Five Words

Chapter 6

~Ace

Three years earlier...

Eric nudges my arm forcing me to look at him, "Hot chick, nine o'clock." He whispers in my ear.

I let my book down to look at her. All the air is forced out of my lungs when I lay eyes on her. She is the most beautiful girl I have ever seen, and even if I say more, it wouldn't do her justice.

"Okay, I know she is hot, but when she sees you drooling, she won't look at you." He laughs, and I want to look away, but I am transfixed.

She is tracing the shelf with the tip of her finger, her eyes scanning the titles of the books, looking for a specific one. Her hair is soft brown, like the bark of an oak tree, not really dark, but gentle in the light. Her eyes are the type of brown that is like sweet chocolate, so sweet, so beautiful. She is wearing a short white dress that stops right before her knees, the dress brings out the color of her eyes.

"Seriously dude, stop staring." He pulls on my hair and forces it back to the book.

"Who is she?" I ask him as I push his hand away.

"I don't know. I have never seen her in the library, like ever. Maybe she is new."

"How would you know if she comes here? You don't come here unless you have an exam." I chuckle and push him away.

"Why would I come here if it was not for my exams?"

"First, it is, if it were not for my exams." I correct him, "And second, to read and educate yourself you, idiot."

"Ace, I am--" He stops and his voice turns really low, "The hot chick is walking to us."

"Eric, this will not save you from the argument we--"

"Excuse me."

Eric shoots me an I-told-you-so look.

I slowly turn to face the beauty I have been inspecting earlier, "Hi." I say softly.

Fuck, she is more beautiful up close.

"Hi, I was looking for a book when the librarian told me that it is with you." She points at the book I have at hand.

"Oh?"

She rubs the back of her neck as she asks, "Yeah, I was wondering when could you give it to me after you finish, of course?"

"How about I give it to you tomorrow over coffee?" I ask her, hoping she will say yes.

"I don't even know you." She smiles at me but doesn't decline, which is a good sign.

"Neither do I. But that is how every good friendship starts, right?"

"Right." She chuckles and tucks a strand of her hair behind her ear, "I'm Sarah."

"Ace." I hold my hand out for her as I rise from my chair, and she takes it without hesitation, "Pleasure to meet you, Sarah."

My thumb caresses her smooth, white skin. Her cheeks turn a little red when I do so.

"Do I meet you here tomorrow?" She reluctantly pulls her hand away.

"Sure, I'll meet you here at ten?"

"Ten is perfect. I have to go now."

"Great, I am looking forward to seeing you." I smile at her, and my heart is about to jump out of my chest when she smiles back at me.

"Excuse my rudeness." She says as she extends her hand to shake Eric's hand, "I'm Sarah."

He grins and stands to shake her hand, "Yeah, I got that. I'm Eric."