~A Once and Again Series~
Life is what you make of it
Ok, chapter nine was kinda boring, but it was necessary to get to this point.. chapter 10! Finally it's time for their date! Okay, thanks for the reviews, (, and on to the show!
Chapter 10// I'm interesting, great
Grace knocked lightly on the sliding glass doors. She had never been to Augustus' place before, but she thought it would be better if she entered from the back door instead of the front. Grace waited, listening for Augustus, nothing. She knocked again, louder. His car had been in the driveway, so Grace knew he must be home.
Augustus' face appeared at the doors. He smiled at her. She smiled back. He slid the doors open, "Grace!"
"I thought it would be better if I came in the backdoor, just in case." Grace explained and stepped past him, into the house. "Brr, it's cold out there!"
"Oh, were you waiting long?" Augustus asked and he followed her into his kitchen.
"No, no." Grace walked around the kitchen and turned back to him, "I like your place."
"Yeah, it's nice," Augustus replied. The two stared at each other. Augustus looked nice in casual jeans and a long sleeved shirt. Very much unlike the Mr. Dmitri she saw at school. Grace unzipped her coat and Augustus took it from her. He placed it on the kitchen table.
Grace didn't know why they were being so polite with each other. They had had their tongues down each other's throats and yet here they were, making small talk. Someone had to make the first move. "So, can I see the rest of your house?" Grace finally asked.
"This is basically it," Augustus gestured at the kitchen and living room.
"Oh," Grace looked around. She gave Augustus a shy smile, "But what about your bedroom?"
Augustus took a deep breath and stared back at her. Finally he gave her a tiny smile, "Grace."
"Yeah?" Grace moved closer to him.
Augustus reached for her and held her in his arms. They shared a small feather soft kiss. He stared down into her eyes afterwards. "I don't think we should go into the bedroom," He said.
"Why not?" Grace asked in surprise.
Augustus stepped away from her and walked over to the fridge. "Did you want something to drink?"
Grace watched him. "No, I don't."
"Something to eat?" Augustus looked through his fridge.
Grace stared at his back in frustration. Why did he change the subject? Didn't he want to be with her? Grace opened her mouth to ask these questions, but instead a different question came out, "Why didn't you want me to come until four today?"
Augustus' back straightened up and he shut the fridge. Without turning around he said, "Is it important?"
Grace's mouth opened and shut again. She turned her back to his back and walked into the living room. She began looking at the books on his bookshelf. She heard him walk in and stand next to her, but she didn't look at him.
"Grace," Augustus put his hand on her shoulder. Grace shrugged it off and walked further away. "Do you want me to tell you? Even if you won't like the answer?"
Grace looked at him, "Of course I want you to tell me, especially if I won't like the answer." Images of him and other women were flashing in her mind. How would she know if he had a girlfriend or not? She had never asked, but she had thought she didn't have to ask. Augustus had kissed her, and by doing so, was putting his career in jeopardy. But maybe she was just a fun little toy for him. Something Augustus could keep in his pocket and know he could play with whenever he wanted. Even while he had other toys too. Other women in his life. More mature, more beautiful, more experienced women. No wonder he hadn't wanted to go to the bedroom with her.
"You're crying," Augustus said, moving closer to her. Grace wiped her eyes.
"Just tell me."
"I had another date, earlier today," Augustus said and Grace couldn't believe it. It was true! More tears flowed down her cheeks and she made her way to the kitchen, for her coat. "No, wait, Grace!" Augustus grabbed her arms and she stared accusingly up at his face.
"How could you?"
Augustus sighed, "Just let me tell you everything before you walk out on me. Just give me that."
Grace said nothing, but waited for him to go on.
"My friend set me up on a double date with him and his girlfriend and her friend. I had to go, Grace." He waited for her to yell at him again, but she stayed silent. "I thought of you the whole time. She was nothing compared to you. You are so interesting."
"I'm interesting, great!" Grace mumbled.
