The Insecurities We Have

Chapter Five

Tysm 4 reading
Candy

I held the two gift bags firmly as I timidly rang the doorbell.

No answer.

I rang it once more.

No answer.

Was there no one home? I know principal Kimg was still at school. But where was everyone else?

Impatiently, I rang the doorbell multiple times.

Suddenly, the door aggressively swinged open.

I gulped, intimidated, as I stared at the person who opened the door. He stood there firmly by the door with his arms crossed. His dark brown- no, black- eyes were covered in big circle-like glasses. His face kept an indifferent look as he stared me down.

"Candice George," he hummed with a smirk plastered on his lips.

I didn't speak. Instead, I found myself focusing on what he was wearing. He had on grey sweatpants, which were a bit oversized for him and a white tank top, which showed off his biceps.

"August, who's by the door?" A feminine voice echoed from inside.

His eyes lingered on me before, "Nobody," he nonchalantly replied.

Before he and I could say anything, a woman came towards the door. She smiled warmingly at the sight of me.

"Candice!"

"Hello, Mrs King," I reciprocated her smile.

"It's been long!" She exclaimed, and I just akwardly smiled. "Well, come in!"

I did as she said, but I could feel August's gaze as I entered his home.

"How are you doing? How's your mother? And your brother? Is your aunt still in England?" She asked me as she walked to the kitchen, and I followed behind. From the corner of my eyes, I could see August follow us from behind.

"I'm okay. Mom is busy as usual. She is on another case. And Jake is still the star quarterback. And yes, Aunt Sue is still in England." I answered as we reached the kitchen.

"That's lovely," she smiled.

Her eyes slowly went to the gift bags I had for August. "What's that?"

"Oh, these are for August," I said sheepishly, and I looked at him.

He made a face that I couldn't quite understand, but I'd take it for him being surprised if not taken aback.

"I was heartbroken when I heard that August landed in the hospital," I lied as I glanced his way. "So, I thought of doing something so that he knows he isn't alone. I mean, he's like my distant cousin."

Mrs King's heart melted at my words. I could tell because of the big smile she had.

"Oh my God, Candice!" She gushed. "You are such a sweetheart!"

I know I was lying, but it wouldn't hurt anyone, I think.

"August," she sternly called out. "What do you say?"