The Monochrome Army (title subject to change)

Part One, Chapter Five

After a very traumatizing lunch in which Madison flirted with her endlessly (and her friends teased her about said flirting,) and four more class periods, Starr sat at work. She was employed at the library and was the receptionist and checked out books.
Starr glanced around her frequently, first at her glistening, candy-apple-red scooter outside, then at Madison and Addi studying in the corner.
You only met him today, she chastised herself. There's no way you can have a crush on him.
She stared at Madison, trying to pick his brain apart so she could understand him. On the outside, he seemed like a ladies' man, a double-crossing player that was better left in the friend zone. Starr really didn't want to find out what was underneath. She was afraid of what she might find.
She was afraid she might like it.
Addi was watching her watch Madison and gave her a knowing glance. He whispered something to Madison and pushed his chair back.
Addi came behind her desk and sat on the floor next to her swivel chair.
"You okay?"
"Addi! I'm having feelings! And the last time I had feelings I got friend-zoned. Just because he," Starr gestured at Madison, "has the most perfect hair I've ever seen doesn't mean anything," she prattled.
Addi looked amused but smothered a smile for his friend's sake.
"It isn't funny! You know I don't do well with emotions." Starr rurned to the kids at the desk awaiting checkout. She ofdered them a polite "Hello," and scanned the barcodes on the books. The machine printed their receipt and she tucked it into the top book.
"Due on the thirtieth," she said with a little smile as she pushed the kid's books toward them. They thanked her and waved as they left.
Addi leaned against the desk. "You need to let him in. Honestly, you haven't even experienced real heartbreak yet. I think you're worried without cause."
"I just. . .everyone is always telling me how sucky breakups are and how hard it is to recover," Starr said and tucked her hair behind her ear. She gazed out at her Vespa and said, "I just keep thinking I don't need anything else. I don't want my friendship with you guys to be wrecked because I'm in love with someone. I'm not ready."
"I can tell you one thing." Addi gave her a look Starr couldn't quite decipher.
"Okay. And what's that?"
"When you are ready, Madison will be waiting."
"I can't -- it isn't supposed -- I'm not trying -- I don't want to restrain him. I just don't see why he's infatuated with me!"
Addi's gaze softened, and he said, "Because you're an amazing person."
Starr groaned. "Oh, don't start with these cheesy stuff."
Addi smiled slightly and listed his head. "It's true, even though I know you don't think it is."
"It's a little unnerving to think that somebody can love me." Starr sighed. "I'm more messed up than I care to admit, and to think that's why someone out there loves me. . .I don't know."
Addi's forehead wrinkled. "That's my favorite thing about you. You're just crazy enough to keep me on earth."
Starr spun in her swivel chair. "Yeah, well what if I don't wanna be loved?"
Addi exhaled. "You always were a stubborn one," he said and took her hand.
A sudden burning sensation seared her palm. Starr jerked her hand back and examined it carefully.
"Jeez, Addi!"
"Oh, what? Do I have cooties now? You level of immaturity is astounding, Starr." Addi rolled his eyes and stood.
"No, no. It felt like you burned my hand. Or I got electrocuted."
"Lemme see," Addi said in a motherly voice.
Starr reluctantlt held out her hand for Addi to inspect.
"Oh, boy. Yeah, that's a pretty bad burn. It's, like, black. Weird. Did I burn you?"
Starr drew her hand back. "It looks almost like Saturn. Huh. How would you have burned me?"
Just then, the library manager turned to Starr. "Your shift's over, honey. Olivia's here to take over."
Addi sighed like he wasn't telling the whole truth.
"Let's talk elsewhere, shall we? There's a lot you need to know."