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Chapter 22 - It's Just The Dishes
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2023-08-06 16:31:12Related chapters
Last Year of Seventeen Chapter 1 - August
"Do you wanna make a bet?"Theo finishes his cigarette. It was his second stick and yet he reached for my pack to start another one. He has been in a sour mood the whole morning. And I can only guess it was that August girl."That August girl–"And I was right."–how can she be so infuriating?"I didn't want to start another conversation about her, but I asked him anyway, "Why? What did she do this time?""Didn't you see how she looked at us in the parking lot earlier?"I didn't."She walks around here like she owns the place when technically she never even paid a cent to get in.""That's what being a scholar is." I huffed the last of my cigarette and felt my pockets for gum. "It's not her fault she's smart."Theo only rolled his eyes. He's a fucking bully. Always had been. Ever since we were kids, he'd find someone whose life he'd make a living hell. I am his friend yet I know this. That would make me a terrible one I guess. But I don't care enough about anyone here to stop him. And
Last Updated : 2022-10-03Last Year of Seventeen Chapter 2 - Golubka
It is usually during the third period that I would find August walking past our class carrying tons of books too heavy for her. But never once have I seen her ask anyone for help. She would come out of the study hall and then proceed to the computer lab to pick up books left by other students who are so used to having someone else clean up for them. Of course today isn't an exception and as if on cue, I saw her walk out the study hall with five or six books on hand.August isn't like most scholars we have here at the academy and we don't have plenty. The Academy of Chevaliers de la Roine is known for being highly selective and extremely expensive. Most of the students here are children of wealthy clans, business tycoons and politicians. Getting in isn't easy even for those with money. So you can imagine how harder it is for those who don't. For academic scholars, you have to have a GPA of 4.18 and above and in order to be seriously evaluated, it must be a 4.2. August has a 4.5.The en
Last Updated : 2022-10-03Last Year of Seventeen Chapter 3 - Henry
I have spent the entire week trying to make August notice me. And every attempt failed. I asked if she wanted a ride home, she said "No". One time, I saw her walk out from Chemistry carrying flasks, test tubes and beakers and offered assistance, again, she said "No". Every day I waited for her to walk past our class so I could help her carry the picked-up books back to the library. And every day she would say, "No". I have never been rejected in my entire life, but August has already compensated for that. I have also never been challenged before. Every quest was so easily completed that it became unexciting. Like watered-down wine. Dull. Pale. And makes you want to spit. But with August, every failed attempt, felt like revival.It was after a week-long humiliation that I had an epiphany. August isn't the same as the others I've encountered before. She's not playing hard to get just to make me want her more. She actually despises my existence. I know she didn't like Theo. I mean, how c
Last Updated : 2022-10-03Last Year of Seventeen Chapter 4 - Manifesto
"I have another proposition." August looked at me this time. Her eyes are hard, determined. The kind of look that makes it difficult to say no to. It made me curious what she had in mind."In my defense–" I started. I was aware that it was very cowardly to throw my friends under the bus like this. But I need her to know I wanted to put a stop to it, "–I was about to back out from the deal. The more I learned about you, the more I think me and friends are twats for even thinking about it. On behalf of us all, I'm sorry."A faint flush pooled on August's cheeks. Her mouth opened as if to say something. She wasn't expecting me to say anything remotely like that. She recovered quickly though and was once again indifferent."What was the deal anyway?" She asked. Her words were tight and careful. August is trying to see if I can be trusted.I wanted to let her know that I was. So I told her everything. From the unconscious antagonizing she does to Theo caused by her nonchalance and indiffer
Last Updated : 2022-10-03Last Year of Seventeen Chapter 5 - Full Moon
The first rule August and I agreed upon is that, "This is not going to be another teenage love affair where we fall in love for real in the end."That idea, apart from being ridiculous for her, August also said that she can never risk her entire future for something as fleeting as teenage romance. She knows the position my family holds in society. She heard stories. And she knew if she pissed enough people, her scholarship could get retracted."Why do this then?" I asked. If she knew about that possibility, then why continue with the fake-dating scheme?"First off, none of this is true. Plus, I get the money, you get to keep your pride. Also your parents probably know about your dating history. They'll brush this off as one of your curiosity. And you are curious aren't you?"I smiled. I wanted to pretend I didn't know what she meant. But she's too cunning for that. I want to know what it's like to date the smartest, most difficult girl I've known. Even if it's fake."I figured. You're
Last Updated : 2022-10-03Last Year of Seventeen Chapter 6 - Guinevere
Like Theo, I've also known Gwen since childhood. Her mother is 'the' Allesandra Evellon, a world renowned Fashion Designer and my mother is one of her clients and biggest fans.We were in the same daycare, and for a while our family thought about merging our clans. That fizzled out around the time we got to grade school and she's now engaged, though not formally announced yet, with the heir of SLSF Insurance Company Inc. We didn't like each other very much back then so I didn't really care. And she was perfectly happy that it didn't work out for us because she's already completely smitten with Royce. We never exchanged much words apart from polite greetings and nods on family and company events. So her, pulling me back on a private corner was definitely something that doesn't happen often."What do you think you're doing Hughes?"I knew immediately what she came for.Her friendship with August was a peculiarity within the Academy. If Gwen was the wave, August was the shore. August is