"Yes, you are." Augustus looked down into her eyes, "Everything you do amazes me and keeps me wanting to see more, to know more. Every gesture you make, every smile on your face. I love to watch you walk into a room. I've noticed you for a long while, Grace. Even before you got to my class, I saw you in the halls, and you were so young and so old at the same time. You interested me. You were so beautiful and you didn't even know it. So confident and yet insecure at the same time. When you got to my class, I was so nervous. I didn't know if I could live up to be a good teacher in your book."
"You were an amazing teacher," Grace blurted out.
Augustus smiled at her and continued, "What you had to say in class always interested me. I always knew you would have the right answers, even if they differed from what I thought. You didn't just give me textbook answers; you expanded on them and added to them with new ideas that were amazing. And then you joined the play and I saw that you had amazing talent there too. And a beautiful singing voice. It seemed every day I learned something new about you and I was never disappointed by what I found out. And I knew I was in too deep. I knew I cared too much. I was falling in love with you a little more each day."
Grace let out a little whoosh of air.
"Yes, the first time I saw you I knew there was something special there. And we worked closer doing the play and at times I had to restrain myself from smelling your hair or stroking your cheek. When we talked and you smiled at what I said, I couldn't believe it. I couldn't believe this amazing girl was smiling for me. And when you came in that day after school to practice I knew that I was about to burst. I had to kiss you, touch you or I'd go mad. I knew as soon as you walked into auditorium that I would make a move on you. But I couldn't make myself send you away. I couldn't make my lips form an excuse for me to leave. I agreed to help you practice and I knew then what I was starting. I was worried that you would reject me. But, I figured even just one sweet kiss from you would be enough. And when we did kiss, oh Grace, it was everything I thought it would be and more."
Augustus' eyes were filling with tears now, but Grace was frozen in place by his words. He continued speaking, "And when I drove you to the parking lot I knew I had to say goodbye. I knew that I felt too much for you. I was scared of getting you in trouble and scared you didn't feel the same about me. I didn't think anyone could ever love someone as much as I loved you. So, I put up a wall and tried to push you away. And you did the most amazing thing yet: you didn't let me push you away. You kissed me again and I was in heaven, but so scared. I was scared you'd see just how much I loved you and you wouldn't feel the same. You were so young and beautiful, it didn't feel right to let you be with a guy like me, no matter how much I cared about you. But you made me stay, you didn't let me put the wall back up around me. I held you as you cried and I cried too, but I didn't let you see. You warned me not to let time diminish what we had shared and put doubt in my head, and I knew I wouldn't. I just loved you too much."
Grace was crying now too, and she moved into his arms. That exposed look was back on his face. The same look she had seen after they had kissed the first time. Now, she understood. He had just let out his whole heart to her and Grace was amazed by it all.
"Say something," Augustus pleaded and Grace laughed through her tears. He looked so worried, but he had no reason to worry. He had told her how he felt and she wasn't going to be scared off by it.
"Augustus Dmitri, I love you," Grace barely got the words out before he was kissing her. Kissing her with a mad passion that swept her off her feet. His face was wet with tears, but it didn't matter because so was her own. "I love you," Grace said again as they broke for air.
Augustus smiled the biggest smile Grace had ever seen on him. "You're wonderful, you truly are so amazing."
"And interesting," Grace added with a smile.
"Yes, extremely interesting. I could spend my whole life with you and never be bored," Augustus picked her up off the ground and they swung around in a circle. Grace laughed happily.
"Is this crazy?" Augustus asked as he put her down, "Are we making a horrible mistake?"
"No, no, Augustus, I love you so much. This is right. We need to be together. Forget about our ages, forget that you're my teacher and just look in my eyes." Grace waited and he looked, "I love you."
"I can't believe those words are coming from your mouth. I never dreamed those times I would watch you in the halls that you could love me too."
"I do." Grace leaned in to him and he met her halfway. Grace wrapped her arms around him and their lips entwined in another earth-shaking kiss. Neither of them held anything back. Augustus had let himself out there and Grace had accepted him whole-heartedly.
