Commandments (short story, completed)

Thou Shall Believe in Happy Endings./

Carter's jaw flexed as he studied the shelf of books, brow furrowed in concentration. He lifted a finger, like he was going to pull one out, but lowered his arm back to his side.

"What kind of books do you like?" I asked.

"Science fiction," he answered immediately, without taking his eyes off of his search.

I grimaced. "I prefer nice, happy ending type books."

He perked an amused eyebrow at me. "Do you now?"

"Yep. All that science fiction stuff is scary."

"It's only scary if you don't understand it." Carter held my eyes for an intense few seconds, until I forced myself to look away. He cleared his throat and focused back on the shelves in front of him.

"What are you looking for anyway?"

"Just something for research."

I hummed, and turned to wander around the massive book store. After the dream that was, in my opinion, on par with the types of books Carter liked to read, he suggested we meet. I thought he would want me to come up to the hospital, but to my surprise (and relief) he had me meet him at the bookstore. Dex decided to go to work this morning, and I didn't really want to be alone at the house, so this idea was very welcome.

I stumbled upon the children's section and leaned down. I hoped I didn't look like a creep, but I did mean it when I said I preferred books with happy endings. I smiled to myself when my eyes landed on an old copy of Cinderella. I loved this book growing up. I sank down against the opposite shelf, making myself comfortable. I figured Carter might be awhile anyway.

I had just cracked open the worn spine when I felt a soft blow to my side. I looked over to see a little girl, five at the oldest, peering up at me with big blue eyes. I smiled down at her, just as a tall woman with big blonde hair and a similar set of blue eyes rounded the corner.

"Amelia!" She whisper-shouted. "Get up from there, and come here now." Her gaze moved from her daughter to me. "I am so sorry."

"No need to be, she's totally fine. We were just going to read about Cinderella, right?"

Amelia nodded eagerly, her fingers in her mouth. "Just a second, mommy," she said, the words coming out garbled around her fingers.

Her mom's face softened. "Mia, you know mommy has to get you to grandma's soon. We'll read about Cinderella another time."

Amelia pouted, and reluctantly rose from the floor. "See you later," she said to me.

I grinned. "Bye, Amelia." She skipped towards her mother, who gave me a tiny wave, and they disappeared from where they came.

"You weren't joking, huh? I see you made a friend."

I looked up to see Carter towering over me. I admired the cut of his jaw from this angle for a minute before I finally responded, "I think I want to do that."

His eyes widened. "Be a mom?"

I chuckled. "No. Well, not yet. I meant work with kids. Be a teacher, or a daycare worker or even a case manager! The possibilities are endless."

He smiled. "I think that sounds perfect for you. C'mon." He offered me his hand and pulled me up to stand beside him. He took the book from my hand and pressed it against the two already in his.

"You don't have to-"

"Shh. Let's go."

SIDEBAR: just a small, nothing chapter. Feedback pls!! What sucks, what doesn't suck?! Would love to hear! And don't forget to vote if you like!!