Last Updated : 2022-10-03Last Year of Seventeen Chapter 7 - Dames de L'eau
Over the weekend, Dove wouldn't stop referencing Paris. She only spoke with me in French through the entire run of our equestrian training. She even brought quiche and Crémant for our "goûter". She laid out museums and boutiques she plans to visit and has already pre-picked her wardrobe. She was urging me to match some of hers, "It'll look good on photos" she said."Are you already assuming I'm going to lose the bet?" I sipped the sparkling wine she bought. It was too sweet for my liking.Her lips curved into a charming smirk, "Mon beau, tu as déjà perdu. Just accept the fact that there are girls, however rare, who are immune to your charms. Jeter l'éponge."In any other circumstance, I'd agree with Dove. I might have already raised a white flag a few weeks back if it weren't for this scheme I had with August. Is it a loss if I rigged our bet to change court and ally with the enemy? Maybe. But that's something they never have to know. I should feel guilty lying to my friends, but it's
Last Updated : 2022-10-03Last Year of Seventeen Chapter 8 - What's In A Name
The planning of the Dates happened on the day August approached me about the bet. Right after we agreed on how the chase would play out, I opened the ideas for the dates that would follow. What she wanted was just to fake it and tell our friends that we did even if we didn't."In order to be convincing, we actually have to have stories to tell and photos to show."I know Theo will not be silenced until he sees a photo of August and I together. Up until now, he still couldn't believe August agreed on a date with me. And he saw that with his own eyes and heard it with his own ears. They were watching the whole affair from our round table directly in view of the Dames. Yet, it was still unfathomable."Alright," August agreed. "But I'll choose where we are going and when. Everything should fit my schedule.""That's a bit selfish. You need my help more than I need yours. I'm only here because I'm bored. You're in it for the money." I remember telling her.It was the hardest deal I had to c
Last Updated : 2022-10-03
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Last Year of Seventeen Chapter 22 - It's Just The Dishes
August grunted in exasperation. She has been looking more stressed these past few days. Our second quarter finals had just concluded and of course she came out first, but only because of so many nights of missed sleeps and early morning study sessions she scheduled for herself. All on top of her responsibilities as the President of Highbrows, Vice President of the Student Council, her part-time job as a barista and her tasks as a Student Assistant. I had the privilege of seeing her planner once and I am still wondering how she was able to fit all she needs to do within the 24-hour timeframe given to man.She sits now at my passenger seat, with eyes closed, forehead resting to the cool of the window. Her hair is twisted in a messy ponytail, yet somehow all I see is how it perfectly falls into her face like a set of dominoes falling one by one. “You know, if you keep staring you might miss the green light.” She said with eyes still closed.My eyes quickly darted back to the road and I
Last Year of Seventeen Chapter 21 - Say Yes
The hallways were buzzing with excited conversations. It wasn’t really unusual during the early hours of a school day but the electric vibrancy that seems to inhabit most everyone today is palpable; it pricks my skin and makes the hair on the back of my neck stand. The often cold halls feel warm because of all the giddy laughters and pitchy shrieks of lovestruck girls every once in a while. It wouldn’t take long for one to figure out that the date of the Chevaliers de la Roine Ball has been announced. It is the biggest annual event of the Academy where all students can dress in gowns and tuxedos and play-pretend to be Princesses and Princes as if they don’t already do that everyday. It’s a night where they can showcase their wealth by hiring the biggest names in the fashion industry to style them and arrive in limos or choppers or private planes. There was a year where a Sophomore Student arrived in a glass carriage in the shape of Cinderella’s pumpkin– it was Dove– that sophomore
Last Year of Seventeen Chapter 20 - Sebastian
The only thing that kept me from punching Sebastian’s face was August holding my hand. I was so thankful that she kept a good grip on me because I really didn’t want to cause a scene. Behind Bash was Claire, who stood on the porch carrying their child, looking all worried. The silence that stretched was painful. My brother looked back and forth to August and I. This is the first time I’ve seen him in what– two, three years? Also, this is the first time I’ve seen him so unsure and in a loss for words. Even when my father banished him and took away all his inheritance and removed him from the will, my brother stood tall and proud. There was no doubt in him that day that what he chose was right. And I guess, he did choose right. Because he didn’t look lonely. Not anymore. When no one seemed to be ready to break the silence between us, it was August who spoke first. “Please don’t think I am interfering in any way–” her voice was so soft that even if I did get mad at her, I would have
Last Year of Seventeen Chapter 19 - Little Brother
