Last Year of Seventeen

Chapter 3 - Henry

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 could you like someone who makes your life difficult? But it never made sense for me before that she doesn't like me too. I didn't do anything to her. I never tyrannized her in a way. But then again, I really didn't do anything. I just watched as Theo tormented her. So maybe, I shouldn't be asking her out yet. Maybe an apology should come first.

The following week, I had every intention to apologize. It surprised even myself that I wanted to do it for real. But time wasn't a friend. August always seemed to be caught up with something. She is never not moving. Hell, the girl's schedule would rival my father's.

She's the head of the Highbrows and the Vice President of the Student Council. Monday mornings and Friday afternoons are spent in meetings with the other delegates. She also works as a Student Assistant and has shifts in the library on early mornings, on her vacant periods and for a few hours after school. On Wednesdays and every weekend, I found out that she also has a job as a barista at a local coffee shop. To top it all up she has to maintain her scholarship so all the remaining free hours she has is dedicated to studying. I understand now when she said she didn't have time to spend on Theo's nonsense. I wondered if she even has the time to be seventeen at all.

I felt terrible for even thinking about bringing down a girl who works her ass off and who probably is a scholar because she needed to be. It isn't her fault that we're intimidated by her. And if she hates us, well, I'm pretty sure we deserve it. Here we are with all the lavishness and grandeur. Never having to worry about our futures because it's already laid out and prepared for by our parents, so we can squeeze in games and foolishness while she can't even find the time to be angry when we mock her. And now I know she may have wanted to scream at Theo or punch him on the face or play his stupid games because she knows she can win. But she also knows that Theo's father is powerful. And one mistake can actually cause her all the chances of a better life.

August does not get the same privilege as us. She can't be stupid or childish or be inconsistent because she constantly needs to prove she deserves to be here. Through observing and learning her lifestyle, I gained a new found respect with the girl they called the Ice Bitch. So if I'm going to pursue her, which I won't– she does not need another mess added to her life, but if I do, I'll do it for real. Fuck the deal. I don't care about the yacht or Lancelot. I don't care about Theo or Arlo making fun of me for years. Or if I have to bring Dove to Paris. I decided I'll drop it and let August be. She has enough on her plate and she's better than us and Theo can just suck it up.

"Henry."

The voice was low, almost shy. The inbetween of a breath and a whisper. And I don't think I've ever heard her like this before. Her voice was usually firm, unshakeable. Like the final speech of a General before leading his men into battle.

August stood before me, head still high but her eyes were everywhere. As if she's going to fall apart if she looks at me directly. She's ashamed but her pride is fighting back.