A t l a s

Dane

He watched Ruby write down the notes the teacher had written on the board, because He's not creepy.

He watched her brown hair fall over her shoulder as she leaned down towards her paper.

She never spoke, but it's not like He ever did either.

Her pen moved quickly, unlike his, that sat still on top of his paper.

When the bell rang, they all got up to leave.

Ruby's hair was still hiding her delicate features as she got her backpack to leave.

She was graceful, taking her time to put her papers and books into her backpack neatly.

While he was messy, cramming loose papers and random pencils into his bag, so he wouldn't miss her walk out.

Before she even had a chance to walk out, Dane stopped her.

H-hey. Uh.. you want to sit with me at lunch?

Really, Dane, really, he thought.

But it was too late to change anything.

She looked up at him with big, brown Bambi eyes and nodded slightly.

They walked silently to lunch, while Dane had a strong urge to hold her hand.

He didn't.

He couldn't.

He took her outside, instead of the cafeteria, where they sat under a tree, that was just starting to bloom.

She looked down, and bit her lip.

Dane could tell she was uncomfortable.

Ruby!

Someone called to her.

A girl who was in his history class.

Naomi.

When Ruby turned, her soft hair swept over her face again, like it had did in the classroom.

Thanks.

Naomi handed Ruby a cellphone- probably hers.

Naomi looked at Dane.

Then at Ruby.

And smiled.

She gave a quick wave to Ruby as she skipped off.

Ruby looked up just at Dane smiled at her.

She smiled back.

A sweet, angelic, breathtaking smile that knocked the wind out of Dane.

Why..did you want to sit with me?

Her voice was breakable.

soft, delicate, sweet weren't the right words to describe her voice.

Why wouldn't I?

Well you just never asked before.

Her voice came out soft and almost...hopeful.

Dane wondered why.

i find you interesting.

Her eyes widened and she blushed and looked down.

a few seconds went by until Dane said:

This is boring.

Ruby looked down.

Sorry...

No...i didn't mean it like that...i meant we should go somewhere.

Dane said with a small smile.

He stood up and held out his hand.

she took it nervously.

her hands were small.

they walked to his car without a word.

he opened the door for her and smiled.

she smiled back.

They pulled up to a small restaurant that looks deserted.

He used to go here with him mom when he was little.

It always looked run down and abandoned.

But Dane didn't mind.

Once he opened the door for her, he couldn't even wait any longer to ask her.

Do you um...want to go out with me?

She stared at him shocked,

but then let out a quiet and delighted 'yes'.

==

Finally have the first chapter uploaded! I'm so excited to be starting this book and I really do hope you enjoy it. I figured the first chapter should be about the couple mentioned on the cover. Don't forget to leave some feedback, so I know what you guys think!

SOTC (stands for song of the chapter) ~ 'Ruby' by Halsey