Chapter 24
"Clementine, Mister Augustus and Mister Leo are requesting for some tea upstairs," muttered Martha while I am folding the bedsheets in the laundry room.
I quickly placed the bedsheets inside the huge woven basket and kicked it in the very corner, it ended up creating a sound that made both of us cringe.
"Careful, dear," I heard Martha warned, chuckling.
"Oops,"
I rose from the ground and did a few stretching since I've been sitting in this very spot since this morning. Plus, I still haven't eaten yet.
I wonder what's for today's dinner. I feel like I am slowly getting thinner. Why? it's because of the fact that household staffs like me, well, except the higher ones are only allowed to eat milk and cheese, biscuits if we're pretty lucky.
Of course, at first, I cannot help myself from not complaining a bit but as time passed, I am getting used to it. Plus, it's been months since I time traveled to this era.
I wonder what's happening to the present right now. How's Grandpa? Does he know I am right here? That I am still alive? So many questions.
And what if I went back to the present times, what would I say to Grandpa? That I now know how to do household chores? Well, except from cooking. That I've had my first kiss which by the way, I am unconscious at that time. That I am no longer dreaming about this mysterious guy from my dreams every single night and that I met this not-so-handsome soldier yet has this effect on me that makes me wanna smile like a fool all day.
Uhm, what the hell did I just said?
Nah, I'll just tell Grandpa about my experience in buying a box of condoms. That would be hilarious yet embarrassing.
Suddenly, I felt a hard tap on my shoulder, "W-what?",blinking.
"I've lost you for like a minute, my dear. You were just staring at nothingness," Martha said, her arms crossed and worry is evident in her face.
"Oh," was my only reply. What a great talker I am.
"Tell me, child, are you okay?" asked Martha, now patting my back.
"I swear, I am fine, something random just crossed my mind and besides, I should be the one asking you that," I replied, checking her to detect any sign of weakness.
"I already drank what Mr. Augustus gave, God bless his soul, by the way, didn't know he has a side like this," exclaimed Martha, smiling broadly.
I was about to say something stupid, I guess when Martha cuts me off, "Off you go, my child, Mr. Augustus and his friend soldier are waiting for you in his office,"
With that, my posture automatically straightened. Shoot, I forgot about them. Mr. Augustus would surely be angry and Leo would surely let out another of his iconic fake cough.
I am already outside, running towards the kitchen to request two cups of tea when I heard Martha hollered, "Tell Mr. Augustus my huge gratitude,"
Journey to the kitchen was a bit of a struggle because many maids will talk to me, asking me this and that. By the time I reached the kitchen, Chef Florentino is, as always, hollering at the kitchen staffs. Poor them.
Right after I went to the corner and requested someone I know who makes tea very good to do, of course, some tea, I immediately exited the chaotic kitchen before Chef Florentino noticed my presence and began tossing me thousands of commands.
I am already half running and walking while on my way to Augustus' office, the tea almost fell hundreds of times in the stairs.
As soon as I reached the very familiar mahogany door, I knocked thrice before a very familiar face opened the door.
Leo immediately playfully raised his brow to me as soon as he saw me while I stick my tongue like a kid. I can tell Leo was about to laugh if it wasn't for Augustus who came behind Leo's and greeted me.
"Oh, thank the heavens, you're here, my little mermaid," Augustus said, his voice is so energetic, to be honest.
I replied him a smile. To my surprise, Augustus held my right hand with his gloved hand that almost made the tray slipped from my hands and good thing I mastered the art of balancing with one hand. You know what Augustus did to my hand despite the fact I am wearing gloves? He kissed it...it was not the kiss that produces a nasty sound but it was long enough for me to look at Leo and asked for some help.
I can tell Leo is kinda annoyed at what Augustus did because his brows are meeting, his lips into a thin line. Right after he meets my eyes, he immediately pats Augustus in the back but I can tell it's a bit harder than normal.
With that, Augustus released my hand and looked at his "friend" with fierce.
Leo then replied to him with a fiercer look and the room froze for a moment. I was the one who decided to break the ice by saying, "And here's your tea, Mr. Augustus and Mr.Finley," then went straight to the side table and placed the silver tray.
