Oliver.
~
I was 15 years old the first time I had alcohol.
We were inside the 9th, and the old man suddenly decided we were ready for our first drink.
Asin winced like a child but managed to pull through.. made Maya mock him for the faces he made for years.
On the other hand, I emptied that mug like it was filled with water.
Felt a slight burning sensation in my stomach, and the warm it created quickly spread around my body immediately, relaxing it by a lot.
I felt amazing..
Ultimately, I ended up violently throwing up for the next 20 minutes.
A few months later, it happened again!
After the third time, I fully understood myself. I can take it fine. It goes down smooth and stays there .. for a while.
Then it makes a violent exit ..
It was the same on our island as well.
After Marie left, I ran inside the treeline and .. relived myself and my stomach on a few large red berry bushes.
Took me 15 minutes to have the last bit of liquid forced out of me.. than as always, I felt better almost immediately.
" Go, go, Oliver .. " I leaned back up, wiping my mouth.
I managed to run a considerable distance from the main party tent, although it was still visible from here. The sounds of the party were carried all the way by the wind.
When I fully cleaned myself.. as much as the nearby leaves allowed me anyway.. I was ready to leave when the faint sounds of talking reached me.
" .. you are .. that poor girl ..
I got interested remembering that Maire just went towards this direction before I reached my limit and ran after her.
Unconsciously, I had already started to make my way closer to them and their conversation.
I spotted the outline of the trio about 60 ft ahead of me, behind a large tree blocking most of my view.
Couldn't risk getting any closer .. there was nothing between us but empty space. Luckily, the wind still carried some of their conversation to me.
" ..you will regret it..
That sounded like Marie..
" .. Asin .. I wonder. "
Desi was heard..
I got annoyed by the loud music that started playing behind me, drowning out the conversation ahead. My knees hurt, and the smell of vomiting still permeated me, but I couldn't help myself..
I started moving closer inch by inch along the treeline surrounded them.
Missed quite a bit of their conversation, but after finding a spot with much better sound quality, I was able to pick up some of their words more clearly.
" .. What do you want from me? " asked Marie visibly, stressed.
I saw Desiree's back and the girls standing in front of her, nervously looking around for snoopers like me.
" Me? .. I want nothing from you. " Desi shrugged, sounding sincere.
I see .. Marie seemed to know nothing about Anna or our possible connection with them. So it's not OUR secret.
" Then what? You just.. keep silent? For what reason? " Ayshe stepped beside Marie.
She probably wanted the conversation to shift from Anna and all related topics.
" My reasons are my own. "
As always, Desiree didn't allow a full .. or even partial view into her cards.
To be honest, we were no closer to finding out her goals than when this whole thing started.
" But .. maybe there's something you can do for me. " Desi continued suddenly.
Even from her back turned to me, I could practically see the insulting smile she gave to the girls.
" Just spit it ..
" Not now .. " Desiree started walking back towards the beach. " This night is not about you or me .. or those poor girls ..
I saw Marie face distorting in a way I couldn't even imagine it was capable.
Pure hatred.
" .. it's about my friend. " she continued, purposely calling Asin her friend and not Marie's husband.
She turned around after some distance, and I could finally see her twisted expression, her bruised face covered by that medical patch, and she held a phone in her hand, which she tossed to Marie.
" Keep that close. In case I do think of something. " she started walking again only to turn around after a few ft. " .. and Mrs Martell? Please continue to make my friend happy. "
As her body disappeared behind the trees, Marie and Ayshe were left alone in the clearing. They stood silently for so long I contemplated leaving..
" .. If-if he finds out ..
" He won't! " Ayshe stood in front, her sister grabbing both shoulders. " Look, that girl is twisted.. but not stupid. She knows that such news usually kills the messenger as well..
What the hell are they talking about? For what revelation Asin kill Desi for?
" .. So be calm. " she embraced Marie, gently patting her hair. " It wasn't you.. it wasn't even you Marie! "
After a minute or so of them standing perfectly still, they slowly made their way back towards the others as I kept on my knees.. utterly lost.
It was pointless to grill Ayshe about this. Whatever it was .. must've been something bad, and it made her close off to me .. maybe even hostile if I kept poking at it..
I had no choice..
As I closed in on the group now reunited, I made my resolve.
