Oliver's picture above^

Happy reading!

*

Distance is harsh. But being near yet distant is harsher.

(◍•ᴗ•◍)✧*。

D A V I D W E L L I N G T O N

"Just go David!"

I looked at her skeptical, "Are you sure Jess?"

She nodded, "Go inside."

And with that she pushed me in.
I stumbled inside nervous, the two packets in my hand.

I looked around the room, and saw it was empty except a small light lighting up the area near the crib.

I could hear the shower running. Erica was most probably in the washroom. I should keep these and leave as soon as I can.

I walked towards the crib and it was difficult to admit that these little kids were making me nervous. Even when they were both sleeping.

- God! Where did the confident David go? Freaking out before these pea sized kids!

The smaller crib was Eve's, and she was even smaller than that. Curled up in her small blanket, she slept peacefully as her brown curls fluttered because of the light air coming from the air conditioner.

I couldn't help but smile. Why do they have to look so innocent? I mean even they would turn humans with vicious brains. The world wouldn't let them live if they remain so innocent forever.

- is there a pill that can cause them to not grow up?

I chuckled at my insane thoughts and kept the bag with the toy gun near her legs. Wouldn't want her to hurt herself while sleeping.

Walking ahead two steps, another alluring view welcomed me. Well alluring not in the sense that had me smiling but alluring that had my breath hitched.

Since I have come back, this 'little shit' has always managed to do this. As if trying to choke me to death.

He had the red hair mixed with brown, from god knows where. Neither me, nor Venus had red hairs. Probably some recessive gene of Venus' parents. Though these red hairs remind me of Hope. She has long red bangs that compliment her whitish face colour beautifully. For the first glance, one would say Oliver is her kid.

But looking at him carefully, as he slept with his eyes closed, hands spread on both sides of his head and a blue furry blanket covering his body, reminds me of his mother.

One can just sense it. And me? I have seen Venus sleeping for hours. There was this resemblance between the two, that only a mother can share with her child. She would have been proud knowing her kid inherits so much from her, but only his notorious eyes from me.

I sighed.

I haven't thought of Venus this much in the whole one year, as much as I have since I have seen him. Probably that is one my reasons why I have been evading encounters with him. But the hurt I have seen in Erica's eyes makes me wonder what I am doing.

'He will happily sign away the custody to us! He doesn't want Oliver!'- Eric's word ring in my ears.

I don't want Oliver? Or do I?

When did it come down to this?

Just a week ago, I was deciding which drink to gulp, wondering what will make me more numb towards life. And now, here I am deciding if I want my own kid in my life or not?

I kept the other bag in his crib, wanting to escape as soon as I can. This is the best I can do now. Escape.

Just two days ago, I decided I would man up, and now today, I feel so fucking scared!

I turn to leave but stop abruptly as I come face to face with Erica.

Oh no! This was meant to happen secretly.

She had her hands folded, and was observing me like I am some peculiar being and not her brother.

I have not seen her since yesterday. I didn't have the courage to. From the time , she has entered my life, I always promised her that I will kick the ass of anyone who hurts her. Not that I know how to kick my own.

Even after all hell broke loose with Eric, I thought I still have her. Now I am not so sure, seeing as to how much she loves Oliver.

"..uh..Erica..I j_just came to.."

She cut me off, "I know what you came here for. I saw the whole ordeal."

I looked down.

Eric was not here. And as much as I don't want to see that asshole's face, I know things haven't turned out good between the two since the last confrontation.

Jessica told me how Erica has completely denied to acknowledge Eric even when he tried to. I have seen the two grow in love and have myself loved every moment of it. The last thing I want is them fighting and me being the cause.

"You are angry.", I stated.

I heard her sigh, "Does it matter David?"

"It does. For all of us. Because you matter and so you being upset does too."

"Well, the kids can't thank you for the gifts right now, so I will. Oli though is learning to say it and as soon as he does, I'll make sure he thanks you."

She moved towards her bed and started making it.

"You don't have to be angry at Eric. Though he's being an ass but he loves you."

She spared me a brief glance, "I know who deserves anger, love or disappointment David. Have seen a plenty of it now."

As much as my mind wanted to not confront this, my heart refused to leave. She was troubling and her indifferent attitude gave way more clue than she intended to.

I went forward and sat down on the edge of the bed folding my legs, making it clear I ain't leaving easily.

"I am sorry that I disappointed you little one."

She looked on, "What will I do with your sorry David? Tell Oliver when he's grown up that you were sorry?"

I shook my head, "Tell me Erica! How will I manage him if I am not able to manage myself!"

