Oasis Path©(English Version)BOOK 1 OASIS SAGA

Part 12.

Lawrence, January 9th.

Finally, Alex Evans made his appearance today. According to his own words, his prolonged absence was due to an illness. At first, I found it hard to believe.

After finishing the Art History class, which, for the first time, felt dull to me, Mr. Evans asked me to stay to discuss something incorrect in the last report I had submitted to Miss Hudson. Although I didn’t understand what he was talking about, I decided to wait as he requested.

“What’s going on, Mr. Evans? I don’t understand what’s wrong with my last report. Miss Hudson insists I’m one of the best in your class.”

“Amelie, I’m really sorry,” Evans said, taking one of my hands. “I had to tell you that so no one would suspect.”

I jumped back, pulling my hand away from his.

“Suspect what?” I asked, somewhat exasperated.

“Something I want you to hear,” he said, lowering his gaze. “I feel like I owe you an apology.”

“I don’t understand,” I assured him. “You haven’t done anything against me.”

He remained silent for a few seconds, keeping his gaze low as if searching for the precise words.

“I’m sorry for what happened on the train,” he suddenly said, raising his eyes so they could meet mine. “You’re very serious, and Hilarie... well, her attitude... she’s a bit liberal.”

“You don’t have to feel that way,” I hurried to say. “I found Hilarie very nice. If I may say, I think you two make a cute couple. She’s fun and cheerful, you...”

I automatically fell silent. I didn’t want to express what I thought of him, as it might be considered disrespectful, but the only words that came to mind to describe how they complemented each other by contrast were “serious and boring.”

“Yes, I’m serious and boring,” he anticipated while I drew a surprised expression. “Isn’t that what you were going to say?”

“Not exactly,” I said apologetically. “I don’t want to disrespect you, sir.”

“You’re incapable of offending anyone, Amelie,” he said, drawing a faint smile. “Although I must tell you, if you thought something like that, you’re completely wrong. I’m not like that; it’s just how we’re supposed to behave.”

“I believe that too, sir, but Hilarie... she doesn’t seem to mind. She’s so cheerful, open... I really think you two look great together.”

A heavy silence engulfed the room after my words. I began to feel that I could no longer continue lying and pretending that what was happening didn’t affect me. The atmosphere became charged with a strange energy.

“I think if that’s all you wanted to tell me, I should go,” I said after a deep sigh.

“Did you really not feel uncomfortable?” he asked.

“Not at all,” I nervously replied, ready to turn away when one of his hands tightly grasped my left wrist. “Really, don’t worry.”

His sudden behavior quickened my heart, and I felt like my whole body might explode into a thousand pieces after sensing his hand gripping my wrist.

“Amelie,” he said breathlessly, gently releasing my wrist. “I would like us to talk another day, like that day on the train.”

“I would like that too, sir. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think I have classes with Lyndon and... you,” I remembered he had mentioned being sick. “By the way, are you feeling better? You were absent for several days; I hope it wasn’t anything serious.”

“Oh, that... don’t worry,” he said in a more relaxed tone. “It was just a minor injury. Nothing to be concerned about.”

Following that, he began to roll up the right sleeve of his shirt, revealing the damaged section of his forearm. The wound was practically healed, no longer covered by bandages, but at first glance, it appeared to be a scar about 10 centimeters long, indicating it had been a deep injury.

“Oh my God!” I exclaimed, alarmed. “Are you sure it’s okay now? The wound looks quite deep. Does it hurt? Shouldn’t you still be resting?”

“It’s nothing. Please don’t be alarmed,” Evans requested, furrowing his brow. “I shouldn’t have shown you this. I’m sorry. I think you should go.”

“Promise me you’ll take care of that wound?” I dared to ask almost in a whisper. “I don’t want you to get sick again.”

“I promise,” he said.

I didn’t know what expression he had on his face, as I didn’t dare to look at him. I grabbed my books, pressed them against my chest, and left the classroom while two tears rolled down my face.

It filled me with sadness to see him injured and think about how much that wound must have hurt him. I didn’t dare to ask for details about how he got it; I just wanted to leave because I didn’t want him to notice... whatever was happening to me every time he was around. The magic of our encounters and the mysterious connection I felt with Evans filled my heart with emotions that, for now, I preferred to keep secret.

The rest of the day was disastrous. Nothing I attempted went well. I became the embodiment of clumsiness. Each passing day, I felt more distant from everyone around me.

Lisa has forged friendships with the girls from nearby dorms, and I rarely find her in ours. Christopher, whom I was gradually considering as a brother, barely has time to talk to me as he just landed a job in the library, allowing him to train to stay there once he graduates. Everyone is slowly drifting away. Perhaps it’s my fault, as I do nothing to spend time with them or simply sit and listen to their conversations. Loneliness seems to envelop me like a shadow, and the feeling of losing those I considered close intensifies every day.

Maybe I prefer to be alone. I don’t want to talk to anyone else in this school except Alex Evans. I can’t tell anyone what’s happening to me.

I have to admit that something extraordinary is happening to me with Alex Evans. I dare not put a name to this feeling. I don’t know if I should. I just know I need to see him every day, hear his voice, gaze into his eyes, get lost in his gaze, and relive the times his hands have touched mine, hoping it happens again.

My eyes burn when I don’t see him, and my mind can only focus when he’s in front of me. For my own good, I hope what I’m feeling is temporary. Otherwise, I know I will suffer. The connection between us is palpable; sometimes, I believe it goes beyond the earthly, but the mystery surrounding these feelings also carries the weight of uncertainty and the possibility of pain.