Leo and Augustus sat right in the chairs at my side. I can feel their stares as I slowly yet shakingly pour the tea into the teacups.
Dear Lord, please don't let me commit any mistakes. I've had enough with broken things and embarrassing moments.
Right after I finished my job, I bow right to them which made Leo chuckled a bit for some reason. Do I really look ridiculous when I bow?
I was about to leave when I felt Augustus' warm hand touched my wrist.
"Stay," warned Augustus, standing up and of course, I cannot help myself from looking up at him, he's a head and a half taller than me and so is Leo.
"I still need to fold the bedsheets, sir, if you don't mind," I replied with a forceful smile. Not really good at fake smiles, to be honest. I bet I look like a constipated worm.
"I said stay, Clementine, now sit down right here," Augustus exclaimed then pointing to a chair beside him.
I look at Leo for help but he is not looking at me, he's looking at Augustus with deadly eyes. Looks as if he's ready to murder Augustus right here and right now. Uh-oh.
Of course, since I have no choice, I decided to just sit down beside him with my hands on my lap. Uhm, I bet I look as if I am currently at a principal's office for doing something naughty.
"Now, how's the maid?" Asked Augustus then slowly sipped the tea.
I just look at him with confusion. I don't have any idea who's he's talking about.
"Her name's Martha, Augustus," Leo said, raising his brow.
Oh...
"of course, I remembered her name. Anything that Clementine does and anyone that Clementine knows should I do and know too since..." Replied Augustus, he then placed the teacup in the marble table which made a sound. He didn't even finish his statement.
What the hell did he just said? Can I please just run and hide from him? He's getting a bit creepy, to be honest.
Looking at Leo, I can tell he is a bit fuming.
"Uhm, she's now okay. She told me to thank you for your kind deed," then stared at the ground.
"Anything for my future wife's friend,"
By that, I automatically look at him to know if he's joking or not because to tell you the truth, I am shocked at what just fell from his mouth.
I stared at Augustus momentarily and he has this look on his face as if he just won the lottery or what.
Meanwhile, Leo just released another of his iconic fake cough that caught our attention.
"Remember, Mr. Douglas is already picking the right lady for you, my friend," Leo said, his tone a bit annoyed.
That caught me off guard. Mr. Douglas will be the one to choose his son's wife? I mean, I guess that's how it works with rich people back then.
Well, I can only hope for the best.
"Who's the lucky girl, Mr.Augustus?" I asked, smiling. Pretending as if he didn't utter any words regarding me as her wife a while ago.
I want to know who the girl is. Don't get me wrong, I am not jealous because in the first place, I have no romantic feelings towards Augustus but I just want to brefriend whoever she is...
There was a long pause. Nobody answered my question. I look stupid. Really.
"You," answered Augustus.
W-what?
What kind of sorcery is this?
Leo let out another fake laugh and said, "That's not a funny thing to say, Augustus,"
I can tell he's annoyed due to his voice.
"Geez, daddy, why so serious?" Replied Augustus, chuckling but I can sense it's forced. It's sarcastic.
Are these two really are friends? Or they're just going through rough times?
"Anyways, don't worry, Clementine, you'll meet her soon," exclaimed Augustus as he ran his fingers through his hair that made him look as if he just got up from the bed. He truly is a handsome fella.
Too bad there's just something about him that seems a bit off.
"And when is that?" Leo has both of his hands gripped on the chair. His brow meeting.
Is he just as excited as I am?
"Right after Father arrived from his business trip in France," Augustus then crossed his arms.
After that, Leo asked nothing and so did I. I mean, sure, I do want to ask so many things but I am afraid of making myself look like a gossipmonger.
"Anyways, I heard there's this new show downtown called The War is Never Over, you guys wanna watch it?" Augustus said, crossing his legs but the whole time, he was only staring at me while he was speaking.
Leo then once again cough, "No crossing of legs, Augustus,"
"Oops, sorry about that, Daddy," replied Augustus, laughing and then uncrossing his legs.
Oh, I forgot! Miss Dolores lectured me back then that crossing your legs in front of your opposite sex is considered rude.
"And sorry about that, my future wife," there he goes again.
