Setting down my toothbrush, I grinned widely at the mirror to make sure I hadn't missed anything. Content with my clean teeth, I turned off the bathroom light and strolled into my bedroom. I smiled slightly when I saw Theodore in bed already, his glasses perched on his nose as he read through a new book. Walking across the carpet, I climbed in next to him. He glanced up and gave me a slight smile, throwing his arm around me before he returned to his novel.
"What's the story tonight, Theo?" I questioned, scooting closer to his side so I could peer at the book. My purusing was cut short when the book snapped shut.
"Hey! You aren't supposed to know what happens until I lend it to you," he scolded with a playful glare. I rolled my eyes but giggled and relented.
"It's called Three by Ted Dekker," Theodore explained, his eyes lighting up. "It's about this student named Kevin Parsins who begins getting mysterious phone calls by a man called 'Slater'. Every time this suspicious fellow calls Kevin, he gives him a riddle and three minutes to confess his sin. When Kevin doesn't confess, he faces a deathly consequence."
I sent my boyfriend an excited grin. "Sounds spectacular! I can't wait to read it!"
If anyone's confused, my name is Gabrielle. About five years ago when I was in high school I began having a secret book exchange with an unknown stranger. Okay, I admit that sounds really weird, but you'll understand soon.
It all started when I was sitting at my tree. You see, when I was in high school I had this special tree outside. I would go out there and eat my lunch while I read my latest novel. It was a tradition of mine, one I held very dear to me. Imagine my surprise when one day the opening at the bottom of my tree held not only my lunch, but a book and a letter also.
An unknown admirer who called himself Oliver had written me a note saying he wanted to start a secret book club between each of us. We would exchange books we enjoyed as well as notes through the opening of my tree. At first, I was really skeptical, but I decided to put aside my worries and go along with it. Let me tell you, it was the smartest choice I've ever made. After months of letters, books, strange events, and even a kidnapping, I found my Oliver. Except, his real name was Theodore.
Long story short, we began a relationship and have been in said relationship ever since. We even still have our little book exchange, despite the fact that our tree is about an hour away from where we now lived. He would read a book then share it with me and vice versa. It was our tradition, and I wouldn't give it up for anything. It's brought us closer together.
"What are you reading?" Theo asked, looking over towards my night stand. I briefly removed myself from his arms to grab the book. Once it was in my hands, I quickly returned to the comfort of his arms.
"It's The Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepherd," I explained, pointing at the title. He looked over the cover and nodded his head.
"So what's it about?" I gave him an innocent smile.
"You'll just have to wait and find out," I chirped, setting the book aside and turning out my light. I knew this would bug him because he hated not getting a deeper description of the book.
"Come on, that's not fair! I told you about my book!" he complained loudly. I silently chuckled to myself as I let out a fake snore. He groaned in defeat and turned out his own lamp. He didn't snuggle with me as he usually does, probably trying to get revenge for not revealing the plot to him. However, I knew my Theodore and he has become quite the cuddler in recent years. After about five minutes he sighed and rolled back over. I smiled triumphantly when I felt his arms slowly coil around me and pull me into his chest.
