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

eagerly. "I want to wear a new dress

"Alright, let's get you changed. Taking Josie's hand, she led her into

"I was out running errands this morning and got

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

the family 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

1/3

20:5

Wed, Oct

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

commotion, added, "I smell like cooking oil from the

6 of Viento Court. As she stepped

four

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

behind Maria, her wide eyes filled with curiosity as she secretly studied Athena. Athena, garn swept over

on

I slightly,

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 I mess up, just tell me, and I'll do

A goofy grin spread across his face, and he felt like he could float away with

You can

some kind of celestial being, and it made it hard

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, Maria. Nice to meet

sixth daughter of the Donovan family might be her twin sister, but now, seeing

my twin?

too fragile for such personal questions. Athena's smile

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