'Time's up!' the librarian's whispered warning cut through my focus. I packed my bag, my mind still lost in the pages of my book. But stepping out into the rain-drenched night, the darkness swallowed me whole.
The streets were deserted, the rhythmic beat of raindrops on my hood the only sound. I quickened my pace, shadows stretching out before me like skeletal fingers. My phone buzzed in my pocket, a flurry of missed calls from Aria. A shiver ran down my spine. What was going on? Why was she calling me so frantically?
Turning onto the isolated road, the streetlights flickered above me like fireflies. I felt a presence lurking just out of sight. I ran faster, the rain-soaked world blurring around me. But the feeling intensified, until I was sure I was being watched.
Great, Aria's going to tell Momma that I'm late again. But it wasn't my fault! The villain was about to kidnap the main character, and I got lost in the book. I should hurry.
I heard a slithering sound, my heart racing. Calm down, Ira, you're being paranoid again. I told myself, trying to keep my heart rate normal. But then I saw it - a massive snake blocking my path.
I froze, my heart racing. Where did it come from? Why was it here? My legs felt like lead. The snake's beady eyes seemed to be staring right through me, and I felt a chill run down my spine.
The snake seemed frozen in place, its beady eyes still fixed on me. I didn't wait to find out if it would strike - I turned and ran with all my might. My legs pumped furiously, devouring the distance. But, my habit of running late seemed to be the only thing I was winning at.
I didn't dare look back, fearing what I might see. My heart still racing, I kept my focus on the path ahead, my breath coming in ragged gasps. Finally, I saw the familiar lights of my neighborhood up ahead and knew I was safe. I slowed to a stop, my legs trembling with exhaustion and relief.
I knocked on the door, shivering and soaked to the bone. 'Aria, come on! Open the door! I'm all wet!' I called out, trying to keep my teeth from chattering.
The door creaked open, and Aria's worried face appeared. 'Ira, what happened? You're drenched!'
I stumbled inside, dripping water all over the floor. 'I got caught in the rain... and then I saw a snake... and I ran...' I trailed off, still trying to catch my breath.
Aria's eyes widened. 'A snake? Where?'
I shook my head, still shivering. 'On the way home. I don't know where it came from.'
Aria quickly grabbed a towel and wrapped it around my shoulders. 'Come on, let's get you dry and warm. We can talk about it later.'
Just then, I heard a clicking sound, and Aria appeared in front of me, looking like an angry bird ready to eat me. 'Where have you been all this time? Why didn't you receive my calls? Why didn't you call back? Why are you wet? You'll catch cold!' She bombarded me with questions.
'Chill, first, let me in. I'm feeling cold.' I sneezed loudly, getting inside as I got in the house, the warm air engulfing me, and the smell of freshly baked cookies reaching my nostrils.
Aria's expression changed from anger to concern as I sneezed again, my eyes watering. 'Oh, Ira, I'm so sorry! Come in, come in! Get warm!' She ushered me towards the living room, where a cozy fire crackled in the fireplace.
I collapsed onto the couch, feeling the warmth seep into my bones. The aroma of freshly baked cookies wafted from the kitchen, making my stomach growl with hunger. Aria disappeared for a moment, returning with a steaming mug of hot chocolate and a plate of cookies.
'Here, drink this. And eat something. You're shivering like a leaf!' She handed me the mug and plate, her eyes still sparkling with concern.
I took a sip of the hot chocolate, feeling the warmth spread through my chest. 'Ahh, thanks, Aria. I'm so sorry I worried you. I got lost in the book and lost track of time...'
Aria raised an eyebrow. 'Lost in the book? You mean you were reading again? Ira, you know you can't just ignore your phone and disappear like that! What if something happened to you?'
I sighed, knowing I was in for a lecture. But the warmth, cookies, and hot chocolate were worth it."
YOU ARE READING
INFATUATED HATE
Romance"Cloaked in the shadows of his ruthless world, he finds her - a burst of color in his monochrome existence. She is his rainbow, the one he despises with a fervor as intense as his desire. In the delicate balance between love and loathing, their tumu...
