Esterville (Book 1)

Chapter 23: An Eavesdropper

After leaving the cafe, Amelia and Oliver took the bus home, so they can digest their coffee. In the meantime, Oliver called his mother on his iPhone, asking her about Allison, or her father's whereabouts.

However, Caitlin didn't have any clue where they were.

"Maybe they're at Allison's house," she suggested.

"Really?" exclaimed Oliver. "Are you sure they're at her place?"

A long silence flew inside his ears.

"I'll call and see if they're available-"

Oliver shakes his head. "No, don't call them!"

"What?" her voice sounded deeply concerned.

"You sound like you're about to have a heart attack. What's going on?"

"Nothing, Mom." Oliver lied. "I have to go, I love you."

"I love you, too."

After hanging up the phone, the boy gazes at the glass window behind him. He could see glimpses of people, walking in and out of stores.

Black dirt smeared across the white pavement, as moving feet shuffled around moving obstacles: stroller wheels, litter, and other feet.

Oliver would often see an optimistic family, or a young man, lifting his six-or-seven-year-old son from the ground. He could think of many activities what they could be doing: play sports, go for ice cream, or read bedtime stories.

He tried to make out what they were saying, but all he could hear is the engine, roaring inside the bus.

The vehicle is at least five feet tall, with a white coating, six, black wheels, and a bored, overweight driver steering it.

Inside the bus, are twenty-four leather blue seats, occupied by twelve passengers. While six sat in front of the heroes, the other six mingled in the back.

Dirty pieces of bubblegum, stickers, and wrapper littered the floor, but Oliver didn't mind.

"Olly," said Amelia, looking at him. "you alright?"

Turning away from the glass, Oliver gives the vampire an unsure look.

"Yes, why?" he said.

"You seem lost," she noted.

Oliver sighed. "I'm just tired, that's all."

Amelia slipped her right hand into his.

Though her fingers are freezing, Oliver clenched them tightly and smiled at her.

"We'll find them, Olly," she vowed.

"in the meantime, we need to get home. Your mother must be worried about you."

But Oliver shook his head. "My mom is still at work."

"Did that stop her last time?"

Amelia was referring to the time Allison was possessed.

"If that happens again, I will save Allison."

"What do you mean by that?" asked a stern voice.

They glimpsed to see Officer Lawson sitting right next to Oliver.

Although he isn't wearing his uniform, Oliver recognized his face: he has dark brown skin, brown eyes, and a plump, wrinkled face.

His clothing consisted of a white plaid t-shirt, khaki pants, and black shoes. Unbeknownst to Lawson, Oliver could see the thick puddle of sweat appearing underneath his armpits.