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 close in my life and I've done a lot of bargaining with my parents. Fortunately, August is the kind of girl who listens to logic and reasons. In the end, we agreed that in the five dates she mentioned in the contract she wrote, I'll be deciding two. And in those two, everything will be up to me.

Unfortunately for me, I lost a game of rock-paper-scissors– the most reliable method in decision making. In our case, who will get to choose the first date.

I stood in front of Star Kingdom, a theme park owned by one of my father's business partners. I offered to have it closed for the entire day, just for the two of us, but August blatantly refused. It'll be no fun, she said. I didn't like the long lines, I told her. But she's deciding this date, not I. "Do your own thing, when it's your time. I won't say a word" was her argument, so I yielded.

We were supposed to meet at nine but it's now a quarter past ten. August is late. I entertained the idea that maybe she decided not to come after all, but I don't think she's that kind of person. So I waited. It did give me the time to ponder how much I hate theme parks and how I've never been back to one since I was eight. It's the kind of crowd I despise. Especially the little kids who are always so excited with the most daring rides but would often come out crying or vomiting or both afterwards.

"Hey! Hughes!" I heard August called out. I spun around looking for her, I realized I've never seen her out of uniform and for a second I got scared I might not recognize her. But I saw her right away, running towards me in a white cap that still allows a high ponytail.

She was heaving when she got to where I was so I offered my hand for support. She took it and said in between breaths, "I am so sorry for being late!"

I let her catch air, she looked like she really needed it.

August was wearing a denim jumpsuit with gray, knitted long sleeves and a dirty Star Wars themed Vans. I realized we were matching, because I too was wearing a gray, long-sleeved shirt.

"You will not believe what happened to me."

"I'll believe everything you say." I replied. If it was anyone else, I would have left. But I didn't feel angry in the least. I was too excited and was too pleased to finally see August in a different fit. "Tell me on the way in. I already bought our tickets."

Apparently she left home three hours early, just like she always does. But the bus she was in got in an accident. The driver was drunk and hit another bus because he went out of his lane. She did hit her head because of the impact and was required by the First-Aiders to wait an hour to check for any concussion. Luckily, apart from the slight scratch on her forehead, which she showed me, she suffered no other injuries. She was also requested in the police station to leave a testimony. She took a cab right after to get here as soon as she could. She wanted to send me a text message but realized she didn't have my number so she kind of hoped I would just leave instead of waiting.

"Well, I waited. So you owe me."

"You shouldn't have. But of course, lunch is on me."

I asked for her phone and saved my contact information. "Now you can always reach me."

We decided then we'll eat first before going in with the rides. Her last meal was a breakfast of bread and butter and I actually heard her stomach grumble. She paid for it just as she claimed. I did try to fight the check out of her hands, I wasn't really serious on having her pay what she owed. Also, I am not used to anyone else paying for me. But August has a strong grip and the people are starting to stare so I let her win.

There was a certain child-like glow on August's face as we walked around the park. The sparkle on her eyes mirrors the innocence of someone who has never been here before.

So I asked, "Is this your first time here?"

"Is it that obvious?" She answered, a little shy.

I've never met anyone who hasn't been in a theme park before. It's one of places where most of us had our birthdays, more than once even.

"I mean, the first time in a long time. The last time I was here, my dad could only pay for the entrance, not the rides. So we kind of just walked around until I got tired."

"That was when?"

"Hmm, I guess when I was around seven or eight." She looked at me this time. Again with that knowing, urging face. The one where I think she wants to tell me something but couldn't. It was only for a split moment that I wondered if I'd even seen it all.

I figured, if she wanted to tell me, she would. But right now, we can try to enjoy each other's company in the most despicable of places. I offered my arm to her again, "Then we shouldn't really waste time walking right?"

We waited in lines and rode in rides until our feet were so tired that every step was making us wince. We ate every snack that looked inviting and bought every colorful drink we saw. August laughed more than I've heard of her the past four years I've known her in school. Especially when a falling spider in the Haunted Mansion landed on my shoulder. I kept telling her that "surprised" is different from "scared". But she said that my face definitely looked scared. There was no changing her mind.

This is a far-cry from the first dates I am used to, in private yachts or fancy restaurants. But I cannot say I am not enjoying the change.

The sun was at its last end of setting when August pulled me and said, "Can we ride the Ferris-wheel last?"

I readily agreed because I felt my knees about to give in anytime soon. I paid the operator when August turned her back. I wanted us to be at the top for the fireworks.

