Letting Go

Chapter 3

As expected, Augustus is asleep like the rest of station. Carly still insists on banging on his door several times telling me,"He's up, he's just watching TV or something I bet." Yet I know she's just hoping she'll wake him up.

Did I mention Carly has a 'thing' for Augustus? Well she does. It's extremely annoying, which is why I usually come see Augustus alone. Considering how long Augustus and I have known each other, and how good of friends we are, you would think I would be jealous. But I'm not. Augustus has never, and never will be, more than just a friend to me. I love him, but I don't love love him.

Suddenly the door flings open, and Carly nearly falls into Augustus's arms. She probably would have liked that. I can't help but smile a little to myself. I'm so funny!

Augustus looks like a zombie. He's still in his Pjs and his perfectly groomed hair is messed up like no tomorrow. Not to mention the huge bags under his eyes. "What... Is the deal?" He groans sleepily.

"Oh, I'm sorry! Did we wake you? We thought you'd already be up." Carly says, using her fake 'I'm innocent voice'. Yah sure, WE thought so. Of course.

"Yes, I was asleep. It's seven o'clock. But I guess I'm up now. Let me get dressed and I'll be out in a sec." He says, shutting the door behind him.

"Nice going," I whisper to Carly, who gives me wink, smiles, and says, "He had to get up at some point anyways, right?"

Hah. Carly is just lucky Augustus isn't one of those people who gets crabby in the mornings. Very lucky.

A couple minutes lately, Augustus opens the door again, his perfect self- almost. He's just forgotten one very important thing. "Good morning. What's up?"

"Um... Augustus?" Carly says, blushing and trying hard not to stare.

"Yes?" He says, with the most serious face on. I can't help but giggle. "What?" He adds.

"Where are your pants?" Carly finally says, unable to hold back her laughs any longer.

Augustus forgot to put on pants.

He looks down and his face turns bright red. He quickly goes back in his room, and when he comes out again he's got a pair of blue jeans on. Thank God.

"Well, anyways," I say,"What's up with you lately? Forgetting PANTS? Looking like a freaking zombie this morning? Is everything alright?" I know something is going on. One does not forget their pants 'just because'.

"Yes, I'm fine, I've just been working late hours lately in the labs,"He replies.

"Late hours? Are they testing you to see if your fit for that promotion you want?" I ask, excited.

"Yes!" He says, dropping his voice and eyeing the empty hallways,"Yes. But keep it on the down-low. I'm not supposed to tell anyone."

"Congrats! I'm sure you'll get it!" Carly says, speaking up for the first time after the whole 'no pants' incident. Her embarrassment makes me smile inside. That's what you get for loving my best friend, Carly!

We walk to the mess hall, all explaining the events of our week. Carly had her first all- day shift at the nursery this week, and Augustus went on to explain the details of his hopeful promotion. The only thing I had to talk about was what I learned in school. Interesting, right?

Only seven months left before I can join the real world and start a job. Only seven months! I can't wait!

We reach the mess hall and I'm overwhelmed by the sweet smell of maple syrup. Wait, syrup?

"Is that syrup?" Carly says, reading my mind,"It's not the first day of the month, though."

We walk up to the breakfast counter, and the lunch lady there must see our confusion because she says,"The maple trees were feeling overly generous this morning. We have an abundance of maple syrup so we thought we treat the station to a surprise with pancakes this lovely Saturday morning," she says, smiling. Surely she must be as happily surprised as us.

We each grab a tray and a serving of pancakes with a side of syrup. I grab strawberries as my extra, Augustus grabs grapes, and Carly fresh pineapple, as usual.

We find a seat in the mess hall. People are starting to file in. They must have smelled the syrup.

After eating and watching cartoons on the tv at our table, we head to the gym where we join in a game of basketball with some other kids our age. I know a couple from school, but some of them must be transfers from our sister station. We introduce ourselves and welcome them.

The day of fun goes by fast. So fast I almost forget I have to go back to the medical center tonight. I ask Carly to come with me, but she gets called into the nursery because of low staff. Augustus kindly volunteers to come with me instead.

"So, this should be fun right?" He says, shoving me in the ribs with his elbow.

I note the sarcasm in his voice,"Yah right. Not as fun as seeing you pant-less this morning."

"Alright, you got me on that one. Did you see Carly's face though? Priceless!"

I can't help erupting in a fit of laughter. We arrive at the front desk, where Dr. Castro is waiting. He acknowledges us with a small nod and leads us into his room.