Cravings

Opinions

I slipped the book into its correct spot on the shelf. I adjusted the towering pile of books cradled in my arms, threatening to topple over any minute. Biting my lip as I continued my job, I looked down as I walked to see where I had to go first. The author of the book was Maria Snyder, so I headed to the 'S' section, which was a bit of a trek considering I just exited the 'C' section.

The books wobbled in warning. Too late, I realized that the books had indeed begun to fall. I let out a squeak and stared at the books that now rested on the floor at rather odd angles. Oh no, no, no, no. If Miss Kate saw this she would kill me in my sleep. Falling to my knees, I reached out to grab the closest book.

But my hand landed upon another's. Freaked out that it was Miss Kate, I hurried to apologize. When I looked up however, I was surprised by amber coloured eyes, like pools of melted sunlight. My weak 'sorry' died in my throat. The big, amber eyes blinked, and light pink lips stretched into a smile. I saw they were moving, but didn't process what they were saying till several seconds after they were finished.

"Hey, thought you might like some help. My names Chester, by the way." Chester. He brushed his hair out of his eyes. His Hair. It was many different shades of Autumn; gold, brown, orange, red and yellow. When I said nothing, he seemed to get a little concerned. "Ah... you O.K?" I nodded and whispered, "my names' Vale." I pushed my glasses up my nose as Chester smiled again. "That's such a pretty name."

I blushed and looked down, embarrassed. And when I looked down, I saw Chester's hand again. He shifted his position, and his long sleeve lifted. A shocked gasp escaped my mouth, but I quickly snuffed it out with a hand. Scarlet stained linen wrapped around his right wrist. Immediately, my mind began to calculate, and I realized this meant he cut himself. Also the fact that he was most likely left-handed.

Without really thinking, I reached out to touch the bandage. Chester flinched, but I didn't retract my outstretched arm. "Why?" Was all I said, catching his sunlit gaze in my own. "His answer was simple. "I don't like myself very much. Neither do others." I've always been a very shy person, never speaking out about something I though was wrong. But I couldn't not say something, this boy had shown me kindness by stopping to help me where others would've just walked by, without a spare glance.

It took all my courage to say it, so it wasn't exactly a surprise when he asked, "pardon me?" I sucked in a deep breath, and, much slower this time, I whispered, "but I like you..." Silence. Then two warm but thin arms wrapped around my waist. Chester was hugging me. Chester was hugging me, kneeling in front of me, a messy pile of books between us.

And I hugged him back.

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Dedication to someone who lives on a mars bar XD