I Wish We Met Sooner (BoyxBoy)

Chapter 29

DANIEL

"YOU SON OF A bitch!" I dodged the flaming roof, nearly twisting my ankle because of Ollie's extra weight on my back. "Hang on, we're almost out."

I should've let Ollie climb out the window first. If he did, we wouldn't be stuck in our own trap. The mansion falls to pieces every second. The ground felt like larva as the air burned my lungs and eyes. Lord only knows how big the burned scar will be once I get out of here. And it'll be a bitch to heal.

Several members had attacked Ollie with a bat, knocking him out. I had to lift him over my shoulders—thankfully, he's lighter than he looks—and get us both out of the mansion before it exploded. Unfortunately, they weren't giving up easily. They're willing to drown in excruciating temperatures just to ensure we're dead. I've run out of bullets to attack from afar, which led me to kick nearby objects towards them, hoping the impact was strong enough to distract them as I make my way out.

Upon reaching the exit, my foot caught on something. I tripped, and Ollie crashed outside. My body felt the scourging hot tiles as I rise. I see my foot being tugged by a member who had half of his face burned. He had wounds that bled dark red.

This is how I imagined hell would be, along with the demons. Just that the demons will have wings and look even more disturbing.

"It's your fault," he's finding difficult to speak.

"Save your ranting for Satan," my boot thrust towards his face, and he let go.

The roof began collapsing, to which I swiftly got up and ran towards the exit. Ollie was still lying unconscious as I picked him up and continued running. It felt relieving to breathe in the cool atmosphere of the night.

Oddly enough, there weren't many people in the area. I imagined them fleeing the area, but it was just us. Perhaps they've already run further, and the victims delayed us in the mansion.

As I was running, I felt the earth shake. My mind panicked, knowing it was the signal that the mansion was going to explode, creating a tremendous impact that'll wipe out anything within two miles.

I pulled by a sturdy tree, lay Ollie down, and used my body as a shield.

It felt like a Syfy movie when the mansion blasted, creating a massive fire as if a rocket had launched. I used all my strength to withstand the impact, which destroyed everything nearby. My back felt the pain from many objects crashing and flying past.

"I got you," I whispered, aware that Ollie couldn't hear me.

When the impact simmered down, and it was safe, I crashed to the ground, feeling a wave of relief that the mission was accomplished. There were a few minor—no, major—hiccups, but we've accomplished it.

I took in multiple deep breaths as I viewed the star-filled skies. The smokes conjuring from the fallen mansion had blocked the moon.

"Sorry it had to be this way, gramps," I exhale slowly. "But hey, at least now you can rest in peace, knowing your invention will never be in the wrong hands. Well, excluding mine."

My head pans over to Ollie, who lying by a tree, completely unaware we've made it out of the house or that he's alive. I dragged my body up and scooted closer to get a better view of him. Like me, he got some burned injuries, especially around his chest and legs, given that he wasn't wearing much.

I caressed his face with my thumb, feeling oddly happy that he was okay. His heart's beating normally, and all he had to do was wake up. And by the time he does, he'll forget about me.

I reached into my pocket and pulled out an unopened casing of the Nonexistent. I inspected it and confirmed that it survived the fire. This may be the only Nonexistent on earth, and no one will use it but me.

I close it in my hand and glance towards Ollie. My heart ached as my chin quivered.

"Thank you... for having faith in me, Ollie," my voice trembled with my eyes blurred. "But I've caused you enough pain. You and everyone else."

I raised my chin.

"Gramps, I'll see you soon. I hope."

Soon the sirens of police, ambulance, and firetruck echoed in the atmosphere.

It's about time.

However, that wasn't the only thing I heard. Something is vibrating from Ollie's jacket. I followed the rhythm and found his phone in his pocket. It didn't occur to me he had kept his phone in my jacket pocket, but luckily for him, it was safe, and he didn't need to buy another new phone.

Emily, his little sister, is calling him.

I swipe to answer.

"Ollie?" This was the first time I heard her voice, and she sounded precious, as though she was too precious for this world.

"No, this is Ollie's friend," I responded.

"Oh, where's Ollie? Mom's looking for him," she had a concerned tone.

"Tell your mom—"

"Hello, hello?" Another female voice came to the call.

"Hi, is this Oliver's mother?"

"Yes, this is she," she confirmed.

"I have some good news and bad news," I warned. "The bad news, Ollie was involved in a fire accident to which he's gained many injuries."

"What?!"

"Is Ollie okay?" Emily was soft.

"But the good news is, he's alright," I assured. "If it's not too much trouble, could you guys get over here? He needs his family now more than ever."

"Yes, we'll be right over. Where is he?"

"He's at the Lavender Cliff neighborhood, the last mansion towards the Northside," I said. "You can't miss it because the house is on fire, so you'll be able to see it no matter how far you guys are."

"We're on our way now, thank you very much! Can I know who this is?"

"A friend of Ollie's, the name's Daniel."

"Thank you so much for this alert, Daniel. Stay with Ollie. We'll help both of you. I'm sure you are exhausted yourself."

Suddenly it felt like his parents were making an irrational move based on their feelings, and helping me was one of them. I couldn't help but smile even wider, knowing they were unaware that their son's kidnapper was the person they were talking to. My eyes glanced down at Ollie lying by the tree and listening to his mom's voice on the phone.

"One last thing, Mrs. Odin," I got her attention. "Take care of Ollie and treat him equally as you guys treat Emily. He's always felt invisible at home, and every day he misses you guys. The old version of his parents. He's a good person, and I hope you'll accept these two cents from his friend. It's been nice speaking to you, Mrs. Odin. Thank you."

I kept the phone and glanced down at Ollie once again.

"You heard that, Ollie? I said it for you."

I didn't realize I was sobbing the entire time I was on the call with his mother until I kept the phone.

I pressed my lips gently against his for one last time, feeling his slightly chapped lips one last time and the salt from my eyes to our lips.

I pulled back. "I hope you can hear me," my thumb caressed his bottom lip. "Take care of yourself. Always put yourself first before anyone."

The flashing lights alerted me that the place would get crowded anytime now.

I held him one last time and got to my feet, pulling out the emergency whistle hanging by his jacket and blowing it loud and long enough for the people to notice.

"Who's there?" A cop used his flashlight and held his gun.

As he got closer, I fled, successfully ditching the scene.

"Goodbye, Ollie."