Morose

Chapter One

I push my cart of books by a few students writing in notebooks at a table. I yawn. The silence of a library used to be so peaceful to me. Nowadays, it makes staying awake at work that much harder. I don't have any classes that come in for an elective period today, so at least my hangover won't be irritated by rowdy students. The only students in here right now actually want to be here.

I stop the cart in front of my desk and take a seat at my computer. As soon as I move the mouse, I notice a message from Wyatt.

My morning sucks.

Why? I type back.

My truck nearly overheated on me.

I hear the door to the hallway open and I look up as the sound of footsteps trails off. Just a student leaving the library. I turn my attention back to my keyboard and type, Oh shit. That would be bad.

I had to pull into a parking lot. Filled it. Saw it start leaking out.

I click my tongue even though I know he can't hear me. I don't know anything about cars so I simply type, That really sucks. After I press send, I think about it and decide to add, Didn't this happen before?

Once again, the door to the hallway opens and the sounds of chatting and walking fills my library. How annoying it is to be right near the cafeteria. Suddenly the lunch bell sounds as Mara walks in, carrying two cups of coffee. I'm grateful for her.

She slides one across the desk for me and leans an elbow on the edge. She stretches her hips out and rolls her shoulders. Then asks, "How's your day going?"

I shrug, then comment, "You let your class out early for lunch."

Mara sips her coffee and shrugs too. "It's the last Friday of the school year. We both don't care."

I chuckle and sip mine; letting the warmth slide down my throat. I needed that.

My laptop lights up to notify me that Wyatt replied. Sure did. But the first time was bad. I actually let the needle hit red and nearly blew the radiator.

I simply reply with, Yikes.

"Want to get food?" Mara pulls her long red hair into a ponytail. I notice her shirt lifts up a little and then she rubs her stomach.

"I'll come with you but I'm still not really in the mood to eat anything."

Just then my phone begins to vibrate. Incoming call from Wyatt.

"Hey," I answer.

"So I was waiting for my boss to bring me another truck," He jumps right in, "but they're sending some other guys out here. Do you want to come get me? I'll buy you food."

"Only if Mara can tag along. She's hungry." I say. Mara smiles.

"I'm not paying for Mara." He says. I imagine him rolling his eyes and I laugh a little.

Once I hang up the phone, I pick up my bag and keys. Mara holds both of our coffees and follows me around the library as I make sure there aren't any students in here before we leave.

As we walk out and I'm locking the door behind us, Mara asks, "Why haven't you slept with Wyatt?"

My eyes widen and I look around to check for students that might possibly be in earshot. There aren't any.

"The same reason I haven't slept with you." I reply with sass.

Mara scoffs and chuckles, then hands me my coffee. "Okay, fair point."

I give a soft smile and sip my coffee.

We walk down the empty hallway and the sound of our footsteps is drowned out by the chatter of students eating lunch. As we turn toward the parking lot, the noise fades slightly and I sigh as I say, "Wyatt and I are friends. That's why. Plus he has Brooke."