I think Leo was about to say something but since I don't want to deepen their secret rivalry, it was me who spoke next, "Well, I better get going, Misters," and was about to stand up.
But Augustus immediately rose from his seat and held both my shoulders and looked straight to my eyes.
"I will only allow you to leave in one condition although it's not like you have a choice," then he quickly rolled his eyes playfully then smirked. To be honest, he looks kinda hot when he smirked. Uhm, what am I thinking?
Dear reader, don't get me wrong, I only found him handsome. It's not like he's...
Rolling my eyes and even crossing my arms, I said, "Spill it out,"
Augustus then removed his hands in my shoulder since Leo was giving him deadly but he remained standing. He sat on the desk, right beside me as he copied my arms.
"Before you go, you should listen to what I will say and you by no means, will not utter any distress although I doubt you will considering how dashing I am,"
I raised my brow as a reply, "Go ahead,"
The whole time, Leo was only watching us converse, slowly sipping the tea but I can tell he's pretty pissed how considering his grip on the cup.
"Okay, here comes the first. Do you know why I wore gloves?" He asked, raising his brow playfully.
"Uhm, because it's appropriate?" I answered.
"No, it's because you are too hot to handle,"
Uhm, Victorian gentlemen are into pick-up lines or is it only Augustus?
As soon as he said those, I am torn between laughing and cringing. That pick-up line is awful.
Leo meanwhile has his brow meeting together, his lips into a straight line. His grip on the chair cushion is hard.
Geez, I think Leo woke up from the wrong side of the bed for being super pissy.
However, Augustus doesn't seem to notice that, he just kept staring at me, perhaps watching my reaction to his awful pick-up line.
And since I don't want to disappoint my employer, I fake a laugh which made Augustus laugh as well.
Oops, did I just sent the wrong message?
"Okay, here's the second one. Are you a banana?"
Dear God, please no dirty jokes. I've had enough of them on the internet.
I guess Leo think so to because he cough once again. Harder this time.
"Uhm, why?"
"Because I find you a peeling," then wiggle his brows which made me laugh genuinely.
"Oops, don't enjoy too much of these, my dear, I still have two," uttered Augustus, chucking. Is he proud of himself?
"You know what I'll do if I have a garden?" smirking.
I was about to say "You already have one," when it was Leo who said it first.
By the look of Augustus, I think he was a bit pissed at the remark but decided to just let it slide. In fact, he didn't acknowledge Leo's retort which made Leo raised his brow.
"Uhm, why?" I replied.
"Because If I have a garden, I'll definitely put your tulips to my tulips together,"
Uhm...
"Oh, I forgot, we already did," followed by a chuckle.
"I was unconscious at that time, Augustus,"
"Whatever but that doesn't change the fact that it's a kiss and that you're blushing right now,"
As soon as I said those, I have my hands on my cheeks as if I'll feel any heat if I do and as if an imaginary mirror will appear in front of me.
"I do not!"
"Oh, yes you do, hunny," then wiggled his brows.
There he goes with his weird endearments again.
I was about to say something in return when I caught a glimpse of Leo staring at me with deadly eyes. Oops. Now it's me who is the one responsible for his fury.
"Okay, last one before you finally go back to your work although you are free to spend your day or even your whole life with me,"
"She has works to do, Augustus and besides, other staff will notice her sudden absence," commented Leo, his brow rising.
To be honest, if ever I disappear, I don't think others will notice it considering there are so many household staffs in this manor. I just don't have so many friends since I am not really good in making friends especially if I am the one who should start the conversation. I am shy, okay?
Anyways, back to Augustus' silly pick-up lines.
"Is that a mirror in your pocket?"
"Pockets are only reserved for trousers, Augustus,"
I was about to object when I remembered my maid uniform doesn't have one and so are my other gowns. Oops.
"Well imagine she does has one, my friend," replied Augustus which earned him a pissed look from Leo.
"Well, why, Mr. Bennett?"
"Because I can see myself in your pants, darling," and as soon as he said that, I sure am as red as a tomato.
Not because I am captivated by his words but because I am a bit annoyed. I mean, you don't have to be a Victorian woman to know that's...
"That's highly inappropriate, Augustus," exclaimed Leo, standing up, his fists in his sides. His brow meeting.
