Until Eternity BxB

chapter 7

Chapter 7

I didn't get much sleep that night. One of the few things that you should know about me , I may be patient but if I have no sleep I could be worse then...something bad ...I can't even think properly, my mind has been distracted with that book. I had decided that enough was enough and I was going back to the bookstore . I doubted that Jessica or Thomas knew where the book was from , but Jessica did have a knowing glint in her eyes when she gave the book to me. So they must know something . I don't know why this book speaks to me so much ,the raw emotion in it and the adjectives dancing in the way that they do just ....I don't know and I do not like not knowing . I intend on finding out where this book came from.

I had decided to walk to the bookstore with the cool morning air at my neck , in my haste I had forgotten my blazer and I'm pretty sure that my braces were coming unclasped. The sign on the front of the door read 'closed' but I tried the handle and waltzed in anyways. Jessica wouldn't mind I have done it plenty of times. Reading is an escape and they understood that , besides I had worked here a few times just to have something to do during my off or spare time. I could see that Jessica was on a stepping stool in the corner of the shop whilst Thomas was nowhere to be seen . Assuming that he was in the back or staff room I walked over to Jessica and bent down to grasp the box that was by the stool, it was full of books which she was putting on the shelves

'oh hello there Chester! I didn't even hear the bell on the door, what are you doing here so early? ' she chuckled slightly and pushed her glasses further up her nose. I tried to give a polite smile but I'm not sure how polite it looked . 'Jessica do you remember that book you gave me?' I questioned quietly , I wasn't sure if Thomas knew that she had gifted me the book for free but either way I wanted to ask her in a one -to-one conversation . 'my memory is failing me these days dear, could you remind me?' I could hear the joking tone in her voice which I wasn't too happy about . 'you know very well which book jessica , love's battles?' my stressed tone seemed to make her smile which made my mood a bit worse . A lot of people seem to find my misery amusing . ' I told you Chester , you seem so emotionless with no time for love , I was hoping that book would help you.' I understood what she was saying but there still was soemthing missing 'did you read it?' I asked as she stepped off the ladder and only then did I realize that the box I was holding was empty . Jessica started walking to the back room whilst I trailed behind ' unfortunately not but something told me that you needed it -Thomas! Look who is here early!' Thomas took the box off me and gave me a polite smile. I don't know what he was doing prior to our arrival but the amounts of paper's on the desk suggested finances .

'Ah hello there Chester, it's your day off isn't it? well we have a class coming in later today i'm sure you'd be happy to help ' I didn't think that he noticed the fact that i hadn't eaten at all yet today and I was practically half-dressed , it was early , this store opened early and it was difficult to get here at a sensible time . 'thomas! let the man breathe , now chester you don't need to help out if you don't want to .' i sighed a bit and gave a smile 'no I don't mind when will they be here? ' which caused them both to grin.

I had just enough time to run home , get properly dressed, grab something to eat and get back to the store just before the kids came . Before I entered I could hear Jessica talking 'now children we have a very special treat for you-' she was interrupted as the bell chimed when I entered 'CHARLIE!' many different voices screamed and many small arms were attached to my person before I took three steps into the door. I gave a loud chuckle and bent down to return the hugs....Yes I am a kid person, I get on very well with children .I adore their innocence and how happy they can be , not to mention their imagination. The imagination which accepts tiny fairies which take your fallen out teeth or bunnies that hop and lay eggs on easter. I adore that imagination because I used to be like that, I know that magic exists in many different ways , but i have yet to meet a fairy who steals children's teeth. I was pulled over to a very comfy chair and several books were placed infront of the children . The store was still open to the public so the children quietly argued over what book I should read. I was listening to them until I felt a tug on my trouser leg . I looked down to see an adorable little girl , she gave me a nervous smile before picking up beauty and the beast ....I couldn't say no.

I had gotten into the book reading zone by the time we had finished, all of the world was blocked out . I deeply regretted it once I finished because as soon as I looked up I saw him. Maddox was sat there with the children with his cane folded up in front of him deeply listening to the story and smiled once it was finished he clapped along with the children as I read the words 'THE END' Most of the children wanted me to read another book but my red cheeks seemed to catch Jessica's attention who diverted their attention ' now children it's chester's day off , thank him and then I will read you another story' . Lots of smiling faces turned in my direction and a plethora of 'thank you Charlie's were sent my way . I gave another smile and waved.

Once the children's attention was away from me I had slumped down in my seat and gave a deep sigh . Maddox had just watched me read beauty and the beast to about thirty children. I wasn't embarrassed so to say because reading a story to children isnt' something to be embarrassed about but I was hoping that I would be able to introduce Maddox to the different sides of me on my own terms . Instead of him accidently stumbling over my book-loving self reading to a group of children.

I had my eyes closed and my head leaned back before I felt something touch my foot . I opened my right eye to see a head of fire red hair , crystal eyes and a face full of freckles. 'Hi.'