I flip another page, finding the book in my hands as some sort of source of a ground breaking, life changing revelation.
The library isn't quite, but as I delve deeper into the book, all noise fades into the background.
I thank for the millionth time my mind's ability to drown everything and everyone else when I concentrate on something with all my heart.
It does backfire at times, like blocking out the sound of the alarm in the morning.
I find my mind to be like sherlock. It forgets what it finds unimportant, it blocks the noise it finds disturbing.
I've found myself in quite a few sticky situations due to this 'gift'...
Dude, are you even listening to me?
Tring tring
Psst... Eva... psst!
Why didn't you reply when I called you!?!
Honk!!!.. crash! ... (jk)
As I flip page after page, I devour the words I read. I can feel the words changing me. I know by the end of the book, I'll never be the same person again.
Each chapter is a story of a different person. As I start a new story, I delve into the life of a new person. A person who was just like I am at the moment- ordinary. Yet this person goes on to become someone extraordinary.
Each story is a true story.
I underline my favourite quotes.
I am fascinated by each person's words. I realise just how similar we all are.
We all have dreams. We all want them to come true. These people succeeded in turning their dreams into reality.
My mind is whirring with ideas, spurred on by inspirational words. I think of everything that I can do.
I have no one to stop me.
I have nothing to lose.I have everything to gain.
I wonder where this book has been all my life.
I feel like I can change the world.
--
"How do you find it?"
The masculine teen voice doesn't startle me though it does bring me out of my reverie.
It's not one of a friend but it is familiar.
I look up to find a guy from my grade sitting across from me.
I could go for a very generic response right now. After all, I don't know this guy. I don't know if he is genuinely interested to know about the book or is just making conversation to kill time.
I would have just said 'it's alright' but there's a gleam in his eyes which stops me.
As if he is privy to the magical secrets the book holds.
"Like a treasure."
My response causes his lips quirk up into a small smile.
"I think this is going to be the start of something wonderful."
"You read my mind."
I smile back.
-
His eyes light up as we continue our conversation, get to know each other and toss around ideas. He talks excitedly about what all we can do.
We talk about impossible goals and even the most mundane things.
Whether it be starting a business, spreading awareness in school about being decent human beings, achieving your full potential, camping trips, music, sports or politics, no topic seems beyond the realm of discussion for us.
I realise that I have found a companion with the same dream as mine- to change the world. We both realise we can only do that by first improving ourselves.
I know in that moment that this is the start of something life changing as I find my face holding a similar light reflected in his eyes.
---------------
The book is supposed to be 'Chicken Soup for the soul: Extraordinary Teens' but it wouldn't fit in with the flow of the chapter. So this is for those who want to know.