"T'was a joke, Leo." then chuckled.
"Then it's not funny,"
"Then change your sense of humor," shouted Augustus back.
Leo was about to say something when I cut him off to avoid further conflicts. "Well, I do appreciate your flatteries, Mr. Bennett but," the whole time, Augustus was smiling, proud of himself.
I didn't get the chance to finish my statement when I heard the loud sound of the door closing. It was too loud to the point I jump a little and had my hand to my chest.
And then Leo was gone. Just like that.
"Don't mind him, my dear," said Augustus who is still smiling as if nothing happened. As if Leo is not his friend.
"Uhm, a-as I wa-was saying, your jokes indeed were hilarious but I must say, some a bit, you know," then shrugged.
"Oh, I get your point. How about I tell you another one?" Suggested Augustus, the smile still hasn't vanished from his handsome face.
Uh-oh, it's a trap.
"Perhaps next time," there would be no next time.
By that, I quickly retrieve the golden tray and the two teacups and storm out of the room. The whole time, I can feel Augustus' stares.
As soon as I left the room, I proceeded to the kitchen to wash the cups and I can feel Chef Florence deadly stares the whole time which made me speed up my work.
I then went back to the laundry room to continue folding the sheets. Hours passed and my thoughts are alternating between my mission and Leo.
To be honest, I am feeling a bit hopeless with my task because it seems like there's no progress but hey, it's me who is at fault because I became way too invested to the world of Victorians to the point I kinda forgot why I am here.
I need to think of a plan to discover Mister Douglas Bennett's darkest secrets and kill him. If only I have the guts to murder him in his sleep.
I was thinking of buying a poison in the underground market and put it in his tea. Perhaps I'll do when I received my monthly salary.
I mean, it's been months since I time traveled him like I said and still, I am still here. No progress.
Regarding Leo, for some reason, I cannot stop thinking about him because he's angry a while ago to the point he walked out of the room without bidding goodbye.
Should I pay him a visit? Does he even receive guests in his room? I've never been to his room but I did have a peaked a couple of times whenever I talk to him and when I have to fetch him a glass of water or something.
I was thinking too hard to the point I didn't notice I am already finished with my work and I am just staring at the ceiling. What a life.
what's worse is that my stomach is already growling. When will we eat? I hope it's super soon. I don't mind eating a cold porridge.
I then went outside to help Martha wash the clothes and as soon as she saw me together with Hillary, another kind maid, probably in her forties greeted me which of course, I returned.
Hillary and Martha are sitting on a very small bench, washing the clothes by hand. Their sleeves rolled-up and even wearing aprons. Oh, I forgot. Washing machines are not invented yet.
"Need any help, ladies?" I asked, smiling.
"Oh, thank goodness for your kindness, dear. You can hang the clothes there," Hillary replied, pointing at the side.
By that, I began the work. As I was working, I can feel someone watching me but decided to shrug it since when I scan the whole surroundings, I saw nothing but Martha and Hillary gossiping and the house which are miles away from the laundry station. To be fair, the original laundry station was inside the house since Mr. Douglas Bennett strongly banned washing outside for according to him, it's disgusting but since he's not here, the one in-charged with washing decided to have a change of environment.
I was half-way through hanging the clothes when I saw Sidney, another maid, probably in her thirties approached me. One thing I envy about her is her gorgeous blond hair. How I wish a have a hair like that.
"I need your help, Clementine," Sidney said as she held my arm.
"Sure, what's that?"
"Well, it was me who is assigned to cleaning Mister Finley's room and I was thinking if you could help me by doing it instead? I swear, I can repay you someday. Maybe not in money you get my point," then she shook my arm again which by the way, are aching for quite a long time now.
"Why me?" I asked, smiling awkwardly.
"Because we all know you're friends with him or even deeper than that but don't worry, I won't tell the others about it," she said and then winked.
As soon as she said that, I totally transformed into a different human being. "It's not what you're thinking,"
But Sidney just playfully rolled her eyes and said, "Well, what can you two possibly be talking about? How to clean a house? To tie a shoelace or perhaps, you two spend your time talking or even making a baby,"
By that, my face is red as a tomato.
