First Snow

Chapter 16: Aisle Z

Chapter 16: Aisle Z

We immediately walked to the library after class. We went there in comfortable silence, chatting sporadically. We got to the library on time and I went the back room to ask Fran and Anne what I could do. I got a cart full of books and went outside to put them back.

“Here, let me help you with that,” Luke said. How sweet...Aisle by aisle, we put books back on their respective shelves. Once in a while, we’d chat for a little, but we worked. There weren’t many people in the library. We stopped at the Z aisle when Luke said something.

“Uh, Lee?”

“Hmm?”

“Um, the... uh... I, well... and, no, nothing. Never mind,” he stammered. I stared at him concernedly. “No, really, it’s fine. Just a brain-fart.” Should I tell him? Fran, Anne, and Marla all said to tell him. I should...if I don’t I might regret it. This is the perfect setting: alone, not a lot of people, and if we stay quiet people won’t hear us. I took a deep breath through the nose to calm down.

“Luke.”

“Hey, Lee.” We said simultaneously. I wonder what he wants to say...This scene, I realized, seemed kind of movie-cliche.

“You go first.” I said politely.

“Oh. Ok. Well, here goes. Lee, the truth is that you are a wonderful friend.” Oh no...I’m just a friend. He only sees me as a friend...I felt my eyes water up a little. “But I like you as even more than that. I know it seems strange, but that’s how I feel. I really do... I care for you, Lee, and I...” What? He...he likes me? He likes...me? “Lee, if you don’t feel the same way towards me, I understand, and our friendship is wonderful and I don’t want to ruin it, but... I mean, you know... if you’re interested, and... well..” He stammered. I stared at him in disbelief, his grey eyes were staring at me sadly, waiting for an answer.

I couldn’t trust my words so I jumped up and hugged him. I wrapped my arms around his neck and my legs around his torso. I just wanted to be close to him first. I felt like the happiest girl on earth. He likes me!!

He whispered into my ear. “Lee.”

I finally found the words. “I like you, too.” My brain exploded in love happiness.

“Lee.”

“Hmm?” I snuggled into his warmth even more, his light brown hair tickling my face.

“Lee,” he repeated.

“Yes Luke?”

“I just like saying it: Lee.” He sat down on a chair. I leaned away for a bit to look at his face. His eyes shone with happiness and he had this big goofy grin on his face like he just won the lottery. His hair was slightly tousled and I couldn’t resist pushing his bangs back a bit so I could see his face better. His slightly angular face was tanned a little and he was coming in closer. I smiled a little as his lips brushed sweetly on mine.

I wanted him closer. I leaned in more as we continued, trying to become more assertive. Then, I faltered a bit because I don’t know what else to do other than lean in. Does he want to continue? My question was answered when Luke leaned in and took control. I could feel his long fingers stroking through my hair. I couldn’t think straight. We got all hormone crazy and he started to...never mind.

“Oooooooooooooooooo development! That is a fine piece of mancake!” I could barely hear. Who was that?

“Go Halley! Womanly assets!” Anne?

“This is better than the movies.”

We broke off the kiss and I saw Fran and Anne peeking from the shelves. Oh dear...I got off Luke, regretting leaving his warmth. They were still giggling girlishy at the romance we have just displayed for them. Ummmm...

“Hi Fran, hi Anne. Ummmmm...this is my...my...my....” I blushed at the thought that Luke is now my boyfriend, sort of. Right? Right?!

“Umm... Hi. I’m Luke.”

“We know...” they chorused.