Beyond The World [ chapter 2 ] -part 4-

One of them was running towards Oliver, his face looked pale, sweats was drenching his shirt. ‘Run! Run!’ He screamed the word repeatedly, his head never bothered to turn back for his friend. Without thinking much, Oliver was running too. Twigs were scraping the man’s face and body, and the rocks were poking his feet despite the fact that he was wearing boots. He tripped over a curved vine, and the torchlight flew about 5 meters from him, hitting the ground hard. The front glass broke, but the bulb was still emitting light, witnessing the incident.

Taking one look back Oliver saw the other man scampered and passed through his friend, ignoring him. It seemed like he was still running even though he was out of breath. From his place he could even hear he was panting and grunting as he ran. Oliver’s feet came to a halt. He almost fell as the weight of his body was still moving forward even though his feet had stopped going. The moment the spun his body around, the man passed his shoulder, and Oliver felt the cold wind brushed him and he heard the man’s ragged breath.

 It felt real. Oliver could even smell the man’s bad breath as he passed him, liquor. Hesitantly and without thinking, he scurried back to the other man before he heard the horses squealed, stomping their hooves as they ran off. From a quick glance he saw the coach moved passed the woods and Oliver was sure he noticed the curtain was disturbed, as if someone in the coach was trying to look out.

‘Get up!’ Oliver shouted at the man. There were few cuts on the man’s cheek and arms, not to mention blood oozed from his head, running through his old, disfigured scar.  ‘H-help…’ He cried, trying to get up on his feet. ‘It’s coming after you, run!’ He added.

‘GO AWAY!’ Suddenly a voice came deep from the woods, from where the two men went earlier. Oliver stunned. He turned his head to where the voice came from, but it was pitch black, paralyzing his vision.

He felt his stomach flipped. The adrenalin rush inside Oliver dominated the chilling night. In fact, his body was burning up.  Sweats were rushing down his forehead and neck.

‘Come on! You can do this! He tried to grab the man’s shoulder, but it was pure vain. His arms went pass through the man, as if Oliver was a ghost.

Deep and scary, the voice rephrased, this time more firmly. ‘GO…AWAY!’ Oliver noted the voice was different, and far deeper than any human voice he ever heard of. It echoed, as a flash of light gradually appeared from where the voice derived from. The incandescence of the light grew stronger, filling the whole space with luminous white light. He felt the ground under him shook, threatening to crack open and take all of them into the earth. Oliver squinted from the glint, before he heard the man below him yelped, ‘NO!!!’ And that was the last voice he heard.

KRINGGGG!!!!

The alarm clock was ringing like hell, driving Oliver to insanity. He quickly rolled over and pressed the stupid thing about 3 times until it shut up. He let out a heavy sigh as he glared towards the alarm. It read precisely 8.30.

Slowly, he forced himself to sit as he looked around. His head felt heavy, and he suffered a steady tingling sensation on his left cranium. He realised Toby was gone. So were his book and little Monkey. The soft, hazy daylight slanting through his bedroom window aimed directly at his face. The window pane was partly opened, and the lazy morning summer breeze found it way in, brushing against Oliver’s messy hair. Sometimes the smell of salty air managed to come in from the nearby beach, mixing weirdly with his lavender scented room.

The gentle gust felt like a good slap, hitting him on his face. It was the same feeling that he felt when Principal Norman presented him his first-class slap as Oliver accidently pushed some sort of lever on the field trip to a dolphin show, which made him, the principal and his other classmates to take an unplanned swim.

On top of that, his heart was still working double time from the nightmare, but he kept telling himself that it wasn’t real. He managed to put the dream aside, where it belonged to, the unreal world. Dragging the pillow against him, he curled into the weird sensation inside him. He knew it was just a dream. But a part of him told that it was more than that…

He stared at the wooden floor until his heart rate was normal again. Then he hauled himself out of the bed to take a quick shower and went downstairs. Walking into the kitchen, he saw mum at the workplace preparing pancake and dad at the coffee table, with the morning newspaper.

‘Morning honey.’ Mum suddenly said before him, as if she knew Oliver was coming.

