The Weight of The Moon

Chapter Four

“Thanks.” I blushed and inwardly cringed. So far, The Guy had seen me do nothing but blush. Honestly Mr. The Guy, I swear, I’m not always this red, I thought.

He smiled back. Woah… “No problem.”

I composed myself enough to walk, and headed to my sofa. This time, I didn’t get pulled back.

Once sat down and comfortable, I reached into my bag and pulled out my book. The desirable smell of leather filled my nose instantly, along with the coffee, and I relaxed. My fingers fumbling, I found the ribbon attached to the book’s spine, and sought out the page I last read. After taking a sip of my coffee, I began reading, despite the overly large roar emanating from my stomach. 

I’d read no more than a few pages, when the light disappeared from the paper. I squinted, trying to make sense of the once distinguishable words. Frowning, I looked up, out to send a death stare in the direction of the darkness-bringer.

And it was The Guy.

He was stood before me, his dreamy smile beaming down towards me. 

“Mind if I sit?” He asked.

I tried to say, “Sure”, but I think it probably came out more like, “Umm… Ahh… Errmm… Yeah?”

Either way, he took a seat on the sofa across the table from me. “I’m Marlie, by the way.” He said, stretching out his arm over the table. I put down my book, and shook it.

“Selena.” I informed him.

“I was wondering if you needed help carrying more books? I saw you struggling.” He smirked.

I giggled. I giggled?! “I think I’m good, thanks.”

“So do you work here then?”

I shook my head no. I’d never wanted to work there. Sure, I loved spending time there, but would I enjoy it the same if I had to be there? “I come here basically every day though.”

Marlie raised an eyebrow. “Really? Me too, but I’ve never seen you before?”

“Hmm…” Strange. I’d never seen him either. For sure, I would have noticed someone so attractive! “So do you live around here?”

He smiled. It had to be illegal to be so handsome! “Yes, just down the road actually, and yourself?”

“Aye, a few minutes away.” I lifted my legs up, and tucked them underneath me. More comfortable that way. 

Marlie’s eyes opened in awe. “Your shoes are awesome!” 

I blushed and glanced downwards. I’d bought a pair of white Converse sneakers, and doodled on them for days on end with my trusty Sharpie pens. The result? A collage of many colourful superhero drawings. And the shoes were my pride and joy. 

“Thanks, I drew them myself.”

In shock, he raised his eyebrows, and I let a slight giggle escape my lips.

Oh no, I could feel a volcano erruption in my stomach about to happen. This wasn’t good. Why couldn’t I have eaten before I set off for the bookstore? This was about to be embarrassing…

I coughed, trying to disguise the overpowering noise of my insides pleading for more food. I discreetly crossed my fingers, praying that he hadn’t heard it.

Marlie nodded towards my book that was laid on the table. “I’ve read that.” So he had either gone deaf for the few seconds in which my gut spoke, or he just chose to ignore it. I liked both options.

“Oh yeah?” I asked. “What’d you think?”

He leant forward slightly. “Well that depends on how far you’ve read. I don’t want to ruin the ending.”

“Oh, umm, I’m about halfway through.” I shrugged.

“Then I hated it, but wait until you get a little further.” He smirked, knowingly.

I smiled. “So it gets better? I was a little worried, for me, it’s the worst in the series.”

“I have to agree! I was so disappointed!” 

Who was this guy, and how could we have so much in common?!

Thankfully, I glanced towards the clock at just the right time. It was twenty minutes before I had to meet Troy. If I wanted to be early, I’d have to leave right then. 

“I’m really sorry, I have to go.” I said, quickly shoving my book into my bag, and finishing off the remnants of my coffee. 

I noticed Marlie’s face fall slightly, to my sheer delight. “Will you be here tomorrow?”

“Yes, I’ll see you then!” And with a wave to Buddy, I took off down the stairs, feeling like Cinderella leaving the ball. 

“See you later, Mr. Kirsch!” I yelled, but didn’t wait for his reply.

I speed-walked down the road, avoiding the puddles once again, not wanting to ruin my favourite pair of shoes. Hurrying, I ducked into a small local shop, and purchased a cheese sandwich. Anything to stop the growling in my stomach.

After that, I walked hastily to the alleyway to meet Troy.

Despite seeing him every night without fail, I never got the chance to properly have a conversation with Troy. Each time we saw each other, we had only time for a quick ‘hi’ and a ‘bye’, before the moon had to be in the sky. 

That day, Troy, said to me, “Did it go OK?”

Of course I knew what he was referring to, so I nodded. He still appeared slightly worried though. I couldn’t blame him, I was still wearing the same clothes as the night before.

Like every other night, Troy disappeared before my eyes, and I hopped into the sky. Obviously just your everyday goings on.