The Bookstore

(14) Overheard

Lily

The morning sun filters through the large windows of the bookstore, casting warm, golden light across the wooden floors. The air is filled with the scent of fresh coffee and old paper, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Shelves are neatly organized, with books of all sizes and colors. A large table in the center is covered with documents, maps and old letters. Jack, Sophie and I are gathered around, focused on our investigation.

Jack is wearing a simple white T-shirt and dark jeans, paired with a light grey jacket. His dark brown hair is slightly messy, giving him a rugged look. Sophie is dressed in a casual yet stylish outfit, she wears a pastel pink blouse tucked into high-waisted jeans, with her hair pulled back in a neat ponytail. And I'm just wearing a comfortable yet chic outfit, consisting a navy blue sweater and black leggings. And, as usual, my auburn long hair loose and falling down my back.

We are deeply engrossed in our work, meticulously going through each document to find any clues that could help us unlock the safe we found at the old mill. The table is cluttered with papers and old photographs. We are taking notes and discussing our findings.

"This letter mentions something about a key. Could it be related to the safe?" Jack asks.

"Possibly, but we need to find more details. Maybe there's a hidden message in these maps."

***

After a few hours of intense investigation, Jack decides to step outside for some fresh air. He stands up and stretches, feeling the need to clear his mind a bit, I guess.

"I'm going to step outside for a moment. Need to clear my head."

"Alright, don't wander off too far. We might need you back in here."

The bookstore is quieter now, with just Sophie and me inside. We continue working but the atmosphere feels more relaxed. The sun continues to stream in, casting long shadows across the floor. The ticking of a nearby clock provides a rhythmic background noise.

But suddenly, she glances at me, sensing that something is on my mind.

"Lily, you've been awfully quiet. What's going on?"

"It's nothing, really. Just...thinking about Jack." I hesitate to say it, but I end up doing it.

I sit back, sighing as I look at the papers spread out in front of me. I fidget with a pen, my expression a mix of confusion and contemplation.

"He's so persistent. Always around, always trying to help. It's like he's obsessed with me."

"He definitely has a thing for you. It's obvious to everyone. We noticed the second he came to the bookstore the first day. You're the only one blind here, plus, he doesn't even try to hide it the slightest." She says while nodding at my words.

She leans in closer, speaking in a softer tone. Her eyes are serious, reflecting her concern for me.

"But you know, it's not just a crush. He genuinely cares. Maybe he's a bit intense, but his heart is in the right place."

"I don't know, Sophie. It's just... a lot. I'm not sure if I'm ready for someone like him." I answer, sighing while looking down at the pen I'm fidgeting in my fingers constantly. My voice softens as I speak, revealing a hint of vulnerability for this topic. I look down to trace the edge of a map with my fingertips.

"Sometimes, I feel like I'm starting to like him. But then I remember how obsessed he is, and it scares me a little."

"It's okay to feel conflicted. Just take your time and figure out what you really want."

Jack

I'm standing right outside the bookstore, I haven't gone anywhere. I'm leaning against the wall of the bookstore. I'm just within earshot of the open window, where I "accidentally" overheard the conversation between Sophie and Lily.

The cool morning air brushes against my face as I listen, my heart pounding with each word I hear. As I hear Lily's words, a mixture of emotions flood me - surprise, hurt and a strange sense of validation. I clench my fists, trying to process the feelings coursing through me.

"So, she thinks I'm obsessed? Maybe I am. But I care about her. I just need to show her that." I say to myself as an internal monologue. I haven't tried once to hide my obsession for her. And I'm not planning on doing it. I'm winning over her, she said she sometimes thinks she likes me. It's just a matter of time she falls for me like a whisper in the night.

I wait and decide when's the right moment to get inside again, my mind racing with a million thoughts. All about her. And only her.

I walk back into the bookstore, trying to act normal despite the emotions swirling inside me. I join them in the table, sitting next to Lily like I always do. My expression is determined but slightly strained. I could sense she was slightly tense, probably worried I've heard something, worried I've heard those words coming out of her mouth.

"Alright, I'm back. Let's get back to work." I simply say, not giving them any sign of suspicion, just acting normal. The three of us dive back into our investigation, but I can't help but feel the atmosphere feels more charged, more tense. Like the air we breath has been consumed. We sift through the documents, sharing our findings and discussing the theories in our heads.

"I found another letter. This one mentions a hidden chamber beneath the town square."

"That might be worth checking out. Let's see if we can find any maps that show the exact location."

***

As the morning turns into afternoon, we gather our findings and make a plan for our next steps. The table is covered with notes, maps and photographs, a testament to our hard work and dedication.

"We've got a lot of leads. Tomorrow, we should split up and cover more ground."

"Agreed. We're getting closer to something big, I can feel it."

The sun starts to set, casting a warm glow over the bookstore. We decide to call it a day, each of us feeling determined yet exhausted. The atmosphere is one of camaraderie again, but I can't help but notice how Lily keeps looking at the ground every time she can, and how she's quieter.

"Let's get some rest. We've got a long day ahead of us tomorrow."

"Yeah... we'll need all our energy. See you both in the morning."