Textbook Meeting

Return of the Textbook

Ronnie P.O.V.

"Guys, it's been three days. I doubt I'm ever going to see that textbook again. I'm going to have to report it lost to my teacher." I groan as I slump into the spot they've saved for me and drop my tray with a clatter.

"Relax dude." Oliver laughs at me.

"So, the mystery girl." Cisco starts up again before I can even take a bite of my pizza, "Obviously, it wasn't Iris, but what about Patty?" He raises an eyebrow and tilts his head as he questions me. I barely restrain myself from snorting in laughter when Barry hits his arm with a, "Dude." For mentioning his foster sister Iris. Cisco's been trying to figure out who the girl in the hallway was based on the description I gave him, since he didn't see her.

"No, It's not Iris. I know Iris." I roll my eyes at them.

"Ok, but you didn't answer me. What about Patty?"

"I don't know who that is Cisco." I shake my head before I continue speaking in an attempt to change the subject, "So, why on earth are we sitting outside when it's snowing?"

"Because it's nice outside?" He gives me a look like it's the obvious answer.

"Whatever." I shake my head, a smile playing on my lips at my friend's answer.

Cisco just rolls his eyes at me, "So, I hope you guys don't mind but I invited a friend of mine to come sit with us today." He must spot his friend as he stands up and waves and calls, "Over here! Saved you a spot." as he slides his backpack off the seat he was saving and to the floor.

"Excuse me," a voice speaks up from behind me and I feel frozen to the spot for some reason. "What?" I know I must look confused as both Oliver and Barry are giving me odd looks. They keep looking between me and the person who spoke, and I realize they were speaking to me.

"Are you, uh, Ronald Raymond?" The melodic voice repeats a question I realize I didn't even hear the first time.

"Uh, yeah. That's me." I turn, slowly now, "But everyone just calls me-" I find myself staring at the girl from the hallway as my sentence is finished breathlessly, "Ronnie..."

"Well, Ronnie, I think this belongs to you." She smiles softly at me and holds something out to me. Looking at it I realize it's my missing textbook, "Yeah, that's my math mechanics textbook." I let out a laugh, "I've been looking everywhere for it. Thank you." Our hands brush as I accept it from her.

"Oh, uh guys this is my friend Caitlin." Cisco pipes up and I hear Oliver whack him on the arm. "What? How was I supposed to know-"He is cut off by Barry whacking his arm now. "Dude!"

"So, uh-" I can't seem to force words to come out as we look at each other. I find myself mesmerized once more, and she looks even more beautiful than I remember from Tuesday. As I look at her, I realize it's still snowing and many small snowflakes have found their temporary home in her hair. "Beautiful." The only word that escapes me, thankfully in a whisper and for a moment I hope she doesn't hear it.

She blinks, and a small, "What?" passes her lips and my eyes widen as I force myself to look away. I'm sure I've begun to blush, but I glance back up to see her wringing her hands nervously and biting her lip, a tinge of red coloring her cheeks.

The bell rings shrilly and I jump to my feet in surprise, having lost track of time. "Oh, I'd better get going." She sighs, "It was nice to meet you all." A smile graces her face once more as she turns to go.

"Uh, wait-"I reach out and gently grab her elbow, stopping her from turning away from me.

"Hmm?" her eyes meet mine again and It's all I can do not to lose myself in their chocolate pools.

"Uh, would you care-to-ah" I stumble over my words, "go to the formal with me?" I can hear the hope in my voice as I speak, and barley grimace as her eyes widen once more. "What?"

"Uh, never mind." I release her arm and move to step away, my face still slightly pink I'm sure.

"Wait, no. That's not what I meant." Now she's the one stumbling over her words, "I would love to." I look back up and my smile widens.

"Uh, guys. We gotta go. Class starts in like 7 minutes." Barry interrupts the moment and I know he's right.

"What class are you in? I'll walk you." I offer as I grab my bag, book safely inside, and my empty tray.

"My next class is biology actually. I have to go to the labs." She offers up with a shrug, "But that's really not necessary." Her head shakes lightly and I watch her chestnut curls bounce the slightest but, snow falling from her hair.

"I insist." I smile and offer her my arm. She bites her lip again, but accepts my offer. "Bye guys." I call over my shoulder as we leave the outside cafeteria terrace together.

R