The Prince and His Pauper

Chapter 52: The Pauper's Effect

This can't be happening. Since when did Antonio started going out with the new girl? Today? Yesterday? Last week? That doesn't seem like a lot of time, but how can Antonio do this to me? I know that we're not together anymore and that it's been a little over a month since he broke up with me, but it still hurts.

It's after school right now and while I was on my way to my usual spot, I saw Antonio holding Natalia's hand and carrying her backpack. I know I shouldn't jump into conclusions but I know Antonio. I was his first kiss and there's no way he would hold someone's hand unless he's emotionally attracted to them. So it came to a big surprise for me when I saw him walking really close to her during passing periods. Or when he keeps his eyes focused on her during class and lunch.

Just like how he used to look at me. . . I thought sadly and felt my eyes tearing up. I can't cry right now, people will see me. I don't want them to see me crying over my ex. I don't like how that sounds. My ex.

"Cassiel?" Austin's voice calls from behind me. I quickly wipe away the tears before I turn around to face him.

"Hey, Austin. I thought you already left?" I reply, turning to face him once I feel like I was presentable.

"I was about to, but I forgot that I had to talk with Mrs. Kokalari about my essay. What about you? Your parents aren't here yet?" Austin explains while I look for the familiar red car that comes for Antonio.

"No, my mom said she's going to be here late." I admit as I change my position so that I could check on the incoming cars driving into the school, but also be able to see both Austin and Antonio.

"If you want, I can give you a ride home. Only if you're okay with me taking you there and you got your mom's permission." Austin offers with a friendly smile.

"Um. . . Th-that's okay. I called her earlier and she said that she'll be in here in a few minutes." I half lie, but it doesn't work.

"You sure? Because I don't mind taking you. I was going to go hang out with Hunter today anyway. You should come, we're going to a paintball arena." Austin announces while I take a quick peek at Antonio. He's smiling at the girl who's laughing at something. Maybe at something he said?

"That sounds like fun, but I'm good. My mom's going to be here soon. You go and have fun, I have a ton of homework to do anyway. Thanks for the offer, though." I insist and smile. Silently praying that he doesn't see the effort it's taking me to keep it up.

Austin didn't look convinced, but he didn't try to convince me into joining him when he replies, "Alright. I'll see you tomorrow then. Bye, Cas."

"Bye, Austin." I respond, watching him walk towards the student parking lot.

Once he disappears from sight, I turn my attention back to Antonio and see that the girl he's with is walking back to the school with Angelica and a few other girls. I'm guessing they wanted to show her something, but I don't really care. All that matters to me is that Antonio is by himself which means he'll have to listen to me. Or at least, stop ignoring me.

With this newfound courage of mine, I walk up to Antonio and tap his shoulder. He turns around and looks down at me with his eyes widening in shock. I saw his eyes were filled with longing before they were void of any emotion. That lowered my courage by a bit, but I wasn't going to let him escape.

"He-hey, Antonio. . ." I greet nervously and attempt to smile.

"What do you want, Cassiel?" Antonio replies in a clipped tone. That hurts. . . A lot. . .

"I wanted to talk to you. Just because we broke up doesn't mean that we couldn't stay friends." I answer, hiding how much his words affected me. Hopefully, it's not noticeable.