WildFire - Chapter 7

The smell of rainforest woke her up, Oliver was standing near her bed. She had refused to see him since her doctor's appointment, but she was glad he was here now. He sat down on the edge of the bed.

« How was the meeting ? »

Nola laughed and sat up.

« I should have figured you'd know. It was emotional. I felt so weak and helpless compared to them. »
« Will you do the procedure ? »

She closed her eyes. The green scent made her want to curl up and weep, but she had cried all her tears earlier that night.

« I... Yes. It's the only way I'm gonna have a normal life again. Or as close to normal as possible. But I'm so scared, Ollie ! »

She heard him move, and he was holding her, hugging her. She clung to him, anchoring herself in his scent. She felt the tingle of desire grow inside her, and she was about to let go of him when he whispered in her ear.

« Does your bed still smell of rainforest ? »

His scent became suddenly musky. In the dark she found his lips and kissed him hard.

« Not enough. »

*****

He lied back down, still holding her, and gently stroked her back.« I'm sorry. »

« About what ? »
« I was there too late, and you got shot. »

Nola lifted her head, moved to turn the light on and faced Oliver. 

« Did you shoot me ? Was it you who pulled the trigger ? »
« No. Of course not. »
« Then you are not responsible for my wound. »

He stayed silent.

« Ollie, you have to believe that. You’re not responsible for everything that happens in Starling City. »

Oliver left the bed and picked up his discarded clothes without speaking.

« But why would you think that ? I know you've taken on the role of vigilante, saving people and all that, but why ? »
« My father… He died so I could survive. And right his wrongs. »
« Right his wrongs ? So you carry on your shoulders the weight of your father’s sins. What horrible thing did he do that you feel the need to repair his deeds ? »

Oliver finished dressing up without answering. 

« You tell me when you’re going to the hospital. »

He went to the open window and left without another word.

*****

Oliver was back on the raft in the Sea of China. They had survived for days already, barely eating, exposed to the elements. He saw his father take out a gun, shoot the captain and then tell him to survive at all costs and shoot himself in the head. Survive to make things right.

*****

Nola remained where she was. She had never before wondered why Oliver was doing all this Vigilante stunt. She had just thought he wanted to do the right thing, cut down the corruption, weed out the criminals. But it was more than that. He was on a mission.

The next few days passed like in a haze. Nola went to see her surgeon, but she barely listened when he detailed the procedure. She went to the office, trying to lose herself in work, but when she opened her notebook and fell on the page for her “Jungle” project, the scents lost their appeal. She couldn’t concentrate. She went to the meeting one last time, and everybody wished her good luck. Her best friend Roxanne called from Europe, and that was comforting. But she didn’t smell Oliver’s rainforest. On the eve of her operation, Nola sent him a text, hoping he would at least come close enough so she could smell him before going under.