Can you Feel my heart?

Memorial {Oliver}

"Oliver dear. Wake up."

My mum was standing next to my bed, her dark hair piled messily atop her head. She had her glasses perched on her nose and the aroma of her tea surrounded me. I didn't have to look to know that she was drinking from her favorite reindeer cup. She was wearing a red flannel pajama set and fuzzy cat slippers. I rubbed my eyes and offered her a quaint smile.

"Merry Christmas mum."

"Come down stairs when you're ready."

She gave my hand a small squeeze. When she left, I swung my legs over the bed. My hips were sore, my lower back panging with a sweet ache. I pulled a hoodie over my head. I grabbed for sweats and pulled them on quickly. As I made my way down stairs, I could hear the fire crackling, smell the French toast cooking. My father sat in the kitchen; loving eyes at my mother. It was warming to see the two of them in this light. My mum sat a plate of breakfast in front of me, warm syrup dripping off of fat slices of Toast. We sat at the table laughing and conversing.

"This wonderful woman I met a few weeks ago offered to have us for dinner tonight. She said she met you Oli."

I looked at her.

"Was her name Kelli?"

My mum smiled.

"Yes that was her name."

I took a bite.

"That is Austin's aunt."

She gave me a sly smile.

"Then we'd better make good on our plans."

I couldn't fight the soft blush that crept up on my face. My father slid an envelope towards me.

"What's this?"

I asked, confused.

"We aren't sure. We were waiting for you to open it."

He said. I opened it, withdrawing the letterhead. I quickly scanned the letter.

"It's an offering for an intern position."

Their faces lit. My mum snatched the letter from my hands and read it.

"Well you have to take this!"

She handed the letter over to my father.

"Your mum is right son."

I took back the letter and folded it, my mind tumbling. I had never heard of this company. Why would they be pursing me? This thought captivated me.

"I'll give them a call and set up my interview."

I said, not quite trusting my words. I received beaming smiles. There was a knock on the door. I stood, going to the living room. When I pulled open the door there was no one there, just a red envelope sitting on the welcome mat. I picked it up, a smile coming to my lips. I looked over to the porch swing to find a neatly wrapped bouquet of poinsettias. I picked them up and came back into the house. I stowed the envelope in my hoodie pocket, holding the flowers to my mum. She took them graciously.

"They're so beautiful thank you!"

I gave her a kiss.

"I love you."

She smiled.

"I'm going to change and then we can head out yeah?"

She nodded. I hurried up the stairs and bolted into my room, slumping against the door. The note burned hot in my pocket. I quickly withdrew it.

"Whether you're naughty or nice,
Your lips taste like sugar and spice.
When I should be dreaming of sugarplums,
I think of the way that you suck on my thumb.
If there is one thing you should know,
It's that I want you tied up with this red silk bow.
Baby boy, you have been so bad,
And now I think it's time for you to be had.
~A.C "