Olivia walked in the streets of Oak Ridge, clutching her current book The Prince and the Pauper. She enjoyed it immensely. She loved every character and imagined herself in the story. Almost every book she read she wished she was a part of. In Pride and Prejudice she wanted to be Lizzy, in The Taming of the Shrew, Kate. Books took her away from the norm of life and into the world of magic and fairy tale love.

Her boots made a click clack sound in the pavement. She was on her way to meet her best friend Penn at the old Oak Ridge house that belonged to Mr. Ardman. Oak Ridge was a small, peaceful town. It had many upsides including the friendly residents and streets that were safe enough to walk at night. Crime was an unheard of thing. Everyone knew their neighbors life history, and their neighbors’ neighbors’; this list went on and on. You couldn’t do something behind your parents back because before you got home, your mother would already know. The downside was the sheer boredom. Downtown was as quiet as the rest, and Oak Ridge was miles from the city. No one seemed to complain, though.

Olivia’s skirts scuffed the grass in the yard behind the house. Penn was already there, sitting beneath the lone tree. He looked up from his nails and smiled. The act caused his black hair to fall over his eyes. He shook his head to move it. Next to him was a pile of books he had completed in the past week.

“Only one, Liv?” he asked, standing. He picked up his own three books.

“Yes. It was very good though. You should read it,” she replied.

Penn glanced over. “I already have. I agree. I liked it, too.” He paused. “So, are you ready to go inside?”

Olivia looked at the old house. It had been here since the Revolutionary War. Ivy was crawling up the sides and the windows needed to be cleaned. Inside were the best books in town. The book stores would never be able to compare and they would never be able to get their hands on the books belonging to Mr. Ardman. Mr. Ardman owned his own private book collection and rarely thought anyone worthy enough to enter. He kept the books in prime condition, and if he saw any flaw that he was not already aware of, immediately called the mayor to report vandalism. People tended to avoid the old house.

She and Penn would have to sneak in the window that was fortunately unlocked at all times. They would take a few books then return them in a week. They noticed that Mr. Ardman made a routine inspection every week. Tomorrow was inspection day so it was time to return them. Tomorrow after lunch they would return and “check out” more.

Penn spoke again. “Why don’t I do it myself? You don’t have to go in.”

Olivia turned her gaze from the house to her friend. “Of course not. I’m going to. I’m not leaving this to just you.” She quickly turned, flipping her dark braid over her shoulder.

Penn smiled. “As you wish, milady.” He mocked bowed and Olivia flicked him on the ear as she walked.

Olivia put her book underneath the crook of her arm and ever so slowly lifted the window. It made barely any sound. So popped her head in and looked in the direction of a desk in the front of the room. As big as the room was, the desk was the size of Olivia’s finger nail from this distance. Mr. Ardman was leaning over a book and wouldn’t bring up his gaze for a few more minutes. Olivia carefully swung her legs in then dropped to her hands and knees once inside. Penn handed his books to her and he, too, crawled in. After he had made it safely, she gave the books back and tip toed her way to the shelf she had gotten The Prince and the Pauper from; it was thankfully in the back.

Penn put his own collection back and came back to the waiting Olivia. They climbed back out the window and closed it. Once they were back on the main road, Penn spoke.

“I always like sneaking around. Makes you feel adventurous, right?”

“I suppose. I wish he would just let us go in anyway. He knows that the bookstore’s books are no where near as good, but he keeps them to himself anyway. Obnoxious old man.” Olivia scowled.

Penn smiled teasingly. “Now, now, Liv. That’s not proper speech for a young lady. What would your mother think?” He shook his head and clucked his tongue.

Olivia playfully shoved him. “She would think you are the obnoxious one and wouldn’t want me to continue the invitation to dinner she wanted me to give you.”

“Dinner? At your house? I’m not worthy of such fine dinning.” He put his hand to his heart dramatically. “Your mother must be the best cook in Oak Ridge. But why another invitation? Didn’t I come just three days ago?”

Olivia laughed. “Mother adores you. She always says how much of a gentleman you are.” She didn’t mention how her mother felt sorry for Penn. His mother had been severely ill the past year and when it had left her, so had some of her sensibility. She wasn’t fit to be a mother anymore for Penn and spent her days in her room or wandering the house. Penn’s father refused to divorce her. He still loved her very much, and couldn’t think of another for his wife. And Olivia’s family was better off than Penn’s, so they could afford to spare food.

“A gentleman you say? Did I ever mention how much I like your mother?” Penn smiled.

“She may call you a gentleman, but she still wants me to have less manly friends.” Olivia glanced down.

“Would your mother like it better if I started to wear a skirt and corset?”

This got another laugh out of the girl. “I very much doubt you would hold your gentleman status with her.” She was smiling, but it saddened when she though of how people talked about her. They thought she was fast because she had never had a real girl friend. Her mother had noticed and asked her about it. Olivia replied that she didn’t like how weak and gossip-y the girls in town were. Olivia was quiet, but weak she would never be.

“Thanks,” she continued. She took Penn’s hand and squeezed it. She let it go. “You always know how to make me laugh.”

Penn smiled down at her. “Think nothing of it. I like making people laugh.”

Olivia smiled, too. “So are you coming to dinner?”

Penn looked taken aback. “How could you even ask? Of course I am! I wouldn’t turn away free food, especially when it’s delicious.”