‘Morning mum, dad.’ He replied. Dad only nodded as he took a sip of his coffee, his eyes were scrutinizing the papers.

He sat at the kitchen table as Mrs. Clay came by his side, setting down a plate of pancake in front of him. The smell of pancakes, honey and coffee was really good, which eased Oliver’s headache. As he squeezed the honey onto his plate, he looked around. ‘Where’s Toby?’ He couldn’t believe himself being concerned enough to ask that question, but he asked anyway. Or maybe he was just trying to make a morning conversation, with a question a family member would ask.

‘Grandma. Don’t you remember?’ Dad answered, fixing his necktie. He finished his coffee, grabbed his suitcase and kissed mum on her cheek before he left for work. As he passed the table, he ruffled Oliver’s hair and said, ‘Take care of yourself when you at the beach, and don’t get into trouble.’

Oliver remembered. Every Saturday morning Grandma will take Toby for a walk around the neighborhood with her. He poured himself a cup of coffee as he heard his dad’s Camry roared and left the porch.

Beyond The World [ chapter 2 ] -part 3-

It was an icy night, dusk to be exact. The breeze was being awfully mean, prickling his skin nonstop, deep into his flesh. The atmosphere and countryside were a little bit misty, consumed with darkness. It took Oliver a while to adapt himself into the gloom. He looked up to see a mass of dark cloud moved from its place, revealing the full moon which was almost orange in colour, with a speck of red colour that brought the creepy look.

He was standing on earthen terrain, before he finally realised ahead of him was nothing but a thick, scary woods. He tried to utter words, but nothing came out. It was as if everything he said was nulled by his surroundings. He can’t even hear a single sound of living creature. It was…totally quiet. He took a step forward before he finally heard the first sound. Mud splashed.

It was after rain, and he looked down his feet to see that his shoes were caked with murky mud, and the dirt was halfway up to his calves. He shivered inside his loose shirt as he looked around.

At the edge of his eye he saw a flash of dim light, probably about 100 yards away from him. It was then continued with weak vibrations he felt under his feet. Weak and steady, before it slowly turned stronger and stronger every second. He examined the sound carefully, and each vibration and sound was picked up and sent to his control center to be interpreted. At that time he winced.  

Before he was able to construe, he was flash blinded by a couple of flash lights in front of him, and each was pointing directly towards his face, as if they thought the flash would actually be able to burn him. Oliver covered his face with one arm, and one leg stepped back. He felt a drip of sweat managed to run down his back, despite the fact that the coldness of the night could even freeze his blood. Then he heard loud, neighing sound, followed by nickers.

When his eyes were able to adapt themselves into the darkness and radiance, and just before he could make any guess, he saw a pair of horses towing a large, wooden carriage in front of him. The coach rattled as if it was going to flip any second on the uneven road, the wheels kept hitting small rocks and portholes. As soon as the wheels stopped rolling, the driver flung himself off the seat, splattering mud halfway his boots, followed by the passenger beside him. The coach was parked with one side higher than the other. One of them yanked the door opened and said sternly, ‘Stay right here’. Slamming the door shut, the man turned to his friend.

Oliver saw both of them was wearing capes that hung from their shoulders, with heavy boots that made loud clattering sound every time they stepped. Black leather hats and gloves completed the descriptions, but he did not see their faces. Only once through the flashes of light, he saw a scar on one of them, raised and shiny on the left cheek.

The driver took out a piece of paper from his jacket, which Oliver believed to be some kind of map. The man looked at the crumpled sheet of paper and his surrounding alternately, as if to make sure it was the right place. Oliver watched anxiously in the coldness of the night, his eyes were glued to the man who was positioning his torchlight, holding it in between his neck and shoulder as he held the paper with two hands. Once he was definite, he rolled it and put the paper back into his jacket.

‘Here?’ The other man said nonchalantly, his finger was fumbling in the darkness to switch his torchlight. Both of them now aimed their torchlights towards Oliver. The boy drew himself back, almost tripped over his own leg. What were they going to do to him? Were they going to kill him? The sound of wolves howling and the owls made the horses even more uncomfortable, not to mention Oliver as well. They stomped their feet onto the ground, making noise and blew little puffs of frost from their nostrils, ready to take off any second, with or without their masters.