"We should take a photo." I started. We were at the top this time and the wind was gently rocking our pod. I took out my phone and prepared for a selfie. "I need to send it to Theo as proof." I explained.

August moved closer, her head touching my cheeks. "It should probably look like we are getting closer and enjoying it."

I clicked for three shots and turned to her afterwards. I'll send the photos later.

"But I am enjoying it." I told her.

"I am too." She smiled wide like a kid. August didn't look mean or cold at all. If I didn't know her at school, I might have thought she's just another easy-go-lucky teenager with no care about anything.

"You know, I don't think I've ever actually looked at you."

"And what do you see now?"

She turned to me suddenly. Dark eyes boring into mine. It caught me off guard. It's the way she always looks when she's searching for truth.

So the truth is what I told her, "I think you're really beautiful."

"Pshhh" she breathes. Her eyes squinted, scrutinizing. "You didn't think I was before? Tell me the truth. I know when you lie."

I asked her again about what mannerism I do when I lie. But she said it was a secret she'll never have me find out.

"Fine. Alright. I will discover it somehow."

"You wouldn't. The fact you didn't know until I told you means it's that subtle."

I thought about that. None of my other friends ever noticed, and I've constantly told them lies. That's why I've always believed I'm really good at lying.

"So how did you notice? Does that mean you've been watching me closely?"

"As if" was her quick response. Her face didn't show any emotion other than apparent disgust. But her ears reddened. Like she'd been caught red-handed.

"I'm just really good at observing." August added. "Also, I'm the one asking questions and you haven't answered about how you viewed me before."

Great way to reverse August, I said to myself.

"I thought you were pretty. But also scary. More scary actually, and vaguely threatening. And that kind of eclipses the pretty. But I've always been curious about you."

She smiled at that, "That was the goal. To be vaguely threatening."

I asked why she just didn't seek Gwen's assistance for the money she needs. Surely her best friend will be more than willing to let her borrow or even just give her whatever amount she requires.

"Gwen has already given me a lot. I don't want to owe her anything more. I want to be able to do this on my own" and softer she added, "That'll be a good start."

"Uh, excuse me, might I remind you that none of this would be possible if I didn't agree in the first place?"

August laughs, "That's different. Once this is done, we're both walking away with something. I with the money, you with your pride and hopefully a fed curiosity. It's an equal exchange I must say."

And I couldn't really argue with that.

"So, why August?" I asked. I've always wondered about her name. If we're naming baby girls with months, it's usually May or April, even June. But never August. Her birthday wasn't in August either, that much I know.

We've been sitting in silence for a while but it didn't feel unpleasant. It was just as if we were both enjoying the quiet at the same time. August giggled. Before all this, I never thought she was capable of that. "I don't know if it's a sad or a funny story.

"My mom was in Paris when she found out she was pregnant with me. She knew her parents would never accept my dad."

I wondered then why she only addressed her grandparents as her mother's parents. I wanted to ask. But it felt like a story for a deeper kind of friendship.

She continued, "Mom thought of giving me up. But usually, before she makes any major decisions, she gives herself space to think. And she would often do that by walking. So she walked around Paris to breathe, to think, to decide. Finally, when she stopped, she found herself in front of the sculpture 'The Thinker'."

"Auguste Rodin" I blurted, too excited to keep it as my own thoughts. "You were named after the sculptor of 'The Thinker', Auguste Rodin."

"That's right." She replied, a proud smile on her lips.

"So, she decided to keep you then?"

August nodded before answering, "Yup. My mom said when she saw the statue, it felt like a sign that I'll be smart. Maybe even smart enough to cure cancer," she laughed at that. A shallow, hollow sound, "So, she said it'll be a shame if I wasn't born."

There was sadness with how she said it. A lingering pain, buried and untold. I wanted to know what it was– the burden of the name. Was it because of how she got it? Or is it because she has to live up to it?

"It fits you. That name." I said. "It's like you're meant to have it."

"Why? Because I'm so smart, I'm a thinker?" She was teasing already.

"Kind of." I laughed, "but what's in a name anyway? When I close my eyes and think of you, I can't imagine another name that suits you better."

The fireworks started then, and as August watched the bright shooting lights, all I could ever really watch was her.

I took August home afterwards. It was a long negotiation again but she accepted in the end. She only allowed me to drop her off a street away from her house. She didn't want to explain anything to her parents. And I also didn't want to be put on the spot.

When she left, I sent a photo to the group chat I have with Theo and the rest. It wasn't one of the selfies I took of us. It was just the one of August, looking at the fireworks. Her face illuminated the different display of colors– wide eyed, smiling and beautiful.