Returning To Oliver
Oliver seemed disturbed so I quickly tried to pacify him.
“Hey! Dear, something came up so I had to leave. I am coming to you very shortly. Don't worry.”
“Fine, but hurry up.” He didn't sound very pleased on the phone as the call ended.
I lifted my eyes while placing the phone back in my bag.
Ruby was glaring while Noah seemed slightly jealous.
“Who was it? Your voice had gone all soft while speaking to him,” Noah questioned rather curiously.
“That was Oliver, Alpha King’s son. The young man who came to my defence at the party,” I informed them.
“Both of you seem close.” I could sense the excitement in Noah's voice.
“I am his nanny so yes we are close,” I replied, adjusting my hair and ensuring my wig remained in its place. My remark had them both exchange a glance and Noah's eyes filled with reverence at the information. He was power hungry and I knew this was another reason he was trying to suck up to me.
“I had an inkling that you were close to the boy. Can you put in a good word with the King for me? And arrange a meeting. He hardly ever meets anyone,” Noah pleaded, desperation so visible in his tone.
I wanted to refuse him flatly but that wouldn't serve my case.
So I said, “I am just a nanny and I am closer to Oliver. I don't think Alpha King will appreciate it if I try to win favours for someone else.”
But Noah wasn't put off by my words.
“Please! An, try it for me,” he requested with puppy eyes. I didn't wish to entertain him or her anymore.
“I can't make any promises for now. Oliver needs me so I must leave immediately.” Ruby seemed relieved but Noah slightly scowled.
“As you wish. But remember my words,” he said as I took my leave with a nod.
Heading back I removed my wig and lenses in the car and tossed them in my bag. Lenses I placed in the lens case.
Reaching back I hurried inside the house. The guards were waiting outside.
“He is pissed, we tried but he wouldn't eat anything,” one of them informed me.
“Don't worry, I will handle him.” The guard let me enter. They were going to be keeping a strict watch on me as per their king’s orders.
Oliver was sitting on the sofa watching Tom and Jerry with a very grim expression. His small arms were crossed on his chest.
“Hey, Ollie, I am back,” I greeted and went over to sit beside him. He huffed and faced away, showing he was angry.
“What's wrong?” I asked, reaching out for his cute little hand.
“You are late,” he fumed, refusing to meet my eye.
“I got held up but I am here now, my apologies.”
“You are turning out to be like my father. You promised to be there for me but disappeared. Are your promises empty like his?” He said with indignation, his eyes tearing up and my heart ached in the worst possible ways. Somehow I never wished to see this little pup cry or get upset. It hurt my soul.
“No, no, Ollie. I am truly sorry. I just got stuck with something but I assure you this will never happen again.”
“Do you promise?” He turned to me and asked in expectation.
“I promise, unless and until your father won't want me around, I am never leaving you Ollie.” I affectionately touched his hand and he hugged me with his soft arms.
“That will never happen. I will never let father make you go away. You will always stay with me,” he possessively whispered in my chest as I returned his hug.
We stayed like that for a while, absorbing each other’s warmth when I asked.
“What would you like to eat?”
His arms let go of me and he straightened up, looking at me with such expectancy.
“Father never lets me eat burgers and fries. Saying they are unhealthy but all the kids eat them. So why can't I? Today I want those,” he said with excitement dripping from his words. He rubbed his hands together. I cradled his round face in my hands and answered.
“Well, your father is right. Junk food is not healthy and should be avoided. We should always eat healthy food, especially at this growing age.”
“Please! Anna, please,” he pouted so cutely and there was this light in his eyes I didn't wish to dim. So I gave up.
“Fine, but I will make everything myself. So it's healthy for you.”
“Yes!!!” He did a small happy dance by wriggling his upper body and I couldn't help but laugh.
“I will go prepare your meal, enjoy your cartoons meanwhile and then we can do homework. Any allergies I should know about while preparing your food? So I won't use those ingredients,” I asked while getting up.
“Onions, I am allergic to those. Don't add them,” he informed me while straightening up and focusing on his cartoons.
I was slightly taken aback by his words because I was allergic to onions as well. My mind travelled back to my surrogacy and thoughts of my child and what I had lost resurfaced.
What if my child was not dead but alive? But Oliver thwarted any hopes with his next words.
“My father is allergic to onions too, I have inherited the same allergy.”
I quietly nodded and went up to prepare the burger and fries for Oliver. I baked the bun myself and took extra care while preparing his food.
I wished for him to eat healthy but also wanted him to enjoy his childhood. Kids love such food and sometimes they should have them as a treat.
When everything was prepared, I made a banana smoothie alongside and placed everything on the table. It had been a while since I had prepared food for someone with such love and care. The delicious smell wafted from it and went to Oliver.
“It smells so yummy,” he cried out in joy. Before he could come over and eat, the doorbell rang and Oliver ran away to answer it.
I settled down on the table to wait for him.