Tomorrow..
———
Ayshe.
~
The horror of the past fondly fucked off for 6 years than made a return.. in the form of Cecile fucking Pirell!!?
Idiotic girl never had a single shred of decency in her.
But that morning.. she was in the right place at the right time granting her witness status.
All our work convincing her and her family went down the drain once she ran into Desiree Morrell.
How was she able to get that particular story out of her? How did she know there was anything to get out of?
God knows.. but one thing is for sure.
Once we get back home.. we need to find her and found out what happened.
One more day..
" .. you look awful. " Asin turned Marie's face towards him. " Let's go.. I put you to bed. "
After we came back, Marie hit the bar and outdone herself .. and the rest of us, by keep knocking back cocktail after cocktail.
I tried to slow her down in fear of her blabbing something she shouldn't.. but with Asin nearby, I couldn't use effective language.
Besides, she didn't even listen to her husband's warnings, so what could I do?
Even now..
" I'm fine! .. " she snapped back, her head lifting her half full glass. " .. join me .. I? .. join I? .. Me! .. in a .. PFFT.. what was I going to say? "
I shook my head slowly as she laughed like a manic at her own forgetfulness. Asin wasn't amused.
He didn't say a word. he just picked her up like a sack of potatoes and turned to us.
Oliver handed him a card used to open the capsule homes. Meanwhile, Marie kept shouting and twisting on his shoulder, trying to get lose for a while at least.
" PUT ME DOWN! How dare.. ..Hmm.. you look good from this angle, baby .. Maybe at home we can ..
" And that's us done. " Asin nudged her a little, making her laugh and swallow the indecent idea she was about to share. " I'm taking her .. probably turn in myself..
" You bet .. Hehehe.. " Marie interrupted, giggling in a perverted manner.
I smiled, thinking she was fully aware of what's happening.
" .. as I was saying. " Asin smiled at the group. " We see you guys tomorrow.. Oli ..
" Don't worry.. I make sure to shut it down. Bed time and all. " he smiled, waving at them. " Good night, brother. "
" Can we go now? .. I'm getting dizzy here. " said Marie, tapping her husband's back.
After saying goodbye, they were swallowed by the night joining many others who had already turned in.
Soon enough, Kol, Lilly, and Henny left as well, with Henny starting another round of lamenting of how's she going to sleep all by herself tonight .. me and Oliver were left alone.
Like literally alone..
The closest humans are 50 ft away, still slow dancing to a CD, I think since the DJ, who was a childhood friend of theirs, turned in as well.
Oliver .. he was strange throughout the night.
First, a drunken mess .. and now just eerily silent.
I walked closer, sitting in his lap, putting my arm around his neck.
" So .. wanna sleep or .. join the marathon? "
We chuckled, looking at the clearly tired couple hanging onto each other, pushing the limits of romantic dance moments to a ridiculous degree.
" I'm done with the day. " he looked up the moon.
" You go.. I need to make the rounds to check on the others. "
I sympathetically tapped his chest. " You are one of the good ones. "
He kissed my cheek and walked me to our capsule for the night. Helped me open it and walked away.
" Don't stay too long .. I can only wait for so long. " I said after him stading at the door.
" Promises, promises.. " he smiled, and soon the darkness enveloped him.
I closed the door and looked around.
It was a nice enough space.
Comfortable bed, a small kitchen with a few appliances, a medium fridge, and even a washing machine. A stand-in shower and a large TV screen on the wall facing the bed.
I contemplated a shower, but once inside the comfortable warmth and away from the elements, the fatigue hit me like a freight train.
I found myself inside the bed in a few minutes and replayed the talk we had in the forest.
Desiree knows it from Cecile.
She wants something but not immediately.
Marie is on the brink from the fear already.
I have to call my mother or grandmother to inform them. Hopefully, they didn't do anything embarrassing or suspicious yet.
I'm back to middle school as far as emotional stability..
And there was Oliver ..
There was something with him .. is it me and the way I acted since this whole thing started?
Maybe he is just mad because of the resident job and the fact I took it without talking to him first?
This will probably not end well...
The assignment won't start until October, so that will give me a few months to smooth out that transition.. maybe over time, we can find a way to get rid of that Desiree.
She was the bane of our collective existence.
But I won't let her destroy my sister and life she built for herself.
