Thomas O'Sullivan & Edith Montgomery

Study

She was in the library, studying. Her pretty brown, wavy, just-below-shoulder length hair fell like a curtain over her face. I kept glancing at her. I couldn't concentrate. She was a pretty mystery that I wanted to solve, but couldn't quite figure out.

She stood up and stretched her slim arms out, her back now towards me. She gathered up her things and went, leaving me gaping after her. 

How could I get her? How could I try to be with her? She was always there, in my mind, trampling on my thoughts, taking over my senses. I couldn't focus on my philosophy studies, and the big question of life. My only question was: Edith, how would I get to her heart.

Lunch came, the bell rang and people ran to the dining hall. All except Edith, who came out behind the gaggle of girls. This was my chance. I approached her with a shy, but confident manner.

"Hello." I greeted. She stared at me.

Now what.

"I'm... er... er..." I stammered, feeling my face grow bright red. She stood there, expressionless, her blue eyes patiently looking at me, waiting for me to say something.

"Was there something you wanted to say?" She asked softly, without a smile. I gaped at her, mouth half open.

"You... er... I... um... there's.... a... er... hair looks nice." I mumbled quietly, too quietly.

"Sorry, I can't quite hear what you're saying." She interrupted. I blinked.

"G... g... going to l... lunch?" I faltered, sounding like an idiot.

"No. I'm not much of a lunch person." She replied.

"Neither am I." I agreed foolishly, even though my stomach was practically digesting itself.

"Right." She added and walked off. When she was gone, I scuffed my shoe on the floor and spun around on the spot, tearing my hair out.

"Hair looks nice." I spat, and went off to lunch.

Now it was the end of the day, we were all packing up from our History class. I stared at her as with just a few swift movements, she gathered everything she needed. But, her name was called by Miss Evans.

"Edith Montgomery. Stay just a moment." She ordered. "You too, Thomas."

My face went bright red.

Bill patted me on the shoulder. "Good luck." He whispered and ran off.

What was going on?

Miss beckoned me over with her finger, and I clumsily made my way to her.

She turned to Edith. "Miss Montgomery, have you met Thomas O'Sullivan?" She asked.

Edith shook her small, pretty head.

"Right, well, I want you to borrow his notes. He is the best student in year 12, and you need to catch up in time for next week's exam." She instructed. "Thomas, can I trust you to help her study for it?" She enquired.

I stood there, my mouth half open.

"Er... er... y... yep." I stammered.

"Good. Edith, is this alright with you?" She asked.

"Of course." Edith replied delicately.

"Good, you are dismissed." And Edith rushed away. I rushed after her.

"Wait! Edith Montgomery." Having called her name so loudly, she stopped abruptly.

"What? Has something happened?" She questioned.

"Er... er... n... no. I just... I... I just wondered when you wanted to get started on the revision and things." I began, trying to hold my gaze with hers. She hesitated, then stood up straighter.

"I've got to go." And with that, she was gone.