She Outshines Them All (Athena and Matthew)

Chapter 19

At 11:00 AM, Athena texted Wesley: Hey Dad, I'm free today and planning to drop by Vlento Court around noon. Does that work for you?] Wesley replied I almost

t instantly with a bunch of big smiley emojis: [Of course it works! You're always welcome here! I'll have your mom pick up some extra groceries. Is there anything special you want to eat? Athena thought for a moment before responding: [It's pretty hot today, so I'd love something light and homey.]

The drive to Viento Court would take about an hour, which she figured was just enough time to keep her mom from going too crazy in the kitchen.

After a brief pause, Wesley messaged back: [Sounds great! Your mom suggested making some light and tasty dishes. If there's anything you don't like, we can always throw together something else.] Athena replied: [Thanks, Dad! On my way now!] Meanwhile, the Donovan household was buzzing with excitement-and a touch of panic.

Arthur was pacing back and forth, running his hands through his hair. "Oh shit, Athena's coming! What the hell do I do?"

"Maria, Josie, do I look look okay

today?" he asked, glancing at his sisters. "Is my hair decent? Do I have any stubble?

Maria was too busy to give him much attention. She dashed into her room, pulling out a few nicer outfits and holding them up to herself. "Arthur, Josie, which one of these looks better on me?"

Arthur grinned, trying to reassure her. "You'd look great in anything!"

Maria rolled her eyes. "Yo "You're no help

She then turned to Josie with a sweet smile. Josie, which outfit do you think looks best on me?"

Josie, clutching her Hello Kitty doll, pointed excitedly at the pink dress. "The pink one!"

Maria chuckled. 'Of course, little girls love pink, no matter who is wearing it, she thought. But with her darker complexion, pink wasn't the most flattering choice. 'How could I gently decline without hurting Josie's feelings?"

After a moment of thought; Maria smiled and said, "The pink one is really pretty! I'll save it for Christmas. Today, I think I'll go with this lovely orange dress instead."

Josie

"I want to wear a new

get you changed. Taking Josie's

out running errands this morning and got all

poked her head out. "Make sure to clean up your rooms! If Athena wants to see them, it'd

had hurriedly stashed away clutter in the bedrooms, closing the doors to hide the chaos from her. But with the prospect of a new house on the horizon, they felt less pressure about her seeing the current state of their home. Maria dashed out of her room, clothes

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she didn't really smell, Maria felt the need to freshen up. After all, Athena was stunningly beautiful, and she wanted to make sure she

cooking oil from the kitchen. You go first; I'll freshen

Viento Court. As she

four

formality to the occasion. When Arthur saw Athena for the first time, his heart nearly jumped out of his chest. His eyes sparkled with admiration, and a warm flush crept across his cheeks. He nervously scratched the back of his head, one hand half-raised in a hesitant wave, unsure if he should speak first. Maria's cheeks were burning crimson as she gripped the hem of her shirt, caught between wanting to greet Athena and fearing she might trip over her words. The tension in the dir was

with one hand while gripping Maria's shirt with the other. She peeked out from behind Maria, her wide eyes filled with curiosity as she secretly

on

I slightly,

barbecue stand. He's a sharp kid and works hard, even though he can be a bit of a handful sometimes." Athena responded with a soft smile, her eyes warm and bright. Thank you Ana, you're... you're amazing in every way. I promise I'll be a good brother to you. If

her say his name made Arthur's heart leap. A goofy grin spread across his face, and he felt like he could float

your sixth sister, Maria. She's 20. You can call her whatever you like. No need to stand on

more radiant than she had imagined from afar, was almost otherworldly. She seemed to glow, like some kind of celestial being, and it made it hard for Maria to hold her gaze. Overwhelmed with nerves, Maria's a's eyes darted to the

added, Athena, you're so beautiful-the most beautiful girl I've ever seen. You're like... like a fairy! I'm not even exaggerating Athena, noticing Maria's nervousness and slight insecurity, responded with a gentle smile "Hello,

be her twin sister, but now, seeing Maria in person, that was clearly

is my twin? Athena

fragile for such personal questions. Athena's smile was

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