by MA Collins
I met you in the library.
You were sitting on the floor of my favourite aisle. In your hand was a red book, the same one I had checked out just a week before. Your eyebrows were scrunched up in concentration, your lips pressed onto a tight line. I found it cute then.
I walked towards you, stopping only when I was five feet away. I asked if you had seen this particular book; you looked up.
Your eyes were blue.
It reminded me of the sea I always visited when I was just a little kid. It also reminded me of him. I did my best not to look away.
'Pardon?' you asked me, as if you had just made it back to the world. A small smile drew onto my face. Your reaction was just like mine after I got ensnared in literature's grasp.
I repeated my question. You blinked, tilting your head to the side as if in a thought. Then, you nodded your head to the right.
"I think it's over there," you said as you pointed on the highest shelf. I gave you a smile of thanks and went towards the area you directed. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw you go back to the novel you were reading.
My fingers absentmindedly brushed against the thick volumes of literature. My eyes skimmed over the titles, a satisfied grin making its way onto my face as I found what I was looking for. I carefully drew the material from its place.
'Shakespearean class?' I heard you ask suddenly; your voice startled me. The deep green book slipped from my grasp and fell to the floor with a soft thud. I gave out an annoyed huff at my clumsiness.
'Yeah,' I said, answering your inquisition. 'I'm researching on all of Shakespeare's plays,"
I didn't know if you heard the excitement in my voice as I said that but if you did, you didn't show it.
'You like reading, I reckon?' was your next question. I nodded as I bent down and picked up the fallen book.
'More than anything,' was my solemn reply. You nodded and said no more after that, silently going back to what you were reading. I bit my lower lip, not knowing if I should continue the conversation or leave. I decided on the latter.
'Well, okay then. Bye.' I awkwardly said before I turned on my heel and left.
I didn't look back to see if you had heard.
*
The next time I saw you, it was three days later. I was sitting on one of the work tables the library provided when you came, pushing a metal cart full of books.
'Hi,' I greeted you shyly, not really sure if you remembered me. You inclined your head at me with a smile. It was a beautiful smile. I could not help it, I smiled back.
'Hi," you greeted back. 'How is your research going?'
I was too flattered that you had remembered. I had to fight back the blush that threatened to blossom onto my cheeks.
'Very well, thank you for asking. I'm currently in the midst of a discovery actually,' no one could deny the pride in my voice. You quirked an eyebrow.
'Oh, and what's that?' I gave you a cheeky grin in response.
'You'll have to wait 'til I'm done, unfortunately. I can’t risk someone overhearing of my progress,' my tone was light; I hoped you weren't offended by my secrecy.
'We wouldn't want that,' you lightheartedly agreed and said no more. I tried to come up with something to say when I remembered how you came.
'You work here, I presume?' I asked, my right hand gesturing to the book cart.
'You can say that,' you said with a shrug. I asked you to explain,
'I'm a volunteer. Mrs. Gallagher, the librarian, asked me if I wanted to join the program seeing as I'm always here anyway,"
I found that endearing about you, but didn't say. There was always something about a guy who loves books and finds sanctuary in libraries.
'Don't you have classes?' I questioned, hoping you didn't think of me as intrusive. You only smiled.
'My classes are in the morning. I do all my homework here when I'm not on duty,' you explained. I smiled in understanding.
'My classes aren't on until later,' I tell you, 'I just like spending time around books as I study.'
There was a question in your eyes, I see, but you didn't voice it.
'Alright then,' was all you said, 'I'll talk to you later. I still have some errands to run,' you said as you pointed to the books in your cart. I waved you off and went back to my reading, the sound of your trolley fading as you went. Unconsciously, a smile made its way onto my face at our encounter.
I didn't speak to you again until it was time for me to go. It was two o'clock in my watch. You were by the counter reading another book. The cover was blue. I quietly approached you.
'Hey,' I said, 'I have to go. I have classes in an hour.'
You smiled and said you'll look forward to seeing me soon.
I hoped that for my sake that my face didn't go red.
It was only when I was by the door that I realised that did not know your name.
It was seven o'clock in the evening. I crossed the road that lead to the library. It was late, I knew, but the closing time wasn't for about another hour. My professor in one of my courses had asked us to research on a topic. I decided to borrow a book on the matter. Secretly, I just hoped I'd see you. Maybe then I'd gather the courage to ask of who you are.
