Oliver.
~
Back in the day, we were different.
My first memory was not even from my own house but the Martell mansion. My mother spent all her free time with my aunt Seline after my father left us.
Safe to say, without their family embracing us, we might've ended up living a very different life.
I noticed someone there after a few visits.
That shy little kid my aunt had, he was always bullied by his older brother .. that was Asin.
I still remember.. I felt sorry one day and started playing. He shared his awesome toys, and we were off to the races.
We shared our joys, dreams, and fears since we were 4 years old.
Spent the next years discovering and testing the world around us like every child.
At 12, Asin was sent abroad without him having a say in it.
His grandfather wasn't the loveable smiling guy he was today. His parents the overprotective walking tropes they are now.
Then he got sick. Very sick .. It changed everything, but mostly his family. I saw it all.
I wasn't alone either.
Back then, I was with a girl named Desiree Morrell.
We got together in school when Asin was away. She was first girlfriend, first hand holding, first kiss, she was my partner in crime .. someone I started to leaned on since I lost my best friend.
We didn't end up together by accident. Her friend helped every step of the way .. a bubbly and popular girl in school who seemed unattainable for any mortal child.
That girl of later turned into Asin's future first.
Anna Lambert.
I introduced them during one of his visit.
They fell in love, fast and with such passion that even though he only came back during holidays it kept on growing.
Spent everyday talking on the phone.
Every second together when they had the chance.
Then she suddenly broke his heart and even his mind a little. His love left him on his supposed death bed and moved away out of the country.
In a way, that single event was responsible for who he was today. The Asin before that day .. couldn't have become the Asin he was today.
Me and Desiree stayed together despite the odds, she turned her back on Anna and cut all contact .. after I told her to do it.
In a way she felt responsible for what happened to our friend for a long time. The way she cared .. the peace her presence gave me.
I wanted to marry her.
She was going to be a dancer and me? .. well, I had nothing.
Well .. maybe not nothing.
After his recovery, I stuck close to my friend, and she understood .. he went crazy, disappeared, we found him. Introduced me to Old Ivan and I became involved quickly.
Asin's money and status allowed us to actually help and feel useful despite being just 15 years old.
In the following 11 months, we transformed, Asin's change was much more noticeable, became fearless and outspoken, and gained the confidence that allowed him to become the clear choice for next leader of the 9th ward.
Me? .. my change was more subtle but permanent, and it ruined my relationship with Desiree. She didn't like our change.. not one bit.
It was slow.. our loved died over months, and months of struggling .. struggling to grasp at anything we can hold on to.
Eventually, it came down to a choice .. a life we had with her or my new life with Asin.
I chose without a second thought and never looked back. She couldn't accept me ..
What we had was already in the grave .. my brother and I were forever.
Never the less .. we both forgot about them a long time ago. Those wounds healed already.
Dead and buried.
.. so when the bartender guy slipped a note under my coffee, I thought he was giving me his number.
* You look happy .. Meet me inside the first office on the right at the lobby, or that will end. D.M. *
My first thought was .. it can't be her. Then I looked for the guy giving us these unwanted coffees .. but he was nowhere to be found.
I quickly excused myself without showing any of my my fears, and after out of their sight, I ran ..
Felt like a trapped animal in the elevator. My mind ran a mile a minute. Trying to pretend this gut feeling was nothing more than illusion.
Lobby .. entrance.. first office.
I opened without thinking..
" You ..
——
Marie.
~
Work was fun.
After the initial inner fears settled, we had a meeting where we discussed our upcoming line of products.
Henny worked with a guy called Rivel, who was the marketing director.
Lilly joined the makeup specialists and got to work with models. Mental note ..
Let's never have my husband over on shootings. I wasn't insecure either .. but they were face models.. FACE models.
Better to be safe then sorry.
Ayshe and I spent the rest of the day approving good ideas.. and viciously scrutinies the bad ones.
After we finished lunch the boys left and promised a nice surprise for tomorrow night.
I felt that giddy excitement you feel when starting something new and interesting and it stayed with me throughout the day.
Finished more fatigued than I ever felt but with a rare sense of accomplishment only music gave me before.
" I think this can work .. our models here are beautiful but have that everyday girl quality about them. What do you think? "
Lilly never finished.. Brought tomorrow's work home, and now she did her best to involve me as well.
