Only, Always, and Forever You

5 - Ford Bronco

Amara's POV:

I originally came to the library to be alone, but now I'm listening to Cole Anderson recite stupid jokes from a kids book.

And I'm laughing at every single one.

I don't know why he's talking to me, and I don't even really know why he's here, of all places. But he is, and I'm not complaining.

As I sit here, listening and laughing, I really don't get all of those rumors about him being rude and arrogant. Sure, he wasn't the nicest to Ms. Greene last period, but he seems to be acting nice right now. If people got to know the side of him I'm seeing right now, I'm sure they wouldn't think of him as being so rude.

I guess time slips away from us, and before we know it the bell rings again, dismissing us from school. Today was a Friday, so it was now officially the weekend.

Something in me is a little sad once I realize that my time with Cole has come to an end. I suppose he feels the same as his slight smile starts to fade and he closes the book in his lap.

I didn't look at his face before, but now I find myself taking in his features: every little detail.

His shaggy, dark brown hair is just long enough to cover his forehead, but too short to block his rich green eyes from view. His face is lightly dotted with freckles, and I can tell from here that his tan skin is soft and smooth. His ears are pierced and have diamond studs adorning them, which I have no doubt are real gems.

He is no longer wearing his AirPods, and his eyes have stayed on me the entire time we've been here. He's probably just curious as to who I am since he obviously doesn't remember me. Nothing else. It's never anything else.

When my eyes meet his, I'm quick to look away, attempting to hide the blush on my face. Of course, the one time I actually look at someone, they catch me. Embarrassing. I cringe at the thought.

"So," he says lowly, snapping me out of my thoughts, "I'm going to head out."

"O-oh yeah, I should probably go too, the subway should be leaving soon, anyway." I softly smile at him before turning to get my backpack.

I stand up, but before I can leave I feel a large hand gently wrap around my arm, "Wait," he says.

I look down at my arm where his hand is holding onto me. My skin warming immediately where his hand is placed. I blush even more.

"You don't have a car?" he asks.

A car? Hah! He must really have no idea who I am.

"No, I- uh- I don't," I stutter quietly, still keeping my eyes glued to his hand placement.

"Well, um," he lets go of my arm and bring his hand up to rub the back of his neck, "I could probably give you a ride. If you're okay with that, of course."

What are people talking about? He is actually really nice once you get to know him...

"Oh," I start, finally looking up to his eyes, "I would really appreciate that, but you don't have to if you don't want—"

"I wouldn't have offered if I didn't want to, Amara," he cuts me off with a soft smile.

My name leaving his lips renders me speechless, so all I can reply with is a gentle nod and smile.

He quickly runs back to grab his bag and return the Book of Jokes to the shelf before coming back to me and leading me out of the library.

We silently exit the school, which is already empty of kids who were eager to leave for the weekend. As we walk out of the front doors, I tell him my address so that he knows where to drive me.