Echo

Ch. 3

It's now Monday and I'm still reeling from my encounter with Harry. I can't get those mesmerizing green eyes out of my head. The only thing that pulls me out of my daydreams is the fact that I'll never see him again. A one time encounter is all it was.

As I make my way to my job at the campus library, I can't help but wonder what I would do if I did see him again. Would he act like we never met? Would he actually not remember me? There was no way to tell, but it really didn't matter because who would ask me out? Sage got all the guys, I was just there for moral support. It never really bothered me because I don't need to be in a relationship where I'm taken advantage of, yet again.

I arrive at the library right on time as usual. My life is pretty routine, like a ballet that's been rehearsed a countless number of times. As I enter through the entryway I am taken aback as I see Sage sitting at a table. Not that seeing Sage where I work is out of the ordinary, but seeing Sage at the library, studying? Now that's a sight to see.

She looks up from her book, her curly red hair falling from her bun in tendrils that frame her delicate face. She sets the book that she had in her lap down on the table.

"Studying for a test?" I don't try to hide my surprise. "Is it the zombie apocalypse? Am I dreaming?"

"Would you shut up? I really need a good grade on this Bio test or I might fail the class."

I stare at her in utter disbelief. Sage has never cared about school, like, ever. She's always gotten good grades, i mean she had to to get accepted to Columbia, but it's always been known that this was where she was gonna go to school. Her father is part of the alumni so I mean she would have gotten a full ride here regardless of her grades. Me on the other hand, I had to fight for my spot. Sure my parents are rich, but money can't buy you everything, especially when you lose said money when your fathers company goes bankrupt.

I look back at sage and can tell this means a lot to her so I decide to save my goading for another time. Instead I roll my eyes and assume my position behind the checkout counter.

I've always loved books. The sense of leaving your body and becoming someone else is the most sensational feeling in the world. Being able to live vicariously through someone completely different each week creates an incredible escape from this terrible, cruel world. My unhealthy obsession with books led to an unhealthy obsession with writing leading to my choice to major in English literature. Books are what keep my head in the clouds instead of stuck in the past where my incredulous demons are restless. The library is my sanctuary.

Throughout the day students come and go, including Sage. We made plans to go to some bar at some place with some people. I just go along with whatever Sage wants to do. She's my guiding light.

Just as I'm about to leave I hear someone obnoxiously clear their throat. I turn around determined to not get in a fight 5 minutes before I leave for the day. As I turn, I come into full view of what I'm dealing with. It's not hard to recall those perfectly plump lips, chiseled jaw, and seductive jade eyes. My palms are already sweating and he hasn't even said anything. I don't know why I'm so nervous and why I feel like I have something to prove considering we shared one sloppy dance just a night ago.

My eyes roam up his chest to make contact with his eyes. When I'm finally met with his intense stare I'm left speechless, waiting for him to make the first move.

"Hi, I'd like to check these to books out please."

I'm hit with that gravelly voice that's rough yet calming at the same time. He begins to smirk at the excessive amount of time I'm taking to respond.

"H-hey Harry. Um oh just these two? Ok those will be due September 15."

I'm disgusted by the way my voice comes out. Shaky and uncertain, two things I haven't been for a long time.

"Thanks love. How've you been?"

I regain my composure and answer,"Since we last talked about a day ago Id say pretty good."

"That's good to hear. I've had a pretty hard time trying to get that night out of my head. You're really something Eden."

I can't help the small smile that plays on my lips. So he's had as hard of a time as I have.

"Which reminds me," he begins," I've been meaning to call and ask if you'd be interested in going out with me say, Friday?"

I can't help it, my stomach does little flips of excitement. I know it was only one drunken dance, but there was just something about him that drew me in like a fly to a web. I knew what my answer would be even before he asked. So I don't seem too eager I take my time pondering the question when I really needed no time to think at all.

"Friday sounds great."

And with that he said his goodbyes and left me standing there wishing that Friday would come tomorrow so I wouldn't have to endure a week without Harry.