But I had a fix.
" Ayshe .. make an appointment for her tomorrow afternoon. "
" Coffee? " She asked while typing.
" No .. a standing date is fine. 10 minutes tops."
Lilly puffed out her cheek and put the pictures back in the folders and into her purse.
Asin texted me, they be back home by dinner.
" I tell you this I loved the people. They are all so energetic and creative. " Ayshe praised them.
She really got along with two girls who were assistants themselves .. I can't recall their names since I heard over 40 of them today.
We arrived home, and I felt strange crossing its threshold, I guess I felt an imposter in more than one way.
But now I joined the family business, and the sense of accomplishment was glorious.
Mother Seline and sister Zerile were waiting and opened some champagne toasting on my first day.
Even Asin's male relatives arrived in time for a glass.
" Where is Asin? Is he pouting about my decision? "
His grandfather didn't wait long before he noticed his absence.
" No grandfather, not that I know of, he is on his way. Oliver is with him. " I answered.
" I thought his idea was good even if he came out of left field. Why his sudden interest in chemistry? " Yary asked the room.
" Who knows with him? .. he just called me out of the blue. He talked with such passion, and I just agreed. " his father answered.
" Was this necessary, father? Denying the child? "
His Aunt Derya spoke up for him.
" I can't say yes to his first random idea.. let the boy breathe and find his real passion not some random thought .. I may have been hasty trying to force him into the business. "
" How much does he need? " Aunt Derya asked.
" Forget about it, I won't let you interfere, my daughter in law. " Grandfather Erwing warned her.
The conversation quickly deteriorated from my celebration to worrying about my husband's feelings.
Whats funny is that no matter how I denied their worrying, the worst it became.
See my love? He isn't mean .. you really are a lucky man, and I haven't even counted myself.
~
They arrived a little late but texted us beforehand so they found us at the table.
" Sorry we're late. " Oliver apologised.
Asin came over to kiss his mother and me .. in that oder. Me 2nd? ..
" Your grandfather told me about the fundraising, don't worry sweetheart I will take care of it in a week or two but you must attend. " She warned.
" I will mother .. no speeches, and I will. " He sat down.
" It's horrible what those people have to live through. We already set up donations for charities for the victims. I hope they are okay. " Sister Zerile said.
" How was the rest of your day, my love? " Asin asked me.
" I surprised you find time for me today. Busy as a little bee yourself. "
He looked confused, but we couldn't discuss it here.
Why I'm the last to know about his plans? Planning fundraisers, buying chemistry labs, Ayshe still thought it was him and Oliver who vandalised that rock formation called
The Hand.
It's getting to me.
After dinner, I took him into our room for interrogation before the others came up with some group activities.
" Why the chemistry labs? Why ask for a fundraising when you can just give it to them? Are you a secret vandal as well? ..
" Whoa.. here I'm thinking she dragged me here for some hot make-out session, and here we are! "
He sat down the bed, starting dodging immediately.
" I know you heard me.."
" Remember that voice for later .. It's kind of a turn-on. "
I walked towards with the intention to hurt him, but he quickly turned it on me. Ended up under him.
" Let me go .. "
" Make me.. "
Damn him and those lips.
——
Ayshe.
~
" You sure you okay? You been a little quiet. "
" Lot on my mind .. still. " Oliver smiled apologetically.
I guess he needs a few weeks to get back to himself. It's normal after a night like that.
We were on the staircase towards Marie's room, but Oliver stopped me before the last few steps.
" Do you hear this? " He whispered.
I closed my eyes since you hear better that way ..
( .. Ahh .. Hmm . . )
I turned around and quietly left.
She was moaning!!
" Oh my God, oh my God .."
I didn't stop until the cool air outside hit my face.
I heard Oliver's laughter closing in.
" Oh, come here .. "
I turned around and walked into his open arms.
" Don't worry .. " He played with my hair. " My boy knows what his doing..
" Oliver! .. I can't get those noises out of my head! "
His laughter rang out again as I slowly accepted what had happened.
It's none of my business. In fact .. Good for them.
I noticed Oliver's gazing upwards at the moon.
His expression still carried some pain from what happened. But I noticed something else as well. Fear.
All that disappeared as he looked at me.
" Have I ever told you I love you? " He asked with a charming smile.
