the first chapter

i always found peace in libraries. they have a certain ambiance that pulls me. the quietness was rejuvenating; like i was reborn every time i step into a library. and every book i read spoke to me. they're like puzzles that i feel i have to solve. and this week, the book is "They Both Die at the End".

i enter the school library and can already feel myself relaxing and adjusting to the atmosphere.

"nora young!" the librarian, mrs. wynn greets me. "i have your book ready for you. great choice." she hands me the book and smiles sweetly.

"thank you so much, mrs. wynn." i grab the book and sit at the same table i do every day. it's the closest table to the romance section. although i do love to read all genres, romance will always be a favorite. i take in the silence and warmth of the library but it's short-lived when he walks in.

"yo! mrs. wynn, right? the principal told me to assist you." he shouts. he's obviously a jock and disturbs the environment. he's tall and built, and his dark complexion complements his light brown eyes but does he have to be so loud?

"king evans? this is a library if you couldn't tell. you assist me every day after school, for free, and you must be here at 2:15 every day; don't be late." mrs. wynn explains. she's very stern with him, to let him know she's serious. "now, you can start in the romance section by organizing the books in alphabetical order." king looks at her almost like he wants to laugh before realizing mrs. wynn is serious. he hesitantly makes his way to the back of the library and i can sense him staring at me before reaching the books. he circles back and stands in front of me.

"yo, what are you reading?" he asks.

"They Both Die at the End," i respond, not bothering to look up from my book.

"is that supposed to be like... depressing or some shit?" this boy's never picked up a book in his life.

"it's romance."

"oh, so you like romance? you wanna help me?"

"not really," i say. he doesn't respond, just stands there. i finally look up at him and he smiles.

"what's your name?"

i reluctantly answer him. "nora young." i genuinely want to know why he is asking for my name after i was just rude to him. "and you?"

"king evans. quarterback of the football team." he gloats.

"yeah, i figured." i go back to the book yet he's still standing there. "anything else you want to say?"

"uh, nope. enjoy your sad book, nora."

••• next day •••

i enter the library and greet mrs. wynn with a smile. "hey, mrs. wynn. i have a question."

"ask away!"

"why does king have to assist you?" i ask. surely a jock like king evans wouldn't willingly assist a librarian, and the principal obviously had a reason to make him do this.

"he recently got suspended and needed something to do so he could stay on the football team."

"what did he do?"

mrs. wynn smiles before answering. "he's really a sweet boy. but i think that's a question he should answer himself. he'll be here any minute now." mrs. wynn clearly wanted me to speak to him, i know what she's doing. i head to my table and pull out my homework. king walks in, surprisingly on time.

"yo! what's up, mrs. wynn?" he shouts.

"still a library, king." she sighs. king makes his way to my table again and flashes me a smile.

"you don't have your book today." he points out.

"nope. catching up on some homework."

"oh. maybe you could help me with my homework? you're a junior, right?"

"yes, but i would like to focus on my homework."

"hmm. i guess i'll just fail and never be able to play football ever again." he sighs, forcing his body to go limp over the table. i can't help but laugh and he immediately looks up and smiles.

"fine, what's the subject?"