Olivia jumped when her phone began ringing. She knew she’d be getting a call but still it startled her especially when her mother then yelled from the other room “Who’s calling you?” Olivia scrambled to yell back “It’s Em I’m going over to her place in a bit!” “Be safe! I’m going next door to start the cake for Mrs. Gansil’s birthday!” Olivia giggled thinking of the elderly woman being greeted with a surprise party tomorrow. “Okay!”

      Turning back to her phone she called Em back “Hey my place. Now please. You know the way. We’ve got a guest by the way, see you soon. Bye bye.” then Em hung up. Olivia feared being judged by whoever the guest was but if Em was letting them there it’d be fine.

-

      Olivia stood in front of the open closet doors waiting for Em to emerge from the floral dresses Cindy adored. The whole building made her anxious. Not only did it feel weird basically being in an old lady’s house but underneath were so many mysterious rooms not even half of them she’d seen. Standing in this bedroom didn’t put Olivia at ease, what could Em possibly do to calm her and make her feel better?

       The clothes shifting still caused Olivia to jump as Em emerged from the wardrobe as expected, “Hey, finally made it i see. Well we’ve got a stalker-turned-guest downstairs. Wanna meet him?” startled not only from Em’s entrance but also from the news Olivia pivoted her anxiety rising and attempted to run, but she only made it a few steps before almost faceplanting due to Em gently but tightly gripping her arm. “Come on scaredy cat, he’s harmless right now and might be of use. You know I need my sidekick in this.” “um… harmless right now?-” Olivia was yanked into the closet through the hidden door and down the stairs and now stood beside but slightly behind Em before she could even finish her list of ‘what ifs’. In front of them was a pale boney boy with long hair partially in his eyes seated on the edge of a velvet chair.

         “This…” Em dramatically announced “is Aaron.” the boy uncomfortably gave a little wave. Em then pivoted and said to Olivia “Get comfy i’ve gotta go get stuff” and ran off into one of the attached rooms.

          “Soooo…” said the boy, directing his attention to Olivia “You are…?” Olivia opened her mouth to respond and then panicked. “U-u-u-um.. I-i-i’m O-Olivia…?” she stammered “pretty name” was Aaron’s comment followed by a “Good answer.” from Em re-entering the room with a bag and wig in hand and hangers and hair ties along her arms. She handed all of it except the hair ties over to Olivia and said “you know where the dressing room is. Go change girl. I’ll do your hair after” she then kissed Olivia on the cheek and sent her off towards a red doored room.

          Once Olivia had left the room Em swiveled around to face Aaron with a glare. “Why. Why don’t you get them?” she demanded “i-i really don’t know but my family is in law enforcement so i can say with some snooping around i could find you answers? Just, please! Dontkillme!” Aaron flinched as Em broke out in loud laughter “You’re -gasp- scared -gasp- of me? Hahahahaha” Em was practically in tears from laughter. “Wow. is my strand of purple hair that intimidating?” Em asked with sarcasm laughing in the terrified boy’s face. “Don’t worry, the interrogation won’t begin... Yet.” She backed away and hopped onto the edge of a table to wait for Olivia’s return.

           Olivia entered wearing a cute purple skirt and flowy long light aqua shirt. She wore a blond wig which Em immediately went to work on and neatly braided it making it look far more beautiful than Olivia ever thought her red short cut hair did or could ever look even grown out.

            She felt like herself and ready to be herself and take her place as Em’s partner in crime when dressed as her true and unfortunately hidden self.

            With Olivia back Em jumped from the table with a wide grin exclaiming “We begin!” grabbing a knife off the nearest table she held it near Aaron’s throat not quite touching him and sweetly smiled at the boy “time for investigation~ Tell me what you know about me, my work, and the curse would you?~” Aaron sat silently petrified and after a few seconds of silence and Em wiggling her eyebrows for ‘effect’ Olivia burst into laughter crying “Oh, Em! Just get it over with haha” Em then smirked and made a show of spinning away taking the knife away from his neck and spinning 360 degrees to stab Aaron in the heart.