* * *
Life is what you make of it
Ok, chapter nine was kinda boring, but it was necessary to get to this point.. chapter 10! Finally it's time for their date! Okay, thanks for the reviews, (, and on to the show!
Chapter 10// I'm interesting, great
Grace knocked lightly on the sliding glass doors. She had never been to Augustus' place before, but she thought it would be better if she entered from the back door instead of the front. Grace waited, listening for Augustus, nothing. She knocked again, louder. His car had been in the driveway, so Grace knew he must be home.
Augustus' face appeared at the doors. He smiled at her. She smiled back. He slid the doors open, "Grace!"
"I thought it would be better if I came in the backdoor, just in case." Grace explained and stepped past him, into the house. "Brr, it's cold out there!"
"Oh, were you waiting long?" Augustus asked and he followed her into his kitchen.
"No, no." Grace walked around the kitchen and turned back to him, "I like your place."
"Yeah, it's nice," Augustus replied. The two stared at each other. Augustus looked nice in casual jeans and a long sleeved shirt. Very much unlike the Mr. Dmitri she saw at school. Grace unzipped her coat and Augustus took it from her. He placed it on the kitchen table.
Grace didn't know why they were being so polite with each other. They had had their tongues down each other's throats and yet here they were, making small talk. Someone had to make the first move. "So, can I see the rest of your house?" Grace finally asked.
"This is basically it," Augustus gestured at the kitchen and living room.
"Oh," Grace looked around. She gave Augustus a shy smile, "But what about your bedroom?"
Augustus took a deep breath and stared back at her. Finally he gave her a tiny smile, "Grace."
"Yeah?" Grace moved closer to him.
Augustus reached for her and held her in his arms. They shared a small feather soft kiss. He stared down into her eyes afterwards. "I don't think we should go into the bedroom," He said.
"Why not?" Grace asked in surprise.
Augustus stepped away from her and walked over to the fridge. "Did you want something to drink?"
Grace watched him. "No, I don't."
"Something to eat?" Augustus looked through his fridge.
Grace stared at his back in frustration. Why did he change the subject? Didn't he want to be with her? Grace opened her mouth to ask these questions, but instead a different question came out, "Why didn't you want me to come until four today?"
Augustus' back straightened up and he shut the fridge. Without turning around he said, "Is it important?"
Grace's mouth opened and shut again. She turned her back to his back and walked into the living room. She began looking at the books on his bookshelf. She heard him walk in and stand next to her, but she didn't look at him.
"Grace," Augustus put his hand on her shoulder. Grace shrugged it off and walked further away. "Do you want me to tell you? Even if you won't like the answer?"
Grace looked at him, "Of course I want you to tell me, especially if I won't like the answer." Images of him and other women were flashing in her mind. How would she know if he had a girlfriend or not? She had never asked, but she had thought she didn't have to ask. Augustus had kissed her, and by doing so, was putting his career in jeopardy. But maybe she was just a fun little toy for him. Something Augustus could keep in his pocket and know he could play with whenever he wanted. Even while he had other toys too. Other women in his life. More mature, more beautiful, more experienced women. No wonder he hadn't wanted to go to the bedroom with her.
"You're crying," Augustus said, moving closer to her. Grace wiped her eyes.
"Just tell me."
"I had another date, earlier today," Augustus said and Grace couldn't believe it. It was true! More tears flowed down her cheeks and she made her way to the kitchen, for her coat. "No, wait, Grace!" Augustus grabbed her arms and she stared accusingly up at his face.
"How could you?"
Augustus sighed, "Just let me tell you everything before you walk out on me. Just give me that."
Grace said nothing, but waited for him to go on.
"My friend set me up on a double date with him and his girlfriend and her friend. I had to go, Grace." He waited for her to yell at him again, but she stayed silent. "I thought of you the whole time. She was nothing compared to you. You are so interesting."
"I'm interesting, great!" Grace mumbled.
