Like a Shadow

Chapter 5: Two Thumbs Up

Tiberius's P.O.V

I haven't spoken a word to Mystery Girl since that day in the park. I've just been so angry at myself for believing I had a chance with her. I mean, why on earth did my brain think that her goddess like self could ever fall for me. Quite obviously my brain was on mars.

In my depressed state, I even began to avoid the library; which is starting to concern my mom.

"Come on Tibby," My mom walks into my line of vision.

"Come on where," I mope.

She gently take my arm in her hand, "to the library."

I pull away, roughly, but not to rough.

"I can't mom."

"Why can't you," she asks, meanwhile placing a firm and comforting hand on my shoulder.

"Because," emotion building in my throat.

"Honey," mom starts, "you know you can talk to me, right?"

I sigh, "I know mom, It's just," I let out a heavy breath, "She has a boyfriend."

"Who has a boyfriend?" She questions, confused.

"Mystery girl."

Instant recognition floods her brain; a puzzling look, then of worry overtakes her face.

"Oh honey," suddenly arms are wrapped around my frame in an unbearably tight hug.

"It's not a big deal mom," I attempt to convince her of my well-being.

"It's a massive deal, you've been pining for weeks now," she takes a look into my eyes and notices the strain, "It's okay to cry."

"Mom, I'm too tough to cry," she chuckles, softly as she walks around the corner.

"I'm going to work, Visit me at lunch." she stops, "and talk to her, be happy that she's happy."

And in that moment I realized that I had just heard the best advice anyone could ever have given me; I knew moms were useful for something.

Time Skip (The Library)

I have never actually had visit my mom half way throughout the day. Now you may be saying 'but Tibby you live in the library', well that's the issue; I would never leave the space.

Walking through the gigantic, wooden French doors, my eyes immediately fall to the dark head of silky hair across the hall. The fact that she's practically untouchable only makes me want her more. If only that bulky, leatherjacket wearing boyfriend would disappear.

Looking, more like staring, at her read only makes the ache in my heart worsen; how could it get any more painful. Thinking that it couldn't, I didn't know that pain could grow, however, it did, when she saw me and wave me over.

How could I say no to the hope that filled her eyes and made them sparkle with joy.

"Hey, oomph," Before any words can escape the prison which is my mouth, I'm cut off by a pair of frail yet strong arms wrapping themselves around my figure.

It wasn't the first time today that I am being hugged, but the second time felt so much better than the first.

"You haven't talked to me in forever, I started to worry that you'd left me," she whimpers softly into the material of my t-shirt.

Giving in I wrap my arms around her, "I could never leave."

"My name is Ebony," she practically squeaks.

"Tiberius."

Looking up, smelling widely, I see my mom in the distance; waving me two thumbs up.