My goodness, never did it crossed my mind that Sidney will say such things as this because she usually is the one who always talks about being a proper woman despite the fact we're only housemaids.
"So, will you do it?"
This is like a blackmail, to be honest.
"Okay but may I ask you a question? Why do you refuse to clean his room now knowing you've been cleaning his room since day one?"
To be honest, I don't know when is the day one because I don't know how long has Leo stayed here. Months? Years? I don't know.
"Because he is in the bad mood today, I've never seen him like that and knowing he did to his family, I just can't enter his room," answered Sydney.
What happened to his family? And how is he responsible for it? The only thing I know about his family is that Judy, his cousin is the last living relative of him.
"Go now, my child, I'll finish this," said Sidney which brought me back to earth.
"O-oh, okay," I replied as I straightened my uniform and made my way to the cupboard to retrieve the cleaning materials.
"Thank you, hun," hollered Cidney which earned her a forced smile from me.
As soon as I am already in front of Leo's room, for some reason, I am sweating. I don't know what's happening to me, okay? Heck, I am scared a bit too considering Sidney's statement. Her not seeing Leo been angry like this ever.
Slowly, I knocked thrice. It took Leo long to respond, "Open,"
In fact, his voice is low, as if he's ill. Didn't Sidney say he's angry? Oh, well, I shouldn't complain.
Slowly, I twist the doorknob and opened the wooden door and just like that, I am finally inside Leo's room.
I let my eyes wander around the room, the walls and ceilings are in beige. There's a huge slash expensive bed in the side and cabinets.
There are a lot of books which made my eyes go round. If only I can just read them instead of cleaning. How I miss my old life. The stacks of books are on his desk and his books are placed in the bookshelves.
To be fair, I don't know what I'll clean considering the books are the only mess in his room. By mess, I mean not properly arranged. I was thinking of arranging them in color. Rainbow vibe, they say.
One thing that really caught my attention and somehow sent a pang to my heart is the sight of Leo sitting on the ground. He is hugging his legs and has his head on his knees.
Is he okay? I badly want to approach him but I just can't, okay? I am afraid I'll just worsen his anger.
But oh well, I am already here, might as well just clean the whole room before Leo saw me.
I began with the floor, I let the broom kissed the floor despite the fact there are zero specks of dust.
I was halfway through sweeping when I heard Leo spoke, "What are you doing here?" His voice firm. I think he's doing his military voice, is that even a thing?
I faced him, slowly for my heart is beating fast. As soon as I saw him, I felt a massive ache in me again. He looks so exhausted. His hair is messy.
"Si-Sidney asked me to clean your room," I stuttered as I twist the broom in my hand at my back.
Leo didn't reply after that, he just stared at me.
"Are you finish flirting with him?" He said after a long pause.
Flirting with him? Who? Augustus? Is that why he is angry?
"I am not flirting with him, Leo,"
"Really? Your laughs and smiles a while ago prove not," then raised his brow.
"I really am not flirting with him. I mean, sure, I found some a bit hilarious because it was cringy but that's that. I don't even like Augustus, as a friend, sure, but like what you're thinking? No!" I defended, my grip on the handle of the broom is hard. Perhaps it'll leave a mark later.
As soon as I finish my statement, Leo's face lights up, somehow or is it only my imagination? He just bit both his lips. Uhm, is he stopping his smile? He then ran his fingers through his messy hair.
For the next minute, we just stared at each other but it was me who broke the contact, "Well, I better continue my work here, Mr.Finley,"
I didn't wait for Leo's replied. I immediately turned back to him and began sweeping even though, as I said, there are zero clouds of dust.
The whole time, I can feel Leo's stares behind me. It just made me conscious, okay?
A minute passed and I heard Leo say, "Don't tell me you have the ability to see invisible things, Clementine considering there's nothing to sweep,"
I didn't pay attention to him and went back to sweeping but after three seconds, Leo released a soft chuckle which made my heart flutter a bit.
I then decided to quit sweeping, I went straight to his cabinet and opened it in case I need to fold some but I am met with very organized clothes.
First of all, why did Sidney even asked me to clean Leo's room when there's nothing to clean here? And now I look like a fool to Leo's eyes. Earth, kindly swallow me. I beg you.
