Owen

Flowers and Yellow Windows

"But daddy! I don't want to stay here alone! I wanna see Owen!"

Winston sighed is exhaustion. His daughter's been wailing since last night when he said, for a hundred times since her disappearing act, that she's grounded for a week.

"Thalia, you're not allowed to go out of this room until I say so. Mommy will be here the whole day with you. I'll just submit some reports then drive back here." In a low voice, he whispered, "I can't honestly trust that woman to care for you."

Thalia knew its a lost cause and once her father decided on something, it takes a troop and a handful of research papers to make him alter.

Ruffling her hair in a failed attempt to make her feel better, he bid her farewell.

"I'll bring back some donuts for you, alright? You can even ask mommy to cook something nice for you."

He kissed her forehead before leaving the little girl's room. Thalia sniffed, tears continuously rolled down her cheeks. She doesn't want Owen to feel sad. He's probably waiting for her now, alone.

Will he get mad? Is he crying?

The thought of Owen sad made her cry even more. The door cracked open and her mother's face came into view. Its pretty much obvious that she's heading somewhere again.

"Errr... Baby, mommy's gonna head out-"

"Am I allow to play outside?"

Carmen, although she doesn't express it as much as it should be, cares for Thalia and her safety is her priority... Unmm... At least that's what she's trying to say to herself.

"No, Thalia. I'm afraid you have to stay here. But don't worry, I'll leave your room unlock and you can watch TV until I get back. Mommy need... Eggs?"

Rushing to give her daughter a kiss, she went out just as fast.

Thalia sat on her bed. Her knees kept under her chin as she sob quietly. It pains her to imagine how long Owen's been hopeful to see her. He must've been so scared and sad right now.

She flinched away when she heard a noise coming from the outside. It sort of looks like someone's been throwing pebbles on her window.

Who could that be?

She wondered.

Rubbing her eyes dry, she walked towards the window, tiptoeing.

"Owen?"

No, that couldn't be possible! But of course, if we just move a few chapters back, we'll remember how Thalia pointed to Owen her house.

Her smile broaden as the boy waved at her sheepishly. Thalia didn't hesitate to throw open the window.

"Owen! You came! I'm so happy to see you!"

She shouted. The boy smiled, rooted in his place.

"I found you, Thalia."

Lucky for the children, Carmen did left her room door open, that means she can possibly unlock the kitchen door too.

"Wait for me there, alright?! I'll be down in a minute."

Owen smiled at her excitement. He never knew someone would be so happy to see him and he wanted to return the favour.

"Alright, be careful with your steps"

"I will!"

Of course, she did not. Thalia almost tumbled while running down the stairs, too excited to play with Owen. She grabbed the cookie jar from the kitchen counter before dashing out of the door.

"Owen!"

His arms wide open to welcome her little body to his. The kids laid down the grass as they point out the "weird-looking" clouds while Thalia would tell Owen about what happened after she got home.

"Daddy scolded me and I was not allowed to go out and play that's why I'm cooped up in my room."

Owen hummed in return. They nibble on the cookie while stretched out on the front lawn of the house.

"Thalia? What in the world are you doing out young lady?!"

The two sat up in shock. There he is. Winston, her father.

"I-I..."

"You are still grounded, aren't you? That means you are not allowed to go out! And who is this boy? Where's you're mother?"

With too much question, Thalia's mind went blank but she sure is shaken by her father's voice, she is not used with her father being this angry.

"You are scaring, Thalia"

Owen spoke up. Winston was about to snap to the young man. Apparently, he's not happy with a stange adolescent playing with his child but he was spooked when he focused on his feature.

"Idris?"

He whispered.

"W-what are you doing h-here? I-I-"

"Winston?"

Thank heavens! Carmen was just in time to distract Winston's swirling thoughts.

"Carmen? Where were you?! I told you to stay with Thalia, didn't I?"

"I-I just went to the supermarket... I was gone for like, a minute... Right, sweetie?"

Its hard. At her age, Thalia knows what lies are and she's pretty sure she didn't want to lie to her father, especially now but she also didn't want them to fight.

"Whatever. Idris, Thalia, get inside the car."

Thalia wrapped her hands around Owen's as she led him to the vehicle whilst the older couple argued silently.

"Why's my dad calling you Idris, Owen? I thought you are nameless?"

Owen smiled. If I were in Thalia's place, sitting beside Owen inside the car, I would've run away. His smile sent shivers down her spine. There's nothing happy about it. It looks like he's relieving a cruel memory but somehow, he's enjoying it.

"I think I have two now."

"Is that possible? So you're Owen Idris?"

"I am Owen... and Idris, I guess."

Winston got in the car, sighing. He looked up at the mirror to check on the kids.

"Thalia, I hope it won't happen again, alright. Ummm... Idris, I don't know how or whatever you are doing but I want you to know that its important to let Thalia's parents inform if you'll pay a visit."

Owen nodded.

"Let us drive you home. Your mom must've been so worried."

He tsked. Still, Winston's confused and unnerved. He thought Idris' dead. Also, he looks the same as he was in the photo but his mother... She aged? Or maybe she's lying about it and that she really is his grandmother or something. After all, she doesn't look mentally stable too.

"Here we are."

Winston walked to the door. On the fourth knock, the old woman opens it.

"What do you need again?"

Winston smiled.

"I brought Idris home."
_______________________________