I trudged up the stairs hurriedly, knowing that my time was limited.
I nearly bumped into a sophomore who glared at me as I passed. I ignored him.
Second floor.
Third floor.
Fourth floor.
Fifth.
I was panting when I finally made my way to the floor I always seem to find you in. I quietly pushed the door open and entered, the cold air greeting me as I did.
This section of the library was quiet at this time, more than the usual. I only saw one girl on one of the tables, and another student at the counter I last saw you in. I looked around and strained my ears, hoping I'd see you with your squeaking cart. You weren't there.
I swallowed the disappointment that threatened to show. I made my way down to one of the aisles which held the book I needed. I had already read it a year ago but I wanted to make sure I did not miss anything. I also wanted to see your smile again.
I found the book easily. It was a yellow book about the essence of Language. Its author was a female that graduated in this university fifteen years prior. I went to the counter and checked out the material. The student there grudgingly took my choice and encoded it onto the computer. I noticed how tired he looked.
I imagined it was you who was in his place. You would probably give me a tired smile and say how good it was to see me again. I must be daydreaming.
I timidly thanked the guy on the counter, hugging the book to my chest. I turned to go, only to stop when I saw you standing there.
A red backpack was on your shoulders. Your blonde hair was a mess and a pair of rectangular-rimmed glasses was perched onto the bridge of your nose. You looked out of breath; like you had ran all the way to the top. You seem to be looking for something. I bit my lip, suddenly nervous.
You saw me then, and a smile made its way onto your face. You quickly strode to where I stood.
'Hey,' you said as your way of greeting. I gave a tight-lipped smile in return.
'I didn't expect to see you here this late,' you said.
'I had to pick up a book for one of my classes,' I replied as I held up the book in my arms. You read the title and gave out a soft whistle.
'That author is very convincing,' you said, 'I once went to a talk of hers two years ago. She was really good.'
'I heard of that. I wanted to come, but I had classes at that moment.'
'You really missed out,' you said, a small pout on your face, 'But I heard she's having another talk in two months, maybe we can both go then,'
My heart fluttered at the implication of your words. You wanted to see me again.
'I'll have to check my schedule,' was all I said. You seem to accept that answer. I asked what you were doing here so late.
'I left my notebook at the counter earlier. I need my notes for my class tomorrow,' you said as you inclined your head to where the other student was sitting.
'Oh.' was all I said. I only smiled as you excused yourself to go to the counter. You talked to the guy who was there and I watched as a smile made its way to his face.
You seem to do that, make everyone smile.
You laughed at something he said and grabbed the notebook that was under the counter. The two of you talked for a while before you exchanged goodbyes. A smile was on your face as you turned, morphing into shock when you noticed I was still there. You made your way towards me.
'I thought you left,' you said and I gave you a shy smile.
'I don't tend to leave without saying goodbye first,' I admitted. I told you how I found it quite rude and did not want others to think I ditched them.
'Sorry for keeping you waiting then,' you said after my explanation. I dismissed your apology.
'It's alright. I'm in no hurry anyway,' that was a lie. I should've been home ten minutes ago. Now I had to formulate an excuse for my coming home late.
'I'll walk you out, then?' you asked, gesturing to the doors. 'I'm about to go home as well,'
I smiled and seeing no fault on the matter, agreed. We went down the flights of stairs easily. We did not talk, but I found the silence between us comforting. I hoped you did as well.
'You know,' you said as we arrived at the ground floor, 'I never did get your name.'
I smiled and told you it was Cara. You told me yours. I thought your name suited you, but you did not seem to think so.
'Nice to meet you, Cara,' you said offering an outstretching hand.
'Nice to meet you too,' I replied and offered my own. Your hand was warm as I touched it with mine. I found it comforting.
When our hands drew apart, I found myself missing the warmth you had briefly shared with me. I wanted to hold your hand again; but I knew I would have to explain myself to you if I did. You'll probably think of me as crazy. Then I'll never see you again. My heart stopped at that thought.
You smiled at me again and told me goodnight and that you'll look forward to seeing me again.
You didn't need to; I already knew I'll have a good night. But I didn't tell you that and only wished you the same.
To be continued.