"Take a seat at my side, Clementine. There's nothing for you to clean here,"
Of course, at first, I decided to not again pay attention to him for I have a job to do and also because I don't want to humiliate myself furthermore.
"Please,"
With that, I closed the cabinets and look at him, Leo still looks exhausted. Poor him.
I slowly sat on the ground with him, our backs meeting the side of the bed. I am perhaps a meter away from him.
Leo then pats the space beside him, meaning, I should come closer but why?
It was him who said it is highly inappropriate for a man and woman to be alone in a single room.
And when I didn't come closer, it was him who inch closer. Uh-oh.
Then I move away from him, now, he is a foot away from me. Unfortunately, he copied the same. Now, we're close. Our shoulders touching and so are our arms.
I was about to move away again when I realized I am cornered by him and the wall.
After that, there was a long silence between us.
"Sorry about how childish I acted a while ago, Clem," it was him who broke the ice.
"Don't stress about it," I replied then gave him a smile.
"it's just that, his jokes crossed the line," he then ran his fingers through his hair again.
"I know," I replied.
After that, there was a long silence again until Leo retrieve a box under his bed.
"You want some quackers?" Asked Leo, showing me the box of quackers in his hands.
And since I still haven't eaten today and it's already sunset, I decided to swallow my pride and say, "Sure,"
Leo opened it and offer me some which of course, I get some- for now.
I wonder why he has a box of biscuits under his bed?
"Why biscuits? And why under the bed?" I asked as I munch the food, not caring if I am talking while eating.
However, Leo just laugh at me and said, "No talking with your mouth full, Clem,"
After I swallowed the quackers, I raised my brow at him which made him smile a little. "So, why quackers?"
He straightened his suit, "Why not biscuits?"
What a clear answer.
"Okay, so why do you have some inside your room?" I then get some again from the box which Leo placed right into my lap.
"It's just that, I am too lazy to even go to the kitchen to get something to eat during the nights I am a bit hungry whenever I am reading," he answered then crossed his arms. Done already?
"Speaking of reading, I noticed you have so many books here," My eyes wander around the books in front of us. Stacks after stacks.
"Do you consider arranging it in color? You know, for your books to look like a rainbow." I suggested then bump his arm with mine.
He then looks at me straight in the eye, "Cute," uhm, is he referring to the books?
I let out a fake cough, am I becoming like him? "So, what do you think?"
"Sure, perhaps next time," Leo answered, now looking in the books with a smile on his face.
"Let me know if you'll arrange it, I want to be part of it," I replied, admiring the books.
"I notice when I entered a while ago that you have Jane Eyre, I didn't know you read romance," I said then bump his arm again then laugh.
I look at Leo and realized his ears are red and even his whole face. "T'was supposed to be a gift for Judy but she said she has no time to read,"
Knowing Judy, she'll rather shop for fabulous gowns and do you know what with his husband than reading books. I still haven't recovered from my condom experience, okay?
When you saw Leo's collection of books, you'll notice Jane Eyre was the only book which is outside his genre. Most books are written by Charles Darwin and Charles Dickens. Charlotte Bronte was the only stranger.
"I personally don't like Mr. Rochester much, I mean sure, he's sweet and all but why hide your crazy wife in your attic?" I said, folding my arms.
"Thank goodness I am not the only one," he said then looked at me.
I playfully raised my brow at him, "Didn't you said it was supposed to be a gift for your dear cousin?"
Leo then faked a cough and said, "I wouldn't want to waste my money, right? And besides, I read it as a mystery and not as a romance,"
I rolled my eyes, "Whatever makes you sleep at night but admit it, Mr. Rochester was sweet to our dear plain Jane despite his flaws,"
Leo's brows just met, "I read it as a mystery, Clementine, not as a romance,"
I just released a massive laugh as a reply.
After that, Leo and I talked about books we've read for hours while eating biscuits. To be fair, he and I share the same opinions about books except whenever I mention the male lead is dreamy.
Now, we are just staring at the books, total silence. The clock is the only sound you'll hear and oh, me, eating quackers.
"Do you mind if I sleep?" He asked me, his eyes a bit droopy.
