The Boy Under the Maple Tree

Soon the duo made it back to wardrobe.

The difference between how they behaved this morning and how they were behaving now earned them a few extra glances from the crew but nothing more.

It was common for children to fight and make up as quickly as one could turn a book so they paid it no mind.

Unbeknownst to everyone else in the corner of the room, Ms. Sofia had been observing the duo since she met them. She felt that something was off about the two siblings causing her to raise a brow questioningly when they came back with such contrasting harmony.

Still, Ms. Sofia only looked at the pair a little longer before going back to what she was doing before.

Soon the crew was done packing up and headed towards the parking lot where the driver and their mother were waiting. As soon as they reached Ms. Reyna she scooped them into a hug.

"You both were wonderful!" she said as she released her daughters and gazed upon them lovingly.

Veronica was especially pleased to hear her mother's compliment causing her to lower her head in glee. Their mother though caring wouldn't lie to them to spare their feelings.

She was especially principled in this regard so any compliment from her is truly something to feel proud about. Veronica lifted her head and was just about to say something when she saw her mother's gaze had at some point, concentrated on Nicole.

The two of them were having a conversation with their eyes as if they were the only two people in the world. Veronica was flabbergasted but soon fear gripped her causing her to lower her head to hide the emotions currently swirling in her eyes.

'This cannot be happening!

With only one performance, it's already like no one else exists in their mother's eyes.

No, I can't let this happen again.

It's only because of her audition.

I'm the better one of us.

Our parents love me most, everyone does!

I just need Nicole to go back to how she was before and mummy and daddy will love me the most again.

Yeah that's right I can't let them value Nicole, I am the true daughter of the Reyna family, the heir to the Reyna name!

Nicole isn't worth anything!

It's mine!

It's all mine!'

These thoughts overtook Veronica's mind causing a sinister glow to appear in her eyes corrupting the innocent image her 10 years old face created.

The only word to describe her at this point was 'Malevolent'.

While Veronica was struggling to control her emotions Nicole was exhausted from the number of reassuring glances she had already given her mother.

Her acting this time might have been a bit too much.

Her mother's concerned filled her eyes were about to drown her as she communicated with her eyes for the umpteenth time she truly was fine. Because of this she missed the malevolent spark growing in her sister's eyes .

After multiple reassurances, their mother was finally satisfied enough to let them board the car and head home.

Soon they arrived at the Reyna villa.

The building was elegant but practically and had a cozy feeling to it. The trio stepped out of the car and headed towards the open doors where they were greeted by a cacophony of welcomes from the servants;

'Welcome back, Mistresses!'

The trio soon arrived at the living room to be greeted by the sound of a classical piano.

As Nicole heard this sound a wave of nostalgia engulfed her causing her to smile. She unconsciously started walking towards the sound.

Seeing this, their mother smiled and also followed with Veronica not far behind. Obvious from the pout on her mouth she was obvious not happy being led by her sister but because of their mother said nothing and just followed.

The trio arrived at a beautiful small lake surrounded by vibrant green grass . By the lake stood a lone large maple tree, its red leaves enchantingly swayed along with the breeze. Under it, rested a white piano and behind it an even more mesmerizing sight.

A boy sat under the piano. Rays of sunshine slipped through the tree and landed on his figure. A few maple leaves laid on the white piano forming a warm and delicate picture.

Nicole looked warmly upon this sight only for her eyes to lose focus when they landed on the figure behind the piano.