Chapter 6: A New Place To Call Home

After his stepbrother left, Oliver waited to see him get on his car to make sure that they won’t be meeting again. It would be bad if they encountered each other in front of the restaurant.

   

   

“Let’s go.”

   

   

Oliver said as he stand up. Ian tease him and said, “Wait, I am not yet finished.”

   

   

Not expecting that Oliver will wait for him, he was surprised when Oliver replied.

   

   

“Sure.”

   

   

His eyes widened in surprise, “You will really wait for me?”

   

   

“You seem to misunderstand something.” 

   

   

Herald stands up and drinks for the last time before leaving the restaurant. Ian saw it and realize something.

   

   

“Sure, whether you're finish or not, it is not my problem. Goodbye, we have to go.”

   

   

Ian smirk. ‘That is more like it. The Oliver I know will act that way.’

   

   

They left leaving Ian sitting alone even if he is already finished eating his food. After the two of them finally made their way downstairs, Ian can’t help but mumble to himself.

   

   

“He changes… maybe it is because of his eyes?” smiling to himself he looks at the chair in front of him.

   

   

“Somehow I feel like his eyes show more will to live. That is nice…”

   

   

He drinks another glass of wine and sighs. “Ah, That Herald…he got some godamn pretty voice too…” he chuckled.

   

   

“How lucky to meet them… “

   

   

***

   

   

While inside his car, he didn’t say anything to Herald. Quietly having their way to his house, Oliver can’t help but think about what Ian said about Lewis Morgan.

   

   

Herald can see how quiet his boss becomes after he went inside the car. ‘Is he… alright?’

   

   

‘How nostalgic, I’ve been dreaming of eating in a restaurant. Now that I have accomplished it, why do I feel like this? I thought… if you fulfill your dream… you’ll  be happy’

   

   

Putting his hand in his chest, he closes his eyes.

‘Ah… I feel heavy. Why do my eyes want to close?’

And with that, Oliver falls into slumber.

   

   

Oliver POV

   

   

A night with a lot of stars? Or my vision slowly gaining back its senses. It took me some quiet while before I finally open my eyes. Right before me is a dark place with little light. A fragment of it if I can say.

   

   

I heard a small sound it emit as it slowly fall down to the ground. A frown can be seen forming on my forehead. 

   

   

‘What was that?’

   

   

I tried to utter but what surprised me is that… no words escape from my voice. Holding my throat  I widened my eyes,

   

   

‘Where are my hands?! Where is my mouth? Where exactly am I??’

   

   

I shout and tried to hear my own voice but nothing happened. It’s as if I have no power to speak… am I tied up? But… I can’t seem to feel my arms... nor my legs… does that mean I am paralyzed? But who exactly are they? Even if I am now possessing the youngest CEO, it seems so impossible. Oliver will never do things that will make him be entangled with weird people. He doesn't want to ruin his career or his company. Living in peace and prosperity is the only goal I can see in his mind. All the memories I saw... I can't seem to find any information regarding the people who hated him. Maria, Marco's mother can't do this much. Herald is a good guy. Even if he is a timid person... one can say that he does have a good figure. Indeed, he has talents when it comes to combat. Although, I can't reassure if he can stand if duel with professionals. Letting out a deep breath I tried to collect myself.  This is not the time to get stressed out. I must analyze things first and not act rashly.

   

   

'Let’s figure out what is happening first.'

   

   

Shing

   

   

   

A fragment falls in front of me. Swaying its direction, it landed on the tip of my nose. With a confused look, I suddenly shut my eyes... or should I say, my eye shut without my order.

   

   

A blurry vision of a man looking its way to me and suddenly turning his back. I am not sure who might it be, it is so foggy. As if a mist is covering the scene for my eyes to see.

   

   

"H-- t - o"

   

   

'Huh? What was that?'

   

   

"St-- ti-g -i-- y-- kn---e"

   

   

I think my mind will soon be rumbled.  What are they talking about? Ah, as much as I wanted to know what was hiding behind those words... I can't tolerate the pain I am feeling. It's as if a scythe is cutting my head. This is not like what it feels like the first time Oliver's memories rush into my brain. Just how much of experience has he got? His memories are endless compared to his years of living!

   

   

Snap

   

   

I feel a tapping finger coming from my shoulder.  Where am I? I am not sure. As soon as I gain back my sight, Herald's figure slowly began to look clearer. The car's door is open and he is looking at me with concern. Did I sleep?

   

Pointing his finger to the other vehicle parked outside, I look at him to wait for his response.  I look like a fool for doing it, I forgot he never speak in front of me. With that, I was answered with a tilt of his head. Letting out a deep sigh I started to get out of the car. What happened in my dream is still a mystery. Although,  in my luck, the pain I felt a while ago was gone. No trace of headache nor neuralgia was left.

Maybe, I should think about that when I have some time. The reason why I suddenly possess Oliver's body... it is also a thing I just found out. What happened to the real me... and to the real Oliver... it is just my intuition yet, I think what I dreamed a while ago have some sort of connection about the answers to my questions.

