Professor F novel Chapter 64

Beep! Beep!

That horning sound from Aunt Ruth's car broke the awkward silence embracing August and Pierre.

Aunt Ruth extended her arm and opened the front seat, calling Pierre's attention. They both looked at her. "Pierre, you can put your cello on the front seat. And you both sit on the back, okay?"

"After you." Pierre said as he pulled the door open of the back seat.

She blushed and awkwardly got in before he puts the cello on the front seat of the car. He then gets in the back seat of the car.

"Are we good, kids?" Auth Ruth asked with a big smile on her lips. "I know this great restaurant nearby. Let me put it on wayz." Her aunt being her usual talkative self filled the awkward atmosphere she and Pierre has.

She was silently listening to her aunt talking to Pierre. "You're really good up there, Pierre. Have you joined other competitions in the past?"

"N—No. It was actually my first." Pierre answered politely.

"Oh! And you're that good already! I'm so amazed! Of all the competitors, you have moved more people than the others. You even got a standing ovation! I wonder why that guy won."

Her Aunt Ruth speaks her mind as if she's known Pierre since he was a kid and it made her feel uncomfortable. Pierre must feel the same and uneasy talking about not winning when he got that standing ovation.

She opened her mouth to stop her Aunt Ruth but Pierre discreetly and gently holds her arm, as if telling her that it's okay.

"Anyway," Her Aunt Ruth drives out of the highway and followed waze. "Let's just enjoy the rest of the night. It's really surprising to see you there!"

He chuckled shortly. "I'm surprised myself."

The conversation stopped when her Aunt Ruth answered an incoming call from a friend on her Airpods.

"Sorry, I have to take this." Her Aunt Ruth said. "Yes? Hi! Congratulations again to Becky! Oh, that's fine. We're on our way to have dinner with a friend, anyway. Oh, really—"

Her Aunt Ruth's conversation slowly faded as her mind started to wander and her heart is beating so loudly—realizing it's been a month since she was this close to Pierre during their tutor sessions and that she would catch him staring at her.

She looked at him unintentionally and saw him looking at her. "Are you okay?"

She nodded and forced a smile. "Why wouldn't I be?"

It was a quiet drive going the restaurant and they were left alone in the table while her Aunt Ruth went to the restroom.

She avoided his glance by looking away as she drinks from the glass of water. She can't look at him—not after remembering those times he was close to her and staring.

"Are you okay?"

"Yes." She drinks from the glass again.

He smiled at her across the table. "Good. I'm starting to think that I'm making you feel uncomfortable for what I said that night." He scratched his cheek.

She choked on her drink and cleared her throat as she looked at him, blushing.

"Ah! Who am I kidding? I think I was the one feeling awkward about it." He said looking down on his hands on the table and touched the bandages on his calloused fingers.

"W—Was that the reason you won't attend our sessions?"

He nodded. "It was a distraction—the gig and this cello competition. I know you're in love with someone else. And I can't like someone who's already taken. I was confused of so many things. But you can't blame a guy like me. I was broken and when I was trying to fix myself with music—I met you." He looked into her eyes. "You remind me so much of her." He smiled sadly. "I would say I longed for it, to feel happy and in love again. The connection. You knew things about music and math and patterns and stuff like her. I—"

"W—Wait, hold on."

"I know." He interrupted. "I just need to get this out of my chest because what I said that night was just so vague." He took a deep breath and sighed. "I like you, August."

Her mouth opened in surprise. For some reason, Pierre looked happy despite the truth that she's in a relationship with Flynn already.

"But—"

He smiled. "Hey, no pressure. It's not like you have to like me back. Although that would be amazing but it's definitely impossible because I know how much Flynn loves you and how much you love him. I just—" He reached out and holds her hand. "I just wanted to tell you the truth and hoping we can stay as friends."

She felt the sincerity in his words and that made her feel at ease somehow. "Of course, Pierre." She smiled.

It must be a painful experience to lose someone you love unexpectedly. What's more painful is to know she's still alive but she can't be with you. It hurts to see someone you love so happy but not because of you.

"Friends?" He offers his hand for a handshake.

"Friends." She smiled, taking his hand on hers.

"Good."

"Are we ready to order?" Her Aunt Ruth asked when she came back, sitting next to her.

They both nodded and her aunt called for the waiter.