The New Girl

Chapter 10

Chapter 10

Thea's POV

The next day, after breakfast, I found myself walking to the local library. It was a simple looking brick building from the outside in the middle of the city's main market area. I saw a small café close to it and promised myself to visit there later today.

I walked in the library instantly feeling the air change. The smell of books, as weird as it sounds, seemed wonderful to my inner book nerd. I reached the help desk and asked the petite lady behind the counter where the classics section was. She pointed towards far-right corner of the room. I thanked her and walked further into the building. I noticed that the interior is better than I expected. Beyond the help desk, the area opens up to a bit of empty space in which shelfs and shelfs of books are lined up on both sides. Towards the back, the shelfs are lined up in rows beyond which I could make out was the sitting area. There were multiple kiosks available too probably for internet search. There were also two staircases leading to the first floor which seemed more or less the same. I went to classics section and started looking for a novel. I came across many intriguing ones but settled with Pride and Prejudice. It's one of the few classics that I have actually read. That too because it was gift from one of my brother's friend.

I went to back and settled down on one of the empty tables. I took out my laptop from the tote bag that I had brought along with me today along with my phone, making sure it's on silent. Soon after I was getting everything ready to begin the work, my friends arrived. Stella was surprised that I'd already selected my novel and then continued to drag me with her, to help her select hers. I gave her my recommendation as honestly as I could. Tyler declared he'll just write on Romeo and Juliet only. Claiming it'll be easier since he has seen the movie already. Diana started working on her assignments as well. Stella finally settled on 'The tale of two cities'. I haven't read it but it seems nice. I sat down at my spot and put in one of the ear pods before shuffling my playlist. I cannot work without music. This way I can work and also chip in to the conversation if need be.

All of us got pretty engrossed in our own work, aside from the random inputs from Tyler asking for a better word for something. I swear I felt like a walking thesaurus or something, perks of reading so many books.

Pretty soon it was lunch time and our work was almost done. I got a message from Nate telling me that he and Aaron are going out for lunch and whether I would like to join them since Erik is at the office. I told them to go ahead, not wanting them to wait for me. I wrapped up my work giving it one last read. I saved the document feeling satisfied with the assignment and looked up to see that Diana and Tyler were done too. Diana got up to look for something else to read while Tyler, who was across from me leaned in and whispered, "We still have to decide something for our music project. I figured we can at least select the song right now."

I nodded in agreement and asked him to sit next to me. I showed him the document where I had written the possible options of songs for the project. He erased a few of them and added some more of his own. But before we could settle on any song, Stella declared that she's done and that she has to head home because her mom wants her back for some work.

We all exited the library and Diana asked Stella to give her a ride home too since she was too tired to walk home.

"Well I am going to get something to eat at that café over there." I told them, pointing it out.

"Great I'll join you. I'm hungry myself and we could continue our project discussion." Tyler chipped in. I nodded my head in agreement and bid bye to the other two.

The café was great in its own typical way. It had wooden furniture with varies table and chairs arranged in scattered way, which looks better than it sounds like. The highlight for me was the small corner book shelf area. We sat out at the table near the window and gave our order to the waiter who introduced himself as Sam.

"So, I believe we should perform one of the all-time favourites, 'My heart will go on'. Who doesn't love the titanic movie huh?" Tyler suggested. We have decided to keep it simple with him playing the guitar and me singing. He refuses to do a duet because he says and I quote 'the world is better off without hearing me sing'. I highly doubt he is as bad as he says but I don't push him on it.

"Yeah that seems like a good idea. We can start practising during the classes now and get a head start."

Our food arrived and digged in straight away. I sipped my chocolate milkshake happily while Tyler was busy stuffing his face with a burger. We talked about his experience at the other school which was a private one. He told me that just because all his other siblings go there hence his parents made him switch too. I asked him about his family and he just said that there are way too many of them and way too loud. He asked me about my home schooling and I answered him as honestly as I could. I told them about my brothers and different stories about us.

Suddenly he got serious and asked me, "Yesterday in class you said you need a getaway from the hustle, once in a while, and that music is your way. What did you mean by the hustle?"

I looked at him, kind of surprised, not knowing exactly how to answer him and the good thing was I didn't have to cause he continued saying, "I mean I understand. Believe me! With the kind of family that I have, it's a wonder that I turned out like I did. Music has been my escape for as long as I remember. But I also know that sometimes it isn't enough. So, what I actually wanted to say was that if you ever need some company, just remember 'I'm only one call away'. I know we've just met but I feel like I've known you forever." Chuckling lightly at the end.

I'm honestly touched by how genuine he sounds and am unable to form words. I gave his hand a squeeze as I silently thanked him.

After that the conversation again took a lighter turn. We split the bill and parted ways. On the walk back, I thought back to the day and realised I might have actually found some of the best friends that I could. Which makes this whole decision worth it.