Chiara [PUBLISHED] ✔️

Five

Before the library, I stopped in the ladies' room. My heart pounded against my ribcage, reminding me this was not the part of the plan. Chiara was here, what, a day? And I was already unable to focus on anything else.

I finger-combed my curly, shoulder-length auburn hair and splashed some water on my face. I pinched my cheeks, hoping it would add colour to my pale, tired face. My plain, brown eyes stared at me with more excitement than my poor heart could handle. I wasn't exactly ugly, but I was pretty unnoticeable. Like a wooden chair. Yes, I was a wooden chair amidst gilded, ornate tables and crystal chandeliers.

No one's ever looked at me like I was anything special. Definitely not in this school.

"Way to boost my confidence." I mumbled at my worried expression and sighed.

My mom once told me my time to shine would come in college. What a fucking comfort.

I grabbed my satchel off the bathroom counter and hoped I looked better than I felt. My stockings were still too small and I walked uncomfortably to the library, hoping I would feel more confident surrounded by books. That was my territory, after all.

Almost stumbling over my feet, I pushed the huge, double door wide open and waved at the librarian at the reception desk. Mr Philip waved back, his shrivelled face hiding behind a huge, nameless book.

I spotted Chiara before she saw me and like an absolute winner, I hid behind the bookshelf, breathing in deeply. I couldn't quiet explain the effect, not even to myself. She's been gone for a year and everything I might have felt, or imagined I felt, came rushing back.

Even after Maeve. Even after a part of me might have still loved Maeve.

I fixed my white shirt, praying my bra wasn't see-through or something, and went through my hair one more time before I finally came out of hiding.

Chiara sat cross-legged at the farthest table, next to the glass balcony that overlooked the first floor of the library. This was the studying area, whereas downstairs people simply came to search for books. This was my sanctuary.

"Hey." I said, coming closer to the table.

Chiara lifted her head, the sun reflecting off her hair with the movement. She smiled widely, like she was so, so happy to see me. My breath hitched. She was in her uniform, which looked much better on her than it did on me. Her white shirt hugged her curves perfectly, emphasizing her golden skin. I wondered if she got the tan at the same place Josh did. I wondered if they were together.

"Hi!" She said. "Thanks for coming. I'm so sorry for the inconvenience."

I tried not to stare at her crossed legs as I approached the table.

"That's okay." My voice came out like a whisper and I cleared my throat. "What did you need?"

"Well," Chiara let out an awkward laugh, "I'm a little embarrassed, but I think I need help." Her elegant hand gestured to the book on the table, The Great Gatsby. But the only thing I noticed was her hand, the gentle, rose coloured nails and a small, sparkling ring.

"What's the problem?" I sat opposite of her and put my satchel on the chair next to me.

"My brain." She arched her eyebrow and smoothed the gesture with a small smile. "I watched the movie and then I read the questions for the essay and I don't get it." Her voice sounded a little strained as she spoke.

"Alright." I nodded, trying to stay as professional as possible, even though I would probably gladly write the whole damn thing for her. "Can I see the questions?"