I'm in the library—reading and watching. Not entirely sure he's coming, so I read to pass the time and watch just in case. And if I got stood up? Well, at least I was reading. Duh.
I was supposed to be watching for Dante. I got lost in the book. Note to self: never pick an interesting book when you're on lookout duty.
I was so deep into the book's world that when I finally looked up, Dante was just... there. Sitting across from me, flipping through a book like he'd been there forever.
"Oh, you're done?" he said, looking up. "Was it a good book?"
"Very! It was a thriller and I was so scared, cause the MC seems a little incompetent but she was secretly smart, I swear I could hear dramatic music. 10/10, I highly recommend. You should read this next" I squeal then was quickly shush by the librarian.
"Maybe I will" he said extending his hands for the book.
"Not right now, I got to read it again. When I'm done, you can have it."
"You wanted to meet up?" He asked. Oh shoot, I completely forgot why I even wanted to meet up.
My eyes widened, and I snapped the book shut so fast I nearly smacked myself. "I've been expecting you," I blurted out, trying (and failing) to sound mysterious.
"It's too late for that now, get to the point."
The audacity "Fine. Let's be friends— or else" I crossed my arms and he raised a brow.
"Or else what?" He chuckled, leaning back in his seat. His lips curled in amusement, but his eyes held that usual unreadable look, like he was humoring me.
"I'll tell everyone your secret."
"This is the weirdest way anyone has ever tried to be friends with me." He smiled.
"So?" Does that means he doesn't want to be friends?
"Can I have your number?" Dante asked. What does that have to do with anything?
Does he want to be friends or not?
"Why?"
"Because we're friends. You don't have your friends number?"
"I don't have friends" I mumbled. A small, almost giddy smile tugged at my lips. "Oh! Yeah, sure—here, hand me your phone."
He handed it over and I typed in my number. When was the last time I gave someone my number? When was the first?
"Well, I'll see you tomorrow." He got up.
"Are you, you know.... k wording people?" I asked and he rolled his eyes.
"Good bye Elizabeth." Rude, he didn't answer my question. Whatever we're friends now. I checked the time, huh. School's already out. Will mom be early today? Or does she have another night shift? I should call her.
I dialed her number as I packed my bag and walked up to the librarian to borrow the book, that I will most definitely be returning.
"Hi Lizzy" I heard my mom voice.
"You at work?"
"Yup" she sounded tired. As usual.
"You're going to end up like dad if you keep this up." I said and my mother chuckled.
"Never become a nurse. Overworked. Underpay."
"Maybe stop taking extra shift. Then we'll talk." I rolled my eyes.
"Try turning down an emergency patient, you heartless brat."
"Heartless. Me?" I laughed. "Do you have a night shift?" Mom mostly works night shifts—for some reason, then crashes during the day. By the time I get home, she's at work again. You'd think she was avoiding me. She does do day shifts as well, but rarely.
"Yeah. Why? Is there Anything you need?" If I want something mom gives it to me, let alone need it. Just never her time.
"Of course not. Just wondering if you'll be home tonight, but I guess not." I walked out the school gates.
"I have a day shift tomorrow" she said.
"That's nice, good bye mom love ya."
"Bye sweetie." She hung up.
I sat on the bench outside the school waiting for my Uber. The last time I tried walking I met a serial killer, I'm going to make sure to never repeat that mistake.
"How did the whole friend thing go?" Bella appeared beside me, making me jump out of my skin.
"Arghhhhhhhh" I screamed. My heart stopped for a second.
"Are you trying to kill me, make some noise when you walk" I said holding my chest.
"Well?"
"He desperately wanted to be friends."
"Sureeeeeeee. You keep feeding into your delusions." Bella rolled her eyes. "Wait. He? You know the opposite sex exist?"
"Uh huh."
"So you have a boyfriend now?"
He's a boy. And my friend. So.... does that make him my boyfriend? Nah, too delusional, even for me.
"Goodbye Bella. Lets try to limit our interactions" I stood up with my Uber in sight and walk away.
"Who is it?" Bella asked from behind, almost killing me twice today.
"Back up. You weird, weird girl" I stepped away from her.
"You're one to talk" she rolled her eyes "who is it then?" She asked again.
"Why do you care?"
"I don't." Uh huh, I raised my brow. The Uber driver honked impatiently.
"Your Uber is going to leave you behind " Bella said.
"Who fault is that." I asked.
"Yours. Duh."
"Ughhhhhhhhhh." I hate this girl. What type of goth talks this much. I got in the Uber as I shut the door, she smirked and waved.
"See you tomorrow, lover girl." I groaned.