His tongue was frozen, not to mention his body was jammed. He knew he was dreaming, but about what..?

‘We have to find it. It’ll worth thousands.’ The other man said, tapping his torchlight onto his palm when it started to flicker. Then it turned brighter than before. The other was frantically caressing the horses, trying to calm them. Oliver realised they weren’t looking at him. In fact, he wasn’t sure if they could see him. They were…looking at the woods behind him. One of them went behind the coach and took out a shovel. At that was when it happened.

The nearby hedges and shrubs made noises as if they were disturbed, before they became quiet again. Oliver’s eyes tried to catch something that just slunk into the woods, but he failed. It was too fast, but he just figured it might be a bunny or a wild cat. He made a side-step, into the darkness and the flash didn’t move from its place to follow him. At that moment he was relieved he was right. The shrubs moved again and something sneaked from it, as if it was trying to avoid the flash.

Oliver’s heart rate shot up. A dark figure skulked from behind the tree, into the deep darkness. He swore he saw someone as tall as him right there, leaning over watching them. Oliver gasped as he tried to recall the flash, as he was definite he saw the person had a tail on his back!

“Come on. We don’t have all night.” The other man said, probably didn’t notice the thing that just ran among the bushes.

The men went into the woods, and the dream shook, the frame was slowly disappearing as they walked away. Oliver diffidently followed, afraid he’ll vanish too. He kept a safe distance, about 15 meters from the men, although he knew they couldn’t see him. About 5 minutes after that, he saw the steady lights from their torchlights became wild, flashing here and there before it continued with loud screams.

'HELPPP!!!!!!!!!!!'

Beyond The World [ chapter 2 ] -part 2-

‘There, there. Didn’t you promise that you’ll keep me company to Aunt Lynette’s house?’ Mum patted Toby’s head, which made him to glance at the empty space before nodding vigorously. Instead of using his plastic fork, he lifted a piece of chicken with three fingers, tilting his head up and slowly put the chicken in his mouth like he saw people eating giant worm in the television. ‘Sure honey, just be careful.’ She said before taking a sip of her lemonade.

After dinner Oliver helped his mother to clean up the table, washed the dishes and helped Toby with his homework. Then he grabbed his backpack in the closet before heading back to his room. He felt a little light headed, maybe he’d slept too much. Just before his hand could reach the knob, he heard a soft voice appointing him. ‘Master…help me…’ The voice was soft, but deep, which made Oliver’s blood to chill. It called him twice, before it disappeared. Oliver knew he was trembling. He quickly turned back, and his mouth was ready to yell ‘who?!’, but he just saw Toby from across the hall in his room, drawing something on a paper with crayons.

Frantically reaching for the knob, he got into his room, towards his desk. Then he realised he was gasping for air, and his lungs felt empty no matter how many times he drew air. He glanced at the empty street outside his window, before he let the curtains back into place, just for precautions.

Did the voice just asked Oliver for help? Who would it be? Why would the voice call him master? Those questions seemed to be haunting him, as if they were lingering inside of his head, laughing at him. He set his bag on the table, before throwing his body on to the bed. He scrambled back on, reaching for the book in his bag.

He placed it opened in front of him and flipped open the page he had marked earlier at the library. There was nothing in the book that caught his attention. Everything was related to psychological problems. Schizophrenia, OCD and others… But Oliver knew that his case was different. Usually people with mental disorders were the results of family problems, stress or maybe traumatised by something. But he was sure he didn’t have that kind of problem. He had a good life, good friends and nice, loving family. Everyone who mixed with him was normal. Although he wasn’t so sure about his teachers…

He picked up the phone, and when he’s about to dial, it rang. Oliver waited for the second ring before he pressed the green button. ‘Clay’s Residence.’ He mustered his breath and answered.

‘Hey Oliver, it’s me.’

Oliver knew the voice from the other side too well. He let out a soft, relieved sigh although his heart accelerated. He thought earlier the caller might be from the unknown voice. 

‘Sarah, what’s up?’ He faked his voice, pretending to sound happy.

