Oasis Path©(English Version)BOOK 1 OASIS SAGA

Part 21.

Lawrence, January 27th.

Today, I experienced the sensation that dawn unfolded more slowly than usual. Perhaps the excitement of the new path I had decided to embark on influenced that perception.

In the early morning light, I boarded the train and settled by a window, ready to immerse myself in the reading of a book. However, progress eluded me. My breathing became uneven, and the fear of a relapse briefly invaded me.

Lifting my gaze in an attempt to calm myself, I discovered the reason for my unease: Alex Evans occupied a seat not far from mine. It was as if my entire being could sense his presence.

Determined to speak with him once we reached the school, I approached his seat. Just as I was about to utter some words, he raised his gaze from the book he was focused on.

“Miss Johnson, I see you’ve recovered. Are you feeling well?” The way he pronounced those words resonated cold and distant. I could perceive only superficial courtesy in his tone, but I knew I couldn’t wait anything else after all the lies I had told him during that day of the fire.

In moments, my mind clouded, and with nothing but the fervent desire to apologize and reveal everything I truly felt for him, I replied:

“Much better. Thank you for caring. I...”

“I’m glad to hear that,” he abruptly interrupted. “I hope you catch up on the missed classes. We’ve covered new content.”

I lowered my gaze, unsure of how to endure his icy tone and distant look, especially after having heard such sweet words from his mouth. I was already decided; nothing would change my mind. Speaking with him was something I definitely wouldn’t postpone.

“I wonder if you’d have time to talk with me once we reach the school,” I asked.

“Yes, I will,” he responded without changing expression. “I’ll be in the classroom; you can come in whenever you like. I don’t have any lessons planned for today.”

I nodded in approval and waited for a moment, hopeful that he might invite me to sit beside him. However, reality quickly asserted itself, reminding me that such a possibility was impossible. I returned to my seat as he immersed himself again in his reading.

Throughout the journey, my mind kept turning over everything I wanted to express to Alex. I would lift my gaze, observe him, but he seemed oblivious to my glance. I couldn’t read a single page; I merely pretended to be engrossed in my book.

Finally, I arrived at school and hurried to the dormitory. I began organizing my belongings quickly, eager to rush and see Alex. However, at that precise moment, Lisa made her appearance.

“Amelie, you’re here already!” she exclaimed, enveloping me in a tight hug. “You look great. Do you need help?”

Immediately, I considered accepting her help as the best option to gain some time.

“Yes, Lisa, I appreciate you offering your help. Could you assist me with the rest of my things?” I asked, making sure I had tucked my diary away from her view. “I need to submit my medical report, and I’m pressed for time to join the next class. In fact, if you notice I don’t show up, I’ll likely be stuck with the student counselor regarding catching up with classes.”

“Oh, sure! No problem, friend!” she said with a smile. “Take my notes in case you end up in counseling. They might come in handy.”

I thanked Lisa for her significant help and dashed toward the Art History classroom. Once in front of the door, I made sure no one was watching and opened it.

Upon crossing the threshold, I found Alex’s presence. He turned his head in my direction as he sensed the door. I, with my back to it, remained motionless for a moment, my mind debating the next step.

“Well, Miss Johnson. What do you want to talk to me about?”

Once again, Alex Evans managed to stir the ocean of my eyes. Words got stuck in my throat. In a matter of seconds, tears filled my eyes as I faced the reality of having him in front of me, even if he barely directed his gaze at me, revealing his rejection.

Setting aside any consideration for potential consequences, whether someone might unexpectedly enter or if he would reject me in the cruelest way—something I evidently deserved—I ran towards him and hugged him tightly.

“Forgive me, please!” I pleaded through tears. “I’ve been a fool!”

His strong arms quickly took hold of my shoulders, forcibly separating me from his body.

“Are you crazy?” he asked alarmed, rushing to make sure the door was securely closed. Then, taking my arm and dragging me to the office where I had made the stupidest decision of my existence, he began to reprimand me for my behavior.

“What do you want from me? To mock me? What the hell is wrong with you? Watch your actions!”

“Alex, I didn’t...” I tried to explain.

“I’m not interested in hearing you, Amelie,” he interrupted with the air of someone who feels they have lost. “I told you, you would only be a student to me. Nothing more! Now, please, be discreet and leave. I don’t want trouble.”

“Alex, please, listen to me!” I pleaded, looking at the floor.

I couldn’t look him in the eyes. I felt a wave of horror recalling all the things I had said to him in this very place. Although I didn’t have to try hard, he began to sarcastically recite those words.
“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?!”

“Enough, please don’t continue!” I begged again, desperate. “You have to listen to me! None of what I said that day is true. Please try to understand.”

“All I understand is that you took me for a fool, Amelie,” he said with anger evident on his face. “What I feel for you is real. You, it seems, are confused.”

“What I feel is also real... and very strong!” I shouted. “I have to fight this every day. I thought I could let it go because I know others wouldn’t understand, but knowing that you feel the same for me is just too much. How do you expect me to resist that?”

“I really don’t know what to believe,” he said, looking at me as one looks at a complete stranger. “I don’t know if I can believe you.”

“Alex, please!” I pleaded, ready to apologize and beg until I convinced him. “I had to lie to you because I thought I could live with this and forget about it. I didn’t think I was brave enough to face everyone.”

“And now you are?” he asked incredulously.

“No, but I am determined to be,” I said firmly. “I want to be brave for you, but also for myself. I want to live a life where fears aren’t shackles. This is the first step.”