19. Uncertainty.

The conversation with Amethyst brought August's mood back to normal. The breakup with Lapis and his impending birthday had a big emotional impact on him. But now he's completely fine.

" It's a good thing I didn't say when my birthday was. Otherwise, I would have to celebrate it 100%. As it is, Amethyst won't be able to tell exactly when I have it. "

August hated his birthday. No one congratulated him. Even the neighbors who knew when he had it. Usually on this day, Polly would get very drunk and beat him half to death. No gifts, no friends, no happiness. Only August, pain, and darkness.

August couldn't even prove that Polly was hitting him. After all, the next day his wounds were healing. Not even a bruise, not even a scar. Practically.

" I'd better get home as fast as I can. I'm already five minutes late. Internships don't wait. "

Today was supposed to be a normal day. Augustus thought so. But when he arrived at the beach house, he was met with a mixed picture. Quarrel.

--- I want to go with you !

--- Stephen, no ! You can't.

--- Why ?!

--- You might get hurt. The human body is fragile.

--- But I'm half a gem !

--- But also a man !

--- Then why can August?! He's human, too !

--- August is an exception. He can stand up for himself.

--- So teach me Garnet ! I want to help !

--- No, Steven. This conversation is over.

--- Haaaaaa !

As soon as the conversation was over, Stephen ran out of the house. August noticed that there was anger, sadness, and alienation on his face.

--- Stephen ! Come back !

--- I'm not needed here ! You can do it without me !

--- Steven !

All the gems ran out into the street. There was surprise on their faces. It was the first time Stephen had ever done that. They quickly spotted Augustus.

--- I don't think I have the right time.

--- I'm sorry that August saw this. I think the internship is canceled today. We'll go find Steven.

--- I will help.

--- Not necessary. We don't want to involve you in this.

--- He's my friend. You are my friends. I don't want you to fight.

--- Whatever you say. We'll look around the city and you can go around the rest of the places.

The Gems quickly headed for the city. But it was in vain. Stephen's definitely not there. Augustus knew where he was hiding. Stephen had told him about this place.

August walked along the beach and thought.

" Today is an unusual day. It was the first time I saw Stephen sad. Even when it rains, he doesn't feel sad. We need to find it. "

The place where Stephen hid was special. Only Augustus and Stephen knew about this place. It was a small cave in a coral reef. When they were swimming, they accidentally discovered her. You need to walk to the end of the beach, swim to the reef and dive to the north. And you're there. August is already here.

It was a special place. It was completely dark here. The sunlight didn't reach here. But if you looked up, you could see the stars. Not literally, of course. They were bright splashes of stones on the ceiling. They gradually shone and faded. Like real stars. She and Steve had set up a small camp here. That's where Stephen was. He sat and stared at the stars.

Augustus sat down beside her.

--- You shouldn't have talked to them like that.

--- I know. But I'm so tired of being behind you guys.

--- ???

--- You always go on assignments, and I'm left alone. I can't help you in any way. I tried several times to go with you, but Garnet forbade me.

--- Stephen. We're fighting. It's very dangerous.

--- I know ! But I have a way to defend myself !

A pink light enveloped his hand. And a moment later, a shield appeared in his hand. It was completely pink, and there was a rock in the middle of it, and rose thorns were swirling around that rock.

In the blink of an eye, the shield disappeared from his hands.

--- I can really protect myself !

--- Stephen

--- Look at this.

--- Stephen

--- It will appear now

--- STEVEN !

He jumped up abruptly and looked at Augustus with a puzzled expression.

--- Listen to me

--- But....

--- Just listen, okay ?

--- Okey

--- Listen to me. You don't have to help us.

--- But....

--- You're very weak right now. You can't keep the shield up for long. At the moment, you are useless in battle.

---....

--- But that doesn't mean you're not helping us. Do you know why gems go on missions ?

---...no

--- They go there for you. So that you can live in a peaceful world.

--- I'm an adult now ! I can take care of myself.

--- No you can't

--- I can

--- No

--- How do you know about this ?! You are an adult, strong and smart !

--- I wasn't always like that, Stephen. Once I was a weak, defenseless child.

--- I do not believe.

--- You want proof ?

--- Yes !

--- Good. Watch carefully

Augustus turned his back on Stephen and began to take off his shirt. When he took it off, Stephen saw an incredible picture. The scar. A huge scar.

The scar was in the shape of a rounded triangle. It was positioned right in the middle of the back. There were also a few other small scars, but this one was the most interesting. Augustus put down his shirt and turned to Stephen.

--- I was like you then. Weak and defenseless. I decided to take a gamble that I couldn't beat. That's when I got the scar.

--- Oh, my God. It's horrible.

--- I know.

--- How did you stand it ?

--- I've grown up. You're getting older now. Stronger. Experience comes and you learn from your mistakes.

---....

--- You're in no hurry. You have your whole life ahead of you. Enjoy this carefree time, because then you will regret that you hurried.

--- Thanks.

--- Was I able to change your mind ?

--- Yes. For all 110 %.

--- Good. I think we should go. The gems are going crazy there.

--- Oh, man. I need to apologize.

They quickly got out of the cave and went to the beach house. Inside the house, the gems waited anxiously for August with the news. Now they noticed that Stephen was here.

--- Stephen !

Pearl ran to him and hugged him.

--- Sorry. I'm sorry we didn't listen to you.

--- No, you'll forgive me. I didn't mean to say that.

--- We talked for a while and decided that you can go on a mission with us. Do you want ?

--- No.

--- Whe ?

--- I thought you were right. I'm not ready yet. I'd rather wait, grow up, and then go with you.

--- Are you sure ?

--- For all 110 %.

--- Good. So it's settled.

Sometimes you don't have to rush. It's better to enjoy what you have. Don't look to the future or the past. Watch it right now. Straight ahead. Live now. And then you will open many doors to the house called life.