"Yes, you are." Augustus looked down into her eyes, "Everything you do amazes me and keeps me wanting to see more, to know more. Every gesture you make, every smile on your face. I love to watch you walk into a room. I've noticed you for a long while, Grace. Even before you got to my class, I saw you in the halls, and you were so young and so old at the same time. You interested me. You were so beautiful and you didn't even know it. So confident and yet insecure at the same time. When you got to my class, I was so nervous. I didn't know if I could live up to be a good teacher in your book."
"You were an amazing teacher," Grace blurted out.
Augustus smiled at her and continued, "What you had to say in class always interested me. I always knew you would have the right answers, even if they differed from what I thought. You didn't just give me textbook answers; you expanded on them and added to them with new ideas that were amazing. And then you joined the play and I saw that you had amazing talent there too. And a beautiful singing voice. It seemed every day I learned something new about you and I was never disappointed by what I found out. And I knew I was in too deep. I knew I cared too much. I was falling in love with you a little more each day."
Grace let out a little whoosh of air.
"Yes, the first time I saw you I knew there was something special there. And we worked closer doing the play and at times I had to restrain myself from smelling your hair or stroking your cheek. When we talked and you smiled at what I said, I couldn't believe it. I couldn't believe this amazing girl was smiling for me. And when you came in that day after school to practice I knew that I was about to burst. I had to kiss you, touch you or I'd go mad. I knew as soon as you walked into auditorium that I would make a move on you. But I couldn't make myself send you away. I couldn't make my lips form an excuse for me to leave. I agreed to help you practice and I knew then what I was starting. I was worried that you would reject me. But, I figured even just one sweet kiss from you would be enough. And when we did kiss, oh Grace, it was everything I thought it would be and more."
Augustus' eyes were filling with tears now, but Grace was frozen in place by his words. He continued speaking, "And when I drove you to the parking lot I knew I had to say goodbye. I knew that I felt too much for you. I was scared of getting you in trouble and scared you didn't feel the same about me. I didn't think anyone could ever love someone as much as I loved you. So, I put up a wall and tried to push you away. And you did the most amazing thing yet: you didn't let me push you away. You kissed me again and I was in heaven, but so scared. I was scared you'd see just how much I loved you and you wouldn't feel the same. You were so young and beautiful, it didn't feel right to let you be with a guy like me, no matter how much I cared about you. But you made me stay, you didn't let me put the wall back up around me. I held you as you cried and I cried too, but I didn't let you see. You warned me not to let time diminish what we had shared and put doubt in my head, and I knew I wouldn't. I just loved you too much."
Grace was crying now too, and she moved into his arms. That exposed look was back on his face. The same look she had seen after they had kissed the first time. Now, she understood. He had just let out his whole heart to her and Grace was amazed by it all.
"Say something," Augustus pleaded and Grace laughed through her tears. He looked so worried, but he had no reason to worry. He had told her how he felt and she wasn't going to be scared off by it.
"Augustus Dmitri, I love you," Grace barely got the words out before he was kissing her. Kissing her with a mad passion that swept her off her feet. His face was wet with tears, but it didn't matter because so was her own. "I love you," Grace said again as they broke for air.
Augustus smiled the biggest smile Grace had ever seen on him. "You're wonderful, you truly are so amazing."
"And interesting," Grace added with a smile.
"Yes, extremely interesting. I could spend my whole life with you and never be bored," Augustus picked her up off the ground and they swung around in a circle. Grace laughed happily.
"Is this crazy?" Augustus asked as he put her down, "Are we making a horrible mistake?"
"No, no, Augustus, I love you so much. This is right. We need to be together. Forget about our ages, forget that you're my teacher and just look in my eyes." Grace waited and he looked, "I love you."
"I can't believe those words are coming from your mouth. I never dreamed those times I would watch you in the halls that you could love me too."
"I do." Grace leaned in to him and he met her halfway. Grace wrapped her arms around him and their lips entwined in another earth-shaking kiss. Neither of them held anything back. Augustus had let himself out there and Grace had accepted him whole-heartedly.
* * *