Alice

The weather reflected my mood. It poured rain as I ran across the muddy grass and into the school. Brodie didn't drive me and I missed the bus so I had to walk. I already missed first hour and I had books to return back anyways so by this point I wasn't fazed one bit.

I make my way into the cold library and being soaking wet doesn't help. It's freezing in here and I immediately start to quake with chills.

My books tumble down the return shoot and I turn to leave but something catches my eye.

A bright yellow sign that reads the latest in Historical Fiction hangs above one of the bookcases and I make my way there. A few minutes of reading wouldn't hurt.

By the time I'm there my heart bounces in joy. The selections are just what I've been waiting for! The sequel to my favorite has finally arrived and I don't hesitate and grasp the hardcover and plop down and the floor.

I get lost in the story and the silence in the library, considering everyone was in class, was almost euphoric for me. I could bask in this silence all day.

I bite my lip as the stunning and brave main character makes her one and only escape with the love of her life.

I grip the page that I'm ready to turn as soon as my eyes scan the last word. My wet hair is dripping down my back but I stopped caring 10 pages ago. And before I know it the bell rings and I jump. I hit my head hard on the back of the bookshelf and wince. I read this whole period!

I gasp and slam the book shut. I push it back into the slot on its shelf and lift my bag over my shoulder.

I start walking down the long aisles of endless tales and legends jotted down with meaning. Each story had, well, a story. And to me, each one was worth reading. Too many books in too little time.

My walking seizes as I spot that familiar chestnut brown hair and that brooding body that always seemed so tense. But as I watch Nick in his own little world with a book resting on his muscular thighs, it's almost mesmerizing. His shoulders aren't tight. His jaw isn't locked and his eyes aren't snappish.

His face is hidden behind his fist as he leans on it. I slowly walk up to him feeling the need to. Something felt a little more off than usual. I mean I've only talked to him a few times but... he's just so different. It amazes me and frustrates me to a never-ending extent.

I need to thank him for helping me yesterday.

"Nick?" I whisper considering it's a library.

I watch his shoulders tense as if he knew it was me before he looked up. His cold eyes meet mine but they don't stay. My eyes narrow in on the bloody bruises that litter his neck.

A heavy breath starts to leave my parted lips and I see for a split second his eyes focusing on my legs. His face holds annoyance but his eyes hold apprehension. He seems on edge.

My hands softly land themselves on his muscular shoulders without warning and I examine the bruises as he continues to stare blankly up at me. These look painful as they are a deep shade of black.

"W-what happened," I remark softly and run my thumb over the dark coloring and disfigurement.

He brushes my arm off his shoulder and one of his large calloused hands grip a loop in my jeans before pushing me away from him.

He slouches in the stool and runs his hand through his hair multiple times messing it up. I take that a sign he doesn't want to talk about it. I won't push.

"Look you don't need to tell me," I say softly and he doesn't meet my eyes but closes his book.

I take a small step toward him and the floor creaks gaining his attention to my legs again. His frozen eyes trail up my body until they are on my face again.

I watch his thumb dance across the cover before he stands up.

My head goes from looking down to having to crane my neck upwards.

His smell is all around here considering this must be his little safe spot. It smells like grass after it's mowed yet with the strongest tone of mint to it. It's spicy and thrilling. I shake my head to clear my thoughts but his smell is only amplified as he walks toward me.

He gets really close and I have to take a step back.

He reaches above my head and places his book back on its shelf before turning around starting to gather his things. When I'm quiet he speaks.

"Why are you still here. If you haven't noticed yet I don't want you around." He grumbles and I can't help but feel somewhat hurt.

"I just wanted to say thank you but also ask what happened the other day. You know at that Halloween party. Marc was-" I try to get out fiddling with my sleeves that definitely went past my fingertips.

"Don't say his name." He says turning around to face me and I'm taken aback for a minute.

"Look I just wanted to say-" I try once again but I am stopped.

"Thank you. I know that's all you ever say." He rolls his eyes and begins to walk away and I let him.

He's just in a bad mood. I'll try another time.

With that thought, I smile in the direction Mr. Grumpy just left in.

~~

Oh god, I told myself I wouldn't eat lunch in the library again. I needed to make myself known out there. Hiding in the bathroom every day wasn't going to help me make friends. Last time I was in the cafeteria or lunch Tracy and Gen both couldn't sit by me. I mean I don't blame them, they have friends already and belong in a group. I can't just intrude.

I chew on the inside of my cheek as I feel the same stares as last week. Keep walking like you have a destination.

I see Brodie's table and know better than to go there again. Brodie and Red-head- I think his name is Tommy- sit on one side with another random boy and Nick and Nelson sit on the other side with more guys laughing about something. But Nick wasn't laughing. In fact, I've never seen him laugh. He just has a small, fake smile as he nods to whatever the person just said. It's beyond me how someone as cold and stoic as Nick could be friends with someone as chirpy and kind like Nelson.

I feel myself run into something and my eyes are quick to move around in confusion before looking at a girl and guy with an annoyed scowl.

I watch as they pick up the stuff they dropped when I so carelessly ran into them just now.

"I'm sorry." I apologize truly I bend down grabbing a binder. I feel a few pairs of eyes on us but I swallow my anxiety to make amends.

"It's fine." They each say but it doesn't sound sincere.

They leave and I grip my lunch bag tighter and focus on my mission on finding a spot to sit. I'm okay with sitting alone as long as I'm just at a table that isn't taken-

"Ally!" I hear someone call and I look over my shoulder to see Gen waving me over. This time she isn't just at her robotics table but at a small table with Tracy. Surely she's inviting me to sit! How could I forget about the only people who have cared these past few weeks? Of course, they still want to be your friends! It wasn't just a one-time thing!

"Hey, guys!" I smile sitting down and we fall into a perfect routine of chatter and laughter.

After a few minutes of long conversations about space from Gen I barely touched my food I was so intrigued.

Suddenly Tracy's silent and her face is still. Before a sly smile slowly breaks onto her face.

"Gen... looks like lover boy is coming over." Tracy nudges Gen gently and she looks up nervously.

"Ah shoot." Is all she says before I turn and see Nelson approaching.