"That's only an excuse!"

"No it is not! I know that kid is safe with you both! He won't be with me. Do you know Erica how many times I have had accidents in the past year? If it was not for Eric's men, I would have probably decomposed in some road side. Erica! I am no more a man who can hold any responsibility. I work because it makes me forget everything. And Oliver! Even while he's sleeping, all I can see in him is Venus!"

I let out everything, and looked away.
I have been a man of words but my situation currently makes me speechless. Such misery!

I felt a hand around my shoulders and looked up to see her sitting beside me.

"Was Venus your weakness?"

As much as I hate to admit, "she was."

"Wasn't she your strength?"

"Ofcourse she was."

I hear her sigh, "Then why are you limiting her role to merely being your weakness?"

I couldn't say anything.

"David! I have no idea what you feel right now. But whenever I see you looking at Oliver, it is longing that is filled in your eyes. Not just adoration or amusement. You say he reminds you of Venus? He is bound to! That is why Venus left him here among us. So he could remind you of her! Your reason to live happily."

"Do you remember how we planned so many celebration to welcome your kid after he's born? He was the first kid of the new generation after all. I was so ecstatic to become an aunt. Thought of so many names, brought so many gifts. Venus practically turned to my sister. And I was over the moon when Oliver was born. But things didn't turn out the way we planned. They never do. Does this mean we give up?

You know what even when the family was grieving Venus'death and your departure, I did everything. Celebrated in every way. Clicked so many pictures. Only so Venus could rest in peace. She would hate leaving her child's responsibility to us, and we not giving him what she would have. Now when I have myself kept a child in my womb for nine months, I have realized how Venus must have felt.

You want to give them the world! And at the same time save them from all the harshness of it. I feel protective over both of them. And that is what a mother does. You realise the proximity doesn't matter. You only want them to be happy wherever they are.

Venus only wants to see her child happy. To see YOU happy! And both yours and mine hearts know that both of you can't be happy without each other."

I looked at her overwhelmed, "How are you so sure he will be happy with me? I am miserable!"

She smiled, "The same way you were sure he won't. David! We can give him everything. All the luxury and the best life. You know that. We can even be his parents. But David, I or Eric will never be able to give him 'you'. And that will be the biggest deprivation of his life. Only you yourself can do that."

I felt every word hit deep. Don't know if it was the magic of her soothing voice or her words literally held the substance.

I looked at her, "You know you are basically encouraging me to fight with your husband. Something you despise!"

She shrugged simply, "If you both are onto it, I can't stop you. I can just make sure that the fight it fair and the outcome of it is right."

I nodded and stood up.

As I was about to leave, a thought struck my mind, "Are you still angry? And I have to convince you with some cheesy gift?"

I saw amusement fill her eyes, "I am already angry that you brought your two kids a gift and nothing for your third one."

"Oh C'mon! I am too young to be a father of a old hag like you!"

I am soon hit with a pillow, "Look at yourself! Your skin is hanging like barely there!"

I chuckled and left her room, "Mommy hen!"

*

It was a much brighter day when I woke up.

I sipped on the juice and read the conditions and clause from the paper in my hand.

Keeping it aside, I called my lawyer, "Jefferson!"

"Hey David! Did you get another disputed land?", he yawned on phone.

"No! Good for you...but I want you to pick some papers from me and find out a potential loophole. We shall schedule a meeting as is convenient with you."

"Okay! I'll coordinate with your PA."

"Yeah! Just coordinate! Don't sleep with her. I don't want her pestering me for your personal phone number."

I hear him chuckle, "Can't help myself being so good in bed."

"Yeah! Fuck off!"

"I will. I will."

(◍•ᴗ•◍)✧*。

When you love someone, even their mess is something you adore. You just can't not love something about them.

H O P E R I C C I

"Yeah mom! I have reached and waiting.."

She sighed on the other end, "Finally my baby got some balls."

"Or you and Ed literally forced the balls on me!", I chided.

She laughed, "Okay okay! Now concentrate on your date sweety! He's a good guy and don't hesitate giving him a chance."

'Ace Belrose' was the name of this potential guy my parents set me up to go on a date with. I have heard of this name before. It is common to hear such names in my circle of profession.

Though my mom wanted me to put some effort in getting ready, and I may have given hints to Erica about this date, and thus she came over this evening to prepare me for it. Not that I allowed her to dress me up like a doll.

If this guy is someone serious, then he must see my true self, and not some caked up personality. And Erica agreed to that.

