherished little girls' toys.

"Don't think it's strange that I like dolls," she said matter-of-factly. "Olly, you're a little girl, and I'm an old girl. We're all girls, princesses."

Olive laughed, remembering things she'd forgotten since childhood. Though her father had never expressed his love openly, she still felt something was amiss. Now, living at the Red Villa, she saw in Elvis and Mrs. Samantha the warmth of a true family that she'd lacked.

"Grandma, your doll is beautiful," Olive said sweetly.

Mrs. Samantha beamed. "Olly, hurry and shower; breakfast is waiting."

"Okay, Grandma," Olive replied, heading upstairs.

Mrs. Samantha turned to Uncle Henry. "You mean Elvis and Olive argued last night?"

Uncle Henry replied cautiously, "I'm afraid so."

She tapped the sofa, muttering, "My grandson excels at everything except love."

"Elvis will be back soon. Make him a smoothie—a strong one. And bring me the soup so I can add the tonic myself," Mrs. Samantha ordered.

Uncle Henry went to the kitchen, returning with a jar of smoothie. He added something to it, wiping sweat from his brow. "Ma'am, if Sir Elvis finds out, the consequences..."

Mrs. Samantha glared fiercely. "Tim, if there are consequences, I'll bear them alone."

"Yes, Ma'am," Henry agreed weakly.

Olive returned to her room, intending to shower, but found she lacked pajamas. The closet held many silk nightgowns, but she couldn't bring herself to wear one; she knew Elvis would try to seduce her. Then she spotted a pair of fluffy pink pajamas with cat ears and a little tail.

After showering and dressing, she found the pajamas adorable. The kitten meowed, hungry. Olive quickly fed it. "Phoebe, eat slowly. I'll call you Phoebe, okay?"

The kitten purred contentedly.

Elvis returned. He saw Olive, clad in pink, her wet black hair cascading over her shoulders, softly speaking to Phoebe. He tossed his tie onto the sofa.

Olive looked up. "Mr. Augustine, you're back."

Elvis approached, noticing her pajamas. "What are you wearing?"

Olive looked at herself; nothing was revealing. "Pajamas?"

Elvis, his sleeves rolled up, revealing his expensive watch, reached out, grabbed the little tail on her pajamas, and raised an eyebrow. "Mrs. Augustine…"