Fides Ex Machina by Kian N. Ardalan

Author:Kian N. Ardalan [Ardalan, Kian N.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Actors Everywhere
Published: 2024-01-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 21

“What were you thinking?” asked James, obviously upset. The large man’s expression had knitted itself into one of worry. He pressed a wet cloth to Oscar’s bruised eye as the boy winced and leaned away. A firm hand from James held him in place so that the boy could receive his punitive treatment.

“He started it,” said Oscar.

“I don’t want to hear it,” chided James.

Oscar pouted. Why did James ask if he didn't want a response? “He threw the first punch!”

James chuckled though he wasn’t amused. It sounded more like the popping bubbles of a coming admonishment. “Think you're clever. Don’t you? I know David. I know his type. He couldn’t beat a scarecrow to submission, let alone you.” Oscar chuckled at that but was silenced promptly with the threat of a pointed finger. “Not. Funny. David is a shrewd kid. He taunts you to throw the first punch so that you get into trouble.”

“But I didn’t punch first.”

“Exactly. Which means you said something much worse which made him attack you.”

Oscar was ready to rebuke but choked instead. He was caught red-handed.

Oscar hung his head. And with that, James also deflated. The two sat in the depth of night, huddled only with the light of a lantern between them. They said nothing for a time.

“Who told you?” asked James.

“Told me what?” asked Oscar in a grumble.

“About David’s parents.”

Oscar looked up with wide, surprised eyes. But he bit his lips. He couldn’t betray Lilli, especially after already having broken her trust. “Nobody did,” he lied. It was an obvious lie too.

James’ head bobbed with a lazy nod. “I get it,” he admitted, though regretfully.

Oscar suddenly turned cautious as he spoke his next question. “So it’s true?”

“I mean, you saw how the boy reacted. Would he have done so if it were a lie?”

“No. I guess he wouldn’t have.”

James pursed his lips and leaned in. His large body was propped by his elbows resting on knees. “You got away with a slap on the wrist this time. Because David started it. But remember, to many, you are still an outsider.”

The words stung more than they had any right to. “Why?” The poison of truth found its way to the single question.

James had to sigh deep and heavy to prepare his response. “Because life often isn’t fair. But remember. There are many of us who love you, still.”

Oscar tensed at the remark. “So… you don’t want to send me away?”

James leaned away and frowned. “Send you away? Why in heavens would I…” Some sort of understanding must have dawned on the large man. For in the soft glow of the lantern light, his expression slowly thawed into one of affection and concern. “Oh, Oscar. I don’t want you to go anywhere. We are a team. And as far as I am concerned, we are in this together.”

Oscar looked up at the man with surprise. Why was he suddenly so relieved at hearing the truth? He fought back tears, but James looked to do no such thing.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.