Kristal||ONC 2020|| {Complete}

Chapter 2: A Silver Lightning?

The fresh scent of coffee beans spread through the walls of the café as Harold sat by the window comfortably, enjoying the morning view. The clock at the opposite side had been ticking so loudly, demanding attention while proudly showing off the hour hand pointing at six while the minute hand reached three. He studied the florist at the opposite side of the café busy arranging fresh flowers to be sold. When he heard his name being called, Harold stood up to grab the coffee, thanking the barista and grabbed a packet of nuts on his way out.

He sipped onto the coffee, letting the cold breeze air to sweep past his face. Usually, he would have opted a mask, but after realizing the trouble of keeping it sanitized in the office, he decided to go with his bare face. The scar shone proudly on his skin like battle scars. Straightening the blue collared button-up shirt he wore, Harold realized that he had forgotten something. His dark blue coat. Cursing at his carelessness, he turned back, ready to claim his lost coat.

"Looking for this?" Tiberius asked, holding up the dark blue coat and sniffed the scent. "You sprayed perfume all over it. Did you not wash it last night?"

Harold smirked at his words, pretending to hold onto his heart and a painful sound escaped his lips.

"That hurts, Tiby," grinned Harold, claiming his jacket in one swift movement before walking side by side with his old friend. "You must forgive me for the strong scent. Apparently someone decided to hog the washing machine I bought. They think I was running a charity. Well, a charity for the orphans would be much more worth it."

"Ah, that explains that the two evil twins are back in town," teased Tiberius as they both made a left turn towards their office. "Don't bother about those. Now, I have something important to talk to you about. You really need to do this. I am begging you head to toe."

"The mighty Tiby begging," said Harold, turning to look at his friend. "Come on, this is unlike you. What is this about?"

Harold stopped his tracks when Tiberius produced a piece of pamphlet from his briefcase. The orange paper danced under the newly lit skies, reminding him of the walls in his sanctuary. His lips turned into a frown and walked ahead, ignoring Tiberius.

Harold quickened his pace as old memories began to recall in his mind.

The beat, the music and the dance shoes he used to own. The times when he stepped up to receive a prize had always been the best moments. Each time he won, he felt like he owned the world yet everything was robbed from him.

"Harl! Harl!" Tiberius called out strongly, seizing onto his best friend's arm tightly. "Harl, please. Ten years. You hid away for ten years. It's time for you to be out there. This is a new chance for you. Please. I know you told me you will quit for the rest of your lives, but think about it. That scar you earned, it's not something that pulls you down. It's a reminder that people appreciate you for your talents, your movements, not your looks. Harl, please. I want to see you smile again."

Harold chuckled at his words, forcing a wide and evil smile on his lips.

"There, I smiled. Happy?" Harold asked, heading into the office, punching his card and added. "I am not putting my feet in that kind of place again. I don't fit there anymore."

"What?!" Tiberius punched his card at the system, chasing after Harold. "Come on. I have seen you on the streets once a week. You can't lie to me. That's you. Come on, Harl. You know how badly you want to breathe with it again. I know you will make it through. Take this."

Tiberius pushed the paper into Harold's empty palm, tightening his grip onto his fist.

"You are doing it this time. I am not going to watch you suffer with me here," said Tiberius seriously as they walked up the stairs. "Come on, I will be there with you."