❝ Why do I feel like I'm just a chapter in your book while you're my entire story? ❞
❝ Well, you're obviously wrong, because you're my entire novel, cover to cover. ❞
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A blank canvas. That's how my life was. Until she took my hand...
14. chapter fourteen: lifting my girl is easier than carrying a feather.
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Serena was cutting out random shapes as I cleared the desk. I picked up the waste cutouts and gathered them.
"Do you want any help?" the girl volunteered.
I shook my head with a smile.
"I've got it under control!" I declared, earning a soft smile. I quickly worked my way through and had most of the area cleared up. When everything was in the trash, except for the tiniest bits that couldn’t be picked up, I slumped into my seat.
"Water?" Serena offered her water bottle, and I took it gratefully before gulping down a huge sip. It cooled its way down my throat, and I felt a bit of energy return.
My instincts screamed when I sensed Serena looking at me. I turned to her. A flustered expression crossed her face, and she pushed a stray lock of hair behind her ear, turning away. Was it time yet?
I opened my mouth to speak, but she beat me to it. "I hope Professor Sycamore will be happy with the arrangement." She had a faraway look in her eye as she gazed at the empty soft board. I reached out to take her hand, hesitated for a moment, then gently placed my right palm on her shoulder. She didn’t flinch, though she turned to look me in the eye.
"We’ve all got expectations, and sometimes they go wrong. However," I paused, shifting in my seat, "we’ve all given our best, and I think Professor Sycamore’s the kind of guy who appreciates effort."
Serena nodded with a happy smile. The music shifted from The One That Got Away by Katy Perry to What Makes You Beautiful by One Direction.
"Hey, I love this song," I said.
Serena looked incredulous.
"Really? Who does it remind you of?"
I blushed and foolishly realized I had paved the way for her questioning. "Well," I stammered, running a hand through my hair. It's now or never. I cleared my throat and looked her straight in the eye, not trusting my voice, but wearing a bright smile.
Serena blinked in response, not quite grasping the meaning of my stare. She opened and closed her mouth, gaping like a goldfish.
"Oh."
There was an awkward silence, and I felt pessimistic thoughts flood my mind. What’d you do?! You were supposed to consult Brock before confessing!
"Oh!" Serena exclaimed again, shaking me out of my thoughts. She took my arm, looked me in the eye, and smiled beautifully.
"I’m so honored to be remembered with a song as pretty as this one!"
I tried, hopelessly, to beat down the heat rising to my cheeks as my stomach lurched. "W-well, you were the one who told me songs remind you of people!"
