Augustine *continued*

Chapter fifteen

'the mind is different when you are at peace and at war.'

Augustine was sitting quietly in front of her vanity in the room she currently was staying within. Magnolia was behind her; pulling at her brown hair to get it to stay pinned back although resulting a few groans to escape nude colored lips.

"Please tell me why you have me going to a charity ball? It's not that big of a deal, Magnolia. I'm not even a town member here." She spoke softly as she popped a sour patch kid into her mouth. Magnolia scowled harshly at the brunette before plopping a shiny halo tiara on her head.

"Because we're cousins and you are going to come to support me with your eye candy, sweetheart. Who else would support me better? My dad? as if." Her dark brown eyes rolled before storming out of the room.

Sighing heavily; Augustine had thrown the bag of sour patch kids on the vanity; getting up to move toward her red silk-like dress. It was very pretty and one of Lia's favorite in her collection of dresses. Augustine was quite honored to wear it. Slipping out of her clothes, she folded them neatly and placed the dress softly over her head.

Staring at herself in the full-body length mirror; she couldn't help the smirk spreading across her lips. Holden was leaning against the doorway with a low whistle escaping his lips.

"You look beautiful."

Augustine's lips had parted before a soft smile appeared on her lips. "Thank you; you don't look too bad yourself. Magnolia got the whole—" Holden let out a chuckle before nodding. "She thought I should have a matching red silk tie imported from France. Who knew to have a rich overly fashionable cousin was something to be somewhat glad for?"

The two brunettes and the ginger had found themselves standing in a large yard that was decorative with multiple stone statues that looked like they costed more than Augustine's whole bank account.

She walked with the two only to get pulled away by no other than harper.

"What are you doing here?"

"I came to see you and to warn you. Josh and your father are by the backdoors of the building. They know you are here and they plan to bring you back to Empire, Augustine, but you can't go back because you aren't happy there—" Harper was cut off by Augustine staring sadly at Harper.

"The thing is I am happy in Empire Hills. I just can't help but think of my family when I'm at my house because that's my childhood home. Where life was so much simpler and i didn't have to worry about my figure, or my photography job which I didn't even get a call back after I submitted the photos; or even the thought of me running through the hallways with my parents chasing after me happily." Augustine softly told her before wrapping her arms around her tightly.

"I'm happy with you, Harper. Out of everyone; you are the one who makes me feel the safest with. You make me feel like I can do anything and I don't have to worry about my appearance or my weight because you make me feel like I'm beautiful and happy with myself. Harper; you are my entire world and I want you happy."

Harper pulled away from Augustine with tears filled up in her green eyes. "Augustine, all I ever wanted was you to be happy and I always put you before me because you are the person who deserves the entire world. When you are so sad, it makes me sick to my stomach because I feel like I failed you."

Augustine had blinked back tears only to be interrupted by Josh and her father. "Augustine, you are in big trouble, young lady!" Her father's booming voice seemed to echo throughout the yard but nobody dared look. Isabella had shown up behind Josh and John with a look of disbelief. "Your aunt spilled, Auggy," Isabella said with a guilty expression.

"I'm sorry that I left. I thought you guys would be at least a little happier but I didn't realize that my home is in Empire Hills. I always thought the people around me weren't happy but you guys obviously proved me wrong and even if I only have a few friends; I'm still genuinely happy; and Josh? I'm sorry. I really am."

Josh had ducked his head once all eyes fell on him. Isabella hooked her arms through Holden and Harper's arms with a small smirk. "Let's give those two a couple of minutes alone. Don't worry, Holden."

As the three of them walked off; Magnolia came over and took away her Uncle Johnathan but not before stating that Augustine always gets what she wants; which resulted in her ruining Magnolia's day.

"So. . ."

"I'm sorry, Augustine. I acted out completely and I know that you were a bit tipsy when you kissed him but I shouldn't have freaked out. You have your own feelings and I have my own. And I think I could see you being more attracted to Holden because he's genuinely a nice guy. He's been hurt a couple of times but he can heal you as you can heal him. I say go for it." Josh told her with a wide grin on his face. He was actually happy that Augustine and him were apologizing. It wasn't right of him to act out.

He pulled an envelope out from his inside suit pocket and handed it over.

"What—" Augustine was shocked. It was a letter from the company that hired her for her photography. She looked at Josh with confusion laying heavy in her hazel eyes before clearing her throat. "Thank you, Joshua. I really appreciate what you've done for me and things aren't like they were in High School. Thank you for being a wonderful friend."

He nodded and had walked off; leaving the female there; standing all alone with the white envelope with gold writing on the front. Blowing out a heavy breath, she slid her fingers over the back and pulled the light piece of paper out. Her eyes scanning over the writing.

Dear Augustine Claire,

We are glad to say that your photography is magnificent and will be sent to New York City to be put in the art gallery. We had a bit of a delay with your photos but we are certainly pleased. We were wondering if you would be able to come to New York for your very own opening. If not, you know where you can contact the head of the company. Thank you for your patience,

CEO OF NYC ART GALLERY

Augustine let out an excited yell before jogging over to her friends and father, waving the paper happily in the air. The rest had congratulated her while Holden stood there with a soft smile on his face. 

'Things were turning out okay.'