Bit Of Worry

Catherine's POV

"Nice to see both of you!" I exclaimed as I saw Stella and Samuel.

"Me too!"

"I'm glad you felt that way," Samuel said, smiling at me.

Guh...I don't why, but it feels eerie seeing Samuel being all friendly with me...

Their parents asked me to study alongside them, so I accepted their offer since it would be enjoyable to lounge around when we are finished with learning.

"Well then, after our lecture, would you like to stroll around the garden, Catherine?" Samuel suggested.

"Of course, I'd love to," I replied.

◇◇◇

"Uhhhh... Today's lecture is exhausting. It is draining to just sit at the desk for eight hours writing stuff," Samuel said.

"You're right. Thank God, we finished," Stella replied.

"By the way, you're quite smart, aren't you, Catherine?"

"Not really. I just learn really quick."

"Still, it is quite impressive that you were able to solve things really quickly. I mean, we are lessons behind you."

Today's lecture was supposed to be mathematics, but since I'm way ahead with their lessons, the governess instead brought a history book for me and told me to focus on studying on specific pages instead.

"You're really intelligent, Catherine. I hope that I become as smart as you."

"Don't flatter me, Stella. It is not that big of a deal."

I have knowledge from my previous life after all. I do feel guilty getting complimented when I have a cheat on me.

"Well, at least we know who we can count on when we are stumped on our lessons."

"Hey. Don't treat me like I am your tutor."

"Hey, what's the point of your intelligence if you're not going to use it?"

"You learned how to retort, huh?"

"Of course, thank my tutor," Samuel said as he looked at me, grinning.

You...

Samuel and I started bickering again.

Although he is quite annoying when he acts like this, I'm just glad that we can still be friends despite the debacle.

"We just finished studying. Can you guys please stop arguing?"

"Sure, how are your plans for our outing this weekend?"

"Oh, that. Don't worry about it. I'm almost finished planning on it," as he looked away from my gaze.

"Finished planning, or are you just going to plan it on the last day?"

"Catherine..."

"Sorry. Got a little too much with the bickering."

"Don't mind what Catherine said."

"Yeah," looking dejected.

"Don't worry about the outing. I'm sure that whatever you planned, we will have fun. Right, Catherine?"

"Oh, of course. I mean, we would usually just schedule our meeting, and whatever interests us at that time, we would just do it. Don't worry about it, it will just fine."

"Yeah. It'll be fine."

Wait... Did I say something I shouldn't have...

As I looked in his face, there was an aura of gloominess and anxiety surrounding him...

I should defuse this immediately...

"Is something bothering you? Listen, I'm really sorry for what I said. I didn't mean to hurt you."

"I'm sure that we will be happy with the upcoming outing no matter what," I told him, trying to reassure him.

"Yeah...I'm sure you guys will..." Although his words say that he's fine, his face tells a different story.

What's the matter?