A Remaining Podeshire 1

Chapter 12 (Part 1)

     Returning to the present hour, Gregory lets out a deep, relieving sigh as he shuts his eyes. It had taken a lot out of him to narrate the entire ordeal, but he was glad that he had shared it. Looking at Oliver, Gregory cannot help but feel a warm sense of ease settling over him.

     Oliver then smiles back at Gregory. He isn't sure if he can trust him yet. He has to remain acting like a stranger. But his sympathetic heart drags him closer to Gregory's body.

"I'm sure Oliver is safe," Oliver reassured Gregory as he leaned closer. "...And... I'm sure he misses you, too, just as much as you miss him," he added with a small smile.

     Gregory nods his head slightly. His eyes are down, and his lips press together. He then sighs before glancing up at Oliver with a slight smile.

Oliver suddenly became curious about Gregory's opinion of him. "Who is Oliver to you, and what do you think of him?" he inquired.

Gregory thought for a moment before responding. "...Oliver is someone... who always makes me smile, and I hope I do the same for him. He makes me feel happy, and I hope I do the same for him," he said with a deep, sincere voice. "Oliver thinks I'm engaging and motivating, and I hope I have inspired him in some way... and... every time I hear him laugh and see him happy... it helps me forget the pain of my father's beatings..." Gregory confessed. "...And... we've both struggled in life... that's something we have in common... that's why I cherish him as a friend..."

     Oliver listened intently as Gregory spoke. As Gregory finished speaking, Oliver nodded in understanding, feeling a sense of empathy and connection with his friend. He couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt for doubting earlier, knowing now the depth of his feelings and the sincerity of his words.

"You sound like a great person, young man. I know Oliver will be glad to see you again," Oliver told Gregory, placing his warm arm over Gregory's shoulders.

"Are you sure?" Gregory asked, his tone tinged with doubt. "My father has been spreading lies about me... he told Oliver that I betrayed him, even though I didn't... it ruined our friendship... and now he doesn't trust me anymore..."

"You will regain his trust, young lad," Oliver remarked. "Believe..."

"...Okay," he said softly, slightly nodding. "I'll try..."

     Oliver stood up and began to climb the tree under which they had taken shade. He pulled his body up the trunk and plucked two apples from the tree's boughs. He then leapt down from the tree, landing lightly on his feet, and offered one of the apples to Gregory with a kind smile.

"Cheer up, young man. You look like you could use a snack," Oliver stated, handing an apple to Gregory.

Gregory's face brightened at the gesture. "How thoughtful of you, sire," he said, taking the apple from him. "I haven't even had breakfast yet."

Oliver chuckled. "Well, then, let's make this your breakfast!" Oliver grinned. "And don't call me 'sire', please."

     Oliver and Gregory began to eat their apples together, enjoying the crisp and juicy fruit as they talked. As they took a bite, Oliver's gaze drifted to the ground, lost in thought. After they gobbled up their apples, Oliver cleared his throat and looked up at Gregory.

"Hey." Oliver turned to Gregory and asked, "What are your plans for later?"

"...I... I want to go home..." Gregory answered.

"I can take you back to the city," Oliver offered.

"...With Oliver..." Gregory continued. "I want to go home with Oliver." His eyes pleaded with tears.

"...Of course," Oliver replied with a reassuring smile. "I'll make sure you both get back safely."

"Will he be fine?" Gregory inquired, his expression concerned.

"He'll be fine," Oliver replied.

"You sure?" Gregory questioned with a worried voice.

"I assure you, my good lad, that Oliver will be alright," Oliver stated. "I know he's a survivor... just like you. You both have been through a lot, but you're strong."

     Oliver stands up quickly, brushing off his palms as he looks out into the distance. He turns back to Gregory and offers him a hand up. Gregory smiles and grabs Oliver's hand, allowing him to help him to his feet.

"I do hope that Oliver is safe," Gregory sighed, his breath filled with concern.

"Perhaps we'll run into him along the way?" Oliver replied with a sly grin.

"That would be wonderful. It would be nice if he met someone as kind as you," Gregory complimented, his eyes shining with admiration.

Oliver's smile widened. "Oh, but he already has, young man. The nicest man Oliver ever met is standing right before me," he replied.

     Gregory's face beams with a joyful smile, and he feels his cheeks flush. As Oliver gives him a warm pat on the shoulder, Gregory returns the gesture with a softer pat. After a long rest under the tree, Oliver and Gregory venture on their journey. They walk side by side, their arms brushing against each other as they move forward.