Marium waved her hand. “I’ll just worry about it later.” She moved, grabbing at some books. I looked around the library, taking in the smell and the calmness. I looked down the mystery aisle, taking in the corner that Westley and I always take up. My mind thought back to the first time we met.
I came into the library looking forward to picking up a book. I’d been stopping in almost every day to grab something new. I opened the doors, finding Marium behind the desk just like she was today. I smiled, a skip in my step. “Morning, Marium. Is my book here?”
Marium pointed her finger as she moved away from the desk. “It’s in the pile, dear. Just help yourself.” Marium walked away before I could say anything. I walked over to where she pointed and found the book at the bottom of the stack. As I tried to wiggle it free, the entire stack gave way. It echoed around the entire space, and I felt my face grow hot as I bent down trying to grab the books and pop them back onto the table.
“You’re a little loud for a library.”
My entire body stiffened at the voice. I slowly pulled myself up, finding Westley leaning against the counter. His light brown hair was combed back, and I could smell peppermint off of him. His dark green eyes remained on me, a smirk pulling at his lips. I had spoken to him before, but this time was different.
“And I’m pretty sure you’re not supposed to be behind the counter.”
“Marium was holding a book for me,” I finally said, as I pulled myself up. I felt a little embarrassed and squeezed my book close. “Can I help you with something?”
Westley shook his head. “I don’t read.”
I stared at him, knowing my eyes widened a little bit at his words. “What? Then why are you in the library?”
He smirked. “Because it’s quiet, minus you being loud.” Westley leaned onto the counter, and I found myself looking him over. Westley was muscular but not too big. He had a slim figure, but you could tell he knew how to use it. He had broad shoulders and a dark tan, like he spent most of his time in the sun.
“Well, I’m sorry about that. I’m going to go read now.” I moved out from behind the counter and headed toward my corner.
“Mind if I join you?”
I paused, glancing over my shoulder at him. He had his hands shoved into his pockets, giving me a relaxed expression. My heart skipped a beat, and I swallowed. “I thought you didn’t read.”
“I don’t,” he said simply. “But that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the silence together.”
I shook the memory away. It was crazy how easy it all came, how so much had changed. After that, Westley met me here every Tuesday at eight-thirty, and we sat in the back corner in silence. Sometimes we talked, other times we chuckled, trying to be quiet. It was honestly the highlight of my week.
I headed to the back corner and hummed as I moved. I had a skip in my step as I moved. I found the two couches pressed together, with a lamp in the middle. I looked out the window, wondering if a book was hidden behind the curtain. Icouldn’t help but smirk, knowing it was Westley. He just hid his books in random spots rather than checking them out. His excuse was that he didn’t read, so why did he need a book card?
I always teased that Marium would have his ass if she found out, and somehow she still hadn’t. That or she did and wasn’t saying anything.
I glanced at my phone, checking the time as I sat down. I waited, flipping my book open and reading a little. The minutes seemed to click by, and I checked my phone again. I frowned, my stomach dropping. Westley was never late. If anything, he was here before I was.
I set my book down and pulled myself up. I walked back toward the front desk and scanned the space. The library had two floors, but you could see up to the second floor. There was a handful of people, but I didn’t see Westley.
I then heard the laughter. I followed the noise, heading back toward the west side of the library, where there was a small coffee station. Some tables and chairs were placed out. I then spotted Westley with two other people.
My heart sank as he spoke, seeming unaware of the time. How long had he been here? And how long had he been back here? Did he forget about our meeting? Did he care?
I didn’t know who he was talking to, but I could tell they were close. But then again, who wasn’t close with Westley? He was easy to talk to, funny, and honest. It was why I liked him so much.
“Oh shit, didn’t you say you had something to do?” one of them said. Westley looked down at his phone and then placed it back down. He shook his head. “Nope.”
My heart sank. He forgot. But how? We had been doing this for months. There was no way he forgot, right?
I bit my lower lip. I turned, knowing better than to get myself worked up. I shouldn’t be getting butthurt that he forgot. It wasn’t like we were dating or anything. He had a right to forget.
I shook it off, but I felt something wasn’t right.
And I had been right. He didn’t show the next week, or the next. Suddenly, my Tuesdays went from my favorite days to a day I dreaded.
I sat on the couch, stuffing my face with ice cream. Another Tuesday that Westley didn’t come. I was questioning if I should even continue going, but I was going before he even joined me.
I sighed, changing the channel on the TV, and looked at Snow sitting next to me. I rubbed my finger over her back, watching her lean into my touch. Just then, I heard the front door open. I jumped as Hazel stormed in, slamming the door shut behind her. The entire apartment shook, and I stiffened as I looked at her. My eyes widened as she stormed toward me, looking pissed and frustrated with red eyes.
“Wha…” Before I could even get the words out, I noticed she had something dripping out of her hair. Her jacket was torn on the left sleeve, and her makeup was smeared. It took a lot to rattle Hazel to tears, so I knew something had happened.
