Phases of the Moon (Fitzmael 1) - COMPLETED

08: I Don't Mind

SEVERAL MONTHS PASSED, and Amaris and Aziel were absolutely happy. My prayer had been answered. Amaris and I still weren't speaking. I just watched her from a distance. I had gotten used to it by then.

Our class had ended, and I was about to head home when I noticed my wallet was missing. Losing my wallet wasn't a big deal to me, but what if someone found it and saw Amaris's picture inside? "Shit!" I muttered, retracing my steps back to the classroom.

Minutes later, breathless, I was about to enter the classroom when I saw Aziel and Amaris arguing. I froze. Luckily, I was still outside, just on the edge of the door. It would've been so awkward if I had walked in.

I was about to leave when I heard Aziel yell, "What's wrong with you, Amaris?!"

She jumped, clearly startled by the outburst.

"Don't you have feet? I've been giving in to your every whim for months! I cook for you, bake your favorites. I try to wake myself up every time you have cravings in the middle of the night. I've been tolerating your behavior because you're pregnant. But please, let me rest. I can't even study properly anymore."

I clenched my fist, fury flooding my entire body. I've been looking after Amaris, yet Aziel has the nerve to shout at her and blame her like that? It was infuriating. I felt like I'd been splashed with ice-cold water when he spoke again. I couldn't take it any longer. Without a second thought, I stormed out and headed straight to the next classroom.

Not long after, Aziel left, leaving Amaris alone in the classroom. I gathered the courage to go inside.

She probably didn't notice me. She was crying.

I just let her cry. I knew she needed that.

Holding everything in is always so much harder.

I took out my handkerchief and offered it to her.

She was taken aback when she saw me.

"Here. Wipe your tears," I told her.

She seemed so shocked that she just stared at me and didn't take the handkerchief.

"Damn it. I'll wipe your tears then," I muttered as I knelt down and gently wiped her cheek.

"I can do it. T-Thanks. Have you been standing there the whole time?" she asked.

I nodded and explained, "You were crying, and I could tell you were deep in thought, so you didn't notice me... It's okay now. You shouldn't be like this. It's not good for the baby..."

She was stunned. "You heard all of that?"

I nodded. "I overheard you and Aziel talking. I forgot my wallet here. I didn't expect you two to still be here. But I left right away and waited for him to come out," I explained. "I won't tell anyone if that's what you're worried about."

"T-Thank you. I'll return this to you. I'm leaving now, okay?" she said before turning to leave.

I furrowed my brows. I quickly searched for my wallet and followed her.

Aziel wasn't there, and they usually came together, so they shared one car. That meant Amaris had no vehicle.

Luckily, I caught up with her. "I'll take you home."

"No, Imil. There's a taxi around," she said, her eyes fixed on the street.

I knew she didn't know how to commute. All the stories she had told me before were still clear in my mind. It wasn't safe for her.

"Can't you see the students lined up trying to catch a taxi? If you wait here... you'll end up getting stranded," I pointed out at the crowd pushing to get a ride.