This restaurant was good. 'La dimora dell'amore' was the name that means 'The abode of Love'. I have been here before. With Oliver. And I couldn't help but smile at the memory. That was probably the best date I will ever have with a guy.

When Eric went to Australia, he was eager to go with me out on a trip. I tried to refuse but couldn't. And so I ended up bringing him here, because they serve the best Italian cuisine. And they are not noisy, just as Oliver likes.

"Excuse me? Is this Ms. Ricci?"

I looked up at the well dressed guy who stood in a black tuxedo, with a white shirt. He had grey eyes that stared back at mine.

I smiled politely, "Yes. And you are Mr.Belrose?"

He nodded and took a seat across me.

"Hi! I hope you didn't have to wait for long?"

I shook my head, "No I was here just ten minutes before."

And with that we ordered the food, with small talks. I have done this before. Getting to know the guy to develop some interest in them. Today, while leaving for this date, I promised myself and genuinely try. Something along the lines to not let myself be distracted towards some unrequited feelings. I want to have someone in my life now. Like really. But I have to be patient so I don't end up with a wrong guy.

*

I laughed at how Ace narrated his experience with this PR company in London.

"Yeah! I don't know how to not get into a mess of that kind while being in the business industry."

"I think it is just how you approach the situation. You heard about Eric Ashton? He's my friend and I am his wife's manager who's also my friend. That man has an attitude where no women who is not dear to him can approach him. Not in any circumstances."

He chuckled, "I heard about him. He's known for his no-bullshit attitude and I adore him for that."

I think I am clicking well with this particular guy. He has this air of comfort around him, cool and composed. Something like myself.

I think I'd give him a....

My thoughts are halted abruptly as my eyes fall behind Ace, to a way too familiar figure coming in with another man and taking a place just across us.

Just when I thought I could do something productive.

Now as Ace talked, my eyes shifted from him to the one behind.

And the culprit of my heart, David, completely unaware of everything, was in a serious conversation with the other man.

My heart soared high, and I felt butterflies in my stomach. My eyes refusing to look at another person in the room.

Hope! What is wrong with you?

"..Hope!?"

I looked at a confused Ace, "What happened? You look lost?"

Lost!? More like enchanted. Trapped.

"No! I am fine.", And my eyes go back to him. He wasn't dressed in his typical businessman crisp clothes. Instead he had this full sleeves white t-shirt whose sleeves were rolled up till his elbow. His hair was unkempt and his black piercing eyes focused on the man across him, both having an intense discussion.

Who says clothes make one look alluring? Probably me? He would be in rags and I will still adore him.

May be I am obsessed. But isn't obsession about fighting against the world and keeping them as yours. I did no such thing.

"..water?", I saw a glass of water offered to me.

Oh god! Ace!

I take it immediately, "Thanks Ace!", and gulp it down.

Just as I was recovering, I heard his voice, "Am I seeing ghosts or it is you Hopeless?"

I cursed under my breath before opening my eyes to come face to face with him. Him standing beside our table.

"Uhm..", I chuckled uncomfortably, "Hi David."

My eyes fell on Ace who looked puzzled and so I composed myself.

"Oh...David! This is Ace..my date for the night..and Ace? This is David..my.."

"Her best friend!", David pulled a chair from another table and settled between us. And maybe he didn't give importance to it but his chair was very much near to me.

"David Wellington!", He extended his hand towards Ace.

Ace looked perplexed for a second, "Ace Belrose!", they shook hands.

"Belrose...as in Belrose hotels?"

Ace nodded in affirmation.

He leaned back, "Oh cool! I might have designed six of your hotels two years ago!"

"Oh so you are the architect! My dad always appreciates that new chain. It is dear to him.", He got a polite reply.

I was so awkward. David was basically crashing my date. Not that he didn't do it before. But other times, he crashed it only in my head. Now, his majesty is himself doing the honour.

And me? I feel as if I have been caught cheating! On whom? I myself don't know.

They had a small conversation until Ace announced its time to head back and he looks forward to another time. I smiled politely and shook hands with him.

"Hope? Should I drop you home?"

"I have my...", I couldn't complete as I was interrupted by the man of the night.

"I will drop her home. She'll be safe and sound."

*

As I saw Ace leaving the restaurant, my shoulder slumped.

Not because the date failed, but because I failed again to resist this daft! And even if I try convincing myself it was a good date, I know I'd be lying to myself because all I will remember of the night is David.

"So? Date huh?", He smirked at me making me huff.

And then all of a sudden he became serious, "Do you even know the man? I mean this was your first date with him?"

I rolled my eyes, "I know him. My mother and Edward set up the date."