‘Just want to remind you about tomorrow. Green light from your parents?’ She added.

‘Yeah, I’m good to go.’

‘Great. See you tomorrow then.’ She delivered her last word, before hanging up.

‘Sarah, wait!’ Oliver cried, but he was too late. He wanted to tell her what just happened, but on the second thought, he glad he didn’t. There was a fragment in him to find out the truth by himself. Just when he’s about to close his eyes, he heard a knock on the door. The phone slipped away from his hand and he frantically sat up, thinking it might be his mum. ‘Come on in!’ He shouted in a reluctant tone.

The door was pushed open and he saw Toby standing in the entrance, one arm holding a book and another was tucking Monkey. ‘Yes…Toby, what do you want..?’ Oliver stared at him, giving the child a go-away look. His little brother would waddle to the bed, before he climbed onto it after he placed Monkey and the book beside Oliver. Hiding the book under his pillow, Oliver secured his arms around his little brother’s torso, helping him to get onto the bed with a heavy sigh.  

The little boy then pounced onto Oliver’s laps, as he held the book with both hands, bringing it close to his nose. His loose sleeves dropped to his elbows as he raised his hands, revealing his small arms and fingers. His shirt was definitely too big for him, as if he was wearing Oliver’s. It slumped on one side, his right shoulder exposed. ‘Read me a book, Ollie?’ He said as he tilted his head a bit to the side to get a clearer look of his brother. As Oliver caught his glance, the boy smiled cutely.

From a quick glimpse he read the front cover, ‘Percy Jackson and The Lightning Thief.’ He knew he would have lost if the boy whined. ‘I’m far older than you, don’t call me Ollie! And don’t you think you’re too old to read that book?’ He exasperated mournfully.

‘I’m tired, go ask mum then.’ He lied, trying to find an excuse. He felt himself coming to sick, or at least tried to. But then, he thought it might be a good chance to keep him busy and hopefully he’ll forget about the voice. However, he knew it wouldn’t happen. He felt chill running down his spine and he had a sudden shiver.

‘But I want you…’ His little brother retorted, his lips pouted.

‘Uh…Okay...Just this time.’ Oliver finally gave up. He set himself reclined on the bed, leaning over a couple of pillows which he made as support. He gave his brother a light pinch on his nose as he pulled the kid closer to him.

He read the book, and before he realised, he already felt asleep with his brother on his bed, book on the side and the lights still flooding the room. Then, he had a dream. 

_____________________________________________________________

wait for the next part to find out what dream he had !

Beyond The World [ chapter 2 ] -part 1-

Chapter 2

After school Oliver went straight back to his house, his mind was unwilling to recall what happened today. It’s true, every time he had a ‘vision’, he’ll be in an awfully bad mood. People saying him crazy, and some even pretending to understand him, but not that he felt that way with Sarah. He could have sensed that Sarah was sincere and really concerned. He looked for the spare key under the door mat, although he had his own inside his backpack. He jammed the key inside, forgetting which way needed to open. The key stuck fast, but it opened anyway.

 As he suspected, the house was empty. Mum’s out shopping, Dad’s working and Toby might be at his friend’s house, playing. He tossed his backpack into the closet and checked the kitchen first as he normally did. In the kitchen, standing over the sink, Oliver poured himself a glass of water and tossed it back. He scrutinised his surroundings. It was quiet. He heard the sound of dripping water at the sink and the clock ticking at the living room.

The house looked quite dark today; maybe it’s because of the new curtain Mum put on. Nevertheless, he always liked the smell of the house, homely and welcoming. The aroma of the freshly grounded coffee that came from the kitchen always made him felt better. It was the only place Oliver felt safe. He shook his head, telling himself he’ll be just fine. Although he was wearing a simple t-shirt, the fabrics felt tight and it stretched his skin, threatening to suffocate him to death at his own house. He helped himself for the second glass, and his hands suddenly trembled, almost dropped it. The fluid swam uneasily inside him, intimidating to come back up. Setting the glass in the basin, he wiped his mouth with the back of his palm, before his eyes suddenly caught upon a yellow post-it-note on the fridge.