With such worries.. I finally let go of the day and fallen asleep.
~
I woke up tangled around a half-naked Oliver who at some point climbed beside me without waking me up.
Felt horrible.. my stomach and head were aching, and the sweat on my body made me feel like I was dipped into something sticky.
After a little manoeuvring, I got free and immediately hit the shower.
The pressure was perfect, and after 25 minutes of bliss, I stepped out once again, fully functioning.
Oliver was still snoring away.. I let him sleep and decided to visit Marie and see how she's handling everything.
Outside was mostly silent. People had a hard night of partying and will probably sleep until midday.
Their capsule held the number 1 .. obviously and was twice the size of ours or the others .. at least it looked from the outside.
I was frozen for a second wether to knock .. It was still early after all.
Turned out I didn't have to..
Asin opened the door wearing a simple white
t-shirt, black shorts, and running shoes.
" Morning.. going for a run? " I asked, stepping back.
" Uh .. no? " he looked at himself. " I need to find my assistant..
I flinched a little hearing that, but luckily, he was still watching his shoes to notice.
" .. and start to work. I might not look like much kid, but.. I'm kind of a big deal. Your sister is sleeping like a log.. good luck getting her back to normal. Bye. "
I smiled and stepped aside, letting him pass.
Inside their capsule.. which was much larger than ours.. was my big sister. Taking up 80% of the bed comfortable enough for four.
" Well, that's unattractive.. " I commented, looking around. " .. I can't believe they have a bathtub! "
I walked around and spotted a French press for coffee, a grill, airfryer, and a bunch of other appliances, I never even used inside their capsule.
" Ridiculous.. " I walked around the bed shaking her awake. " Hey! .. Hello! .. It's time to greet the day. "
" Uhh.. mnnn.. no. " she began to moan, wiggling herself away from my hands. " Asin! .. remove this annoying creatin, my love.. "
" Too bad your hero is off .. working. " I was trying to make it sound like mocking, but it was hard to mock a working man. ".. Get up! .. we need to talk about yesterday. "
Those words did the job and made her sit up. Her hair and overall state ..
" You must've had a good night.. " I smiled.
She cheked herself on her phone, shaking her head.
" No .. unfortunately, my husband can't sleep with the inibriate even if they're willing and technically his property! "
She pouted, hitting the pillow next to hers, then looking at the door as if Asin had just left.
I felt an enormous weight shift off my chest .. dispite the circumstances, she looked firmly behind the driver seat.
Eventually, she let go of her childish side and made coffee using that French press.
She made me some .. which was delicious.. strangely enough.. and sat down slowly sipping from the cup.
" I want to limit the topic regarding.. that girl and .. Well.. you know. "
I nodded without blinking, and she continued.
" .. to keep my sanity intact, I must appoint you.. dear sister.. to step into my shoes. Be my proxy..so to speak. "
It all made a lot of sense.. plus, it helped me as well. After all, there are ways Desiree could cause more chaos if she let it slip that we know each other. So dealing with her alone is perfect.. exept..
" What about that phone?.. What if she's..
In turn, Marie offered me the phone with a sad smile.
I sighed and took it, understanding my role if she's calling.
" Thank you very much.. and with that, I leave the rest to you.. my dear martyr of a sister. " she smiled into her cup.
So effectively.. I will deal with this alone.
Felt a little relieved.. as last night showed Marie was getting closer to the edge with every mentioning of the situation.
" I am a Saint. " I admitted taking my own coffee.
" So what's going on today? "
" I was about to ask you.. " she blinked. " After all, it's your boyfriend who's the brains behind all of this. "
I caught the resentment in her tone. She was still pissed off about Oliver not letting her help or interfere in anyway.
" Well .."
I knew he planned something but had little to idea what it was.
I told as much to Marie.
" I call Asin and ..
" Wait, no! .. he is with.. you know. " I took her phone, putting it down on the bed. " I go back and wake Oliver in a minute. "
She nodded, and by the time she finished her coffee, I was already on my way back.
The problem was that the bed was empty and Oliver was nowhere to be found.
He just left .. he didn't call or check in where I was.
Just as I thought.. we need to sort this out before it escalates into something truly bad.
———
Marie.
~
Since we couldn't find Oliver anywhere.. we find the next best thing.
