Down Under

Chapter 9: Tease

Camila POV

I couldn't help but continue staring blankly at my phone. If I really had the means, I would've thrown this away earlier the moment I saw my test results. I haven't been particularly good at school but at most, I have passing grades. To see such low scores and a notice that with the state of things, there is a possibility that I would retake the unit.

Damn it! Retaking a unit would only consume more time and besides, it is around $3500. Am I really that dumb not that I can't at least have perfect scores on simple tests?

I felt tears coming out of my eyes already so I put my phone away, in hopes of trying to hold them back. However, even when I put it away, tears just uncontrollably fell even more. I silently wept, not caring where I was.

I didn't even notice that there was already someone next to me until warm arms embraced me. I clung into it and shamelessly wept more into their chest. I don't know why I'm crying shamelessly like this... maybe, I am really tired. I find it hard to study at Tita Shaina's house because of the loudness so I usually study here at the clinic's garden, sitting in one of the benches. But whenever I am at the clinic, I always get asked to do bunch of paperworks so I end up being tired and fatigued.

But, I don't have any rights to complain! My parents suffered worse than this. I should suck it up for being such a whiny and bratty kid years ago.

I slowly got out of the embrace and wiped my tears, determined to fully calm myself down. I can't afford the time to have a mental breakdown at this state. I have to study even more and work even more because second semester is already a few months away. I still don't know who it is but the embrace did help to make me feel a little bit better. I liked the way my back was softly caressed, as if I'm being comforted like a baby and the manly scent was particularly intoxicating.

With my vision still a bit hazy, when I saw a particular face, I panicked immediately.

"Dr. Pittari!" I said.

He gave out a weary expression as he completely released his hold on me.

"I'm sorry..." I shyly said and couldn't have the courage to look at him straight in the eyes.

I felt his gaze on me as he let out a small sigh.

"Don't be sorry. What are those tears for, Mila?" he asked.

I didn't look at him and continued fiddling with my hands, a mannerism of mine. I feel my flustered cheek arise as he caressed it softly to make me face him and look at his deep blue eyes directly.

"Huh? What is it? You can tell me anything, Mila..." he said softly.

"You'll think I'm being ridiculous." I answered and slowly bit my lip.

He is a doctor, after all. If pre-med such as nursing is already tough, what more in med school? Dr. Pittari would think I'm ridiculous and dumb for not having good scores. He'll surely be disappointed because I'm probably not studying enough to not get high scores. I don't want him to look down on me like that... pity me... as if he already isn't.

His jaw clenched, offended at what I said. He raised an eyebrow at me.

"Hmm. I won't." he cockily said, threatening me as he continued to caressed my cheeks.

I sighed, feeling defeated. His blue eyes are very, very intimidating. He stopped caressing my cheeks and looked at me attentively, ready to listen.

"It's just uni problems. I haven't been getting good scores lately, so... I'm kinda scared that I'll take the unit again." I started.

He nodded, waiting for what I'll say more.