Augustine *continued*

Chapter fourteen

Augustine had awoken with a hangover the size of mars. Her tired hazel eyes wanted nothing more than to close and head back into the slumber she was enjoying but it seemed Magnolia had other plans. While her eyes had peeled open, she spotted the time blinking in bright blue; 6:30 AM

Plans that Augustine would mostly say that she had ruined her life for. The red headed cousin of hers had made a call before she had woken the brunette female; as she didn't want her to know that she hooked her cellphone straight out from under her pillow.

Sighing heavily; Augustine had managed to drag herself out from her bed and straight to the closet to put something presentable on.  Glancing over at the full body length mirror, she had noticed she lost a bit of weight due to the green forest colored dress wasn't bodytight anymore but fitted loosely. 

Clearing her throat, she closed her closet door after grabbing her ankle boots and her leather jacket. Managing to get down the steps without falling, she had found her cousin with a bottle of water and a packed lunch for Augustine.

Furrowing her dark eyebrows at her cousin, she slowly took them. "Are you going to tell me why you woke me up so early and packed me lunch?" 

"You are going to hike our old trail. I also left you a gift there." Lia had spoke up with a soft and gentle tone; one that wasn't the one she frequently used which made the warning bells go off loudly. Clearing her throat; she threw the packed lunch which she learned was just a spinach salad on the island.

"I'll take the water but food makes me want to vomit up my insides; but thanks." her tone was bitter and she turned her back on her cousin. 

After a practical hour phone called once she left the house; she hung up angrily with her cousin. "She never gives me a break. I went to a party, drank for the first time since High School and then she just. . . treats me like a child. I'm a twenty one year old adult who is capable of taking care of herself." Augustine had been talking to herself when she practically tripped over a branch.

Cursing herself out, she studied her walk again and scanned through the woods. Her eyes may had been tired but her mind was awake and racing. "I don't want no goddamn gifts and i don't want to walk."

"Did you know that talking to yourself is a sign you are going crazy?" 

Hazel eyes met each other and it felt like the world slowed down. It was almost as if the universe had turned against Augustine and it had all crumbled into dust. Holden stood there in all his glory wearing his blue plaid and basic purple t-shirt; folding his arms as if he was slightly upset. Why would he though?

Scoffing slightly, Augustine had turned her head only to shake it. "You are unbelievable. I left you guys and you come to find me?"

"I came to bring you home because Harper may have gotten that letter, but she's worried out of her mind because she told me that you got drunk and some dude took you into a bathroom cause you threw up everywhere. Let's not forget you practically left Josh fuming and wishing he never met you and me? You didn't even say goodbye." 

"I didn't say goodbye because I didn't deserve it. Harper is too kind to me, you just broke up with your fiance and your brother is so in love with me that he's completely blinded by anger. So I apologize if I ran away without saying goodbye. Because really, you guys don't need me."

The two stood chest to chest at this point, breathing heavily with anger but also a hidden emotion none of them were aware of. "Are you still upset after getting that out?" Holden asked her with raised eyebrows only for Augustine to crack; letting out a laugh with small hints of a smile. 

"Why would I be mad when I already got over it?" She whispered softly while staring up at him between her eyelashes; a soft smile upon both of their faces.

Holden and Augustine found themselves walking back to the residence she was currently residing in with laughter spilling from their lips. From afar, it would look like a couple who had made a joke but simply they were laughing at how easily offended Josh gets and how easily Holden can calm him down while Augustine does the opposite. 

"I'm telling you; you both are the same yet do the opposite effects. It's like you aren't in love with him and he's in love with you; while harper is literally in love with Josh."

"And you? Are you still in love with someone or falling for anyone?" Auggy had sat herself down on the porch steps; staring up at him with gentle eyes. 

"Some would say that after you loved someone for two-plus years; you'd never find another. But I believe in this messed up the world; your true love will always come to you when you are unaware of it. Along with the love and trouble they bring."  Holden told her with loving eyes that were unknown to Augustine for simply staring at the blue sky behind the male. 

"Do you truly believe in love these days? I always found it silly. . . until I met a few great people who made me believe that it was possible to have some hope and a little love in my heart that I thought was always bitter."

"You'll always have people who love you and for you to love back, Augustine." The dark-haired male sat next to Augustine; placing her hand within his with a soft sigh. He shook his head, gazing at her deeply.

"Are you going to take me back to Empire Hills?" Augustine asked him with a certain sadness in her eyes but yet hope was threaded onto her heart. She wanted to know if she was truly wanted in her hometown again. Even if she seemed a bit selfish.

"No, because you belong where you feel truly happy, Augustine Claire."

'but you make me happy, Holden.'