Summer's already starting and yet raindrops are racing down the windows of the library. The faint scent of old books fills the air. I used to read a lot when I was little. Reading is like immersing yourself in a different world where the events are well planned and organized as if nothing could ever go wrong. I would always make sure that I read something new every week so that when we come to visit Grammy, I will be able to tell her different stories.
On a warm summer day, we would wear matching flowy azure empire dresses and sit on a swing at the yard, feeling like regency era ladies while devouring our favorite homemade red velvet cookies.
"Reesey, sweety, you're talking so fast!" Grammy said with hands on her head.
"NO, you're hearing slow, Grammy." I said, poking the pistil of her daisy earrings.
Moving closer, I took her arms and placed it around my shoulders, hugging Grammy as I continued my narration. I would talk for hours and Grammy would listen, smiling, laughing, and sometimes teary eyed, depending on the story. Our hearts filled to the brim like a tiny terrarium.
The library was so empty that I could hear the slightest sound of rustling papers being blown by the breeze. I walked down the aisle, running my fingers on the spines and scanning the shelves for something interesting when a muffled sound made me jump.
Hailey is standing outside the library and knocking on the glass window, speaking inaudibly. Her oversized hoodie is shielding her from the rain. I gestured for her to come inside but instead she instructed me to come out. The pouring rain has become lighter. I went back to my seat in a hurry to grab my tote bag and wear the university windbreaker. It has a chevron design of white on the upper half and blue on the lower half with broncos embroidered at the back using a gold thread.
"Hi!" she said, putting her hand up like she's reciting an oath.
"Where were you?" I asked, as I got to Hailey waiting on a shade.
"Aww. I love you too, Reesey," she said, clinging to my arm. "I went back to school for theater practice."
"I thought you were out somewhere. Did Preston do something wrong? You didn't say goodbye."
"We're good!" Hailey started walking and I followed. "We're going to a party on friday and you are so gonna go with us."
"Noooo, Kole told me about it and you know how much I don't like the people he hangs out with. The last time we were there you drank too much and forgot about me!" I've been there once and I didn't know how to act. Silently, I sat at the bar and watched them go from sober to wasted creeps and weirdos. Thankfully, Margot, one of the bartenders, was really kind to talk to me about random stuff. She even helped me take care of Hailey.
"In my offence, you were in one corner the whole time and I didn't want to do that. Please? I'll be there, Kole will be there, and so as Chadd so you have to go." she said, looking at me with puppy eyes.
"I don't know. I'll try? Where's Chadd anyway?"
"He's with Aliz at the Senior's building," Hailey said with her lips curved to a half smile.
"He's found a new girlie that's nice," I said nudging Hailey's elbow. She rolled her eyes at me and walked even faster.
We walked through the covered pathways and empty halls, our continuous wandering around the campus brought us to the Senior's building. As soon as you enter, the lounge would scream right in your face that you're in the broncos' territory with its blue and gold aesthetic. The built in glass cabinets are full of trophies and memorabilias. Posters for the upcoming Year-End Event programs hang on the cork bulletin boards. We found Chadd and Aliz sitting comfortably on one of the sofas while cutting out ticket stubs.
