18 Addiction (1/2)

”Oscar, I want to let you do whatever you want. If you want to cultivate, I want to let you cultivate. If you want to be a scholar, I'll support you all the way.”

He turned his head and looked down at me.

”I would love for you to learn my cultivation techniques,” he looked back up and sighed, ”but your mother's right about this one. I can't let you learn how to fight until you're older.”

My heart sank a bit. How long did I have to wait?

He squatted down next to me, took my hands and looked me in the eyes.

”It's just not right for a kid in your position to start that perilous journey. You have complete safety here, and parents that love you. I hope you know that.”

”Make no mistake, when you turn eight years old, I will let you make a decision. I don't want our desires for your future to affect you.”

”When that day comes, you can choose Military School, any Research Institution, enter a Sect… hell, you can even become an apprentice farmer, blacksmith or merchant.”

He gripped my hands tight.

”You're a smart kid and you're naturally gifted. The world's your oyster Oscar. But it's a scary place. Enjoy this peace while you can.”

”What daddy want?” I asked innocently.

His smile was gentle, his eyes full of love.

”For you to be happy.”

We walked back into the house in silence. I saw mother standing at the door to the library, a pleasant smile on her face. She turned away and walked out of the study.

Eight years. That meant I had just shy of seven years left at home. Now that I had a date in my head, time flew by.

Father often spent his days off taking me to Tony and Lucia's house. I played with Davide, and he talked with Tony.

I forged a close bond with Davide as I watched him grow. He started affectionately calling me ”big bro.” It was fitting in more ways than one.

I realised that Tony wasn't short, Dad was just a giant. Even mother was taller than the average man. And I was growing up to be quite beefy.

By the age of two, I had caught up to Emilio's height. Emilio was a year and a half my senior, and Davide's real older brother. He took after his mother and had a wicked streak.

He often tormented us when we were younger, but after the day I could look him dead in the eyes, he stopped. He was quite bitter about our friendship. He didn't seem to have one himself.

When I could finally keep up with Mother's speedy walking, she started bringing me with her to town. She was loved by the townspeople and attracted attention with her mere presence.

It was difficult to miss this tall, beautiful woman with long, flowing auburn hair. My face was taking after hers, although I unmistakably had father's strong nose.

Father's hair was short and gold, with streaks of white. My hair seemed to be a combination of my parents'; light brown with fair blonde tufts at the front.

With my body growing so fast, I was able to help mother with chores. Although 'help' was a loose term. Whatever I cleaned, she cleaned again after me.