He nodded and made a face, "Well...! He's too polite. Almost fake!"

Okay! So now this guy is going to tell me about other guys.

"What are you doing here David? Dating a man?"

He made a dirty face, "Eww! That was Jefferson...my lawyer. We had a dinner meeting."

I leaned forward and looked at him incredulously, "And why would you crash my date?"

He squinted his eye as if thinking hard.

"Probably because this is a restaurant in the outer city. You are alone here. Dressed up pretty. Vine on your table. The guy may have gotten you drunk and used you inappropriately."

Calm down stupid heart! You are doing it again.

"I know how to take care of myself Mr.Wellington!"

He rolled his eyes, "Awwiee...did you forget when that bully guy forced you to kiss him?"

"Till when will you rub that on my face??"

Well, that's how David and me met for the first time. I was new and there was group of boys going behind every newbie like apes. My red hair gave me some special attention always. And so when they spotted me, someone made a bet that they will make me kiss the guy. When they surrounded me on the school playground among so many spectators, I was baffled and shocked.

It was then David stepped in and saved me from humiliation. And well, Eric threatened everyone so bad, no one even asked for a pen from me for the rest of the school years.

"Till you and me rest in our graves."

"I hate you!"

He chuckled, "I can make you scream the opposite!"

My face went red and I stood up embarrassed. For saving me from that one humiliation, this guy had made sure to embarrass me always for the content of his heart.

"I am heading back home."

"I'll drive you. Sit for a while. Let me have dinner. Jefferson? Hey? Over here!", He invited his lawyer on our table.

I greeted the guy and sat silently sipping on my wine as they had their food.

"She's hot!", I hear Jefferson comment as if I am not here.

David glared at him, "Don't even think. She's off limits!"

There goes my silly heart again..

*

It was heavily raining by the time we reached my place. The radio said about an impending storm.

"You can come up for a while and leave when the rain stops.", I offered.

It was only sane of me. Wouldn't want him driving in such bad weather!

"Let me park then.."

He parked the car and we both got in the elevator.

"Let me inform Erica.. she'll be worried."

I nodded agreeing.

We entered the penthouse, him after me.

"Help yourself David..I'd go and change."

He nodded but stopped me abruptly.

"You look beautiful..", he said looking me up and down, "Did that Belrose tell you this?"

My heart was wild but I only shook my head meekly.

"Well, you shouldn't waste such beauty as yourself on those men. The right man will himself come and sweep you off."

I took a deep breath after entering my bedroom.

"I love him! I love him so so much!"

*

(◍•ᴗ•◍)✧*。

"Sir! Mr. Wellington is at Hope ma'am's place. He's safe."

"Good! You may leave the place now.", He hung up on one of his man and leaned back on his chair.

This chair from the study room has been his best friend lately.

But he was glad everything was going as planned.

He heard the brother sister conversation last night, when he was on the verge of giving up and telling Erica everything. He can bear everything but not her indifference.

From then, he has been full of hope.

David meeting Jefferson and leaving his room with the custody papers was another reward for him. He felt glad. The loophole he left intentionally.

What he was only worried about was Erica. If he goes to convince her, she'll ask him to drop this all. And if he doesn't, it'll hurt her more. He wished he could share this with her. But David is her brother and he saw yesterday how she can't be harsh on him for more than five minutes.

A memory from two years back suddenly came across his mind.

--

He came out of the conference room after a successful meeting. He could finally say that he can manage things here better without Erica. Atleast he wasn't snapping every five minutes.

Antonio came to him and handed him a file, "Sir Mrs. Wellington is here in your cabin."

"Mrs. Wellington? As in Venus?"

He nodded.

He went inside the cabin and saw her looking at the pictures on the wall keenly. She was observing one of his and David's college pictures. Erica put them here on his last birthday. Apparently she wants him to feel home everywhere, after she found out how he loved staring at old pictures.

"Venus?", He acknowledged her as he went in, "What happened? Everything alright?"

They met just two days ago at the family dinner. It's most probably David. He may have done something to piss her off and she's here to complain.

She nodded, "Yeah...I just wanted to talk to you on something important."

"Important as in?"

"You see Eric, I have been avoiding this for quite long. I didn't want to come out as an intruding or territorial wife. Also, I don't want to express my insecurities before David and make him alter his behaviour towards others. Only you can help me in this."

He was genuinely concerned now.

"What's wrong?"

"Hope."

That one word had him stiffening. It has already been an year since Hope started working for Erica. Everyone was getting along with her. Even David. Having no clue of the feelings she once held for him.

"What about Hope?"

