The Price of being Pretentious

Chapter Six: Book and Tissues

Scot left after giving me the book. I have already read the first pages. I found out that it was a book he wrote, published a year ago. It was truly his "Last Letter" saying that I will always be his first love. But he could no longer stay by my side. I could remember what he said about why he read romance. He said that romance was something he dreamed to have. He indeed has a share of romance in his life. However, it was a miserable one. For it was truly miserable to be in love with someone else and betrothed to someone you don't know.

I stayed here at the treehouse for a while, reading the rest of the pages. Fortunately, Paris was not around to annoy me via his presence. I can't stop my tears from falling as I flip every page. Suddenly, a roll of tissues fell from the ceiling. I looked up and saw Paris lying down on the hanging bed.

'Take it. Just pretend that I am not here.' He sluggishly said as he covered his face with his arm.

'Thanks.' I replied, reaching for tissues.

Thank goodness! He's not bugging me today. I want to ask him if the library incident was true. But I didn't bother because I was too worn-out to deal with him. Pulling a sheet of tissue I gazed upon a few words written on the white tissue using a marker. It says that hearing my snot gross him out so I need to blow them first. Every bit of this guy's existence spells annoyance, but I'm too tired to respond to his irritating behavior. I simply ignored what was written and pulled another clean sheet. When I ran out of tissues I decided to go home. I woke up in Paris to say that I have to go.

'Paris, wake up. I'll be leaving first.' I said as I shook his broad shoulders.

He yawned, then he jumped down from the hanging bed. He opened his arms in front of me.

'What are you doing?' I raised my brows in confusion.

'Because you ran out of tissues. In case, you want to cry some more. Come on, this is Paris in comforting mode. It's a limited edition.' He said in a soothing voice.

When did he become this gentle on girls? I presume he was just playing around, but when I look into his eyes he seems to be sincere. Besides, I needed comfort from another person. I would never get it from my parents. They would just probably beat me again. Scot will not be around for weeks, because he will be busy with their family business. I can't even talk to Venice about my problem, because it involves Scot, the man she likes. Also, she's not a pleasant person when it was just the two of us talking.

'I don't comfort girls before. Let's say it's a trial period in becoming a lover boy.' He said, while his arms were still wide open.

It took a moment for me before I could talk. I couldn't grasp his intentions in doing this.

'Am I a beta-tester of a game that you created?' I sniffed.

'Trial period will expire in 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3-'

He didn't finish his countdown. I took the chance to be encircled by the playboy's arms. All my existence, I was never comforted by anyone like this. Although I have my friends, I never dared to tell them my situation at home. I fear that they would also be harmed. With these thoughts, I burst again into uncontrollable sobs on his embrace.

'Paris?' I whispered when I calmed down.

'Hmmm?' He replied as I felt the vibrations of his voice.

'Can I ask you a favor?'

'What is it?' He inquired as he gently stroked my head.

I think he was going too far with the stroking, but I just ignored it. Besides, it makes me feel at ease.

'Can I ask you not to bother me for the next three days? I promise to help you make Venice yours after that. I just need time to process this alone.' I said as I pull away from his hug.