It Was You

Prologue

"So he told me he'd call but I've been waiting for almost a week now!"

My best friend, Brea Mackenzie explained to me in frustration as we strolled down the long aisles in the bookstore, admiring all the brand new books that had just arrived and the delicate dusty ones that had been there longer than we could remember.

"I think you should forget about him Brea, he's a jerk. Have you seen how many girlfriends he's had since we started uni? And they've all lasted a week. That guy gets around." I replied, picking out a book and reading the blurb on the back.

"But he was so gorgeous!" She groaned as though that would help get him back. "He had the facial hair, the abs and oh my god Mia his voice made me weak at the knees!" 

"You met him once." I laughed and sighed, replacing the book and continuing browsing.

I knew Brea was boy-crazy and I'd gotten used to it, the punishment being that I had to put up with hearing her drone on and on about boys who were too old for her or just weren't interested. Brea went after the bad boy stereotypes- but nothing like the ones in books. Real life was way more different, they didn't stick around and pine for you. 

Brea shrugged, "He made an impression on me." 

I rolled my eyes, "One day you'll meet a guy who'll be just right for you." We turned the corner, entering the classics aisle. "Hey, what about Tye? He's had a crush on you since we were in year 5." 

Brea scoffed, "He's more like a brother. Besides, his mum is really overbearing." 

"What are you talking about? She's nicer than both our mum's put together." 

"Of course she's nice, she's too nice sometimes."

I just shook my head, continuing listening to her ramble on. I was too entranced with the books in front of me, all so pretty and full of wonder. 

I gasped, "It's here!"

"What?" Brea fiddled with her multicoloured hair extensions. 

I squealed, admiring the book in front of me, "The entire collection of Shakespeare's sonnets and plays!" As I bent down for the giant book that was on sale, another hand came  out and yanked it from the shelf.

"Hey!" I grumbled. 

"Well, hello there." The person who'd stolen the book right from my hands was in fact reasonably cute. He stood in front of me and flirtasiously winked his hazel eyes. 

"I saw that first." 

The tall annoyance laughed, "You should have picked it up then."

"I didn't get the chance!" I raised my voice just loud enough to not cause a scene even though I desperately wanted to- this person deserved to be humiliated for taking a book I'd been waiting for, for so long. 

"I guess I'm just faster." He winked again, running his fingers through his dark brown hair. 

I sighed, "Look, I've been after this book for ages. I am one of the biggest fans of Shakespeare. I need this book. I don't think I'll ever come across another copy like this again, it's one of a kind."

The guy hesitated for a moment and I got my hopes up thinking he'd give in, "I happen to be a big fan of Shakespeare myself. But I still got it first." With a smirk he strolled confidently to the counter where he paid for his item and left the shop, "Catch ya later blondie!" He called out to me and waved. I felt the infuriation rise up through my body, any minute I would have steam blowing out of my ears.

How dare he steal the book right out of my hands.

How dare he act all smug about it.

And how dare he give me a cheesy and very obvious nickname!

"It's just a book Mia." Brea said, she had been too busy texting her crush that she hadn't paid any attention to the small book argument. 

"It's a unique book, a beautiful book and I totally saw it first." I frustratingly buried my hot head in my hands. 

"Come on," Brea gave me a gentle pat on the back as she normally did when she tried to be comforting. "I'll buy you another copy of Pride & Prejudice and then we'll go get some ice cream before we head home, okay?" 

I nodded, ah my weaknesses- sugar and Jane Austen.

Deep down I was hoping beyond hope I would never come across that arrogant guy again, not in a million years.