"Does she share some history with David?", She asked carefully.

Eric hated to admit it but one part of him was protective over Hope. He was scared for her. He knew how innocent she was and genuine her feelings were. He had seen her burst into tears when she saw David proposing Venus to date. He had seen her leave. And now he sees how hard she tries to stay away.

"You must discuss this with your husband Venus! You must trust him."

She sighed, "Eric! David has seen me getting insecure before and I have seen him cutting everyone out who made me feel so. I don't see any villainy in Hope, and I see their friendship is purely platonic. But I have also seen her stealing glances at him. That look! You give that look to someone you love beyond life. And I have already had some argument with David months ago which we sorted when he assured me there is nothing from his side. But I am not sure about Hope."

That somewhat made him furious, but he stayed calm because Venus is family.

"That is just your insecurity speaking Venus."

"Don't you think I don't know that!"

"I am in no place to say something.", He said.

"You are. That is why I have come to you. Because I know you know more than you let out."

He sighed, "I seriously don't want to do this."

"Even when I tell you I am pregnant and this is bothering me more than it should."

His eyes widened at that.

Pregnant? Venus?

"Does David know?"

She shook her head, "I found out just yesterday. I am waiting for him to come back from Argentina."

He didn't want to do this. But a part of her knew why Venus was so bothered. Even he himself would be. He is a man in love.

"Hope, David and me were friends back from in the school. She was a quiet girl, and very out of place. A topper in maths. And well, someone real in that honeycomb like school. Our friendship started from us saving her from bullies to her saving David from failing. Two years down the lane, and she grew close to us. Well, much more to David. But while for David, she was just a friend. For her, David became her world. She knew how to handle him. I liked it about her. She was patient with him and tolerated him without complaints. What I failed to realise was that she fell for him real hard. I had never seen something as genuine as her love for him. And being the dumb David is, he didn't realize what he was doing to her. She admitted it to me. And I was happy for David. I offered her my help if that meant happiness for David. But that very day, the day of her birthday, the day she planned to ask him out, keeping everything aside, David proposed you."

He sighed, "I stopped her. Stopped her because I had no idea David was this serious about you. I gave her a vague hope that may be you are a phase, but when David himself admitted before us, too happy to notice her breaking at his declaration that he really liked you, she left. Without a single word. And never came back until now and that too because Austin insisted."

Venus heard Eric. A part of her felt jealous of how can she love him that much. Love him enough to leave him. Another part of her held respect for Hope, that she respected David's choice. And another content, that David made yet another person fall deep for him.

"I know Venus this is alot to take in. But about Hope? You have my word. She will never intrude in your life. If she wanted, she would have done by now."

Venus nodded still dazed.

"What if I was not in the picture? Do you think they would have ended up together?"

Eric looked at her carefully, "Most probably yes. I would have made sure of it. David would not get such people in his life frequently."

She nodded smiling tight lipped.

"...but Venus...why I didn't do that? Or why I never told David about Hope? It was because you too loved him just as much. I don't know what good deeds the fucker did to have two women love him so dearly."

She chuckled. The situation finally becoming lighter.

"He has this charm. I have no problems with Hope, just so you know. I appreciate her love for him. And if not me, then I would definitely wish David to end up with someone who genuinely loves him."

The two dear people of David, wanted nothing but his welfare.

--

Venus was a sensible woman.- he thought. Too sensible for a dumbass like David. From then on, Eric and Venus shared this secret, making sure none of it reaches David. Venus became more friendly towards Hope and welcomed her in all family gatherings warmly, leaving Hope perplexed certain times.

And when she made it clear with her eyes to Eric, about Hope and David being brought together, he knew he had to do this, anyhow.

Well, recommending Lily, in a slightly polite tone, that cringed him internally about booking, 'La dimora dell'amore' for David's meeting was his contribution to David crashing Hope's date.

And as if god was on his side, the storm happened. What could go wrong now?

"Papa!", He heard Oli's whine and looked near his foot to see him trying to climb up on his lap.

He chuckled softly at him and his thoughts, "Papa has turned into a manipulative bastard. But anything for you and that bitch of your father."

Oli giggled hearing him talk and pointed to the wall sized window. Eric stood up taking him to the window and softly making him stand on the sill, protected behind the glasses.

It was raining heavily and thankfully the room was sound proof. Oli gets scared of loud noises.

"You see Oliver Vincent Wellington! The world looks this beautiful when it rains. Be it water or love. And one day, very soon, you will have both Hope and David raining their love on you."

He looked up at him and grinned, showing his small teeth.

*