"Sure, I can leave now, I'll just clean all these bits of quackers on the floor," I was on the verge of standing up when Leo held my wrist.
"Stay, please," till now, he looks exhausted.
I nodded at him and for some reason, I don't know what came to me for me to reach his messy hair and run my fingers through it which earned me a smile from him.
I don't know what happened but the next thing I know, Leo's head is on my lap as I kept brushing his hair to make him fall asleep but till now, he still has his eyes open. He is looking at me.
Uhm, is he studying me?
well, I do hope she won't notice my freckles although he too has lots of them. Probably because of his profession as a major. I would be lying if I said I don't want to stare at his face all day and count his freckles but that would be awkward.
"What?" I asked, chuckling as I kept on brushing his thick hair which made him smile.
"Nothing," he answered, still smiling.
"Sleep," I said, smiling like a fool.
"Later," he replied, still smiling.
That earned him a chuckle from me followed by a chuckle from him as well.
For the next hour, we just talked about books once again. I told him the books I've read, the books that are still not published in the year 1888.
The whole time, he was just looking at me as I told him the stories about dragons, faeries, vampires, and even zombies as I brush his hair back and forth.
After that, there was total silence again. It was me and Leo. Me, playing his hair and him, watching me.
I let my eyes wander around the room once again and saw that there are a lot of brown notebooks stack under his desk.
''What are those notebooks for?'' I asked him as I pointed at it, he then followed my finger.
it took him about three seconds to answer, ''Oh, those are nothing. Just science stuff,'' he answered, shrugging.
''Didn't know our brave major here is into science, huh,'' I playfully commented as I raised my brow at him which made him chuckle a bit.
I thought Leo was about to say something about my remark but he did not, he remained silent. Just staring at me the whole time as I slowly massaged the side of his hair.
Before I time-traveled to this era, I am not really into eye contact, in fact, I loathe it for I have a feeling they'll judge me but little did I know, few months later, I'll be having a staring game with a dorky guy, who coughs a lot, who has this thick yet soft hair, has a beautiful wild yet thick brows, and really sweats a lot.
"How old are you anyway, Mister Finley?"
It just occurred to me I still don't know how old he is. Who knows perhaps he is in his mid-thirties just like Mr. Rochester and he has a crazy wife.
"I am 26 and so is Augustus,"
As soon as he said that, my eyes turned wide. He's 26?
"Why do you look shocked?" He asked, raising his brow.
"Nothing, it's just that, wow, you guys are old,"
I mean, 26 is not old but to be honest, I thought they're only 22 or so.
"Well, what about you?"
"I'm 18," as soon as I said that, Leo sat up, leaving my hand in midair.
"What? You're only 18?" He received a nod from me as a reply.
wow, and would you look at that. I celebrated my 18th birthday as a Victorian drowning maid who had her first kiss with the handsome yet conceited person she doesn't even have romantic feelings to.
"Of course, I know you're still young considering your features but dear Lord, I didn't expect you're that young," he added which made me bit both my lips.
Leo was about to say something when I covered his mouth to shut him up and positioned his head to my lap again and proceeded to brush his hair which makes him a bit sleepy.
"I shouldn't have brought up the topic," I said, shrugging.
The whole time, he was just looking at me as I mess with his hair. And he was frowning.
"I still can't believe you're only 18," he said then frowned.
He just received a chuckle from me as I traced his thick brows.
"I know they look wild and all," he silently uttered.
"Wild but cute," I replied as I continue tracing his thick brows.
I bet if Grandpa and even Miss Dolores see me now, they'll be angry
''Augustus' brows are much prettier, right?'' he suddenly asked.
I have a strong feeling this is a trap.
''Nah, I am not really into blondies,'' I lied.
truth be told, I find blondes really hot but oh well. We wouldn't want to anger this dork once again, right?
kidding aside, I find Leo's jet-black hair because it's also the same color as mine. Bias? I think not. Hahaha!
I absolutely am aware the anger of Grandpa, Miss Dolores and even Martha for what I am doing right now. Me, a lady, has a 26-year-old dorky man in her lap. Me who can't stop touching his hair and brows. What would they say?
But what do I care?
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