A Remaining Podeshire 1

Chapter 7 (Part 1)

"Ugh, y'know...?" Oliver said, scratching his back. "My nerves are about to implode because of this stressful issue..."

"Yeah, we better change the topic," Gregory said.

"What should we do, then?" Sophia wondered.

"Oh, I remembered something!" Gregory jumped.

"Hm?"

"Oh, what's that?" Sophia asked curiously.

"Oli! Didn't you ask us if we would fancy seeing a show from you?" Gregory placed his arm around Oliver's shoulders.

"Oh, I almost forgot," Oliver gulped. "Where do we do it?"

"I suggest we go in the plains, perhaps? It'll be private there," Gregory smirked as he glanced at Oliver and Sophia.

"Let's go, then. Shall we?" Sophia grinned as she carried her skirt's long train in her arms.

"Do you need help with that?" Gregory stepped towards Sophia and pointed at her skirt.

"No, I'm fine!" Sophia shook her head and smiled.

"Let me assist you with that," Oliver approached Sophia and offered a hand.

"It's fine! Haha! I'll show you that a woman can do things by herself," Sophia stated, smirking confidently.

"...I like that," Oliver smiled at Sophia.

"Me, too," Gregory nodded.

"Oh, I also remembered something," Oliver whispered to Sophia.

"Huh? What is it?" Sophia asked as she leaned towards Oliver.

"It is what you told me last night when we returned home, remember?" Oliver explained while smirking.

"Could... could you clarify?" she whispered back.

"...You told me to tell Greg how I feel, right?" Oliver smiled.

"Oh!" Sophia then gasped. "Go for it!" she whispered loudly, causing Gregory to look at them.

     Oliver walked in front of Gregory, and their noses almost met. The two men stared into each other in the eyes, locking their soft gazes on one another as they held each other's hands. Their eyes glistened as their faces slowly leaned into one another.

     Sophia watched from the back. Her face slowly turned red, and her jaw shivered with a broad smile. She smiled as her heartbeat raced with her anticipation.

"Gregory."

"...Oh, yes?" Gregory cleared his throat, his cheeks flushed.

"I must confess... you... you are one of the nicest people I've ever met. You've given me motivation... and inspiration! And you've comforted me with your warm presence," Oliver said as his breath quivered. "You and Sophia are the best of companions."

"Awe! I feel the same, Oli!" Gregory replied as he brushed Oliver's hair with his fingers.

Sophia slowly stepped forward with a grin. She then poked Oliver on the shoulder and whispered, "I thought you have a bigger feeling than that."

"What?" Oliver raised a brow.

Sophia shook her head lightly, closing her eyes. "Anyways, shall we go to the plains now?" she asked.

"Absolutely!" Gregory responded.

     Oliver, Sophia and Gregory passed through the woods and ventured to the grasslands. They stayed in the quiet, peaceful plains, hearing nothing but their laughter and the cold, howling wind swaying the grass full of chirping crickets. As they chatter, they gaze into the sky and watch comets dash across glimmering stars.

"When I was a young boy, my father would often amuse me and my siblings with his elemental powers," Oliver said as he looked at his palms.

"You can do this!" Gregory grinned.

"Go for it, Oli!" Sophia said.

     Oliver smiles as he walks forward. He then swings his arms into the sky. Doing so, his palms release flashes of sparkling elements into the air. Then, it dances and waves in the heavens as it gradually changes colours.

     The glistening elements spin in an enthralling circle as their hues shift and change in a kaleidoscope of colours—fiery reds, vibrant oranges, warm yellows, tranquil blues, verdant greens, earthy browns, pristine whites, and subtle greys. Oliver paces backwards and sits between his friends on the grass. They watch the gleaming light twirl and quiver in the sky, causing their jaws to drop.

     Oliver embraces his legs, staring at the glowing elements in the sky. The sparkling lights then begin to circle into a perfect hoop. Suddenly, it becomes painfully bright, and everyone winces their eyes shut. When Oliver, Sophia and Gregory reopen their eyes, they immediately realize the elements have vanished.

"Oh, dang it. I've messed it up!" Oliver stood up as he grunted in disappointment.

"You've done great!" Gregory cheered.

"Well done, Oli!" Sophia clapped.

"Heh- really?"

Sophia and Gregory nodded. "Mhm!"

"I guess I'll do it again, then!" Oliver smiled.

     Oliver swings his right arm upward, blasting a ray of golden light into the sky. Then, it explodes like a firework. It sizzles as it spreads throughout the heavens, slowly fading away at each second.