It All Started with a Book

page 5 | the introduction

He simply smiled when I asked him about the book the day after that. He told me that it was an intriguing one, and I couldn't help but give off a wide grin.

He then inquired, "How's your laptop?"

"Little to no improvement," I ruefully said, "Maybe I need to get an anti-virus."

"I'm sure you'll figure it out. By the way, have you heard of the town fair that's going to happen a week from now?"

That town fair? I nodded, because I had seen some flyers about it being put up on some lampposts, but I wasn't really interested to go.

The boy beside me continued, "Do you want to go with me there?"

I paused, while wondering what his motives were. Maybe he just wanted someone to accompany him. But then again, I didn't exactly have any thoughts involving going to the town fair. I didn't want to make him feel dejected or anything, so I hoped he'd understand if I declined.

"I'm sorry," I began, and by those words the cheery expression dropped from the person's face. I winced, and I tried not to falter in my words. "but I kind of have some plans on that day. (Do I even have plans?) I'm really sorry if I can't go."

The boy smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. I slightly felt guilt-ridden for the sudden change in his mood.

"I understand."

Forget slightly. I meant extremely.

He scratched the back of his head, carrying on. "I know it's a bit sudden, and we hardly know each other but I just thought that maybe I could show you around the fair, in return for you suggesting the really good book."

I released the breath I didn't know I was holding in. "You don't really have to."

"I need to. It's a form of gratitude."

It was probably in the spur of the moment, for I quickly added, "Maybe... I might consider going, if I can find some time."

"Really?"

I repeated for him to get my point, "Yeah, I mean, provided that I can ."

He showed a boyish grin. "That's good enough for me."

Remembering that he mentioned that we hardly knew anything about each other, as well as implying that we were nothing more than acquaintances, I found it as a great opportunity to ask his name.

"You do realize that we don't know each other's names, right?"

It was clear that he paused for a slight moment, as if shortly dwelling on the fact I had suddenly told him.

"Yes, I do know."

Then I suggested, "Then why won't we introduce ourselves formally? You know, unlike the first time we met." At that, he nodded, and thrust out his hand for me to shake. 

"I'm Nathan," he said, and signaled for me to introduce myself.

With a smile, I took his hand and shook it in a friendly manner. "And I'm Adeline. It's very nice to meet you, Nathan."

I could've sworn he had a tint of pink on his cheeks at that moment. He chuckled softly. "Likewise."

It was a short chapter, I know.  But, to make up for it, how about a few bonus paragraphs?

To say Nathan liked Adeline's company would clearly be an understatement. In fact, he looked forward to catching a glimpse of her every single day he set foot in the library - he absolutely enjoyed every minute of being in her presence.

There was just something captivating about her.

Maybe it was by chance, but it was like he knew that a lovely friendship was going to blossom when he made the decision on taking the laptop guide, settling on his high hopes that he would see Adeline again. That was on the second day of their meeting.

And it was true. There she was, peeking from the side of the bookshelf eyeing the laptop guide in a funny manner.

On the first day they met, he genuinely wanted to help Adeline with her laptop. But much to his dismay, she declined. Yet he understood, even he wouldn't just place his trust in someone within seconds of interaction.

And now, there they were, shaking hands, finally acknowledging their friendship.

And nothing more.

Maybe.