Moths - Saltburn

Pewter & Pearls - 16

Oliver wasted no time telling me about his plans for his dinner party. It would be in a few weeks. Well, it started as that and then transitioned into a massive party with people inviting friends of friends. It didn't seem like his speed at all. Did I know him well enough to assume, though? We had chemistry, but that only goes so far.

He made me promise that I wouldn't touch a single drink during the party; I had no intention to. Since my problem was new to me, I probably underestimated the level of temptation. Then again, my situation was circumstantial, so as long as I didn't accidentally kill someone, I'd be okay-ish.

It was Monday evening after my weekend trip to my parents' house. We were sitting in the long gallery, my favourite room in the house. It was due to the maze; the view was amazing. I was lounging in a chair, fiddling with the miniature replica, moving the little beads.

"Pewter and pearls." He said, looking up from the book he was looking over. This time, it was something about Saltburn, the estate we sat in.

"What?" I questioned, stopping my movement.

"Those used to be two pewter beads and two pearls. I replaced them with Silver after I inherited Saltburn." He said. Adding in that silver allegedly gets rid of bad energy or something of the sort. It turns out we're both sceptical of that theory.

I'm not sure why he replaced them, but it seemed silly. I continued fidgeting with them but didn't let the silence settle.

"Ollie, can I ask you something?"

"Of course." He answered, placing the book beside him and giving me his undivided attention.

"Why did you do it?" I asked. The words came out faster than I intended, but I noticed a wave of guilt flood his eyes. His face went cold momentarily, and he seemed caught off guard. Did he finally feel bad about what happened? I had so many questions flowing through my mind all at once.

"Uhm, what? What are you talking about?" He spoke hesitantly.

Did I do something or say something to strike a nerve? How does he not remember?

I searched his eyes, looking for... I don't know what exactly. They were cold.

"Why'd you cover it up for me?" I tried to speak without emotion but failed miserably.

He sat thinking for a moment before saying anything.

"I can relate to feeling helpless, and I didn't want that for you. If I'm being honest, you remind me of someone, and I feel protective of you. I can't handle thinking of something bad happening to you, Evie." His answer was so confident and seemed sincere.

I let his answer sink in. "I feel protective of you" played over and over in my mind.

"I can never repay you for it." I wanted to say so much more.

"I'm not expecting you to." His eyes softened a little, and I felt reassured. "Why do you keep tormenting yourself?" he asked.

"Guilt. I have been feeling better, though. I guess I just needed reassurance." I shrugged.

He leaned forward in his seat and made sure he held my gaze. "I've noticed, and I'm proud of you. I'll always have your back, Evie. You are so special, and I wish you could see yourself like I do."

I felt a blush spread.

"Thank you. It was really all yours and Gemma's doing. If you don't mind me asking, who do I remind you of? They must be very important to you."

"She was. You and her have similar eyes. She was my best friend's sister. I lost contact with him after university. We just grew apart. The whole thing was tragic; she was drinking heavily and had an eating disorder. She couldn't go on and ended it." He answered and kept studying my eyes.