Theodosia's POV~
I sat down on the edge of the fountain, pulling out my book. Common Sense was a favorite of mine, I had already read it five-no, six times over.
I got a fluttery feeling in my chest as I pulled the leather bound cover to find the first page. I held the book up to my nose and inhaled the scent of paper and ink.
You might say I was obsessed.
In a matter of minutes, I was disturbed by a horde of females following a strangely attractive boy. He had shoulder-length brown, curly hair, tied back with an emerald green ribbon. His face was structured the way an artist might design it. Strong jawline, intelligent blue eyes, high cheekbones. He was tall and had posture, dressed in common clothes.
I exhaled quietly, wondering who this could be. His head turned, eyes latching onto mine for a tension-filled moment.
You could practically see the giggly girls fuming behind him.
He said something to them, causing them to stomp off.
I shook my head and smiled to myself, returning to my book.
A few moments later, I heard someone clear their throat. I looked up to see the mystery boy standing right in front of me.
"Ah!" I shrieked in surprise. I fell back, headed to an extremely embarrassing land in the water filled fountain.
He quickly caught me, an arm wrapped around my waist.
I silently gasped at the suddenness.
"Sorry for the scare," he said in a light, smooth voice.
I blushed as he helped me up. I threw out my hand fan, hiding the redness of my cheeks. He leaned over and retrieved my forgotten book from the cobblestone floor of the square.
"Oh, not a problem, sir," I mumbled. I held out my hands for the book, but was given no satisfaction.
"Pardon?" I asked expectantly.
"Y'know, I just saved your butt from a very unfortunate water encounter. I think I'll have this book here as repayment."
I narrowed my eyes and snapped my fan shut, waving it in his face. "It was your fault that I fell in the first place, sir. See, you snuck up on me while I was in no way prepared for company."
He huffed. "Well then you might say it was your fault for looking so beautiful sitting there reading by a sparkling fountain."
I blushed once more, angry that this silly boy (who looked to be about my age) could make my face turn red.
He held his arm out (the one without the book) for me to take. "A walk perhaps?"
I rolled my eyes and smiled. "Fine," I said, sliding my arm through his.
We walked through the town square, chatting about random things.
We just kind of clicked I guess, we said everything in total agreement. He surprisingly matched my level of brain.
That was a first for anyone my age or below.
He had a great sense of humor, and I loved our conversation. Soon I found we had gone a loop and ended up back at the sparkling fountain.
"What's your name, sweet?" He asked me, sitting down on the edge of the fountain. I sat down beside him.
"Theodosia. You?"
"Philip."
"It's nice to meet you, Philip."
"The pleasure is all mine, Theodosia."
"May I have my book back please?"
He smirked. "On one condition. Tomorrow you will meet me here at noon once more, and then and ONLY then will you get-" he checked the cover. "Common Sense back."
I pouted but agreed.
We parted ways.