   

   

Fixing the curls in my suit, I tap it to straighten its form. My gaze landed on the tire of the vehicle Herald and I used.

   

   

"Who did this?"

   

   

The hole looks as if it what shot by a gun. I haven't seen one in my whole life but that is the first thing that comes to my mind.

   

   

Looking at Herald, he then point to a big nail that was laying on the ground. So that is the reason why... but... this car tire is ruined by this nail? I thought, cars aren't that vulnerable when it comes to this... what's  weird is that the nail on the ground is still attached like it was placed there to ruin the tires of the car who will pass through it.

   

   

Walking in its direction, something caught my attention. A black little puppy is wandering beside it. It then jumped in the box placed beside the lamppost. The nail laying on the ground is right before it.

   

   

"Tch,"

   

   

I mumbled as my mind is telling me to get that black little puppy. Should I? If I get him, someone would probably be its owner but I don't seem to see any sort of collar or leash. Maybe he has no owner? I look at Herald, his white hair is shining as if it was an angel's feather.  Angel's... feather? I slightly smile as I think about it. Herald looks as if he is an angel. Tilting his head, he looks like a tall fluffy obedient white dog. How rude of me to think like that.

   

   

"Psst" I want to slap my face for calling the puppy's attention as if I was calling a person. I forgot they wouldn't understand such a thing. To my surprise, the black little puppy looks in my direction as it wags its tail.

   

   

If that dog stops wagging its tail after I count three I will pick him up and bring him back home. One, two, three. It then stop wagging its tail. What the,

   

   

"Alright,  Psst, let's go home."

   

   

The black little puppy rushed jumping from the tall pile of boxes. My heart skip a beat in surprise and worry. The black little puppy safely landed on the ground without hitting itself. Letting out a deep sigh I put my palm in my face.

"Woof woof!" The black little puppy barked with his cute voice. I wonder why the dog's bark is frightening yet the puppy's bark sounds so adorable. I shrug my shoulder and walk to the car that Herald prepared. Looking back at the car that we used a while ago, it is indeed classy but it looks so fragile. Maybe this is just for showcase. It looks like I have to visit a car shop to buy a new one.

Herald opens the car's door as he stares at the black little puppy. In my eyes, he looks like a big tall white fluffy dog who is observing a newly bought dog that was multiple times smaller than him.

   

   

"I will bring that dog with me. Let's go back home."

   

   

Realizing how comfortable it is for me to say those words, I was worried. Brushing off those thoughts, I look at the black little puppy who was staring at the open door of the car.

   

   

"Psst, get in"

   

   

It didn't move an inch. Looks like he finds it odd. This car is new in his sight. He will surely be frightened by this. Picking him up I hold him putting my hands in his armpit like he was a kid or so. This is the first time I will hold a dog. In Oliver's memories, there is also none that regards about any instances he holds a dog or what.

   

   

   

"Herald, Let's go"

   

   

I said as I went inside with the black little puppy  in my hands. Nodding his head, Herald closes the door as soon as I seat comfortably.  Maybe I should talk about buying a new car some other time.

   

   

   

Silence filled the vehicle as none of us make any sound. Herald is just being Herald. Not saying any words and is driving so quietly. The black little puppy looks so obedient. He sat in my legs and didn't make any sound. His eyes are straightly locked in the window as he looks at the houses and buildings we are passing through.  Just like a kid who is amused with the different things he saw outside the window.

   

   

The car stopped in front of a big gate. It was covered with silver. The wall was surprisingly wide and was covered with weeds that seem to make it looks like it was a design or sort. This is my home?

   

   

The big door opened and the car continued its way inside. I was in the back seat and didn't fully see the whole figure of the house. I saw a partial view of it as I look at the mirror. Busy looking at the big house, I didn't notice that Herald already had his way outside and is now opening my door. The black little puppy jumped outside as it wag its tail.

   

   

Looking at the mansion, I still can't believe that it is something that I own. This is not exactly mine but, it is. I looked around and saw that there were not many people in there. Maybe it is because of the incident on where maids are abusing him when he was a little. I can remember in his memories that the maids go home after finishing their task. Some were left but they are those who is guarding the gates.

   

   

The outside of the mansion is so astonishing.  It is beyond my imagination. Just like a palace on where the prince is living. The garden was also nice. I can see some apple trees from afar. Apple... that is his favorite.  Just like me... Apple is the one who saves him from hunger.  While for me, apples are like luxurious food that we only eat whenever someone donates it. Slightly smiling about those memories, my feet walks in the direction of the mansion. If the outside is as good as this, I bet the interior of this mansion will also be breathtakingly wonderful.

   

   

My smile faded as a dirty and almost empty house welcomed me. Even the paintings on the wall were gone. It was swept clean as if it was left behind and hasn't been cleaned for such a long while. I saw Herald in the corner of my eyes, his face is also full of surprise. The black little dog is innocently looking at me.

   

   

"It looks like I have to do lots of cleaning.  I didn't notice that pest started to live in my home."