" Yes .. but it's always nice to hear. "
He embraced me, and I joined him in moon gazing.
My mind slowly calmed down, and when a text called us back into their room, I entered without shame.
Marie was cheking herself in the mirror wearing a comfortable tracksuit while humming some pleasant tune, and Asin was out the balcony on the phone.
" Ayshe? What's wrong? " She asked, seeing me on the reflection.
I walked up and gave her a sisterly hug, hoping she could feel how happy I was for them.
" Okay .. alright. Umm .. did something happen? "
She got out of my hug to touch my stomach with a big smile.
" Don't tell me ..
" No! Don't be silly. " I swatted her hand away.
Oliver turned red and decided to join Asin to get some fresh air.
Marie was noticeably suspicious and led out the west balcony facing the ocean.
" Okay. What is going on? You and Oliver act weird. " She put her hands up. " You not pregnant, and if there was an emergency, I would know.. spit it out. "
" Sister .. you and Asin ..
" Me .. and .. okay. More please.."
I was annoyed now. She played the idiot with me after something this big?
" Marie, stop this silly game! "
" You stop it first! "
~
I felt embarrassed when she told me what really happened and how I just let my mind run a mock and paint a picture.
She was red as a brick when I told her she should limit the sex noises when they make out, but she also reminded me that phones exist for a reason.
" So you.. just make the same noises as if ..
" Ayshe! "
" Alright.. my bad sister. " I backed off.
She nodded but went inside, huffing a little.
Anyone.. and I mean anyone,would've made the same mistake.
Inside, she found comfort in her husband's arms.
" Oliver! .. control your women. " He grinned at us.
Marie peaked back and gave an evil wink.
Asin turned to Oliver.
" You told her yet? "
" Didn't wanna spoil.. your.. no, I didn't. " He ended awkwardly.
" What? Tell her what? " Marie looked up.
Oliver told us.
" As you might know, Old Ivan is moving back to Adans in the 9th. Happens tomorrow during the day and we will join them in the afternoon for a little celebration. "
Marie was super into it.
" Good .. I can take another crack at dear Aunt Krista. " She smiled deranged.
She took her opinion hard but looked ready for the second round.
I walked over to Oliver.
" What a celebration entails over there? "
" That place is been devastated again and again over the decades, so for parties such as this, they have a name .. Ecdysis. The night of rebirth. "
I was unfamiliar. So he explained.
" It's when .. a snake sheds their skin. Same snake, different skin. "
There was something very fitting in that.
" What about the others? " I asked, meaning Henny and Lilly.
Marie narrowed her eyes and bore it into Asin's, who kept avoiding it but gave up after she bit his neck.
" Damn it.. Like being married to a gopher.. fine. Tell'em .. Henny won't be getting her phone back anyway. Explain what's needed and no more. "
He warned her.
Marie nodded furiously and jumped on his lips.
That was pretty big.
I saw the surprise on Oliver's face so it wasn't planned. Henny and Lilly are about to become permanent parts of our lives .. whether they wanted or not.
After all, hearing such a secret meant keeping it till the grave.
——
Oliver.
~
Yesterday was a blur.
I fished out my old sedatives at home and took one before going to bed.
The room suffocated me. The walls felt like closing in on me .. both literally and figuratively.
The conversation replaying in my head.
... ...
" You are a great liar, a true deceiver and it took years to uncover them .. you owe me and her. What would Asin say if he knew? Talk to his worst enemies and tell them if you want, won't change anything. "
" I owe you? I owe Her!!? We been paying her and her cockroach of a family since ..
" Hush, my love.. we only just began. Break is soon over, and I ran out of time. Wait for my next message.. "
" Desiree .. Why did you two come back huh? Why now? "
She turned around from the door.
" Anna want .. the one thing she always wanted. "
I closed my eyes.
" .. and you? Revenge on me? "
I caught her smile before the door closed.
" I be in touch. "
... ...
What now?
Come clean? No .. that's something that can never happen.
Talk to the architects of this misfortune?
No .. that can't happen! Everything would end in flames.
I can't talk to anyone about this .. every road will lead to a disaster, irreversible.
They know this .. Anna talked. Or someone in her family? Which one!?
I got up and walked to the window overlooking the shopping district and behind it the entire city. So bright it fooled people into believe .. like moth to a flame.
