The Eastwood Archives is not a place to be crying your heart out after a heartbreak.
No, definitely not when the said public library houses endless rumors of a weird Library Ghost that appears at midnight.
But when Ebony Suarez, a graduating college...
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I just hate going through the process.
I know there's a saying that we just need to "trust the process" and everything will be alright. It's the favorite quote of one of my Math teachers from high school whenever we're tasked to solve the gritty problems that nobody uses in real life anyway. But why did no one tell me what to do what I can't "trust the process" because I have trust issues?
"So, you're going home? Right now?"
Julie suddenly appeared beside me the moment I stepped out of English class. I immediately checked the time and remembered Ronan and I were supposed to do something before he helped me with my book review.
"Yeah. Why'd you ask?"
Julie whistled and started nervously checking her phone screen. It wasn't like her to look so agitated now that the day was over. If anything, she hates college as much as the next person.
"Well, I just thought we could hang out. You know, like good old times? There's an ice cream shop nearby that serves the mint ice cream you adore so much," she bribed and nudged my arm. "So, what do you say? My treat!"
Mint ice cream is tempting. I can't remember the last time I've had that, especially since I've moved here to Eastwood.
But I just can't shake off the feeling that there's more to it. With my hand still gripping the strap of my bag as we walked to where I parked my rented bike, I turned to Julie with squinted and suspicious eyes.
"I think I'll pass, Julie."
"Then how about we do stargazing later? I heard that some meteor shower will be visible in Eastwood at midnight."
Stargazing? That's pretty random, even for her.
"I have so much to do right now."
"Oh, come on! And don't give me that excuse," she sighed. "I dropped by your apartment and noticed you weren't there. Where have you been spending the nights? Be honest with me."
My eyes widened when she said that, but I forced myself to act casual. Surely, there's no way she can tell I wasn't inside!
"I-I was just asleep. Maybe I didn't hear you knock or something," I reasoned out, praying to all the gods of excuses out there to grant me this one.
But it seems like Julie wasn't having any of it. Before I could hop onto my bike, I saw her cross her arms over her chest and stare at me like a parent who just caught their child doing illegal things.
"Ebony, I knew you weren't there. I've been visiting you for the past three nights and the lights were always off even at 7 PM! Are you...?"
"J-Julie, cut it out. It's not what you think---!"
"...secretly meeting up with someone? Like a boyfriend? Oh, gosh! Please don't tell me it's that asshole River!"
I let out a sigh, not knowing I was holding my breath in the first place. Between thinking River and I had something and Julie discovering my secret rendezvous inside the public library to meet Ronan, I'd rather be accused of hooking up with that playboy.
