Fierce

Chapter 9- Tic Tac

Song: Cherry Wine- Hozier

Chapter 9: Tic tac

Kyle's POV.

It never ceases to amaze me how fictional stories inherently offer solitude and an escape from our own story.

The aroma of dust and the particular smell of each book has something captivating and intoxicating that would imprison me in a bubble of never-ending magical thoughts inside the universe of my imagination.

My bibliosmia never failed me.

I shot a look at Mrs. Williams that was already deep in her drowse, as I skimmed through the dusty pages of my favorite book; an old, heavy book that looked like it hasn't been touched for ages.

I placed my hand on the dusty leathered surface and brushed the grime off of it. I coughed a little and opened the portal to Dumas' world: The Count of Monte Cristo.

The sweet scent of the lavender-scented candle placed on the nearby desk made its way to my nostrils, invading my lungs with its soothing odor.

I was alone in this library.

It was ancient. I liked solitude, it's when I'm the most in touch with myself.

The dimly lit room and the vibes emanating from here gave a creepy impression, almost like I could summon the demons and have coffee with Bloody Mary on this table.

All of a sudden the vibe was interrupted and cut through with sharp scissors: I was met with a tall, well fit woman in leather leggings and an old 'The Bangles' baggy t-shirt.

It wasn't until she got closer to me that I realized it was Scarlett.

Glassy, puffy red eyes that I assume was a result of intense crying. Swollen, tired face covered with smeared make up; tears mixing with mascara ran down her cheeks, giving her a rather creepy appearance.

Her steps were uneven as she struggled to keep her balance.

I've never seen her that way. Not until today, anyway.

I closed my book and frowned at her from afar. She staggered, swaying slightly. She grabbed onto the nearest shelf, causing it to shake slightly as the books fell off, pouring onto her.

I immediately got up and ran over to her, "My God Bridget! Are you stupid? What did you do?" I crouched down next to her, pushing the books off of her to scan her body for any injuries.

I relaxed when I found none and started picking up the books and placing them on the shelf.

She slightly sat up and giggled "Helloooooooo Kyyyylee!!!! What are you ddddoing here at one in the morniiiing?" She rolled her head backwards and extended her hand towards me, "Nooo! No. Lemme gueeeeesss."

She tapped her chin thoughtfully as I continued picking up the books, not once looking away from her, afraid that she will do something stupid.

"You were reading!!!!" She crooned and I silently observed her as I continued placing the books on the shelf.

She broke into a fit of giggles, "You know, I haven't opened a book since last year. Since his death." Who's death? She looked around the room and fixated her eyes on something.

Once I was done putting everything back, I noticed her starting the doze off.

"Scarlett," I blurted and got no response.

She was intently looking at the clock. "Scarlett," I shook her shoulder, "You're drunk," I pursued.

She snapped her eyes towards mine, "Meee? Drunkkk!! What an absurd conclusion!!! I'm the s-sssoberest girl in this room! Look around you, Kyle guy. Look at the clock, it's funny," she muttered as she erupted in laughter, "Tic-tac, tic-tac," She mimicked the sound of the clock.