Timeless Love

Chapter 3: Mr. Study Hall

A few days later, I was in study hall again. Reading, again. I wasn't too far into Gone With The Wind before I heard the familiar "Aye girl!"

I turned around addled by the return of discourse.

"So I went to the library yesterday," he said, definitely catching my interest, "and the library man-"

"The librarian" I corrected.

"Uh, yeah. He pointed out some books. I mean, you've probably already read them. But I thought maybe you'd like me to show you them. You know, just in case you haven't read them yet."

It took my introverted brain a moment to register this social invitation, and I finally replied with an agreement to check out the books he was introduced to.

I met up with Mr. Study Hall, whom I've learned is really named Kobe. After school, we had a relatively awkward walk to the library. I'm not much of a conversationalist, so the walk was mostly silent. Albeit it seemed like there was something he was always ready to tell me, but held it in as soon as he was about to speak.

Finally the walk was over, as we walked through the heavy library doors. Kobe waved to the librarian and headed into an isle of old books. Surprisingly, I had not actually been to this little corner of the building. And I savored the deep, rich scent of antique books.

"I'm not much for reading old books. Too many complicated words and stuff," Kobe confessed, interrupting my scent trance.

"Oh, that's alright. You wouldn't be the first" I laughed.

Kobe sat at a nearby table, texting, while I rummaged through the books. A few were interesting, so I decided to grab a small armful (yes, that's small for me) of books and head to the check out. As the librarian was checking out the third book of the armful, Kobe appeared behind me looking amused. Suddenly it dawned on me that I must've been rude, ignoring him this whole time.

"Kobe, thanks for inviting me here. I'm sure the books will be worthwhile!" I apologized.

He smiled and we both left the library, heading our own separate ways.