Oasis Path©(English Version)BOOK 1 OASIS SAGA

Part 18.

He left my house and rushed to confront Hilarie. According to Alex, Hilarie took it quite badly at first, but later she had to accept it, and she was completely agreeable to canceling the wedding.

In moments, my head was filled with questions. What were we supposed to do now? What would people around us say if they discovered a possible relationship between us? What would my parents think? What about his job at the school? Could we start a relationship? Was what I was feeling for him strong enough to withstand accusatory glances from others?

At the same time, a feeling of dizziness and excitement ran through my body. Alex was free, he hadn’t gotten married, and his words resonated in my mind like a melody inviting me to venture into unknown territory. But one thing was clear to me: I wasn’t strong enough to face what might come.

I had to take the only possible path to get out of this situation and make sure Alex Evans didn’t insist on having a relationship with me, that he didn’t even consider repeating our kiss. My mind devised a plan to restore formality, leave behind any hint of intimacy, and return everything to its usual course.

Alex looked at me in silence, and I felt I had to try harder to lie better. I portrayed nonchalance on my face and continued playing this new role like a seasoned actress.

“I didn’t ask you to do that,” I said, starting my performance. “I don’t know what I feel for you, I don’t know why you ended things with her.”

I watched him carefully, trying to convince myself that this charade was necessary.

“What I’m trying to say is that I would like to feel the same way you do, but I don’t think it’s the case. Maybe I confused my feelings... it’s just that you’re very attractive, and no one so handsome had ever noticed me. I think I’m dazzled by how you look and how much you know, your way of speaking... I don’t know.”

While I recited my self-imposed script, he looked at me in astonishment. His eyes widened more and more, and I would swear he couldn’t believe what his ears were hearing.

“What are you saying? Are you serious?” he asked incredulously.

“I’m sorry, Alex, I... I don’t know what happened to me.”

“Do you know what? Forget it!” he said angrily as he stepped away from me. “I don’t regret ending things with Hilarie. I wasn’t going to make her happy, feeling what I feel for you. I regret noticing such a superficial and immature girl like you. I thought you were more focused. I was so wrong about you, Amelie Johnson!”

It affected me deeply to hear such harsh words, to see him suffering and disappointed in me, but at least my goal was being achieved, and that gave me the strength to continue with my act and appear indifferent to the situation.

“Don’t worry, Miss Johnson. I promise you that from now on, I won’t bother you anymore. You’ll be just a student, as it should have always been,” Alex said, looking away. “I’m going to trust that you will have enough maturity to keep what has happened a secret and avoid scandal. Now I think it’s best for you to leave. And don’t worry, no one will see you.”

He then went to open the door, and I ran out of there. I didn’t dare to look back. I went out into the garden and saw that we were being directed to go to our dormitories. I ran, like everyone else, until I reached my room.

Drenched in a sea of tears, I opened the door and found Lisa and the other girls.

“Amelie, we were very worried about you. Where were you?” Lisa asked as she hugged me. “Are you okay?”

“I was right behind you, Lisa,” I began to practice more of my acting, “but suddenly, I lost my sense of direction and found myself dragged in an unknown direction.”

“Why are you crying?” Lilian Egan asked.

“Lilian! Can’t you see how scared she is?” Daphne asked Lilian, then turned to look at me. “You were really scared by the fire in Lyndon’s classroom, weren’t you? So was I.”

“I’m terrified of fire,” I said, internally grateful that Daphne told me what happened. “I’m still very scared.”

“Don’t worry, soon the firefighters will arrive, and the fire will be contained,” Lisa said hopefully. “We’re safe here. Let’s stay together until we get instructions.”

The girls and I decided to follow Lisa’s advice and spent much of the day together until we were finally informed that the fire had not spread beyond Mrs. Lyndon’s classroom and had originated in the garden right next to it.

The school was out of danger, and we could resume our daily activities without any problem. Although I outwardly appeared calm, my mind was still entangled in the whirlwind of emotions that the conversation with Alex had unleashed. I didn’t know if my performance had been enough for him to truly distance himself or if he was preparing for more revelations.

Night fell, and in my room, I stared out the window, lost in my thoughts. The rustling of the wind through the trees was the only thing breaking the silence. However, a sense of unease still nested in my chest, as if the momentary calm concealed a hurricane yet to be unleashed.

My thoughts were a tangle of emotions, and remorse consumed me like a slow-burning fire. I wondered if there was a place where lies didn’t exist, where feelings could flow without obstacles, without the need to hide behind a facade. Was it possible that there was a corner in this world, or even another, where I could simply be myself?

The bracelet, now faded and dull, became a tangible reminder of my choices. My attempts to remove it were futile, as if it were destined to stay on my wrist like an invisible chain tying me to my own lies.

The face of Alex Evans, marked by disappointment, constantly appeared before me. It hurt to have hurt him and denied him the truth. Can an alternate world exist where actions can be undone and words can be rectified?

In my mind, the idea of living in that other world, one where authenticity replaces the need for deceit, resonates. Am I losing my sanity by longing for something so utopian? My dream of liberation, where people can be themselves without fear of judgment, becomes increasingly tempting.

Perhaps my bracelet, with its faded butterflies, symbolizes the transformation I need. But how do I free myself from self-imposed constraints? The dream of another world persists, but I know facing reality is unavoidable. Will I find the strength to be honest, even if it means facing the consequences of my actions?