Buer

CHAPTER 13 - CREEPY OR CUTE ?

“It's getting late. I should leave.” August and Buer were sprawled on the chesterfield. All the tasty dishes had made her happy and lazy at the same time. She was tired to even more to her bed.

“Where are you staying at?” She realised that she was spending time with a stranger about whom she knew nothing.

“Fairmount.” All her sleep vanished at that word. Fairmount was a damn expensive place she could only dream of visiting. Sure, she had seen it from outside. But that's it.

That would also mean that he isn't from Victoria. “Where are you from?”

“Alberta. There is a small town called Jasper there.” She knew that place. It was famous for its wildlife. “Wow. That much be boring.”

August spoke. Not really taking into consideration the feelings of the person in front of her. “It is. But I like it that way. Of course when I feel bored, I come out to Victoria. Or Toronto or Vancouver.”

“That is so cool.” She couldn't wait to get out of school. Then she could travel as much as wanted. “I can't wait for school to be over.”

“What about college?”

Noticing her change in expression, Buer regretted asking that question. He figured that it was quite normal for her to be applying to some art school. Her talent was quite rare. And he meant than in quite a non partial way. Of course he knew many talented artists. August had the potential to reach that height. All she needed was the right push in the right direction.

“I haven't planned it yet. If you didn't notice today afternoon, I kinda suck at almost all subjects.”

Buer nodded at that. He had to agree with her honest statement. She was bad at languages, history and the science field. The only thing he found good was his sketch.

“Almost all. Except you can draw really well.”

“It was a sketch. Not a drawing.” Seeing her defend it proved his previous statement right.

“We'll see. You should get going. I need to go to school tomorrow.”

Her eyes wouldn't meet him. It was obvious that he had hit a nerve and she wanted him out now.

“I'll see you next time. Bye ange.”

August wanted to kick herself. This was no way to behave with her guest. Especially to one should had cooked and cleaned for her.

She wanted to call him and apologize but didn't have his number. August was scared that he would never meet her again.

‘You will have a home cooked meal once a day.’ Buer's words rang in her ears. He would be back to keep his promise. That was the only reassurance she had.

That night she went to bed with the sketch next to her. An unhealthy obsession with a stranger was going to be her undoing.

**************************************

“Are you alright?” Marcy asked as they were attending another boring lecture. August wasn't even sure which subject it was. The teacher was that bad. And they expect a good results with such standard.

“Yes.” They were sitting beside each other. This classroom was one of the few that had benches that could accomplish two people.

“Why did you miss school? And how is your French essay complete?” Unlike herself Marcy wasn't even faking paying attention. All of that was directed towards her. It was unbelievable to everyone in the class that she had completed and submitted a French essay on time. That everyone includes the old hag of a teacher.

“I had time yesterday.” Was her simple answer. Marcy scoffed at her. Both of them knew that she wouldn't have completed it without external help. Something August wasn't willing to disclose.

“Bullshit. There is no way that you can finish a French essay by yourself.” Marcy's tone didn't sit well with August. She admitted that she wasn't the smart kind.

Pointing that out in a rude way isn't something a friend should do. Even if it's meant as a joke. The icing on the cake was when Marcy didn't even flinch before glaring at her.

Thankfully the bell rung at the exact time. August left the classroom without a glance at her best friend.

Cafeteria time could be described in one word. Awkward. August was still pissed at Marcy who just thought was stating an honest fact.

“You girls need to patch up and do whatever you do.” Kevin spoke up at last. He was right but neither of the girls acknowledged his statement.

“Yeah. Have a girls night. Do the usual thing like pillow fights. Or looking at hot guy pictures. Or a home spa session.” Justin took Kevin’s words forward and each of his suggestions were worse than the previous one. “Better yet. Paint your nails in underwear while talking about your crush.” Right now, August wasn’t even sure he was talking about her and Marcy. It looked more like he was listing his lesbian fantasies.

“That’s disgusting Justin.” Julia and Jules slightly shifted their chairs in the opposite direction.

Indeed, it was more than disgusting. “And FYI, that only happens in movies or TV shows.” The other twin added. Well, August and Marcy did those things. Not paint each other’s nails in underwear. But talk about boys and go to spa.

“I am sorry Marcy. I just didn’t want to hear that I suck.” It was quite a legitimate fear and she had no quals about admitting.

Marcy let go of her frown. “I am sorry too. I was too rude.” She too admitted her mistake.

“That wasn’t so difficult. It was hot.” This time even she moved her chair away from Justin.

He sucked sometimes!

*****************************************************************************

August just didn’t know what to do. Tomorrow was supposed to be a Friday. For once she was on schedule with her homework. Ben had given her off for the whole week. Sort of a redemption for Monday’s stunt. He also spoke to her History teacher. She now had a B- on her essay. That felt great.

Grandma would come only tomorrow. That too, she wasn't sure. One of the old woman from her church group had expired due to heart attack. She is supposed to attend the funeral as well as help in the preparation. That left her with a very light load on homework and an almost free weekend.

Something she hadn’t had in a long time.

She decided to complete another Biology essay which was due late next week. But first she needed some nourishment. August was caught off guard when there was a vessel inside the fridge. With a now soggy not stuck to it.

Enjoy dinner. Will not be able to join today. Have a good day tomorrow.

B.

She took the note from the container as she placed it in the microwave to reheat. There was no question in who did this. August remembered that Buer never returned the house keys she loaned him yesterday. He was also keeping his promise to her by leaving her a home cooked meal once a day. It was both creepy and sweet at the same time. She couldn’t decide which one was worse.

The ding from the microwave caused her to drop the soggy note on the floor. When she went to throw it in the kitchen dustin, it was empty and clean. Also shiny. Just like the whole house as she noticed the difference. Great! He both cooked and cleaned today. All he was missing was a pleated skirt and an apron and he would make a perfect 80s wife.

After a scrumptious meatloaf dinner and a glass of wine, August settled to start with biology when he phone beeped. A message from an unknown number.

There is dinner in fridge. Please reheat.

Close and lock the doors.

Goodnight.

It was exactly a message that a parent would send a child. Buer was slowly taking over the role of a mother hen. It was hilarious.

Sure mother.

Good night.

She replied back. But with also emojis. It made messaging cooler.

******************************************************************************

Friday again!

August could smell freedom in the air as students in the corridor whispered about which place was cool. Who was going on a date with whom. Who was throwing the best party this weekend. How this week passed by fast. It was delightful to hear the murmurs.

“How about we go again today?” Justin spoke up as we were standing next to the twin’s lockers before classes started for the day.

She gave him a nasty look. “I think getting wasted once a week is enough Justin.” Kevin said the one thing on her mind. That caused the rest of us to giggle.

“At least I didn’t skip next day because of hangover or walk of shame.”So Julia did leave with a guy on Tuesday night. “Oh he must have been good.” Marcy teased. The usually outspoken Julia was now red.

“Oh, he was really good.” The blushing girl replied, a dreamy look on her face.

That started a new round of hooting.

AH ! Life was good.