The Smell of Lilies

Chapter 5

“You sure you’re okay in those clothes?” Brandon asked Kel just before they started to leave.

Kel had on her clothes from the day before along with one of Brandon’s many gray hoodies and a black scarf.

“Yah, it’s not a problem. And thanks again for the sweatshirt and scarf.”

“I just don’t want you to freeze. It’s getting colder.”

A disapproving visage spread across Kel’s face. The moderate California weather had not prepared her for the windy city. She knew nothing of the cold. It bit at her cheeks and nose and froze her toes.

“I’m not that fragile,” she muttered.

“But aren’t you?” Brandon said under his breath, mostly to himself.

They made their way down the stairs and out the door into the daylight. Kel didn’t know where turn so she watched Brandon, who was adjusting his own jacket.

“This way. It’s only a few blocks down. Stay close to me.”

He didn’t have to tell her twice. Kel lingered by his side as best as she could. It was around eleven in the morning and people were filing through the streets. Cars zoomed by and lights flashed. After their breakfast, Brandon washed dishes while Kel figured out what she was going to do. Should she call Craig? Or just show up? After some thought, she came to the conclusion that he didn’t deserve her notice. It was her stuff after all, even if it didn’t add up to much. It was her right. But first, book store.

Brandon led the way, looking back every few minutes to make sure Kel was there, just as he had yesterday. When he woke up early that morning he didn’t want to wake her. As quietly as possible he cracked open the door to his room to check on her. Or just to make sure that she hadn’t freaked out in the middle of the night and bolted. But she was there. Sleeping softly on his bed. Her auburn hair was strewn across the pillows and her legs folded over his covers. Her face was peaceful, but something was off.

Her expression was calm but her muscles were tense, her fingers gripped the end of the pillow she laid on. He stepped into the hallway and took out a thick afghan. Quietly, he laid it on top of her, after a few moments she started to relax.

She hates the cold. Literally, hates it.

That was the moment when he decided that he would do all he could to keep her warm. Because that’s what she liked. And he found that he liked making her happy.

When they reached the corner of Forest and Hunter he turned right and led Kel into an alley way behind a long row of buildings. He walked up the back steps of one with an awning that read, “OLD BOOK BARON” and unlocked the door.

When Kel stepped in after Brandon she had to hold back her gasp. From the outside, this shop was a little hole in the wall with a faded sign on the door. But on the inside it was like a little slice of Kel heaven. The books lined the walls from top to bottom. The rolling latters were lined with gold hinges which gave the shop a rustic theme. It was small but cozy. There were lots of little turns and twists that led to more book shelves and seating areas. There was also a music section with old records and mixtapes.

Kel absorbed it all. She traced her fingers along book spines, perused through every genre.

“Got a favorite?” Brandon asked her, amused by her intrigue.

Kel didn’t seem to hear him; she was immersed in Jane Eyre.

“Kel?” he asked, stepping toward her. She looked up, almost startled.

“Yes?” she said.

“What are you looking at?”

She handed him the green book and he flipped through it. “I remember this one. Mr. Rochester, right?”