ecstasy. || jeffmads (DISCONTINUED)

|chapter 17|

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Normally on a Tuesday morning, I would go and sit and read until school started. But weirdly enough, today I just couldn't concentrate. I say weirdly because normally when I read, all my focus is on what I'm reading, which is why sometimes I can spend hours on hours just reading. Also when I'm focused on something... I'm really focused. I just couldn't do that, and I don't even know why. Different thoughts kept popping into my head and distracting me. I wasn't sure what to do next because what was there to do? Then, I remembered Thomas and the library. Maybe I could go and "hang out" with him. I didn't know, though. Thomas was a little weird. But aren't we all? I eventually decided I would.

I stood up and made my way to the library. The door was closed but the lights were on, so I figured it was open. I stood there for a second or two before reaching for the door handle. The door opened swiftly, not a squeak nor a creak. Well oiled, I thought, closing it behind me. I looked ahead and saw the most questioning thing in the universe: Thomas was on the floor in front of the librarian's desk, doing push-ups on one arm. I just blinked as I stared at the scene in astonishment, not entirely sure how to respond.

Although strange, it was fascinating to watch. You could tell he obviously worked out frequently, as his biceps bulged like a wrestler's. He was mumbling numbers, and I assumed he'd been doing this for a while. The way he moved was quick but steady. The last time I did push-ups, I gave up after twenty. He'd just said fifty-seven. When he got to sixty, he stopped and swapped arms, starting again from one. I was relieved that he couldn't see me, because the way I was studying him would probably have freaked him out. And I was so fascinated that I didn't even feel my face heating up the longer I watched. He reminded me of someone, I just couldn't tell who.

It was only when I put my hand on my cheek during my deep thought when I realized how hot I actually was. I shook my head and blinked a couple of times, surprising myself. Why did I find this so... alluring? It was something definitely out of the ordinary because who in their right mind does push-ups in the library on one arm?? Was he, like, expecting someone? I crossed my arms, deciding I'd ask.

"Expecting someone, are we, Thomas?"

He stopped immediately, pretty much jumping up to stand straight. He looked shocked. I didn't blame him. Then, his face gradually grew darker when he saw me standing there.
"J- uh, James. Hi. I wasn't, uh, expecting you." He managed to tell. I nodded.
"I can see that. Who were you expecting?" I wondered. He shook his head quickly.
"Oh, uh, I don- uh, no one, actually... I was just, well," he paused and looked down, pointing to the floor he'd just gotten up from, "yeah. Why are you, uh, what are you doing here-?"
I shrugged, deciding to mess with him a little more.
"Well," I began, walking towards him, "nothing major. Just, you know, casually walking around the school looking for people who randomly do push-ups in the library. You know, normal stuff."

He remained silent a moment, his fluster slowly disappearing.
"Doesn't sound normal to me. Guess I'm weird then." He said, shrugging, a small smile tugging at his lips. I reached up and placed my hand on his shoulder.
"Yes. Yes, you are." I assured, removing my hand from his shoulder. He didn't drop his smile, probably thought I was kidding. I wasn't. He really was weird.
"Well guess what?" he asked, lifting his eyebrows. I nodded in response. He leaned down into my ear and whispered,
"You're weird too."
That whisper sent shivers down my spine. He stood up straight again, arms crossed and winked at me. What was that supposed to mean? I took one step back and looked up at him.
"Okay mate." I began, "You need to calm down. I don't know what that means, nor do I care, but you're always saying shit that don't make sense."