The Old Book Store

The Old Book Store ~ Chapter 9

"So tell me, where did you get the dog from? I'm thinking about getting a dog," I ask Will. He had told me about the puppy that he bought not long ago from someone who owns a pet business.

"Well, you know how there are a bunch of shops on Old Chapel Road? It's one of those. They don't do the nasty puppy breeding though, so it's all dog friendly and stuff. You should come over and see her sometime."

"I'd love to, she sounds adorable! How about you take my number, and whenever you are free, I'll come have a look?" I ask him. I thought I would give him a lead. Don't you think boys get sick of being the one to ask her out, kiss her, propose to her and all that?

"Yeah, sounds good," he gets his phone out and gives it to me. I type in my name and phone number, the usual sort of stuff. Time for the photo. Actually, if I just give it back, he probably won't notice. It'll be fine. 

I hand his phone back to him and look out the window casually hoping he won't notice. 

"Hey Mari," he says. I turn around and see that he has the camera held up and the click sound of the iPhone goes off. 

Fudge-Muffins. 

"Why is it that girls always hate photos?" he asks. 

I think about it for a second, trying to find the right answer. "Probably because if we feel we don't look good, then we worry someone will look at us and think that that is how we look at our best. When it isn't. You know I'm actually not completely sure. Probably that and the fact if pur mother takes a photo and puts it into a 12x12 canvas above the fireplace and we look crap."

"Makes sense," he replies. "But you shouldn't have to worry about looking good. You always do," he says with a tint of red in his cheeks, but my cheeks go completely red. 

"Thank you. And you guys don't have to worry about continously shaving. We like a bit of stubble," I say laughing, and he joins in.

"Well, I better go Will. I have a couple of things on later, but you have my number. If you ever need me, just give me a shout," I say making the shape of a phone with my fingers, struggling. He laughs and touches my hand putting it into the right place. His hands feel warm and comforting, and I feel slightly embarrassed. I haven't really been this close to a boy in a long time. Scratch that, I haven't ever felt this close to a boy. He stands up as I leave, and I give his a kiss on the cheek, but get out of the shop before he can see how purple my cheeks are. Luckily it is so cold outside that everyone has red rosy cheeks. 

I get back home to Zayn and my apartment, and storm around the house trying to find Zayn. I eventually do find him sitting in his room on his bed with his laptop, probably checking facebook or chatting to Perrie or something.

"How dare you do that! What the hell was that? I need an explaination pronto please! You can't just go up to one of my friends and have a 'private' conversation with him! What did you say? Tell me now!"

"Calm down Mari. I just told him to come to me before anything happened. I just wanted him coming to me because we might be at a show or something and I'm better at lying than you are," Zayn replies looking slightly amused. 

"Oh..." I reply feeling like crap. "I'm sorry, I thought you were going to say back off or something," I say now leaning on the door frame. 

"It's OK, it would've been a pretty good guess. You can date who you like. It doesn't really bother me. It's just that all of us boys feel a slight bit of protection over you. You're like our baby sister, and we don't want you getting hurt. Besides, he seems like a pretty nice guy."

I feel...I don't have words for it. It just feels so nice to know that someone cares for me like that whilst I'm here. I'm so far away from everyone I loved back home in Australia. It's nice to know that they care for me like that.

"Thanks big brother," I say to him and go over and give him a hug. "Are you going out with Perrie tonight?" I ask.

"Yeah, in about 30 minutes actually. For lunch," he says smiling. 

"Ok, then you might want to have a shower," I say trying not to laugh.

Zayn's eyes widen and he rushes towards the bathroom grabbing his towel on the way. He had obviously been so sidetracked talking to Perrie that he forgot to bathe. 

I walk towards my room and jump onto my bed grabbing the book next to it. I am reading for about 10 minutes until I hear a buzz coming from my phone. I pick it up and see that it is a text from Will. 

To: Maribella <3

From: 0472749274

Pepper is excited to see you. Does tomorrow after a 7:00am run sound ok? 

Below the text is a picture of Pepper practically jumping in mid air. 

To: Will

From: Maribella <3

Sounds great. See you tomorrow :)

You know what? I might actually have a chance with this guy...

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One of my longer chapters. Sorry for a long update time, Easter Holidays, you know how they are :)