" Leyla, what is the plan for today? " I asked.
She made a satisfied smile before starting to make bad engine sounds.
" .. A race. " she added once 100%, sure we were unable to guess it. " Mr. Aster built a small course designed by the most advanced artificial intelligence..
Her voice was drowned out by the sounds of actual engines from a good distance away.
We said our goodbyes and joined the others who all headed towards the sounds.
We were joined by Henny and Lilly on the way.
" .. you don't wanna include them, right? " Ayshe pulled me back whispering.
I needed a second to understand what she meant..
" No .. we would only be bombarded with questions and would have to explain about the cover-up as well. " I murmured, looking at their back.
Ayshe gave a little nod just as Kol and another guy we didn't know but saw joined us.
" Morning ladies. Ready for the Free for All? " Kol asked, kissing Lilly. " By the way, this is Cesur .. a blood brother of Asin. "
The boy called Cesur was a well-built, 6-foot, lightly muscular guy who gave a quick handshake after his introduction.
" Hy .. hello. " Ayshe greeted him than quickly stepped aside, asking Kol. " What is a Free for All? Like a game? "
We continued upwards a sizeable hill while Kol explained.
" Well .. it's a race. Anyone can join .. avoid the one where the Boss is racing.." he suggested wisely.
" Are there prizes? " asked Cesur.
" Indeed. And since it was my job to come up with them, they are all incredible.. or just expansive. "
He grabbed a smiling Lilly's hand and ran ahead as we arrived at the top of the hill. Kol opened his arms, showing off the venue.
" Welcome to the Paradise Free for All. First ever. "
Behind the hill lay a large black asphalt racing track sneaking across the island.
Leyla mentioned a small racing course, but she had a funny way of looking at things. The track was anything but small.
There was a large field not far from the track where most of the non racers gathered and watched the race currently happening on a gigantic screen in 4K thanks to expertise their own provided.
On the side on a comfortable looking couch sat a few drone operators, they were wearing their full head goggles, making sure to capture the best angles satisfying their brothers and sisters appetite for entertainment.
" Incredible.. an entire formula racing track. " Cesur broke the silence, voicing his admiration.
My eyes went to the track instead of the screen and felt a smile spreading as I caught a black blurr crossing the sharp right turn overtaking yellow and red cars.
" Looks like he didn't lose his touch.. " Henny nodded approvingly, seeing Asin taking over.
" Umm .. if you care to take a look at the screen, you can see. He just lapped those two. " Kol snorted, pointing at the large screen on the field.
As the crew cheered their leader on, we saw a small number under the screen indicating Asin beginning on his 4th lap while the others were finishing their 2nd.
" .. He is, without a doubt, born for this. "
An unpleasant sound drew all our attention as Desiree walked beside us, holding her phone capturing the race.
" Morning Desi .. " Lilly stepped beside her. " You streaming or just being a dutiful assistant? "
" Both .. " she answered without taking her eye off the screen. " My friend is .. a fan. She couldn't be here but likes to watch. "
I felt anger flaring inside my chest as those words clearly meant for me, but with the current crowd, I couldn't say anything in retort.
Ayshe didn't need to hold my hands, but I appreciated her support during all this. Her eyes were filled with a rare disdain that surprised even me.
" I'm sure Asin appreciates your effort to keep him relevant.. " Lilly tapped her back before turning towards us. " What are you two saying? Ready to race? "
The idea of racing around a little sounded amazing. A great stress reliever.
After confirming with Ayshe we both nodded and continued towards the field joining the others for now as the race winded down.
Asin soon enough stepped out from his car wearing a confident and happy smile. He looked at peace and I knew he must've been aching to get back behind the wheel.
10 minutes later he joined our group after fighting through the crews enthusiasm.
" Nice of you to join. " he smiled picking me up.
He tasted like fresh orange juice as our lips parted.
" You look happy .. missed it? " I asked locking my arms around his neck.
" Sure did .. " he sighed looking at the screen as the other two drivers crossed the finish line. " I was afraid of getting rusty. "
I still couldn't tell if he was bragging at times like these or ..
" Where is your second wife? " Ayshe interrupted my thoughts stepping between us." .. don't tell me he is racing? "
" You rude little gopher .. " Asin pretended to grab her hair. " .. he is off making sure we are still hidden.. there's a tent behind the screen. "
As Ayshe walked ahead dodging Asin's hands the others joined her.
