The Diary of Seraphina...

Entry Ten...

"Hey Seraphina," Ryder said.

"Oh, you're Amaryllis, Seraphina's best friend, I assume?" Ryder directed that question to said person.

Amaryllis nodded. "I see. Nice to meet you, I'm Ryder."

"Ohh, I know all about you," Amaryllis smirked whilst giving me a knowing glance.

"Is that so?" Ryder raised an eyebrow at her. "Do tell."

I could just kill my best friend now if it weren't for the fact that Ryder is here. I shot her what I assumed to be a death stare.

"Ahhh, it's not my story to tell. Maybe one day, all shall be revealed," Amaryllis said mysteriously.

"Hmm, I see," chuckled Ryder. "Anyway, do you mind?" he gestured to an empty spot beside me.

"Not at all," I said calmly but I'm freaking out on the inside. It was as if there was a party in my stomach. Don't act like an idiot Sera! Just remain cool and collected.

"What's in there?" Ryder nodded his head to my bento box. My bento box which is shaped like Totoro. You know, from 'My Neighbour Totoro'.

I opened my bento box which has two compartments and revealed it's contents - fluffy white rice lays as a base, cheese in the form of Totoro's belly, seaweed pieces for the eyes, ears and little details on it's belly. For the other compartment, there are cherry tomatoes, curry chicken and some greens.

"Wow, it looks really yummy," Ryder awed. I nodded sheepishly. "Um, would you like some? 'Cause I have an extra chopstick."

"Can I? I mean, if you don't mind of course. Also, it's embarrassing but I don't know how to use a chopstick," Ryder said nervously.

"I can teach you if you want."

"Hey, I want some of that bento goodness too! Sharing is caring you know," Amaryllis pouted.

I just chuckled at my best friend. So our lunch break was spent by me teaching Ryder how to use a chopstick whilst fending off Amaryllis's greedy tendencies for my lunch. It was such a great feeling seeing my best friend and my crush right in front of my eyes.

I feel so blessed right now. Who would've imagined me, plain old Seraphina, eating lunch with Ryder Greene. Although he isn't popular and all but still, he is the Ryder Greene in my world.

"Right, before I forget! Can we all exchange numbers?" Ryder said, successfully breaking me out of my daydream. Amaryllis gave her number willingly and whispered loud enough for me to hear, "If you want to know more about Sera, just text or call me." Ryder just gave her a mock salute.

"Don't listen to what she says," I shook my head. "Here's my number."

So we exchanged numbers. "Great! I'll chat with you soon."

▷◁▷◁▷◁

The day went by smoothly except for a few sneers from Jessica and her minions. Typical.

I happened to pass by Ryder in the hallway. We talked and laughed as if we were friends for a long time. Why didn't I talk to him sooner? It would have made things so much easier.

After school, I headed to the bookstore, like always. "Hello Mr and Mrs Lovegood!" I was expecting a reply as usual but I was met with silence. Strange. "Hellloooo," I said in a sing-song voice. No reply. Alright, this is getting really creepy. They're always here. Wait! What if there is a burglar lurking somewhere in here?

I mean, what would they steal from here? Unless they're major bookworms, but that is highly unlikely. The cash register? Probably.

But just to be safe, I took an umbrella which happened to be the only choice of weapon in this place. It was obvious that nobody is here, manning the cash register. So, the storeroom would be my best bet. As I took a wary step forward, I was startled by a loud crash followed by a few strings of curses. I was shaking and it felt like my heart was going to explode. Step after step, I could feel my palms sweating and beads of prespiration were trickling down from my forehead.