A Remaining Podeshire 1

Chapter 4 (Part 1)

     Oliver rested his palms and rubbed them on the side of his shorts. He then approached his bed. Then, he hopped onto the mattress, landing on the soft comfort of his warm pillows.

     As Oliver lay on his bed, he glanced at the window. His eyes witnessed the black sky slowly turning into the colour of the deep ocean. He immediately realized it was dawn.

     Oliver slides the window open. He then peeks through, and the cold breeze touches his cheeks. Oliver takes a soft, deep breath through his nose as he closes his eyes and lets out a relieving sigh.

"Father... Mother... William... Andrew... Michelle... guys! You've always wanted me to practice my power. But I did something way better; I mastered it! Are you proud?" Oliver smiled as he gazed at the cloudy, heavenly sky.

     Meanwhile, inside the Fuers' bedroom, Alexander, in his pyjamas, stood by a window and watched the clouds fade into the horizon. As he gazes at the cloudy sky, he hears rapid knocking on his door. He immediately responds as he sighs.

"Come in, Layla..." Alexander said with a deep, monotonous voice.

     Layla opens the door and immediately shuts it. While holding a letter in her hand, she hastens towards her spouse at the window. Her heart races with her anticipation as she looks at Alexander.

"You know, this is our bedroom. You don't have to knock," Alexander stated.

"Ugh. Just respecting your privacy..." said Layla.

"...So, is there something you want to tell me...?" Alexander asked.

"Today's the day...!" she squealed while suppressing her voice.

"So...?" Alexander raised a brow as he glanced at the sky.

"...They're coming this morning!" Layla glared at Alexander as she sighed loudly.

     Oliver takes his moment to gaze at the sky. He can see the grey clouds moving into the horizon, leaving only the cold blue tint in the ambience. Oliver smiles as he feels the cool breeze passing through his hair.

"Kid! Open up, quick!" Layla suddenly knocked on Oliver's bedroom door.

     Gasping, Oliver hurryingly hops off his bed. He sprints towards the door, unlocking and opening it widely. He then sees Layla on the other side with a worried look on her face.

"It took you so long!" Layla said.

"Oh! Uhmm! I'm- I'm sorry!" Oliver quickly apologised. "I'll cook breakfast right away!"

"No. Don't worry, kid. I cooked breakfast today," Layla tightened her lip as her eyes closed halfway through, glaring at Oliver.

Oliver immediately bid his pardon and bowed. "Oh? I- I'm seriously sorry!"

"Stop apologising. Just shut up first and listen to me, got it?" Layla whispered loudly.

Oliver nodded. "Oh."

"Yesterday, I told you to wear your best outfit, remember?" Layla asked as she widened her eyes and stared at Oliver.

"Uhmm, yes," Oliver scratched the side of his head.

"Well... then, go wear that outfit and go down immediately, understood??" Layla ordered.

"...Oh. Uhh... okay."

     Layla moves along the hallway as Oliver slowly closes the door. Oliver turns from the doorway and approaches a small wooden cabinet. While sighing, he opens its drawers and snatches out a long-sleeved grey shirt with ruffled sleeves, a black waistcoat with green trimming, dark breeches, and a pair of white stockings.

     Oliver cuts to his sides and switches his clothes. Afterwards, he puts his black shoes on. He then looks at the mirror in the wardrobe and brushes his messy hair with his fingers. Once done, Oliver grabs his dirty clothes and proceeds towards the bedroom door.

     Oliver grabs the door handle and twists it. He then glances at the empty hallway before stepping out and marching down the corridor. As Oliver is about to turn to the stairs, he stumbles on Layla, who is rushing upstairs. The two then bump into each other.

"Alex!" Layla, slightly nervous, hastened upstairs and accidentally bumped into Oliver. "Watch it!" she growled at Oliver.

"Oh- sorry! I didn't see you—" Oliver quickly bid his apologies.

"Look, kid... just put back your used outfit on your bed. Take them to the laundry room later—once the guests are gone, understood?" Layla said.

"Uhh... if you insist, Ma'am...?" Oliver immediately turned around.

     Oliver walked back to his room. As he cuts to the doorway, Oliver glimpses at Layla and Alexander, wearing their elaborate coat and gown, rushing downstairs. Oliver shrugs his shoulders as he enters his bedroom and drops his dirty clothes on the wooden floor.

     As he closes his bedroom door, Oliver hears another door downstairs slam shut. He then begins hearing faint voices. Knowing there might be guests, Oliver feels threatened to descend to the ground floor.

     Despite Oliver's fear of people, he feels his curiosity dragging him to the stairs. He begins walking as his lips press back to his face. He then quietly steps down the staircase and finds no one in the lounge.

     Oliver walks across the lounge, looking left and right to spot a person. However, he spots no one but an empty chamber. As his paces advance closer to another room, he hears the voices growing louder. Once he passes through the doorway to the dining room, Oliver feels his feet freezing on the ground.

     Oliver's eyes widen, and his eyebrows lift towards his hairline. His jaw drops as he lets out a small breath. An unexpected sight has him aback.