9 "Did you like Isla?"

After visiting Isla's house, August returned to his house with Scarlett. August looked distracted while Scarlett seemed to be upset. Scarlett called August but he didn't respond; which makes Scarlett more upset.

"August! August!" Scarlett raged.

"Oh! Sorry. What's the matter? Why are you yelling at me?" August was bewildered.

"What's with you? You were fine just a moment ago."

"It's nothing. I feel a bit unwell."

"Don't lie to me. You were fine before you visited Isla's house. Why are you behaving like this?"

August was displeased. "I said it's nothing. There's nothing to be furious about. Stop yelling at me."

"Nothing to be furious about? You bought a watch, saying it's for a friend. Shockingly, you went to that girl's house and gave her the watch. Now, you behave strangely and said there's nothing to be furious about. What are you doing with that annoying and ignorant girl who only knows how to study?" Scarlett lashed out at Isla, losing her temper.

The label of 'annoying and ignorant girl' infuriated August so much. He glared at Scarlett. "What did you just say? 'Annoying and ignorant girl'? The one who is annoying and ignorant is you! You know that I date many other girls but you still stick to me like a glue. Why? Did you like me that much? Or you like my money?" August scoffed. "Isla is way better than you! Unlike you, she live with dignity."

Scarlett was so amazed by August words and actions. She cackled. "Look who is talking about dignity! Ah! Did you like Isla?"

August was taken aback. Scarlett scorned. "I think I'm right. I pity you. Why? Because just like you said, Isla live with dignity. She will never like a scumbag like you."

"Don't say such ridiculous things. I never like Isla. She is just a friend for me." August argued.

"But your actions and behavior say otherwise. I never thought that kind of girl would be your type. Congratulations! You've made many girls heartbroken; now it's your turn. Goodbye." Scarlett left in a hurry.

August was left in confusion. "Did I like Isla? No! That can't be! She's my friend. She's a valuable friend who was always there for me whenever I need her." Recalling Scarlett words, he was thunderstruck. How can she assumed such things? What's gotten into her? Me and Isla? That's ridiculous!

He heard someone called him August. Looking around, his father was standing just before him, seeming to be quite sober, unlike most days. The thought of Isla distracted him so much that he didn't even noticed his father entering his room.

The father gazed at his son with displeasure. "When will you stop bringing home some girls? Your grades were even poorer than last year! When will you stop behaving like an immature kid? You won't be able to join a good college with these poor grades of yours!" He uttered in anger.

Already in a delirious state himself, his father words were like adding a fuel to the fire for August. Losing his calmness and self-control, he frowned. "What do you expect me to do? You come home late and drunk each night, with some girls from the streets. Forget about studying; you didn't even give me the time to breathe in this household! How am I suppose to live in this house, with such situation?"

Hearing those painful questions from his own son, the father was tight lipped.

"I know everything, Dad. I know the true reason why you and Mom get divorced. I was only 10 years old at that time; but I saw my mother crying every night because of you. You cheated on her and you rarely come home. You gave my mom every heartache and pain that a man could ever give a woman. Even if everyone criticized me, saying I'm a playboy who leads a dirty life; you cannot do the same. Why? Because I inherited these traits from you, my father!"

August teared up. "I spent the past 6 years trying to understand you. Please don't provoke me, Dad. Or I'll went abroad to live with my mother."

He stand still before his father, who looked paralyzed! The whole room was quiet; the sound of the clock can be heard, loudly. In a few seconds, August ran out of his house, ride his bike and drive away.

The father stood still, looking pale. Though he knew that all the words said by his son were true, those words pierced his heart and torn them into pieces! He was in deep despair and feel ashamed of himself as a father.

August, who ran out from his house, keeps on driving without even knowing where he's heading to. After a while, he finds himself standing before Isla's house. He was amazed as he didn't remember himself driving towards Isla's house. His mind completely went blank!

Suddenly, fear came to him and he panic!

Oh no! What would I do now? I'm in big trouble!