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Part 2 Chapter 4
cliche stories
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Toby Eve POV
We had forgotten about the school, we were all focused on giving Sabrina some company. Hendrik still hadn't woken up but each day, Sabrina went to see him. The nurses were fine with her travelling to his room; they understand what she was going through.
"Guys, before you go I need to talk to you." Our professor, Dr Lamling, stood at the threshold of the Biology classroom. Amanda and I could only come because we needed to catch up on our work.
We both were curious as to what he wanted, hence the weird looks we gave each other. I let Amanda go in first, falling in step I was welcomed with an empty room.
"I know Sabrina and Hendrik are in the hospital but you can't disregard your education. You guys have a bright future. You can't let that go."
"Sabrina and Hendrik don't have one." Amanda cast her head down, her hair covering her face. I could tell she felt bad, for some odd reason.
"They do have one and they will reach their goals but this seems to be a setback. For everyone." What he meant by everyone, as he was talking about the school and their funds. If Sabrina doesn't come back to the school, there is a possibility that the Chase's won't fund the school.
There are a few events coming up. They need the money.
"We know and we won't let this become a setback," I promised the wrinkled professor.
"Good."
°•°•°
The afternoon rolled in slowly and Amanda and I had assignments to finish. I finally got my own place and settled in real fast around the neighbourhood. Living next door to a cat lady does irritate me but not more than Larry who lives above me, a boy in a band who's trying to pursue a dream that has no bright future to it.
"Let's take a break and go have some doughnuts. For old times sake." Amanda couldn't have looked more beautiful than she does right now, how the sun kisses her soft skin and her freckles popping vibrantly.
Amanda looks like an ordinary girl but once you get to know her, you won't want to leave.
"Sure, let me grab my jacket." I leave her sitting in my empty living room. I remember how she was complaining about the emptiness in my apartment and I simply shrugged. What more can a man want besides his telly and a comfortable couch with a fridge filled with beer and good food.
"Toby, you have to at least bring colour to your apartment. Have your parents visited you yet?"
"Eh, I could care less if they came or not. They busy these days."
She stares at me for a minute, eyes widened and lips slightly pursed. A cute but confusing image she portrays.
"Let me help you decorate your apartment then."
"How about you move in?" I distinctly remember her choking on her water. The thought of how red her face was made me chuckle a bit.
What are we going to do now?
°•°•°
Adam's Spot. One of the best café shops around and our little sanctuary. We discovered this place awhile ago, situated between Larry Ave and Dexton Blvd, with a private porch outback. Of course, Amanda knows the owners. Cue the eye roll.
"Did you just roll your eyes?" My thoughts were interrupted by Amanda, standing directly in front of me.
"No madam, I'm not." I love the reaction I receive from her; teasing her is my goal every day. As long as I see her cheeks go red, then I'll be satisfied for the day.
"Let's just go." Her cheeks turned red as a tomato that I couldn't resist pinching her cheeks. What a cutie.
She, as expected, glared at me and swatted my hand away. "You know I hate being pinched, especially on the cheeks."
"Of course, I do, which is why I still do it." We walked the rest of the distance with Amanda pouting and me trying to put a smile on her face. Eventually, she did but I did not expect what came next.
At first, I thought she was going for my cheek but I only realised after that she was kissing me. On my lips. My chapped lips.
I didn't respond for a while but once she tried pulling away, I held onto her and kissed her back, fervently.
Ironically, it started to rain and that's when we pulled away.
"We should get inside before it gets heavy." Her chest was slowly rising up and down and I couldn't help myself. I looked down and her white shirt was soaking. To the point where I could see her black bra.
"Yeah, we should."
°•°•°
The beauty of this secretive patio is that it has a roof and a beautiful view of Farloore. Farloore isn't known per se but it has rich soil and we use that to our advantage. I guess that's the only good thing about Farloore, the rich soil.
"What are you getting?" Amanda sat across from me in her usual posture, arms on the table and legs crossed on the chair. She feels more comfortable in that position apparently.
"The usual." I shrug while staring at the ocean. Never realised how beautiful it is.
"Which is?" I turn back to her, bewildered. "I'm joking Tobs. You seem off, what's up?"
"It's nothing really." She stares at the ocean and shrugs. This is definitely going to eat her up.
"I'm thinking of moving somewhere else where there are better job opportunities or where I can start my own business." She slowly looks back and shrugs.
She's definitely not liking this idea.
"Talk to me, Mands."
"There's really nothing for me to say. This is your decision and you seem set on proceeding with it."
She looks back out and as the waves crash against each other, a tear runs down her cheek.
Maybe I wasn't meant to see that.
Or maybe I was meant to.
She never talks about her feelings.
°•°•°
"Should I walk you home?"
"No need. I'll see you later." She walks towards the bus stop and I think I realise then that I messed up.
Maybe I should chase after her?
I go to chase after her but I stop midway, thinking of what she told me about cliche being a bore.
"Toby, you brought flowers?"
That afternoon, I had noticed that Amanda was a bit off. Not something I'm used to. Missing her energetic self and her laugh echoing around the room.
"Yes, you like them?" She eyed them questionably, taking a whiff of them and sneezing. I guess she's allergic to roses or she has sinus?
"I'm not a fan of roses but thank you. Don't you think this is too cliche?" I watched her as she entered her kitchen, placing the vase on the rickety table and sauntering into her small living room.
"Are you gonna stand there or what?" Stepping into her house for the first time, I didn't expect it to be...so small. I don't know what I was expecting. Definitely not a small house.
"Welcome to my small house. Where mice reside in the tiny corners and cupboards." I wasn't sure if she was being sarcastic but I had an inkling.
"Oh next time, please bring something...less romantic. I'm not into that stuff. Dancing under the rain and all. I'm more of an action girl." I nodded and sat next to her and true to her words, she was watching an action movie.
"Toby, I'll see you later." She stared affectionately into my eyes and I gave her a lopsided smile.
I think everything will be fine now. It's going to get better.