Chapter 28 — Fancy

“I’m sorry… about the other night.”

I could hear Aurelius chuckle lightly on the other end. “It’s all right, Alex. There was nothing you could do about it, your mother should always come first.” Listening to him aimlessly ramble about how it didn’t bother him, my eyes wandered to the calendar sitting on top of my desk. Eyes widening in the realization that he would be departing for London one week from now. At the thought of his brief stay this month, I couldn’t help but squirm at the current emotion welling up inside me.

“Um, Aurelius—”

“But I’m sure your mother wouldn’t mind if I explain that I want to court you—”

“Wait, what?” Surprise etched on my face at what he just said. Did my ears just deceive me? “Y-you’ll what?”

He must have been caught off guard at the interruption and was thrown into confusion, sputtering endless 'whats' as he tried to recall the earlier conversation. A laugh escaped my lips as I shook my head at how silly he was before sighing deeply.

“Aurelius Clarke, you amuse me at the most random times.”

He was silent for a few seconds until he too laughed. “Really? Is that a real compliment? Coming from you?”

“Oh please…” I scoffed, rolling my eyes at how he was in disbelief. “I can be kind at times, especially when it’s needed. Why? Do you want me to insult you forever?” When he didn’t answer, I added. “And you want to court me? You gotta try harder because I’m not an easy woman.”

You better put more effort, Clarke.

“Isn’t that what they all say?” Aurelius pondered. “They say they’re not an easy woman, yet they fall faster than dead flies.”

“That's what they became after, dead flies.” I scowled despite him unable to see it. “And that kind of women is usually portrayed in movies. Do you think a woman would fall for a man that quick in this life? If you do, you’re either just naive or really stupid.”

“Does that mean... if you do fall for me, are you admitting that you’re stupidly in love with me?”

This man!

“W-who said I’m stupid? I’ll have you know I’m one of the best students in my previous high school and I almost had a shot at getting a scholarship in one of the biggest universities in this country. Plus, I’ll never fall for you.” As much as I was expecting for my blood to boil in rage, it just never occurred. Instead, my whole face was redder than a tomato at how I made myself fall into his trap.

Congratulations, you just clowned yourself, Alex. You wanted to appear cool but instead wore clown makeup. Fun.

“Right…” he drawled, obviously smirking in delight. “Before you start having thoughts about murdering me in your sleep, I never said you’re stupid. I just wanted to clarify things.”

“I guess being shameless is a talent of yours as well? Other than being silly.”

“Trust me, there are more ways for me to entertain you.” At his promise, a shiver ran up my spine but then remembered this was Aurelius Clarke. His meaning of entertainment is probably something that concerns games or other outdoor activities.

Y-yeah, it must be that. Not bedroom activities.

“I doubt that,” I responded after swallowing a couple of times. Trying hard to get my head out of the gutter. There is no way I would allow that to happen so quickly, especially right after getting my heart broken by a certain professor. “You’ll probably run out of ideas.”

“The only problem I have is not knowing when we will meet again.”

At the sudden topic that has been bothering me since my mother arrived, I groaned out in silent frustration that has been building up slowly these past few days. “I really, really want to give you the date, but I can’t. Not right now at least.”

Just the idea of telling her would be enough for my whole soul to leave and never come back. Lately, she has been feeling sleepy and moody. Due to this, I usually do the chores and the cooking while she lays in bed trying to nurse her headaches. To go out on a date, let alone ask for her permission, will likely cause an argument between us.

“Okay…”

“Look, it’s not that I don’t want to see you and hang out.” I hastily explained, head forming the right words to say. “It’s just… my mom’s in a current state where she can’t do shit on her own. Plus, she’s expecting me to spend time with her and only her.”

“You don’t have to go into details, Alex.” He laughed, “I can understand. It’s the holidays, you should spend the most important times with your loved ones.”

Tapping my index finger against my desk, I furrowed my eyebrows and narrowed my eyes at the calendar. Maybe with the excuse of getting groceries, I can leave the apartment and spend time with him. Aurelius made an effort to hang out with me, I shouldn’t act like an asshole and refuse. That would just be too heartless.

“Hey, how does next Sunday sound to you?”

» — ✣ — «

Huddling closer to the tree, I cursed softly under my breath as I waited. It was colder today, a reminder that January would soon be here. Another year, another life.

Using the excuse to get more groceries for our small feast this upcoming Christmas eve, I hurriedly left the apartment and walked a few blocks away to wait for Aurelius in secret. A few minutes have passed and I have yet to see any signs of his arrival.

What’s taking him so long?

Mom told me to come back before evening falls, warning me not to be out so late or I would get a scolding. Sometimes I forget that I’m an adult myself around her, I would blame her strictness for that matter.

If we waste even more time, I’m afraid our time would be sh—

A fancy sleek car approached and went to a complete stop in front of me. Crossing my arms across my chest, I put on a displeased expression. I didn’t have to guess who was inside as the tinted window rolled down and revealed a smiling Aurelius which contrasted my frown.

“Hello to you too, Miss Alex.”

Why am I even spending time with him?

“You’re late.”

I don’t love him.

“Sorry, love…” he got out and opened the door for me. “I had to make a quick stop. Hope your bum didn’t freeze.”

I bet he’s only messing around as well.

“Oh, shut up.”

As I was making myself comfortable on my seat, my line of sight landed on a bouquet of bluebells neatly placed above the cup holders. Sensing my perplexed feeling, Aurelius shut his door, turned to face me, and gestured to the flowers. “Go on, take it. It’s yours.”

I’m not in love with him.

Holding the flowers up to my nose to smell them, I coughed before looking away. Cursing my heated cheeks, I nodded. “Thanks. I-I’ll forgive you in exchange.”

I swear I’m not in love with him.

“Yes, please forgive me for being late…” he echoed, not looking up as he started the car. “Please have mercy on this poor man.”

I just probably fancy him.