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.

"Hey!" He waved his hand as she approaches the counter.

"Hi!" She smiled at him while holding her bag. "I'm starting my shift now. Are you ordering?"

Gail answered her question. "He's been waiting for you to take his order."

"No, I wasn't." Pierre looking embarrassed as he looked at Gail.

Gail rolled her eyes. "Yes. You. Are."

August goes in the back to put her bag in her locker before coming back out, wearing her apron. "I'll take over now, Gail. Thank you."

"Sure. I'll head out." She waved her hand goodbye.

Pierre cleared his throat. "The usual, please."

She snorted. "We don't have that drink."

The girls behind Pierre giggled but they looked mesmerized the moment Pierre looked at them. "Oh my God! Is he—he looks familiar!"

"He's hot." The other girl whispered.

Pierre ignored them and smiled at her. "Would you like me to remind you what my usual drink is?"

"I'm kidding." She blushed, remembering those days they spent in Europe. "For take out?"

"Yes. I'll have band practice until you get off work. I'll be back and give you a ride home." He took his order from the barista before leaving the cafe.

"Was that your boyfriend?" One of the girls asked.

She smiled awkwardly, still blushing from what Pierre just said. She's about to answer the girl when her companion bumped her hips as she pouts her lips, pointing at the pathway around the cafe.

The other girl looked at the same direction and her eyes glimmered in delight. August instinctively followed their gaze and her heart started beating faster when she saw Flynn carrying his MacBook and planner as he turns to enter the cafe.

This will be the first time she'll see him again after that night. She wanted to excuse herself but no one's available to take the counter for her since Gail left as soon as she took over. Other regulars would've stayed for a little longer before leaving but Gail is Gail.

She felt her hands trembling as she clasped them together. She cleared her throat when the people, most of the girls in the cafe were murmuring while looking at Flynn as soon as he enters the cafe.

"Are you ready to order?" She tried to sound calm while still waiting for the girls to speak.

"Ah, no, not yet." The girl grabbed her friend away from the counter as she looked at Flynn. "Y—You can go and order first, Professor."

Flynn smiled at them and she wanted to curse herself for feeling irritated seeing them so happy with just Flynn's smile.

"May I order?" Flynn asked with a straight face.

She looked down as she nodded, her trembling fingers on the computer waiting for him to order his drink.

"The usual please." He said.

"Y—Yes. Take out?"

"No."

She's holding her breath as she placed his order for the barista to prepare it. He hands his payment and waited for his drink on the other side without glancing at her again.

In the corner of her eye, she could watch him looking at his planner. The girls then ordered as Flynn finds a seat.

She's thankful that he chose a seat that's not too visible for her and she could just work comfortably behind the counter. But it's enough to see him working on his computer all throughout his stay at the cafe.

Henry enters the cafe with a smiling face. She greets him. "Good evening!"

"How's everything?"

"Good."

Henry glances at his wristwatch. "Looks like he's here early to walk you home."

She got confused. Then realized that Henry is referring to Flynn walking her home. She went pale.

Is he here to walk me home?

Her shift is almost over and he's still there. She felt nervous and discreetly watched him from her post when their eyes met. She looked away and bites her lips, hoping he didn't catch her checking on him.

The seconds before her shift ends felt like forever. And as soon as it's over, she heads at the back to get her things and bid goodbye to her colleagues.

She was heading out without glancing at Flynn's direction. She heard people at the cafe saying their goodbyes.

"Good night, August!"

"Good night, Professor!"

She held her breath and can't help herself from looking back. She saw Flynn heading out as well and reaching out to hold her hand when a beeping sound from a motorcycle echoed in front of the coffee shop.

She turned around to see Pierre holding his helmet as he walked towards her.

"August—"

Both guys called her name about the same time.

This can't be happening!

She closed her eyes.

Do I seriously have to choose?! Like this?! Seriously?!