The only thing that kept me from punching Sebastian’s face was August holding my hand. I was so thankful that she kept a good grip on me because I really didn’t want to cause a scene. Behind Bash was Claire, who stood on the porch carrying their child, looking all worried. The silence that stretched was painful. My brother looked back and forth to August and I. This is the first time I’ve seen him in what– two, three years? Also, this is the first time I’ve seen him so unsure and in a loss for words. Even when my father banished him and took away all his inheritance and removed him from the will, my brother stood tall and proud. There was no doubt in him that day that what he chose was right. And I guess, he did choose right. Because he didn’t look lonely. Not anymore. When no one seemed to be ready to break the silence between us, it was August who spoke first. “Please don’t think I am interfering in any way–” her voice was so soft that even if I did get mad at her, I would have
The hallways were buzzing with excited conversations. It wasn’t really unusual during the early hours of a school day but the electric vibrancy that seems to inhabit most everyone today is palpable; it pricks my skin and makes the hair on the back of my neck stand. The often cold halls feel warm because of all the giddy laughters and pitchy shrieks of lovestruck girls every once in a while. It wouldn’t take long for one to figure out that the date of the Chevaliers de la Roine Ball has been announced. It is the biggest annual event of the Academy where all students can dress in gowns and tuxedos and play-pretend to be Princesses and Princes as if they don’t already do that everyday. It’s a night where they can showcase their wealth by hiring the biggest names in the fashion industry to style them and arrive in limos or choppers or private planes. There was a year where a Sophomore Student arrived in a glass carriage in the shape of Cinderella’s pumpkin– it was Dove– that sophomore
August grunted in exasperation. She has been looking more stressed these past few days. Our second quarter finals had just concluded and of course she came out first, but only because of so many nights of missed sleeps and early morning study sessions she scheduled for herself. All on top of her responsibilities as the President of Highbrows, Vice President of the Student Council, her part-time job as a barista and her tasks as a Student Assistant. I had the privilege of seeing her planner once and I am still wondering how she was able to fit all she needs to do within the 24-hour timeframe given to man.She sits now at my passenger seat, with eyes closed, forehead resting to the cool of the window. Her hair is twisted in a messy ponytail, yet somehow all I see is how it perfectly falls into her face like a set of dominoes falling one by one. “You know, if you keep staring you might miss the green light.” She said with eyes still closed.My eyes quickly darted back to the road and I
"Do you wanna make a bet?"Theo finishes his cigarette. It was his second stick and yet he reached for my pack to start another one. He has been in a sour mood the whole morning. And I can only guess it was that August girl."That August girl–"And I was right."–how can she be so infuriating?"I didn't want to start another conversation about her, but I asked him anyway, "Why? What did she do this time?""Didn't you see how she looked at us in the parking lot earlier?"I didn't."She walks around here like she owns the place when technically she never even paid a cent to get in.""That's what being a scholar is." I huffed the last of my cigarette and felt my pockets for gum. "It's not her fault she's smart."Theo only rolled his eyes. He's a fucking bully. Always had been. Ever since we were kids, he'd find someone whose life he'd make a living hell. I am his friend yet I know this. That would make me a terrible one I guess. But I don't care enough about anyone here to stop him. And
It is usually during the third period that I would find August walking past our class carrying tons of books too heavy for her. But never once have I seen her ask anyone for help. She would come out of the study hall and then proceed to the computer lab to pick up books left by other students who are so used to having someone else clean up for them. Of course today isn't an exception and as if on cue, I saw her walk out the study hall with five or six books on hand.August isn't like most scholars we have here at the academy and we don't have plenty. The Academy of Chevaliers de la Roine is known for being highly selective and extremely expensive. Most of the students here are children of wealthy clans, business tycoons and politicians. Getting in isn't easy even for those with money. So you can imagine how harder it is for those who don't. For academic scholars, you have to have a GPA of 4.18 and above and in order to be seriously evaluated, it must be a 4.2. August has a 4.5.The en
I have spent the entire week trying to make August notice me. And every attempt failed. I asked if she wanted a ride home, she said "No". One time, I saw her walk out from Chemistry carrying flasks, test tubes and beakers and offered assistance, again, she said "No". Every day I waited for her to walk past our class so I could help her carry the picked-up books back to the library. And every day she would say, "No". I have never been rejected in my entire life, but August has already compensated for that. I have also never been challenged before. Every quest was so easily completed that it became unexciting. Like watered-down wine. Dull. Pale. And makes you want to spit. But with August, every failed attempt, felt like revival.It was after a week-long humiliation that I had an epiphany. August isn't the same as the others I've encountered before. She's not playing hard to get just to make me want her more. She actually despises my existence. I know she didn't like Theo. I mean, how c
"I have another proposition." August looked at me this time. Her eyes are hard, determined. The kind of look that makes it difficult to say no to. It made me curious what she had in mind."In my defense–" I started. I was aware that it was very cowardly to throw my friends under the bus like this. But I need her to know I wanted to put a stop to it, "–I was about to back out from the deal. The more I learned about you, the more I think me and friends are twats for even thinking about it. On behalf of us all, I'm sorry."A faint flush pooled on August's cheeks. Her mouth opened as if to say something. She wasn't expecting me to say anything remotely like that. She recovered quickly though and was once again indifferent."What was the deal anyway?" She asked. Her words were tight and careful. August is trying to see if I can be trusted.I wanted to let her know that I was. So I told her everything. From the unconscious antagonizing she does to Theo caused by her nonchalance and indiffer
The first rule August and I agreed upon is that, "This is not going to be another teenage love affair where we fall in love for real in the end."That idea, apart from being ridiculous for her, August also said that she can never risk her entire future for something as fleeting as teenage romance. She knows the position my family holds in society. She heard stories. And she knew if she pissed enough people, her scholarship could get retracted."Why do this then?" I asked. If she knew about that possibility, then why continue with the fake-dating scheme?"First off, none of this is true. Plus, I get the money, you get to keep your pride. Also your parents probably know about your dating history. They'll brush this off as one of your curiosity. And you are curious aren't you?"I smiled. I wanted to pretend I didn't know what she meant. But she's too cunning for that. I want to know what it's like to date the smartest, most difficult girl I've known. Even if it's fake."I figured. You're