Professor F novel Chapter 74

Augustine woke up, still sleepy and exhausted. She checked her phone and the time is ten o'clock.

She then remembered Flynn, tears started to fill her eyes. Still no message from him.

How could this happen?

She remembered that night. It was around this time when she saw him kissing that girl. She sniffed, clutching her blanket to cover half of her face as she stared into the darkness of her room.

Her chest is heavy, it hurts so much. She was crying quietly in her room when she heard a knock on her door. "August?" Her mother's voice soft and gentle.

She cleared her throat and managed to answer calmly. "Yes?"

"Come out once you're ready so we can eat together, okay?"

"Yes. I'll be in the shower."

"'Kay."

She wiped her tears and sighed heavily before going to the shower. She changed into her pink pajamas and socks after. She didn't feel like dressing up for New Year.

Her parents looked surprised to see how she looks while they're dressed in casual clothes.

Her mother smiled as she handed her a cup of hot chocolate. "Feeling lazy?"

She nodded as she takes the cup from her, remembering that night Pierre was with her at the airport. Geez!

She sits on the couch with her feet up while her father enjoys his cup of coffee. Her mother brings a bowl of choco chip cookies, sits between them.

She sighed as she rests her head on her shoulder. "Sorry, Mom, Dad."

"Why?" Christine asked.

"We should've spent Christmas together."

Her father pats her head. "We can celebrate together next year."

She nodded while her mom hugs her tight. She knew that they had an idea about what's going on with her. And respected her space.

She can't help but wonder where Flynn is. Is he still in England? Did he come back here?

It's the countdown to New Year and her parents were answering a video call from her Aunt Ruth when she decided to grab her phone and saw Pierre's name on the screen for a video call.

She answered while looking outside her window.

Happy New Year! Pierre greeted with a smile on his lips.

Happy New Year!

Hey, He scratches the side of his cheek as he was looking away. About the last message—

She blushed, remembering that she didn't respond to it. Oh, I forgot to—uh—I was busy and fell asleep so—

Pierre laughed softly, blushing. No, uh, you don't really have to say something or what. It's alright. It took me a lot of courage to hit the send button. He chuckled. Geez! Why am I acting like this?

She can't help but laugh with him. He stopped and shyly scratched the back of his head. Anyway, I just wanted to greet you and see your face.

She smiled at him. Thank you, Pierre. It's nice to see you, too.

He looked mesmerized then smiled widely. Great! I'll see you when I get back. Bye!

Bye!

••••••

Her parents left later that day while she spent the day in bed. It was already night time when she decided to get off bed in the dark.

She stepped out of her room and turned on the standing lamp beside her couch. She checked her luggage next to her bedroom door and was glad her mother did her laundry for her. She was pulling her luggage to put it back on her closet when something dropped from the side pocket.

She held her breath when she saw the gift box Flynn gave her. She picked it up and remembered she handed it back to him.

How did he—

She then remembered asking him to bring her things at the airport.

Did he—

She imagined him putting it inside her luggage while getting it for her.

Wait! Was he at the airport with Hugo?

Her knees went weak as she remembered that night at the airport with Pierre.

Did he see me with Pierre?

She slumped her body on the couch and stared at the box, torn between opening or returning it to him. But she must admit her curiosity and love for Flynn burns inside her.

I still love him.

With only the standing lamp's brightness in her living room, she hugged her legs close to her chest while still staring at the box, not realizing that tears already filled her eyes.

She covered her face with her hands as she cried. Memories of Flynn in her apartment kept coming back in the invisible screen on her mind.

••••••

Classes started and she went back to work at the cafe. Like Pierre mentioned he will be seeing August there.