The Painful Kiss of Augustus
Chapter 2
The next day, I saw her again on her usual spot. Beside the Nara Tree, shadowed by the branches, she looked peaceful as she perused her book. Most of the time, there was a strong force pulling me to go near her and talk to her about some stuff like the books she was reading but in a sudden, I would realize that I was not into books nor anything related to that. The wind blew frigidly as it slowly crept through my body. I licked my lips as I watched her as her hair danced with the rhythm of the wind.
Last night, I could not sleep. I had read all the articles related to their family especially the death of her brother. I knew that if she learned what I was doing, she might get scared or what. This wasn't right, I was stalking her. But I was really curious about her life, behind those cold and blank expression, I knew that there was something genuine behind it. It was like a facade she wore every time just to conceal something buried within her. I moved a light but because I was not looking to where I was stepping onto, I almost stumbled due to the stones I stepped on. A curse instantly escaped from my mouth as other stones rapidly moved, making a soft clatter. Bitting my lips, I peeked at Ivy who was now looking at my part.
That was great, Augustus!
Swearing under my breath, I moved out behind the tree and I rubbed my name as I cast an awkward and apologetic grin. The wrinkle on her forehead told me that she was not pleased of what happened. Nice, Augustus. Now, you probably lost your chance to know her.
"Uh, I just passed by," I trailed off, "I saw you so I..."
"Why are you here?" She asked coldly, closing her books.
I swallowed hard. She was probably pissed off by what I did. This was entirely wrong. Bakit ko pa kasi pinigilan ang sarili kong lapitan siya. Now, she might be thinking that I was crazy and stalker. That was wrong, I was just curious about her. That was it. No creepy thing included!
"I came from Gym. Dito ako dumaan kasi mainit. Sakto nakita kita," I smiled apologetically, "My apologies. Naistorbo ba kita?"
She cleared her throat, "Not really."
"Hmm, pwedeng pasilong? Ang init," that was a lame excuse because it was cloudy. The sky was covered with thick bank of clouds.
"You can. This isn't my property. You don't need to ask for a permission to do so." She uttered and she then put her book inside her bag.
"Aalis ka na?" I asked, felt a stab of disappointment on my chest.
"Uhm, yes?" She hastily placed her things inside her bag, "I mean, you can relax here alone. Aalis na ako,"
"Wait," I stopped her when she was supposed to stand up. Napatingin siya sa akin, "Uh, you can stay here. Magpapahinga lang naman ako saglit,"
She smiled but it was just short-lived, "Hindi na. Baka kung ano pang isiping ng iba pag nakita tayo."
I nodded, "Ah, if that's the case, ako nalang aalis. You can stay. Sa classroom nalang ako magpapahinga," I uttered as I gave her a tacit smile of assurance.
I immediately evacuated the area. She was afraid that some might see us together and she thought that it might cause a trouble? While I was walking, a twinge was felt on my chest as I glanced at her one last time. She was now back to her previews position. However, she was not reading her book. Smile crossed my lips as I shook my head. That was a pathetic stunt, Augustus. You think you can trapped her using your charm? The urge to punch myself for the stupidity I pulled up awhile was strong. I just stomped my feet on the ground and punched the air. What was she thinking? That I was crazy? Probably, she might think that I was crazy! Baka hindi na siya magpakita mamayang gabi.
