Oasis Path©(English Version)BOOK 1 OASIS SAGA

Part 14.

We sat, and the train set in motion. My mother continued chatting with Hilarie, but I didn’t want to hear about her wonderful relationship with Alex and how exciting and fun her life was. I rested my head on one of my mother’s shoulders and, fortunately, drifted off to sleep. The gentle rocking of the train enveloped me, offering a brief respite from the complicated thoughts swirling in my mind.

By the time I woke up, my mother indicated that it was time to say goodbye as we approached the Oldtown station.

“Hilarie, sorry I haven’t chatted much with you. I haven’t been feeling well,” I said, expressing my apologies.

“You don’t have to worry, Amelie,” she responded kindly. “Get well soon, okay? I’ll be calling home to check on how you’re doing.”

“Hilarie dear, have a safe trip,” my mother said affectionately. “You know you have a home here in Oldtown. Visit us whenever you want.”

Hilarie warmly embraced my mother, then me, and we disembarked from the train as she continued on her way. The platform of the Oldtown station greeted us with its characteristic bustle, but I felt distant, my mind still entangled in the mysterious events of the past few days.

My father awaited us patiently at the station and, with a warm smile, guided us to the car. The fresh air of Oldtown surrounded us, and the journey home unfolded amidst light conversations and the gentle hum of the city.

Finally, we arrived home. Upon entering, I felt the comforting scent of familiarity. My legs seemed weaker than usual, and nausea intensified, but I didn’t want to worry my mother. I headed straight to my room, craving the refuge of privacy.

Once inside, I closed the door carefully. I discarded my tight dress, loosening the lock slightly to allow the air to flow more freely. I laid on the bed, trying to clear my mind of the complicated emotions haunting me, but the figure of Alex Evans persisted, like a presence unwilling to leave my thoughts.

The shadows danced in the room, and the soft light from the bedside lamp created a subdued and comforting atmosphere. However, my mind remained a whirlwind of confusing sensations. I buried my head in the pillow, hoping that rest would bring relief, but the persistence of recent events clung to me, preventing me from finding the peace I so desperately craved.

It wasn’t long before I heard the phone ringing in the quietness of the house.

“Amelie, dear,” my mother called out, “Mr. Evans wants to speak to you.”

I couldn’t believe it. Hurriedly, I descended the stairs, my breath quickening. I tried to compose myself so that my mother wouldn’t notice, and as soon as I was alone, I answered the call.

“Hello.”

“Hello, Amelie. How are you feeling?” Evans asked. Hearing his voice filled me with joy, and despite my discomfort, I found myself smiling — “Jane Hudson and your classmate Lisa told me what happened. I’m very worried about you.”

“Please, don’t be,” I whispered. “I’m fine, I just need to undergo some tests.”

“Is there something else bothering you? I sense sadness in your voice.”

More than sadness, it was bewilderment. At that moment, I looked at my bracelet and saw that it was losing its colors.

I couldn’t lie to him.

“Right now, I just noticed that my bracelet is losing its colors,” I replied. “It’s as if it’s getting sick too, and that makes me sad.”

“I remember that bracelet,” Evans said. “You shouldn’t dwell on it. Right now, your health is the most important thing, don’t you think?”

“Yes, sir,” I answered. Then, remembering that he had also been unwell, I asked, “And are you still getting better? Remember your promise.”

“I’m well now, Amelie. Thank you for caring.”

“Do you know?” I asked, trying to change the subject, “On the train, my mother and I ran into Hilarie. Didn’t my mother tell you?”

“Yes, she’s heading back to Conford for the wedding invitations and other details.”

I had forgotten that Mr. Evans was getting married very soon, and the fact that he indirectly reminded me hurt a lot.

“Amelie, are you there?” he asked.

“Oh... yes! Please continue.”

“Would you allow me to visit you?” he asked. “I told your mother I have some errands in Oldtown and would like to take the opportunity to bring you some notes so you won’t fall behind.”

“Thank you very much for your kindness,” I said politely, and trying to find out when he would come, I asked, “When will your visit be?”

“Two days from now.”

“Perfect.”

“Do you know something?” Alex Evans said softly. “Now that I hear your voice, I feel better, calmer. I really worried when they told me what happened.”

“See you then, sir,” I said, trying to evade his last words. “Thank you for your call.”

We said our goodbyes with a “see you soon,” I hung up the phone, and closed my eyes. The image of Alex Evans’s face, forming a faint smile, appeared in my mind. I stayed there, lost in that thought, feeling a strange mix of emotions enveloping me like a gentle embrace. The initial worry faded, and for a moment, I allowed myself to savor the warm feeling that his smile had left in my memory.

At that moment, my mother called me for dinner. She prepared a delicious vegetable and chicken soup, something I had been accustomed to eating since I was a child when I was sick.

I found the soup delicious. Every sip reminded me of my mother’s attention and care. Once I finished, I decided to go up to my room, but my mind couldn’t help but wander towards Alex Evans’s call and his upcoming visit.

I can’t help but think about every word shared during that call, about the concern reflected in his tone. These will be the two longest days of my life, filled with anticipation and anxiety for the impending encounter.