Lacuna ¹

16

Benedict still had his fingers intertwined with Amélie's as he led the way to the bookshop. He had to slow his pace so she could catch up to him with her short legs. He couldn't help but chuckle. It took them only twenty minutes to get to the main town by car. It was a quiet but enjoyable journey for them both but especially for Amélie. Benedict made sure she was completely comfortable before even getting in the car and then comforted her for the entire car journey by running his thumb over her knuckles as well as swirling small circles on her hand.

It made Amélie flush at the memory. Her feelings had become ever more strong. Almost everything he did made her stomach flutter and her cheeks flush. Every word that escaped his mouth was beautiful and every movement he made was strong and sure. He had protected her from family who she thought he would side with and he had decided to apologise to her by bringing her out for a book shopping day, it was so sweet. He was so perfect in his own way and it only made Amélie hope he would reciprocated her feelings, although she knew it was too soon to confess anything yet.

Walking from the parking lot that Benedict parked in the cold breeze was against them. Without noticing Amélie's body began to shake slightly. Although she didn't notice, Benedict did. He quickly unravelled his green scarf from his neck and instead wrapped it around Amélie's neck. That caught her attention and so she looked up at him. Benedict didn't notice her gaze as he was so focused on wrapping his scarf around her neck and being careful not to choke her.

"Que fais-tu? (What are you doing?)" She asked.

Benedict smiled. "Vous empêcher de geler, je ne peux pas laisser cela arriver (Keeping you from freezing, i can't let that happen)"

Amélie smile grew and she looked away so Benedict couldn't see her red cheeks but in truth he did and it made his dead heart start to beat again. They continued on their way. Benedict leading with Amélie trying to catch up to his long legs, while their hands were joined.

"Le voilà (There it is)"

Amélie raised her head from the ground at the sound of Benedict's voice. Looking at him then to his arm that was outstretched and his finger pointing to across the street. Amélie smiled brightly at the sight of the cute little book shop. It was a small red bricked building with small white windows and a large sign that had the words 'Fantasy World of Reading' in cursive across the top of the building, although the paint looked to be wearing away as the colour was no longer there and it looked like the building was about to collapse. She couldn't help but be excited for new books.

Amélie couldn't help but squeal in delight. "Qu'est-ce qu'on attend? Allons-y!! (What are we waiting for? Let's go!!)"

"D'accord ! D'accord ! Ralentissez ! (Okay! Okay! Slow down!)" Benedict laughed as Amélie pulled him - by his hand - across the road and towards the adorable little bookshop. Amélie wasted no time in pushing open the small door - a small bell ringing, signalling their arrival - and stepping inside. Benedict followed not far behind.

Amélie gasped as she looked around the small bookshop that was filled to the brim with books. Shelves upon shelves upon shelves were covered and scattered with hundreds of thousands of books. Every crack and every crevasse was filled with books of every sized and every colour. It was magical. There were so many books in such amazing conditions, it would make the school library look like a dump. She was in love.

Noticing her starstruck gaze Benedict felt a feeling of pride swell in his chest for making her feel the way she did. He hoped she would love it as much as he thought and he was right and he couldn't feelings more proud of himself. Squeezing their conjoint hands to capture her attention - to which it did - he pointed over to the farthest corner of the shop with his free hand.