The day of our fourth fake date has come and I am both excited and terrified. I tell myself that after the fake dates we still have the falling-in-love phase and the break-up. We’ll still have more time. I’ll still have August for a short while. I picked her up in front of her mother’s clinic who waved us goodbye and reminded me of the dinner she still owed. I told Dr. Carline that I am definitely available anytime she wants to invite me over to which August only grunted while pulling me away as quickly as possible. August still smelled of vanilla and it enveloped the inside of my car. It was a scent I have come to be familiar with but still can’t get enough of. I had to consciously wrestle with myself not to get too attached. But I believe it might be too late. When all of this is over, I know I will always crave the scent of vanilla and I won’t be able to breathe it in without thinking of August. “Here, let’s drive to this address.” August said as she handed me a piece of neatly
Last Year of Seventeen Chapter 18 - Peter Pan
The school year is moving faster than I wanted and so is my fake-dates with August. We were already on our fourth one before I even realized it. During our free period, she asked me if I have any plans for our second to the last fake date and I had so many planned out dates but none of them felt like the best suited one considering this is the last one that I will get to choose. “Why don’t you decide this one too and I’ll pick out our very last date instead?” I finally told her. August pondered for a moment, her brows creasing in deep thought. “You swear you’re not going to try something funny on the last date?” She asked. Her eyes filled with uncertainty. After all this time, she still had her inhibitions with me. I smiled and raised my pinky finger, “I swear August. If anything I’m just glad we’re almost done with the first phase of the plan. My friends have been asking me nonstop if you’re in love with me yet.” It was a lie of course. Well, at least the former. I wasn’t close
Last Year of Seventeen Chapter 17 - I Knew You First
I’ve never seen anyone as calm as August inside the eye of the storm. When we arrived at the hospital, she knew exactly where to go, knew who to talk to, knew what to do. Apparently, her mother ruptured her appendix while she was doing volunteer work, giving free consultations in the lower edge of the city. She suddenly fainted and luckily they got her to the hospital in time for an immediate surgery. The Doctor that August was talking to said that it could have been much worse if she was even five minutes late.“You’re mother is my friend, I won’t let anything bad happen to her.” Dr. Wakovski said and then he gestured to me, “You go ahead and relax and wait this out with your boyfriend.”“Oh,” August started to say. But the doctor was back inside the operating room before she could explain anything more. I tried to hide my smirk, but it was too difficult especially after seeing August blush over that comment. “Stop it.” She said firmly as she walked past me.We haven’t eaten anythin
Last Year of Seventeen Chapter 16 - Double Date
It was August’s turn to decide on our third fake-date, and all I can think of is how we haven’t even completed half of our fake-dating scheme and I am already crushing on her for real. But this is something she doesn’t have to know. It’s something I can just keep forever. “So it’s set!” Gwen declared giddily. The four of us were rounded by the cafeteria and by four, I meant, August and I, as well as Gwen and Royce. “Will you be picking up Auggie or should she just ride with us?” Gwen was asking me a question but I was busy thinking of ways on how I could stop having a crush on August, who was kind enough to gently jab me on my sides to help me refocus. I fluttered my eyes as I felt my consciousness slowly drift back to me. “Sorry, what was that again?” Gwen rolled her eyes, “Ugh. Hello…” she waves her hands in front of my face, “Earth to Henry. Are you here?” “I’m here now,” was my reply. This only gained another eye rolling from Gwen. She answered me anyway, “I was asking if you
Last Year of Seventeen Chapter 15 - Spare Heir
I have successfully avoided my father for the past three days. I leave the house before he is up and return only once he's gone to bed. With him at home, I felt more of a stranger in my house than I ever did before. After schools’ are often spent in Theo's place and sometimes in the Library where August is. Yesterday, I even went with her to her other job as a barista in a quaint, homey bookstore/coffee shop called The Old Scroll. I only insisted on driving her there initially. Which was of course met with defiance but I have learned how to properly negotiate with August. I told her I'd be buying coffee and I'd be leaving a very generous tip. I did buy coffee and then I decided to stay for a little while. And then the little while turned to an hour. And then another. And another. And I told myself I was just killing time but I knew I stayed because I liked being close to August. To keep myself helpful, I did some waiting tables and even entertained buyers by suggesting books they
Last Year of Seventeen Chapter 14 - Theodore
I got to school really early the following Monday. My body was still reeling from the exhaustion of yesterday’s activity but I just couldn’t stay home any longer. My father has returned from his business trip and the household is once again filled with this ominous aura he seemed to carry wherever he goes. Even the butlers and the maids are feeling strained and are more rigid than usual. My mother on the other hand is trying her best to pretend she’s been well the entire time he was gone and that she’s doing better now that he’s here. We all can see that it was a lie, but my father does not care enough to even pretend his concern. I knew that the moment he lays his eyes on me, it’ll be a none stop conversation of the things I should already know about the business and how if it was Bash, he probably wouldn’t be worrying so much about leaving the company’s future to such incompetent hands.So what’s a guy to do other than drive to school earlier than usual?The Academy looked so diff
