Chapter 5: ElizaAfter reading Lucy's story, I had almost three hours to kill before I had to meet Elliot at the library. I decided to make use of my spare time by continuing the book in the series I had recently started reading called Crank. I only had about fifty pages left, so I would probably return the book later. Deciding I'll go to the library early, I picked up my tote bag, throwing in the book, my house keys, and other necessities. With my earphones in and my phone tucked into my pocket, I sang softly to myself as I started the twenty minute walk to the local library. "We built our own house, own house, with our hands over our heart. And we swore on that day, that it will never fall apart."
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I had just finished Crank and returned it. The sweet, familiar face of Linda, the librarian, smiled at me kindly. I was a regular around here, so she always made sure to keep me up to date on all the new Young Adult books that came in. The library was actually pretty small, but it had a cozy feel to it. My favorite part, of course, was the teenage area. It was decorated very colorful and fun, and the bean bags were a bonus!
Today, I was looking for a good book for the week, my finger skimming over the smooth bindings as I read the titles. One of my favorites quickly stood out to me as I grabbed it: Impulse. This book never failed to make me cry.
When I picked out the book, it left a gap on the shelf, where the book was. Through it, I realized I could see onto the other side. Suddenly, a familiar face appeared, the familiar blue eyes meeting my plain, brown eyes. My eyes widened in shock as I fell to my knees, my hands falling to the ground to support my fall. Shutting my eyes, I leaned back against the bookshelf lightly.
Seconds later, I felt a hand on my arm, causing me to snap my eyes open. "E-Elliot?"
He quickly smiled. "Hey," he simply said. "You're here early," he commented, pointing out how it was only twelve o'clock.
"Uh, y-yeah," I stuttered. Great, I'm making a complete fool of myself in front of the one person who doesn't think badly of me. Yet... I thought. He stuck a hand out to me. I started at it quizzically, wondering what it was for. Then I realized I was still on the floor. I quickly grabbed it, letting him help me up.
"Eager to meet me, I see?" he teased.
I laughed, dryly. "Shall we study?" I asked, hoping this wouldn't take too long.
"Definitely." He tucked his hand into his pocket before walking with me towards the bean bags. "You don't mind sitting on the bean bags?" he asked, worried. I shook my head. Aw, I thought. That was kind of him to ask. He smiled in return before sitting in a plain, black one while I settled for the black and white zebra printed one.
"What are you lost on?" I asked.
"Can you explain just the basics of the whole DNA and RNA thing? I wasn't here when she explained the basics, so right now, what she taught Friday makes no sense to me." He had his Biology textbook and binder in front of him, neat notes opened.
"Well, DNA is the genetic material found in the nucleus of most cells. It has four nitrogenous bases: adenine, thymine, guanine, and cytosine. Adenine and thymine always pair up, while cytosine and guanine always go together. Any pairing mistakes can lead to mutations.
"However, RNA consists of adenine, cytosine, guanine, and uracil. Uracil takes the place of thymine. RNA and DNA have many differences. The three main differences are that RNA is single stranded while DNA is a double-helix, RNA's sugar is ribose while DNA's sugar is deoxyribose, and lastly, there is no thymine in RNA, but uracil. Did you get that?" I questioned. I expected Elliot to look at me confused, but rather, he looked like he actually understood what I explained.
YOU ARE READING
Alone
Teen Fiction• they told you to never talk to people on the internet because they could be liars and ruin your life. but what they didn't tell you was that they could be some of the best people you'll ever meet and save your life. •