HURRICANE, p.m

32. old friend

"he did it all for love"

             IT HAD BEEN Two weeks, two agonizing weeks of Hadley trying to go about her days as normal as possible and Pietro following her around like a lost puppy.

            Her boss was borderline worried when he began noticing the boy lingering in the store day after day before asking her about it. "It's okay Mark, he's an old friend."

             Though she wished desperately to watch the boy suffer she didn't want to get him arrested for harassment—well part of her didn't.

            Her hands worked quickly against the register as a young boy and his mother purchased a new book, them becoming regulars in the shop. "Have a good day Luca. Bye Miss Caroline." They smiled graciously at the girl before exiting quickly.

            Fingers danced across the glass case before a book was placed in front of her quickly, "I would like to purchase this please." Her eyes rolls as he offers a smile, but she ignores the feeling growing in her stomach.

            "Will that be all?" Her words come out monotone as she stares at him, her eyes unfocused and uncaring. This causes a small pout to form on his face as he pushes the book forward a bit more, just read the title.

            And as if she read his mind she looks down, eyes glancing across the page, "The Kiss of Deception? By Mary Pearson?" Eyes narrow into slits as she throws daggers his way in curiosity. "This is my favorite book."

            "I know. I figured you are a new person now, I should get to know the new you and the things you like." She begins questioning how he could possibly know anything about the 'new' her or her favorite book but seeing his eyes glance behind her quickly gives her all the answers she needs.

            Spinning around quickly she sees Mark standing there, a look of guilt plaguing his face, "You." He can see the anger but brushes it off, escaping to the back room quickly.

With a huff she turns back to the man, and checks his book out quickly. Attempting to ignore him the rest of the day proves difficult as he continuously asks questions about the book, "Why would they lie? Mikael is not dead and they know she is in love with him?"

She had to admit that though he was quite a nuisance, she found his reaction to the book hilarious. He found himself growing a hatred towards the main character, "Because Mikael was cheating on her, Pauline deserved better and Walther truly loves her. He did it for love."

And though she's speaking about the book he can't help but let the words strike him in the heart. This character—albeit fictional—would do anything for the woman he loved, while Pietro left the one he loved.