They continued the walk Olivia’s house. It was up on a hill with a few neighbors. On the hill was where the more wealthy lived. Olivia’s house was at the end of the street. It had three stories and white washed walls. It lay on the corner and curved to the street. By the door were two columns, and directly above it was the same. The doors were dark green, as were the shutters, and the house had four chimneys. It was beautiful.

Penn blanched every time he saw the house. It was different from his own, and much more expensive. At the front step he went to open the door but a maid beat him to it. He wondered if they just sat there waiting for someone to come to the door.

Olivia’s mother greeted them, her son in her arms, and the little boy smiled. His mother smiled as well. Her smile creased at the eyes slightly, though she was not old. She was just a happy woman and the evidence was in her face. Olivia looked the same as her mother.

“Say hello, Jacob,” Olivia’s mother asked. It was in vain. Though Jacob was three he hadn’t spoken a word yet. The doctors said nothing was wrong with him and he had healthy vocal cords, he just didn’t want to speak. He would eventually.

Jacob waved at them.

Penn ruffled his hair. “Hey there, Jake.”

Jacob squealed in delight. He loved Penn and clung to him at any chance. He reached his arms out, and Penn took him.

“Thank you, Sterling,” Olivia’s mother breathed. Penn winced a little at his real name. He preferred Penn.

She stretched her arms. “He is getting so big. I’m afraid I won’t be able to carry him for much longer.” She chuckled.

“It’s no problem. Your cooking is payment for this ten times over.” Even though Penn knew that the cook was the one that made the food.

“You’re so sweet.” Olivia’s mother kissed him on the cheek.

A maid came up to the four of them. “Dinner is ready, miss.”

“Thank you, Amy. We will be there in a few minutes.”

Amy bowed. “Yes, miss.”

Olivia’s mother turned to them. “Shall we?” She led them into the dinning room. A long table covered with white lace was before them. A crystal chandelier was above. All of the eight places were set, though only four would be used. Three different plates were layered, each with a different purpose. The utensils were all silver and polished. Two cups—each for a different drink—and a coffee cup were above the plates. Everything had a specific place.

Olivia took her place on the right side of her mother, who sat at on end, Penn sat across diagonally from his friend, and Jacob on Penn’s left.

A man walked in and sat at the head of the table. He had an air of importance about him. His beard and mustache were neatly groomed and he held his back straight in the chair. Penn noticed so did everyone in the family, even little Jacob. He straightened

The man greeted his wife, “What’s for dinner, Rachel?”

The woman smiled. “Bean soup, roast pork, mashed potatoes with bacon, cole slaw, and for dessert, lemon cake. Your favorites, dear.”

It sounded very business-like to Olivia.

Her father smiled back and looked at Penn. “Why, Sterling, I didn’t know you would be joining us.”

Olivia hid her smile. She knew how much Penn hated his real name and, hard as he tried, her parents would never call him by his nickname.

“Penn, sir.” He paused. “Mrs. Wood invited me. I do enjoy your dinners. Always such delicious food.”

Mr. Wood nodded. “How are your parents doing?”

Olivia looked up from the newly brought out soup. She glanced at Penn. She knew the question was harmless, but Penn’s mother was a sensitive subject.

Penn swallowed. “My father is doing well. He likes his job, and the pay isn’t bad.” He stopped. “My mother is the same. She gets neither better nor worse.”

Mr. Wood looked sympathetic. “Perhaps one of my physicians can—”

“No, that’s alright,” Penn interrupted.

“Are you sure?”

“Roger,” Amy Wood cut in sharply. “I’m sure the boy is taking care of things. There’s no need to pry.”

“But I was—”

“Oh, look, the main dish is out already.” She looked at the servants bringing in the food.

Olivia noticed Penn look at her mother and Amy winked back with a smile.

Jacob sensed the tension and seemed to be getting upset. Penn turned and said something to him that Olivia didn’t catch. He smiled and nodded. It looked like a private joke that they shared. Though what joke a three-year-old knew was a mystery to Olivia.

The rest of dinner was spent making idle chit-chat and speaking of how days went. Penn and Olivia made sure to leave out the part when they snuck into Mr. Ardman's. It was a very pleasant evening, and Penn found himself dreading the end of the meal.

Afterward, good-byes were shared with the shaking of hands and kisses on the cheek. Penn gave Jacob a quick fluff before heading out the door.

Once the door had shut, Amy turned to her daughter, smiling ruefully. “Sterling is a wonderful boy, dear, but—” Olivia knew where this was going. “—do you think that a nice girl friend would benefit you? There are so many lovely young ladies in town, and around here.”

Olivia sighed. “No, mother. Penn is my best friend. He always has been.” She walked away towards her room.

Amy Wood sighed just like her daughter. When her husband came in, he put his arm around her shoulders and kissed her lightly. “What’s wrong?”

“Olivia.”

Roger Wood brought her closer to him. “I think that our daughter doesn’t want to share.”

“You’re right. She’s afraid of losing him.”

“Mmhm. But what can we do about it now? She’ll learn eventually.” He steered her to the stairs.

“You’re right. You normally are.” She paused. “I’m tired. Walk me upstairs, would you?”

Mr. Wood brought his head down on his wife’s. “Of course, dear.”