A Remaining Podeshire 1

Chapter 4 (Part 5)

     Oliver and Sophia watch Cal disappear from the street's horizon. Afterwards, they return to the Fuers' front lawn and march to the side yard. While standing near the wooden fence, Oliver and Sophia converse.

"So, about that friend of yours, what does he look like?" Sophia wondered curiously.

"He is tall, oh, like Cal!" Oliver answered.

"Uh-huh, more?" Sophia placed a finger under her chin.

"He has black hair and... black eyes?" Oliver said.

Sophia smirked. "Mhm..." She then walked forward and stepped in front of Oliver, looking into his eyes as she leaned closer.

"What?" Oliver chuckled nervously.

"It's funny how you are scared of strangers, but you do easily trust them," Sophia stated, raising her eyebrows.

"Oh. Mhmh... I guess you're right..." Oliver scratched his nape, looking down as he smiled.

     A man's silhouette forms among the darkness under the forest's shadow. Then, the figure emerges from the woods and approaches Oliver and Sophia. As it walks closer, Sophia's eyes wander around and catch a quick, unexpected glimpse of the person. She gasps and shakes Oliver's shoulder.

Oliver looked at the woods and spotted a man. He gasped while smiling from ear to ear.

"Oli!" Gregory waved as his steps became faster.

"Greg!" Oliver waved back with a broad smile as he paced towards Gregory.

Gregory walked towards Oliver and saw a blonde maiden behind him.

"Oh, hi! You must be Oliver's friend!" Sophia raised a palm and waved with an exhilarated smile.

"Oh! Good evening, my lady," Gregory greeted as he placed a hand on his chest, bowing with his eyes shut.

"...Oh, yeah! Sophia, this is Gregory. Greg, this is Sophia!" Oliver introduced his friends to one another.

"Congratulations!" Gregory shook Oliver's hand, grinning at him with his face near Oliver.

"Wait, what?" Oliver and Sophia both exclaimed.

Gregory then leaned towards Oliver's ear, close enough for Oliver to feel his warm breath. "Forgive me for my assumptions, for I have assumed you two are engaged."

"Huh?"

"Who is she, then?" Gregory asked, a brow slightly raised.

"Not bragging... but... she is... my fiancée...?" Oliver responded timidly.

"I knew it!" Gregory shook Oliver's hand again but more vigorously. "Congratulations!"

     Gregory's attitude made Sophia giggle as she covered her mouth with a palm. But Oliver felt his heart slipping through his ribcage as his face turned red like a crimson apple. Gregory then glanced at Oliver and faced his direction with a bright smile.

"So, is there something you want to say?" Gregory asked.

Oliver's jaw dropped as he tilted his head. "H-how did you know I want to tell you something?"

"Instincts, perhaps?" Gregory raised his shoulder, shrugging as he closed his eyes while smirking.

"...Well... sadly... for tonight, I think I might be busy, so I don't think I—" Oliver said but didn't finish his sentence when Sophia suddenly stepped forward.

"Ehem! Ehem!" Sophia cleared her throat. "Excuse me? May I interject?" She looked at Oliver. "Tonight, we'll all be spending time together, so you won't just be busy with me but with both of us," she said as she pointed her palm at herself and Gregory.

"What... do you mean?" Oliver raised a brow.

"So, Oli, what else do you want to tell Greg?" Sophia smiled as she squeezed her hands together, beaming at the two men.

"Oh, uh, okay... oh!" Oliver stepped closer to Gregory. "Do you remember the promise I swore to do?" he asked.

"...Hmm... from last night? Of course, I do!" Gregory smirked. "Is it... mastering your power?"

"Indeed, and I already did it!" Oliver grinned.

"Mastering your power??" Gregory gasped.

"Yes!" Oliver nodded.

Gregory beamed a broad grin. "Woah! That's amazing! I am so proud!" He then asked, "Can you show me?"

"Sure!" Oliver agreed.

"Oh! Can you show it to me, too? I'd love to see you use your power!" said Sophia.

"Well, then, maybe you two would fancy a performance?" Oliver raised his chin and placed his hands on his back.

"We sure do!" Gregory jumped.

"...Yeah... not here, though. Not in front of the streets where people could see me," Oliver brushed his elbow.

"Oh," Gregory glanced at the street. "It's alright! We can do it somewhere else!"

"...Uhm... can we do it next time instead?"

"Oh, sure thing," Gregory nodded.

"Of course, no pressure," Sophia added, smiling at Oliver.

     Suddenly, a group of men and women on the sidewalk walk past them. Oliver's eyes widen as he steps back. His breath begins racing with his heartbeat as sweat drips down his forehead.