Oasis Path©(English Version)BOOK 1 OASIS SAGA

Part 11.

Lawrence, January 6th.

A new school term has begun, and here I am back at school. Yesterday afternoon, my father accompanied me to the station to catch the train back. I was surprised to encounter Mr. Evans there. After the farewells, as I was finding my seat, I stumbled upon his presence.

“Good afternoon, Miss Johnson,” greeted Evans, his voice revealing a certain uneasiness. He seemed reserved, and the tension in the air between us was evident. I had imagined that, after our last conversation, we might have developed some trust or familiarity, but it was clear I was mistaken.

In my bewilderment, I didn’t immediately notice that his hand was entwined with that of a young woman who, until that moment, had been in the shadow of his figure. Evans spoke, not even looking me in the eyes.

“Miss Johnson, allow me to introduce you to Hilarie Glaser, my fiancée.”

I reacted on instinct, extending my hand to greet Hilarie. As I did, I couldn’t help but scrutinize her. She was a young woman of extraordinary beauty, her skin as bronzed as Evans’, long black hair gracefully falling, large eyes expressing a mix of kindness and caution, and her slender figure almost on par with Mr. Evans.

The introduction left a strange sensation in the air, as if I were witnessing an unexpected chapter in Mr. Evans’ life.

“Pleasure to meet you, Hilarie. I’m Amelie Johnson.” I said with a forced smile, trying to conceal the surprise that overwhelmed me. My mind struggled to assimilate the news of the relationship between Evans and Hilarie.

The young woman’s expression was friendly, but her eyes revealed a caution that didn’t escape my notice. Mr. Evans, on the other hand, seemed uncomfortable, as if the situation were beyond his control.

“How nice to meet you, Amelie!” exclaimed Hilarie, completely animated, forgetting all formality. “You’re so lovely!”

“Hilarie!” Mr. Evans tried to say something.

“What?” she retorted, looking him in the eyes. Then, she grabbed one of my hands, as if we were childhood friends. “I don’t see why I should be formal with a girl like Amelie. We’re only a few years older than her, and I think it would be more like being friends.”

“But Hil...” Evans began to object.

“It’s okay, sir,” I interrupted Evans and looked directly at Hilarie. “I’m not used to being treated so familiarly by people I’ve just met, but you are very cheerful and open. It feels good to be treated this way by someone like you.”

“See?” Hilarie said to Evans while lightly swinging our intertwined hands. Then, turning to me, she asked, “Would you like to attend our wedding?”

“Hilarie!” Evans exclaimed, startled. “What are you doing? We agreed to keep it discreet.”

“But, my love,” said Hilarie, frowning, “the wedding is in just over a month. What’s the point of hiding it? Besides, it’s not like I’m going to shout it from the rooftops—though I’d love to—I don’t plan on inviting all your students, but Amelie seems like a nice girl, very discreet and mature.”

Alex Evans’ face showed a kind of anger mixed with confusion and pain.

“I’m flattered by your words, Miss Glaser,” I began to explain, “but I don’t want to make anyone uncomfortable...”

“No, not that, Amelie,” she interrupted. “You see, Alex thinks we should be formal all the time. I don’t think it’s necessary, especially between us,” she paused, took a breath, and continued, “We’re girls, around the same age, and, being Alex’s student, I’d like us to get along. Please, call me Hilarie, okay?”

“I’m not sure if I should—“

“Yes, you should,” she said with a big smile while Alex Evans remained silent. “In fact, come sit with us. There are two empty seats in front of our seat. They were for my brothers, but in the end, they couldn’t travel.”

“Yes, Miss Johnson,” Mr. Evans affirmed, to my surprise. “Don’t make the trip alone. Come sit with us.”

“Now that Mr. Evans agrees, I think I’ll accept your invitation... Hilarie,” I said hesitantly, surprised that I could be more informal with her.

“Ahhh! Isn’t that great?” exclaimed Hilarie, radiant. “Even though you still address me formally, we’ll fix that. Thank you for accepting.”

I followed them as they helped me with my luggage, and I sat right in front of them. Hilarie started telling me about wedding plans as if we had known each other forever.

Alex Evans was silent, looking at me as if trying to convey something, but I couldn’t decipher what. He seemed stunned, worried, or upset. I thought maybe he only invited me to sit with them to please Hilarie.

When I asked Hilarie if she was passing by the school, she said she was just visiting her aunt and uncle in Lawrence. She hadn’t seen them for several months and wanted to share the news of the wedding with them in person. The conversation continued this way, mostly between us, as Mr. Evans remained silent, observing our every move.

As Hilarie warmly bid me farewell and gave me a hug upon arriving at the school station, expressing her desire to get to know each other more in the future, Mr. Evans asked me to wait for assistance with my luggage. Fortunately, Christopher and Lisa were already waiting for me, sparing me a moment of tension.

Upon stepping off the train, I embraced Lisa and Christopher while observing Mr. Evans lightly kissing Hilarie on the lips. He quickly pulled away, glancing around and whispering something to her. At that moment, his gaze met mine. I immediately turned away and followed Lisa and Christopher, who were enthusiastically sharing their holiday experiences. I reunited with all my classmates, each recounting their Christmas and New Year activities. I briefly mentioned my parents’ friends’ dinner and the gifts I received.

I chose to listen to others and pretend to be excited about what they were sharing. I wanted to forget what happened with the bracelet. I refuse to believe it. Accepting that would mean acknowledging that I might be losing my mind.

Classes started today, and it was a normal day. Alex Evans didn’t attend the Art History class, and I began to grow impatient. Miss Hudson taught the class instead. Surely, he took the day off to spend time with Hilarie and make the most of her visit to her aunt and uncle.

I must admit that Hilarie is beautiful, cheerful, and very open. She and Mr. Evans make a lovely couple, and I don’t know why that bothers me so much. Thinking about them together makes me feel angry.