A Week With You

III

November 26/ 12:05

"I'm Hallie Jones, nice to meet you"

I said as bravely as I could while finally looking at him.

He gave me a warm smile as he shook my hand as well.

"Now that we are both properly acquainted, would you mind sharing to me your top three favorite books Hallie?" he said while letting go of my hand and in return gave me a sly smirk.

"Well, like I said the books I read might not be up your alley Hero. They might bore you out of your mind and you might never read again" I said trying to convince him not take any recommendations from me. I truly am flattered with his inquisition but I don't want to have a reason to get mad at him just because he hates my favorite book.

"Take what I say on a reader's perspective will you?" he said seriously and it made want to laugh. I really can't believe this, Hero James reads books and now he's about to give me some reader's advice on a whim. Now that is something.

"Ok, sure. Fire away wise, old philosopher." I said stifling a laugh while walking towards a chair in the corner for me to sit on.

"Well as reader, one should never provoke the idea of acquiring new genres to encounter. They should be open towards the fact that there are millions of amazing books out there that one can only dream of reading. Thus, in conclusion dearest Hallie, as a reader myself I am willing to go on a different journey towards exploring a stranger's favorite books in order for me to not be stuck on the same plots and genres... So try me if you will." he said with the utmost seriousness in his tone and a glint of excitement in his eyes.

Did he just go on full philosophical mode on me? This guys is truly unpredictable and surprisingly smart. I may be wrong by judging him through what the media tries to portray of his over all character but you can never really judge a book by its cover and Hero just proved to me how stupid I was by doing so.

I raised my hands in defeat and stood up to lead him to where my favorite book is.

"Okay, just a little heads up Hero. I only have one favorite book not three. No book has ever surpassed such level of accomplishment." I said while stopping on my tracks to face him and he was looking at me with an expression of disbelief and astonishment.

"How come, Hallie? Like I said there are millions of amazing books out there why only choose one?" he said curiously while furrowing his brow.

"I haven't really came up with the reason as to why it's the only book I love but maybe if you read it you might understand me." Now I felt a whole lot of pressure, not only do I have to provide a reason for my choice but I also have to prove that this book is really insurmountable by others of it's kind.

"Okay, okay Hallie Jones. Show me this very special book of yours and let me indulge myself in all its greatness." he said while crossing his arms in his chest and smiling.

"What's the title of this book anyway?"

"The Song of Achilles" god I love this book so much. I cannot count how many times I've read it, which became a funny subject if you ask Sam. I knew this book was "it" for me when I just can't stop thinking about. The scenes are very vivid and Patroclus and Achilles were literal soulmates, and I just can't fathom how love is so powerful that even death can never take away something so precious. This book gave me a little hope, but I never really dwell with the idea of it. The story and its colorful words should stay within the pages.

As I made my way towards the Greek mythology section of the store I quickly spotted the book and I hastily made my way towards it.

"Here it is!" I said over excitedly as I finally made it to the shelf.