Chapter 2

Five years passed and still, mum and dad were not talking to each other. Dad always had slept on the couch ever since he returned. I barely spoke to any of them because, for the past five years, dad and mum have been quarreling non-stop about every little thing. Each time they start Oliver will always run to my room scared. He would always hug me tight whenever our parents start arguing and often sleeps in my room at times.

It was time for dinner and mum called

"Olivia!!!! Dinner is ready, come downstairs."

I went downstairs and found them already waiting for me. There was silence as we ate until dad broke the silence.

Hmm hmm

Olivia...

"Yes" I answered 

He continued...

"You are not getting any younger, I think it's high time you settle down and start your own family. Most girls at your age are married and are in their husbands' homes."

At this point, my heart was boiling with anger. What is he trying to do? He better not start with me today.

"Men like Harry have what it takes..." He said as I cut him short

"To be a good husband like you right?" I asked rudely

He looked at me as if he was ready to beat me up.

"What dad, am I not right?" I asked

"Well thanks, just lost my appetite," I asked as I walked out of the room angrily

"Come back here" dad shouted

But I didn't listen to what he said and went outside the house then decided to take a stroll in the woods to clear my head. Deep in the woods that evening, there lay a man on the ground half dead. He had bloodstains on his cloth and I couldn't see his face because his face was also covered in blood. Shocked at what I saw, I tried to run away but remembered how someone helped me when I was injured. Knowing it was a risk, I turned back and walked slowly toward him with fear written all over me. I pulled him closer to a tree so he could lean on it, of course, I couldn't carry him. It was really hard for me to do it because he was heavy. Not knowing where to start, I quickly removed his shirt which was almost half thorn. With one look at him, one could tell that whoever or whatever did this to him must hate him for wanting him dead by all means. At this point, I had to go home to get some cotton and herbs that could help him.

On getting home, I tried to enter the house unnoticed by anyone...

"Why are you walking as if you committed a crime?" Dad asked

Fear ran through my veins. Startled by the voice, I turned and found dad sitting on the couch. I thought he would be asleep by now.

"Nothing" I answered,

"And where are you coming from?" He asked

"Outside" I answered as I walked straight to my room without looking back trying to avoid more questions 

 Took some cotton from my room and went to the kitchen to get some herbs, and headed straight to my room. Pacing around the room, I thought of how I would leave the house with my dad sitting on the couch in the parlor. A thought came to my head, 

"you could climb out through the window".

 It was much easier since the window wasn't that high. I made my way out of the house through the window and went straight to help the wounded man. I didn't know where to even start because there were bloodstains all over his body. I started to clean the bloodstain on his face. Later on, I move to his chest where he was badly injured. He groaned in pain as I cleaned his wounds. The marks on his chest looked like it was a wolf that did this to him. Soon after,  I applied the herbs to his wounds and he groan in pain again but this time it was louder than before and I could feel his pain. I felt pity for him. 

After I was done dressing his wounds, I sat on the ground and stared at him. There was something about him that was not adding up. I couldn't figure out what it was. I felt like I'd met him before. I looked at him curiously wondering who he was and suddenly I realized that it was becoming darker and I had to go home before they will notice that I'm not at home. I just hope he would survive. I couldn't just live him there. I looked around and found a spot where I could hide him. I wondered how I would carry him there. He was heavy so I dragged him there and covered him. Hoping he will be safe till morning.

Leaving him in the woods, I walked back home hoping he would make it this night. I wasn't sure he would survive but if he does, that would make me happy, at least all my help wouldn't in vain. Still wondering who he was, I climbed back through the window unto my room. Changed into my nightwear and lay on my bed trying to get some sleep because it has been a long day for me but couldn't help but wonder who that stranger was and what happen to him...

Zzzzzzzzz...

Woke up very early in the morning and headed straight to the kitchen. Grabbed some herbs and a container filled with water and headed straight to the woods. Hoping not to wake anyone, I tiptoed and of course, I climb out through the window. And luckily for me, no one saw me. I hoped he survived the night. 

Getting to the place I left him, I was shocked. I couldn't believe it. Fear ran through my body I could feel my heart beating fast. He was nowhere to be found. All I could see were the curtains I used to clean his wounds which were soaked with blood. I was scared that what or who hurt him might have come to finish him up. Suddenly, I heard a noise. I didn't want to know what it was because it could be something dangerous and no one would be there to help me. So I quickly turned and began running. I could hear footsteps from behind as if someone chased after me. I was terrified at the thought that someone was chasing after me. I ran faster and faster but unfortunately, I stumbled upon a stone and fell. Quickly stood up and looked back but couldn't find anyone. Still terrified, I turned back to go home and found someone standing in front of me...

"Ahhhhhhhh" I screamed in fear

But...

He quickly covered my mouth with his hands and held me tight.

"Don't shout, I'm not gonna hurt you" he said as he removed his hands from my mouth and slowly let me go.

"Who are you and what do you want from me?" I asked still terrified at what happened.

He chuckled...

"Hey, slow down there," he said smiling