He took it and read. ‘Honey, there’s a couple of slices of blueberry cheese cake in the fridge, but remember to spare some for Toby. Love, mum.’ Oliver pasted the note back on the fridge as he opened it, his eyes trailing every section for the cake.

He knew it was his favourite, but he just wasn’t in the mood to eat right now. It was only midday, but the heat was immense, and the sun just couldn’t let go of Oliver even when he was at his own house. It blazed strongly through the interior, turning the house like a giant oven. A pot of herbs mum had on the workplace seemed to wilt, imploring for a douse of water. Oliver pushed the pot over to the shade. He just wanted to have a cold, nice shower and sleep until dinner, which he did.

At approximately 6.30 PM he was awakened by a rough shake. He opened his eyes to see Toby was already sitting on him, pointing menacingly with his water gun. ‘Dinner, Ollie.’ He whispered. His tone was like the cool guy in the movie who said two words before the big explosion happened, or before he killed the bad guy.

‘Don’t.’ Oliver asserted tersely, but it was too late. The squirt got him in his face before he could draw another breath, almost stifling him. ‘TOBY!!!’  He yelled as he forced himself to sit, trying to get the water out from him nose. He wiped his face with his shirt, before he hauled himself out of the bed.

‘Stupid kid…’ He headed bathroom, properly washed his face and changed his wet shirt before he went downstairs. As he arrived at the kitchen table, he gave his brother a knock on his head as he passed Toby’s back. Toby was there, swinging his legs under the kitchen table and playing with the plastic spoon, and he was sitting innocently, waiting for the dinner to start. It didn’t hard, but it was sure enough to make his eyes water. Oliver walked around the table and chose a seat which was opposite to his little brother. Toby would glance at his brother, giving him a pathetic, clueless look that said; ‘I didn’t mean to squirt water at you…’ His sapphire eyes glittered, before Oliver rolled his eyes and sent him back a look that said; ‘yeah yeah…’

Few moments later Mrs. Clay appeared from the kitchen with a basket of garlic breads, and the smell made Toby thrilled, his mouth water. Placing the freshly baked bread in front of her eldest son, she gave him a head-to-toe, and then smiled ever so lightly. ‘You look sick honey, are you all right?’ She placed the back of her palm onto Oliver’s forehead as she stood beside him. When she wasn’t looking, Toby snatched a piece of the bread. Mrs. Clay was still in her apron, which was covered with sweet cinnamon smell and other spices.

‘No mum, I’m okay.’ Oliver simply replied, before he took his mother’s hand, guiding her to seat. She took off her apron and slung it over her chair. ‘Mommy, where’s dad?’ Suddenly the four year old boy asked with his mouth full, reminding Oliver as well. ‘Yeah, shouldn’t we wait for him?’ He added.

Mrs. Clay gave both of her sons a half smile. She reached Toby’s head before she softly ruffled his hair.

‘Dad has work to do, he won’t be home until 9.’ Oliver slightly nodded, as he chewed a mouthful of garlic bread. Then he poured three glasses of lemonade and passed to his mum and Toby. Tomorrow will be the first day of summer, and he remembered his promise with Tyler and Sarah about meeting them at the beach. He cut his roasted chicken into a bite-sized piece, before he slowly put it into his mouth, trying to savour all the flavours in it. ‘Delicious!’ He uttered to mum who was carefully cutting Toby’s chicken. She turned to her son and cast him a thankful smile.

Toby kept looking at mum while she cut his chicken, his brown hair that shined under the light and his sapphire eyes that glittered amazingly matched his angelic, naïve look. Since he came to this family four years ago, Mr. and Mrs. Clay had shifted their attention from Oliver to Toby, which made him jealous. But just like his parents, he loves his brother. From Oliver’s place he saw Toby and his mum shared a lot of things in common. The lovely smile, the hair, the eye-colour. He on the other hand had black hair, and brown eyes, just like his father.

‘Hey mum.’ Oliver said, as he paused. ‘Can I go to the beach tomorrow? I made a promise with Tyler and Sarah.’

‘Cool! Can I go?’ Suddenly Toby interrupted, his eyes never left Oliver.