The Burlington Academy Boys

Chapter Seven

Chapter Seven:

"I promise you you won't regret it." Etienne continued.

"Did you eat chocolate?" I asked him, laughing a bit at his sudden bluntness.

Etienne's eyebrows curled. "No. I do not have any ADHD right now. I'm serious Frances. Or do you want me to be hyper before you go out with me?"

He's sincere this time. I don't know why he's so keen about asking me out. Why? Why Etienne? Nonetheless, I'll feel guilty if I will turn him down again. This time, if I did disappoint him or raise his hope by saying "I'll think about it", it isn't the hyper Etienne I will be hurting. It's the real Etienne.

"Okay, fine." I sighed.

This made his mood somewhat lighter. He smiled at me. "Great. I'll meet you at eight o'clock in the morning."

I grinned at him. "Sounds good to me. Uh... I think I'll have to get back at the football field. Elliot and Liam might be looking for me. I do not want Liam to think that I left because his driving me crazy." I punned, making Etienne chuckle.

"Yeah, that little man can assume something way too fast." He said, walking away backwards.

I followed him. Staring at Etienne right now makes me realize how fortunate he is to have friends who don't just fool around but also care about him as much. True friends are hard to find. And Etienne? He found them without really realizing it.

~*~

"Guess who's sick?" Bree asked me, entering my dorm room.

Today's the day of the date. Clearly, Etienne's running a bit late. But then, I don't really mind. In fact, I'm very thankful to have extra time to calm my nerves. It's been centuries since my last date. Let's just say... It's not exactly a date.

"Who?" I asked while flattening the smallest crease on my pink blouse.

"Etienne is."

My eyes widened and stared at her. "What?"

"Well, apparently, he was staying up late for the past week. Francois says he was planning for your date. He's always skipping dinner or even tea. That's why he got sick." Bree explained.

So after all, the date won't happen. I don't know if I'm sad, disappointed, or relieved. Maybe all of them. But I'm really worried about Etienne. Especially I feel very guilty for being the cause of his late night ventures. I quickly changed out of my dress and into a black leggings and gray sweater. After putting on some shoes, I went to the third floor. Etienne's room is on the third floor.

Knocking on the door, I heard muffled coughs. After that, a very sick Etienne Sennet opened the door. His brown hair sticking in every direction. His blue eyes, dull in every space. Dark circles outlines his eyes. His nose is as red as a clown's faux nose. Despite his illness, somehow, I find this man as attractive as hell. In my whole life, I've never seen a sick person looking good while battling with whatever disease he or she possesses.

Damn, why am I feeling butterflies? For crying out loud, he's sick! Get a grip, Frances.

"Etienne," I said.

Etienne sneezed. "Shite. I'm so sorry for being sick. I'm sorry for getting your hopes up." He apologized.

I shook my head. "There's nothing to be sorry about. The most important thing is that after this, you'll be alright. Now, we have to get you well enough to resume the date. I'm pretty sure you prepared hard for it."

He smiled weakly. "I did. I was planning on taking you around London. But... Seeing how I got the flu, I think I might have to cancel my plan."

"Alright, I'm still looking forward for the date." I said. "Is Francois there?"