Playing The Game - Book Four in The WSU Series

- Prologue -

"From forth the fatal loins of these two foes. A pair of star-crossed lovers take their life."

~

Romeo and Juliet. Star-Crossed Lovers. Lovers whose relationship is doomed to fail from the start are said to be "star-crossed." They say the line between love and hate is thin— very thin, one I don't intend to cross.

"Liz, are you listening?" I look up to see Angela watching me intensely, "yes." I place my book down to give her my full attention. "I need a massive favour." I swivel my chair to face her whose hovering by the printer, "I need you to take Mondays night shift." Her gaze focused on the printer, "why?"

I'd never say no, I love working in the library, especially at night. From 6pm to midnight the floors quiet, no ones ever in the library that late, and if they are they don't bother me. I got the job during my first year, I met Angela a week later— when I'm not home I'm in the library.

"I've got a date," she turns to face me, brushing her red hair out of her face. "And whose the lucky girl?" I smile as her cheeks redden, "her names Layla." Angela smiles and I watch how her dimples appear, her freckles now fading as the cold weather takes over. "Of course I'll take your shift," her smile widens as she claps in enjoyment. "That also means you'll be here alone, I hope that's okay?"

"It's only a night shift, not a lot happens," she laughs as she passes me the warm piece of paper she's just printed. "What is this?" I ask before examining the paper, "tutors for english, I figured because you're an English major you'll sign up." Her smile beaming, "I don't have time for this, I'm sorry." I shrug before handing her back the list.

"Please Liz, I'll owe you." She winks before placing the paper back in front of me. Grabbing a pen she rolls it over to me. "Come on, you love lit," I do love literature. It's my passion. "And you know the syllabus, Romeo and Juliet," Angela picks my book up, "come on, you can't turn Shakespeare down." I roll my eyes before writing down my name and contact details, "you owe me big time!" I point the pen at her, "thank you!" She wraps her arms around my shoulders, patting her hand she releases me.

"You are amazing!" She takes the pen and paper from me before stapling the list to the board by the front desk. "Don't worry Liz, you only have to take on one, I'll get more volunteers." I laugh, "I'm only doing one," I hold up a finger.

"Parting is such sweet sorrow," Angela starts reciting, "that I shall say goodnight till it be morrow." I hold back my laugh as I watch her attempt to recite Shakespeare. "Give me my Romeo, and when I shall die, take him and cut him out in little stars."

"How poetic," I clap as she bows. "Will you give this whole speech to Layla?" Angela laughs loud before quickly covering her mouth as students who pass watch. "I'm not the one who gets off on Shakespeare." I gasp dramatically, "don't kink shame me." She holds her hands up, "believe me, I'm not one too." I swivel my chair back to the desk, as I move the computers mouse to stop the screen from going black.