All this.. still needs to taken.
We built too much, done enough to reach our goals .. we both found love again.
Things were finally coming together.
I must wait to hear more .. understand more .. and pray .. but if everything else fails.
I let Asin family kill them all ..
And I will help.
——
Asin.
~
I was in strange mood.
After the meeting we had with the crew and telling everyone who and why we been betrayed.. seeing the same anger and sadness in their beings that I felt provided unexpected balm to my soul.
Oliver was slowly getting worse before he got better.
He hid it well but as the day progressed I noticed certain tick he had .. like the unconscious playing with his left eyebrow, it happened only when he was truly burdened and been thinking hard.
I let him be.
Felt like he needed to come to terms with it just I needed..like we all had to.
The next meeting was in a week where we discussed the upcoming race.
But for now ..
" .. you'd sure had enough. "
" Thanks Auntie. " I sat back.
It was late afternoon and I came to check on the moving and the overall state of the Adans.
Also needed to tell the old man we found our little spy.
Old Ivan was directed some people around the large circle in the middle of the square. They done a great job, most of the houses burned were standing again, better than before.
Furniture, electronics, clothes and daily necessities were being delivered by our guys all week and it showed.
The trash and debris was cleared up, the woman were out preparing for tonight by making tons and tons of food.
Drinks will be delivered by us, since they cost a fortune and I didn't want my people to spend the little they saved on stuff like that.
They home brewed certain beverages but they cost nothing since all the ingredients were growing around us.
" You look troubled. " my aunt observed.
" It's been busy these weeks .. found our first rat. "
She nodded solemnly but asked nothing.
What a woman my aunt was.
Had pride and regal air around her. Most people couldn't stand to look into those eyes.
Reminded me of my own mother. Even though they came from very different worlds and lived very different lives.. they were similar in the way they carried themselves.
Old Ivan walked towards us and my Aunt turned to me.
" Let you two talk my dear boy, but chin up .. remember who you are. " She smiled.
I always felt better talking, spending time with her, kissed her blessed hand and she walked inside the new and improved home.
The old man sure looked .. old.
It shocking when you notice such things. It's only been 4 years .. I was supposed to make his life easier, yet I felt I done the opposite.
" Look at you .. look like you about to cry. "
I wiped my eyes quickly as he sat down the chair left by his wife.
" I'm allergic to pastries .. the filling maybe. "
I don't know why I kept saying things like that .. but he knew me enough.
" With so many allergies over the year its a miracle you alive. Is it about Maya? "
" No .. partly. Old man I found the rat. He sleeping now deep inside Tamaran forest. "
The anger flahed in his eyes but only for a second. No point staying angry at the dead.
He nodded once and poured some tea.
" I remembered my first.. I was older than you. Less experienced, it wasn't a betrayal, just a step into our world. Did the nightmares came yet? "
I took the tea and nodded.
" Hmm .. take you medications son, its time. "
He looked at the sky and somehow knew.
I took them out of my pocket and crushed them inside my mouth.. couldn't swallow them for years for some reason.
I let the familiar bitterness spread and slowly washed it done with my tea.
" I never wanted this .. if only Hassan lived today, you could have another big brother and not be burdened with my legacy. "
He rarely talked about his son, and aunt Krista never did.
He died before I meet him. Saw pictures, he looked like him in many ways. People say I did as well.
I reached out and tapped his hand.
" I'm content. Me ending up here after I got lost years ago wasn't a random event .. it was destiny. I'm lucky you found me. "
" Kid.. we were the lucky ones that day. " He smiled. " .. Once your sister comes home ill be ready to run no more. "
" Don't talk nonsense now .. you be running long into my children's life, you'll see. "
" God willing. " he smiled.
For a while we just watched the people work and occasional stop to chat about tonight.
Aunt Krista came out.
" Will your wife grace us tonight? " She asked nonchalant.
We exchanged a look with the old man.
" She looking forward to it .. she likes you. "
" Pfft .. "
She walked back amused and in disbelief. They will warm up to each other over time.
" Tonight is well deserved. I hope we can have some peace. "
" Don't worry Old man .. we have an army to watch us tonight and scouts everywhere within 5 miles.. no surprises. " I assured him.
He nodded and relaxed enjoying his peace.
I would kill for him to keep that peace ..