Behind Familiar Faces

Chapter Four

I opened my eyes to see only blackness. I was up before the sun like usual so the only source of light in the room came from the green flashing clock on the microwave screen. I laid there for a while before rolling over and grabbing my phone. I checked texts and emails I received while asleep and made sure I had no new assignments.

I put my phone away after that and warmed up a cup of coffee from yesterday's pot. I ate apple cinnamon oatmeal and read a few chapters of a recent book. I was careful to be quiet as to not disturb my sleeping roommate.

I dressed in a gray turtleneck with a black suede jacket over it. I wore my favorite black jeans and black boots. I only had anthropology and english today and then a short break before work. I pulled my hair into two neat french braids and tied them off with mismatched hair bands. After finishing my morning routine with deodorant and brushing my teeth I headed out the door. I had my wireless earbuds in playing my favorite chill playlist as I began walking. The air was crisp and the morning chill still had not fully burned off. I kept my hands deep in my jacket pockets as I walked to the library to grab coffee.

The library was quiet. A few people milling around, ordering a coffee or printing something out. I sipped my coffee as I sat in my favorite corner of the library that most people overlooked. It was on the 4th floor and it had comfy chairs in the corner by a big window that overlooked a portion of campus. It was especially beautiful on mornings like these in my opinion.

The day went on slowly and I dragged myself to both my classes, taking notes and listening intently like any day. When I got back to my room after class I was exhausted for some reason. My roomate was out so I connected my phone to my speaker and let music play, I flopped onto my bed and closed my eyes, appreciating the fact that I had a break today.

Before I knew it my alarm was blaring at me repeatedly. I woke up and blinked rapidly, stretching my arms out before me as I did. I am not usually a nap taker so I was not used to it. somehow I felt worse than I did when I fell asleep. This is why I don't nap. I dragged myself up and straightened my outfit out, I smoothed down my flyaways and applied some mascara to my lashes to make me look more awake. Just 20 minutes later I was at the library putting on my nametag and positioning myself behind the front desk with a book and a bag of trail mix.

the night lagged on as any other did. I rented out some electronics, checked out books, picked up calls, answered questions, replied to emails, all while cramming  few pages of reading in every time I had a break. I had my eyes glued to the book in front of me when a rude voice tried to get my attention.

"Hey ma'am!" The voice hollered.

I didn't even want to look up. I rolled my eyes to myself.

"come on ma'am helloooo!" He was louder this time.

I could not ignore him any longer so I snapped my book shut and slammed it down on the counter. I hopped out of my seat and that's when I looked up and froze.

There stood Harrison, leaning against the front desk and running his hand through his hair.

"Seriously Harrison?" I asked still annoyed even though I now knew it was just harrison messing around.

He chuckled and slid a book down the counter to me. I stopped it with the end of my pencil and shot him a look.

"When are ya out of here?" He asked, leaning closer to where I stood.

"Eleven, Harrison" I emphasized. He had asked me this question about 8 times in the past two days.

"Right. Thanks." He said as I slid the book back to him.

"Six weeks" I commented, finally looking up from the computer monitor and gazing into Harrisons eyes. He smiled at me and I knew he was relieved that I wasn't actually upset at him.

He shoved the book in his backpack and scooted closer yet again.

"How bout we eat when you get off? Ill wait for you" He said.

I raised an eyebrow.

"You really will wait until eleven to eat?" I questioned. leaning a little closer myself.

"Yes harp. Ill wait." He said.

I thought back to the night not too long ago when he made the same promise, then when he came to pick me up I was all excited to go get food and he told me that he had ate without me and was full.

"I promise darlin'" He said with a grin as he backed away from the counter because someone else was approaching the desk.

I opened my mouth to say something but when I looked up he was already halfway out the doors. I shook my head and chuckled.

It was 11:09 as I stepped out into the cold and darkness from the comfort of the library. I wrapped my jacket tighter around myself as the wind blew around me. I looked up and squinted into the night. As if perfectly planned harrison's car rolls up and I hear the low bumping of music that seems to follow the vehicle. I jog to his car and yank the door open, struggling a little bit against the wind. I toss my backpack onto the floor and slide myself into the seat, shutting the door quickly. I let out a big huff of air and flop back against the seat. I feel Harrison staring at me so I roll me head over to meet his gaze. His piercing green eyes meet mine and a soft smile shows on his face. For some reason he leans in, closing the gap so his face is just a couple inches from mine, his eyes never breaking focus from me. The moonlight poured over us and seemed to make time go slower. He licked his lips and spoke lowly.

"We need to make a stop before we go eat" He says then pulls away and focuses in front of him like nothing happened.

"Huh?" My confusion is visible, "Where are we going Harry?"  I ask.

He gives me a devious smirk.

"The Science Building".