" So .. racing all day .. or .." I started playing with his shirt.
I felt his hand grabbing me from behind.
" How insatiable you became. " he leaned down for a kiss. " I like it .. but! .. I'm busy. "
He pulled back suddenly releasing me.
I pinched his stomach and twisted but his smile remained.
" What are you busy with? " I asked as we walked after the others. " I thought this was supposed to be a relaxing weekend far from responsibilities.. "
We nodded at the large smiles greeting us as we passed the others, the screen changed to a countdown till the next race.
" Just because we said that don't mean the world heard it. " he said wisely. " I need to check in on a few things before next week and with the family..
" I called your mother earlier and showed off a random part of the island pretended you're swimming in the ocean.." I injected.
As expected my reward came in a form of kisses.
" Nicely done .. than that's one less thing. But seriously don't feel too bad, you be racing for while anyway then .. we still have tonights masquerade ball to look forward to..
" What!? " I stopped so suddenly I needed his support to steady myself. " D-did you say we having a masquerade ball!? "
" You seem excited.. fan of Halloween? " he asked examining my face.
" A masquerade ball has nothing to do with Halloween and itmphmp..
" Yeah.. I know. " he covered my mouth stifling my voice. " I know.. you go and have fun. Oli will explain the rest and .. ouch!! Marie!? Biting like an animal .. "
As he pulled his hand back with my teeth mark inside his palm, we closed in on a large military tent similar to the ones they used in the Nohare desert back home.
Inside were a cosy set up with all the necessary and some unnecessary furniture and a small desk surround by others.
" Oliver looks annoyed.. " I mentioned walking closer. " .. something happened? "
Asin shook his head slowing our stride. " He was fine all morning.. probably just the mob overcrowding him. "
He stopped us from a few ft from the group.
" I'm going to split for a while .. shouldn't be that long. Behave.. no unnecessary speeding. Make sure your vitals are all ..
" Yes mom. " I interrupted his sermon. " .. Don't worry about me .. just finish what you need fast. "
He furrowed his eyebrows hearing my glib response and looked behind me.
" Desi .. it's time. "
Desiree who was buried between Lilly and Henny put her hand up.
" Yes .. I'm com.. hello! " She pouted at the girls.
" I'm here boss! "
I hated seeing that amused smile on my husband's face hearing that snakes attempts to be quirky.
If Asin only knew how easily she blackmailing, lying, and scheming behind his back he wouldn't allow her to breath.
I quickly wiped my disgust from my own face as he turned back to me for a goodbye kiss.
As they left the tent Desiree took one last sneak peak to flash a nasty smile before disappearing.
How long will I have to swallow her taunting looks and cringe inducing behaviour?
As I started to spiral down a dark hole, I heard footsteps behind me than my sisters calming voice filled with confidence.
" .. Don't worry. Soon we turn that smile of hers upside-down. "
Ironically we both had an eerily similar smile on our faces.
———
Oliver.
~
Annoying creatin of a woman ..
The one time I need her for something Desiree refusing to answer my attempts to reach her.
Other than the suggestive looks I gave her all morning, I also sent a text to her hours ago and here we are .. she's walking away smiling like some deranged creep at Marie without even acknowledge me and my attempts.
Ayshe was ... for a better word. Clingy.
For some reason she refused to let go of me since coming inside the tent and even now as I set up for the next race I could practically feel her breathing on my face.
" .. Alright. I'm going to assume you all want your very own ride? " I asked the crowd surrounding me.
Kol, Lilly, Henny, Marie, Ayshe, Cesur, Bob and even Leyla nodded almost in perfect synchronisation.
" Very well.. the next 2 races are set.. but you can go straight after ..
" What about the masquerade ball? " Marie interrupted narrowing her eyes.
" What? " I shrugged with an innocent look. " Or perhaps.. You need .. a detailed description or a video tutorial? "
Ayshe was quick and had to hold back her deranged sister from trying to claw at me .. there's a lot between her and Asin.
Yes .. tonight we're going to wear masks in an attempt to feel classy in our own way.
Guess who's idea it was?
Desiree planning something. I just hope it's nothing.. destructive.