Forbidden Love

To Kill A Mocking Bird~18

(Read author's note )

The mall was pretty quiet. Not too packed or busy. The fresh smell of Cinnabon filled the air and my stomach growled.

"We've gotta grab something," I say to Haley. We both scanned the mall for a place that sold food until we both spotted the little Starbucks booth. "Are you hungry," I asked.

"No but I don't mind." We began walking over and my stomach hurt even more. "Are you ready to tell me about breakfast yet," Haley pressed. I sighed.

"Do I have to?" She nodded.

"Well there's this guy Liam that Niall introduced me to at a party. At first Niall told me that he hadn't told Liam about...you know...us. But then Liam told me that he did know so basically Liam was at breakfast this morning and started saying a few things that pissed Niall off and we left."

I breathed a sigh of relief after I told her. I could see the two snooty girls behind us in line listening in.

"But why are you mad at Niall?"

"I never said I was mad at Niall."

"I just assumed."

"Because..he told me Liam wouldn't be there and he was. Plus...I feel like theres something going on between him and Liam. I just don't know what. Its all confusing really."

It felt great to have someone to vent to. Holding it all in was much harder than I realized after telling her.

"Wow..." was all she said. She was never good with advice.

Our orders were ready soon after we ordered. I purposely got a croissant so I could walk around with it.

"Do you know what you want to buy?Or store," Haley asked.

"No," I answered feeling stupid. Why did I even suggest the mall.

"Well he'll be here soon."

"Who?"

"Ben. I asked you in the car if you didn't mind me inviting him and you said no." Yeah cause I was half asleep.

"Oh yeah..." I lied.

After a few minutes of awkward silence Ben finally walked up immediately kissing Haley and giving me a small wave before holding her hand. The tension was overbearing.

"Why don't you two hang out and I'll go," I offered taking a tiny step back.

"No you don't have to do that," Haley stressed.

"No its fine really. Besides, I'll probably head up to Barnes & Nobles. I know you're not much of a reading fan." She looked up at Ben then back to me.

"You sure?"

"Grace, I didn't mean to intrude or anything.." Ben stammered.

"No its fine," I promised. "Really." Haley studied me for a moment before leaning over for a hug and walking away hand in hand with Ben.

I had made the Barnes & Nobles thing up off the top of my head, obviously, but I knew Haley hadn't bought it. The accusation of my lie was all in her sparkly eyes, but luckily she'd let it go.

I suddenly felt lost in the gigantic mall though I knew exactly where I was. Sort of like with Niall. At the thought of him, I found myself slightly offended he hadn't tried texting me again even if I had told myself I didn't want him to.

I started for the escalator remembering the bookstore was on the top floor. Why'd I let Haley and Ben walk away? I should've just been the third wheel.

I knew I had no intention of buying a book, but the thought of burying myself into someone's life and point of view for awhile sounded great.

The first book I grabbed was To Kill A Mockingbird. It was and had always been one of my favorite books. A classic hands down.

I sat cross legged on the floor against the large bookshelf and began to read.

When he was nearly thirteen, my brother Jem got his arm badly broken at the elbow.

I got so caught up in the book that I didn't care to keep track of the time. No matter how many times I had read it and probably would read it again, It was just as amazing every time.

"That Harper Lee...he's a genius." My head snapped up to see a boy looking about my age sitting on the floor less that five inches away.

"He is," I agreed smiling.

"Have you seen the movie," he asked.

"Of course, but it's got nothing on the book. That's usually how it goes."

"True. Unless its the other way around." He reached into his bag beside him pulling out a roll of Oreos.

"Oreo?" He offered. I couldn't help but laugh and take one.

"Thanks." He nodded putting them away. "I swear I live by some of the quotes in this book." I said staring at it in awe. Then we spoke at the same time.

"Shoot all the blue jays you want, if you can hit 'em, but remember it's a sin to kill a mocking bird."

We both smiled brightly at each other, mine caused by the fact someone cared for this book the way I did.

"Im Grace," I said still smiling.

"Im Harry."

A/N

Sorry for not updating this weekend!! I really wanted to update! Sooo my last chapter had 21 reads but 3 votes. I truly appreciate the fact that you all are reading but I just don't understand why you don't vote...I cant figure it , like its just a button. I hope I don't sound ungrateful but its the truth.