The Life of a Pessimist

Chapter 3: Names to Remember

Augustin Andrews' POV

First day of classes came by fast. I'm not in the mood for this early morning headache. If it weren't for the late night party last night, I probably won't have this pounding I am feeling right now.

I entered the school with a polite smile on my face. First day means first impression. I don't want to look as if I'm a shitty person. I may look like a douchebag for some but that is entirely their fault that time. Still, I might as well start anew in this school. I have certain issues from my previous school that I am more than willing to erase. Nobody likes that trash of an excuse school anyway. Not really minding what the heck I am thinking so early in the morning, I continued walking. I went up the stairs towards the classroom where I was instructed. Wasn't my fault I wasn't at orientation. I don't like the fact that I have to go there when I don't really have to. Orientation is just introduction. Plus, it isn't a school day. No one cares if I don't attend. It's kinda pain I don't know anyone from here, but heh. What can I do 'bout that right?

I opened the door and smiled at everyone in the room. They won't notice I don't really mean it anyway. I sat on a random chair and relaxed. Not much always happens on first days of schools, so I plan on sleeping on the whole duration. Nobody would care either way.

The door opened and I couldn't care less of whoever entered. They'll be a classmate anyway. I continued to relax myself after releasing a lazy sigh. This school year will be the same from the last school I was in. Every, last school are the same and I'm not even kidding.

Just a little more. A biiiit more and I would've dozed off... if it weren't for the tapping on my shoulder. I'm planning to ignore it but the tapping became persistent. I prepared my glare and turned to face whoever it is... only to be unable to speak.

My, oh, my. I'd be damned. What a sight!

She blinked her eyes and smiled. And man, her smile is different. I can tell. I know the difference between the fake and the genuine. Hers, is the latter.

"Uhm... excuse me. I was seated there at the orientation. I'm sorry to bother you." She says.

I can tell she's polite and kind. Being a beauty seems to be more like a bonus. Having a classmate like her? Aren't I lucky?

"Oh yeah? Sitting Arrangements were given already? Wasn't aware of that." I replied, smiling smugly. She may be beautiful, but I am seated. 'M not giving her the seat yet.

She let out a small laugh. "No, not really. I just need a constant. The sitting arrangement you mentioned just happens to be that to me. Please move elsewhere, mister?"

I blinked my eyes. Did I just hear hostility in her voice or was it just my imagination? "Aww... I can't make a joke?" I asked and laughed. I stood up and offered my hand. "Augustin Andrews, at your service. You are?"

She shook my hand back and nodded her head. She was looking at me, warily, at least, that's how it looked like to me. "I'm Hildred Esmé Anson. Feel free to call me Esmè. Nice to meet you."

"Non. The pleasure is all mine, madamoiselle." I was about to kiss her hand when she pulled her hand back.

She shook her head. "There is no need for a French greeting. Your accent is bad." Esmè had amusement on her face.

I can't believe she noticed that. My French always impresses the ladies before. Esmè is the first person who noticed and point it out. She is giving me all the more reason to be more interested.