August

21. James/Augustine

...But do you remember?

James

Something was off with Augustine. I knew the moment I woke up and she wasn't in the bed. I had wandered downstairs to see her sitting on a living room chair reading.

"Morning," I smiled, heading over to give her a kiss. Just before my lips met hers, she subtly tilted her head, so I kissed her cheek.

"Everything okay?" I asked, taking her hand in mine.

"Yeah, of course," she said, forcing a smile. I saw right through her, noticing the sadness in her eyes. I could've pushed it but chose not to.

"I'll make breakfast, okay?" I told her.

Augustine nodded in response, going back to her book. I went to the kitchen and began making eggs and toast. I cracked a few eggs and mixed them up with a fork, my mind spinning of what could be wrong with Augustine. We had just decided to stay together. Maybe she was sad about leaving, but at least we'd still have each other.

Maybe she —

"James!" a voice squealed.

I turned to see Aurora in The Little Mermaid pyjamas with her curly hair even more poofy than usual. She ran over with her arms reaching for me.

"Hi, Aurora," I said warmly.

"Rory!" she corrected.

"Rory," I smiled, pinching her little nose.

"Hey!" she exclaimed, her voice sounding adorably funny. She giggled at the sound of it and pinched my nose.

"Say something!" she demanded.

"Hello, Rory, this is the tickle monster speaking," I began, smiling when Aurora giggled at my voice. "And this tickle monster is looking for someone to tickle!"

Aurora's eyes widened and she let go of my nose. She tried to squirm out of my arms, but I held her tight and began tickling her. Her high pitch laugh was hilarious as it was contagious, and I found myself chuckling as I carried her upside down to the living room, noticing Augustine was gone.

"Put me down!" she squealed, trying to talk through her giggles. In response, I tickled her stomach, and she laughed even harder.

"There you go," I said, gently lowering her onto the couch.

Aurora took a few deeps breaths, her giggles receding.

"Is the tickle monster done tickling?" she asked, her face turning serious.

"Hm," I pretended to consider. "Maybe just for now. But I do need help making breakfast. Do you know of anyone who could help?" I glanced around the living room like I was looking for volunteers.

"Me! I can!" she exclaimed, scrambling up so she was standing on the couch. "Let me help!"

"On one condition," I told her. "I get a hug."

Her face lit up as she jumped into my arms. "Big hug!" she squealed.

"Alrighty, princess, let's make some breakfast," I laughed.

Augustine

I spent the entire day avoiding James. I didn't know how to tell him we were done. It'd hurt too much to stay together, knowing I wouldn't be able to see him. I knew I was just scared, but I didn't care.

If James noticed I was off, he didn't show it, aside from the awkward conversation we had this morning. Part of me still hadn't made a decision. I chose to put it off until after the dinner.