Chapter 14. Surreal

                                    

                                          
I walked in the kitchen as I was grabbing some plates and utensils for Maggie, I heard Dax speak out from the living room as I looked up and met his gentle head nod in my direction. He could see me, from across the room where he was seated in his lounger.
                          
"Hey welcome back!" Dax said, confusing me until I realized he was talking with Ollie.
                          
Oliver must've jumped up in his seat as the voice was unfamiliar and caught him off guard because I heard Dax trying to ensure him everything was fine to calm him down. He seemed to be confused about where he was. It took him a moment to piece together that he was at Dax's house. Then came the question of why he was here. From where I stood I was able to see Dax but Ollie was out of view. I would have to take a couple steps forward and peak to the right to see him, but I didn't move. I probably should have gone in and helped Dax ensuring Ollie or at least the other direction walk out the back door but I didn't— I just stood there.
                          
Dax still sat in the recliner that was placed at the foot-end of where Oliver laid, he continued to talk with Ollie and even motioned me with his hand to stay back for now as he noticed that I had finally taken a couple steps forward. I was able to see him but he couldn't see me as he was facing the other direction towards Dax. The TV was on the nightly local news report. Dax had rested in the recliner watching TV for the last ninety plus minutes. The TV had been set to a volume that would not interfere with Oliver's sleep but now Dax muted it.
                          
Oliver just sat up, remained in silence trying to gather up his thoughts and continued to attempt to piece things together.
                          
"My man, you were tired, huh? You've been out since three this morning." Dax added, not allowing Oliver the chance to respond to his questions.
                          
"What time is it? Oliver asked still somewhat groggy.
                          
"It's about to be seven."
                          
"Seven!" Oliver unintentionally repeated.
                          
"That's p.m!" Dax included.
                          
"How did I get here?" He asked ashamed.
                          
"Don't worry about that for now. Let's get you something to eat first and we could catch you up after. Were barbecuing so we're eating out back. I have some meat coming off the grill in a couple of minutes. We thought we were going to have to eat dinner without you, we figured you were going to sleep right through it."
                          
Oliver asked if he could wash up first and Dax pointed him in the direction of the washroom.
                          
I took steps back and slipped out the back door before Ollie spotted me.
                          
"He's up!" Dax said as he stepped out the back screen door that rattled as it slammed shut behind him. He met eyes with me as his words came to a close almost in a form of confirming some information he and I had shared.
                          
"Good he needs to eat something!" Maggie's voice said as she fixed plates on the table.
                          
The screen door creaked again as Oliver pushed it open to exit the house. He stopped in his steps as he tried to take in what he felt was unreal.
                          
"Aria!" Was all he said in surprise.