Exiting the elevator of my apartment building, I make my way to the entrance where Assistant Hugh escorts me to the car waiting outside. He's quieter than normal today so I can tell he's nervous. Stopping as he opens the door for me, I turn to face him, patting his shoulder.
"You can stop worrying." I offer him a reassuring smile and he hesitates before returning it, his adam's apple bobbing nervously.
"Of course, Young Master, I just..." Stepping towards him, I squeeze his shoulders softly.
"We've come this far Hugh, let's just finish this."
"But..."
"I know. I'll be fine, so let's kick his ass for Irving shall we?" His slumped shoulders straighten a bit and he nods decisively.
"Let's." Smiling we get into the car.
"Let's stop by to see Monroe first."
"Of course. Also, these are the documents you asked the Vice Head for last night."
<Her soft steps echo through the empty hallway as I lead the way to her apartment. Since leaving the Academy, we haven’t spoken a word to each other and the awkward silence between us has only gotten heavier. The feeling of not being trusted enough resonates through my entire body, my every step feeling as though I was walking through quicksand. I understand she had her reasons for her choice but I hated the bitter feeling I felt at the way she handled it, knowing that it left me in a difficult position and I'd have no choice but to accept. I never thought I’d feel like this ever again. Why didn’t she tell me? A life-altering decision and like everyone else I hear it through a mic surrounded by strangers? I knew she had to do something to combat her fathers' plan and I respected her decision to fight him head-on but why couldn’t she tell me? Recalling her conversation with Hughes on Friday, I know that’s when she made her decision.The entire weekend and she told me,
Sighing as my alarm goes off, I strut into the bathroom, my every step unsteady. Having not slept a wink all night, my body feels heavy. His words from yesterday, still ringing in my head. ‘I love you.’ He’d said it and my heart sank. Not because of the words but the look in his eyes. He’d looked truly hurt. That look in his eyes was my doing. Guilt tugged at every inch of me and no matter the reasons I came up with for not telling him, it ultimately ended with his words... trust. I didn’t trust him. I shivered slightly and only then did I realize; the shower temperature was on cold.“Fuck...” turning the lever all the way the water became too hot, and I gasp jumping backing, slipping and knocking my wrist on the tub.“Jesus! I know I fucked up but give me a break, will you? Fuck me!” Exiting the bathroom, my ringtone bellowed through the room surprising me and I jumped backwards, knocking into the dresser. Picking it up I see Hughes’ ID and sigh.
Exiting the bedroom I’m greeted by the pale man sat at the breakfast table. Unlike his sister's fair complexion from her mother, he was pale in comparison.“August.” I greet him and he hesitates briefly before replying.“Hello.” Giving me a warm smile, he beckons for me to sit. Setting a plate for myself, I sit opposite him and we eat in silence. I must say, in the silent department, they truly are siblings. The silence drifts over us for the entire duration of our meal until a throat clears and I look up to find him staring at me.“Yes?”“What happened?”“Huh?”“I saw her interview. Then all of a sudden you show up here at damn near midnight?” He says raising a quizzical brow at me and I sigh. Definitely related. Putting down my fork, I lean back in my chair, meeting his eyes.“She’s decided to take on your father head-on. Hence her withdrawal from The Academy as a
Sighing as I enter the silent apartment, I shrug my jacket off and head to the kitchen. I need alcohol. A lot of it. I needed to get drunk. Despite the amount I'd consumed with Father and Wil, I needed more. Walking past the sofa I nearly jump out of my skin my the silhouette framed by darkness.“Hmm... for fuck’s sake! Don’t just sit in the dark like that!” Pinching my nose, I opt for taking two beers from the fridge instead of Sake and move to sit next to August.“Did your talk not go well?” He questioned, taking the beer.“Nah, it went well. Just... you know.” I replied, shrugging.“Yeah.” We sit in the silence of the hotel penthouse, the only noise, the soft whistle of the early morning breeze coming from the slightly ajar balcony door.“Are you ready for tomorrow?”“No.” The nervousness in his voice made me smile. I knew what he was worried about. I knew what he referred to in
The hushed chatter of the students filling the halls cascade around me as I head to the main office. It felt weird walking the halls; not as a student. Huh... Looking up I’m greeted by the numbers of his classroom. Biology. Two-Three. Sighing, I turn around and head in the opposite direction. Snap out of it, he’s not here. I knew he didn’t abandon me. I knew it, yet, I still couldn’t help feeling his absence. I hated this feeling. August. Nan. I felt his absence as he’d been with me since the beginning and not just a few months. His question still played broken in my head.‘Do you know what you're going to do after this stupid game Atlas?’ No. I hadn’t thought that far ahead before. Winning. Getting Nans villa back. That’s where my goals had stopped.'What do you want to do with your life Atlas?' I’d wanted for nothing. My life had never ever really been my own and I’d never really seen it differently. Why would you ask me questions I didn’t know th
Left in my own silence once more, my thoughts wander back to him. It’s been three days since I last saw or spoke to him and since reporters have been camping outside my apartment I’ve been staying at his. I hope he’s okay. Stupid Yuzuki. Leaving without saying goodbye. What did he mean about putting him in a predicament with my decision? I realise that by saying I was being independent, I acted selfishly but you don’t just disappear. Isn’t that in itself selfish? Karma?A soft knock brings my attention to the door in time to see Hugh’s step in followed by William. Great, now I’m thinking about him even more. As though knowing what I was thinking he smiles warmly at me, sitting on the small sofa as Hugh’s busies himself with making us tea.“Good Morning, Ms. Ingram.” He says the last name in a matter-of-fact tone, and I shift uncomfortably. I really hate that last name; but it is mine. Hugh’s was right. Professional.“Mr. Fairchild.”
Entering the room I’m greeted by the hushed conversations of the board members and by the heavy atmosphere, I could tell the old man’s been playing his mind games. Walking past him I take my seat at the head of the table and Hugh’s leads William to the empty chair on my right.“A Chairman who's late...” cutting off his attempt to show me up, I speak above him.“If I remember correctly, everyone was informed to be here at Elven O'Clock,” ignoring his stare I continue, “I also have a school to run, so unlike those of you who are simply in a rush to go play golf, your opinion of my arrival time is not needed.” A chorus of whispers ring through the room and I grit my teeth in an attempt to calm down. No Atlas, you can’t punch him. Yet.“Now then, shall we begin. As you all heard early this week, Winters project will begin on time. A few of you have expressed your concerns about funding...” as though on queue his voice breaks through the
The warmth radiating for the body that holds me feels both alien and familiar and I'm too shocked to even think about stepping away. No. I don't want to step away. My arms snake across his back and I cling to him; afraid he’ll disappear if I do.“This is a dream right...? It has to be a dream…” My voice barely a whisper, even to myself."Dream... this...?" His chest vibrating against my face as he chuckles, his hands moving my face away from his chest to meet his gaze."It's anything but, Atlas." The heat from his lips as he kisses my forehead radiates through my body and I shiver, biting my gum in order to not cry."How...?" He looks from me to William and I follow his gaze."You?" He puts his hands up imitating surrender as he smiles at me."Nope. I told you, didn't I? Jason sent you a gift." He says winking, a cheeky grin plastered on his face."Yu-San did?"