One Last Time

Chapter 11 | 11:11

A week has passed. Ronnie's working with me at the library because Reed's taking today off. His editor called and needed to discuss with him about the book he's working on. Fortunately, Ronnie has nothing scheduled for today and notified her co-workers that she won't be taking any calls either. However, she does check her emails in-between hours.

Tomorrow's gonna be Reed and I's first official date. I'm planning to tell Ronnie as soon as she gets back from the cafe. There are more people now since college kids are starting their summer semester of school. I've been working at the reception desk, attending people who are struggling with using the computers, then returning the finished ones from their desks back on the shelves.

"Excuse me, but where can I find the History section?"

I turn to the source of the voice. A beautiful woman with wavy black hair and glowing caramel skin stands a few feet away from me. Her dark brown eyes glimmer with her radiant cheekbones as she smiles politely, waiting for my response. I blink rapidly and stuttered, "Um, ah.. it's— follow me please."

Smooth, Maya.

We walk down the hallway leading farther from the exit and near the stairs going to the second floor. We finally reached her desired section. "Here we are!" I awkwardly said, "Sorry about earlier. You can say I was starstruck by your beauty." I lean on my heels and rock back and forth, feeling second hand embarrassment for myself. The woman laughed along with me, "Thank you. You're quite beautiful yourself. I'm actually just in town for a few weeks then leaving for work." I offered her to take a seat so we can talk more comfortably. We both sat down across each other.

"Really? Welcome to Thornridge! It's a small town, but you'll find yourself feeling at home in no time. I'm Maya Salvator," I extend my hand to her. She takes my hand and shakes it, "Jade Carter. Believe it or not, you're the first person I'm having a proper conversation with since I arrived. I've been having a hard time finding my way around here. This library has been the easiest thing to find so far since the directions isn't complicated." Her face scrunches up, possibly having the stress taking over her. I bit my lower lip as I search in my mind for something to do to change it.

"Make a wish!"

"What?"

I showed her the time on my phone and she giggled. She closes her eyes for a second, surprisingly listening to me. I wanted to brighten up the mood, and it seems like my idea worked. Jade lets out a breath when she's done. "That really helped. Thanks, again. I don't remember the last time I did that. We should hang out more if you don't mind, of course." Now, she's the one acting nervous. I nodded with a chuckle. "Judging by your last name, are you the owner of the library?" she asked. "Yup, I've been working here for years," I replied. There's a bit of an awkward pause before Jade made a sudden confession.

"Honestly, things have been rough for me these past few months. But, meeting you kinda made my day. It's just that, something about you reminds me of someone I really care about." Jade zoned out, probably reminiscing about that person. She has a sad smile on her face. I boldly placed my hand on top of hers for comfort, "I hope at least this person made you happy." We both snickered then had small talk before parting ways. I think Jade left an hour later because I haven't see her around since. I wonder if we'll be able to hang out since she said she'll only be here in a short period of time. Strangely, I feel like we might meet each other more than once.

Ronnie nudges my shoulder for attention, snapping me out of my daze. She came back right as I finished helping Jade. She witnessed our last minute of interaction and asked about it. I told her I made a friend and not to worry. We've swept the entire second floor and dusted the bookshelves of the first. Then, we went back upstairs to unload the new editions of schoolbooks. I glance to Ronnie, replaying what I plan to say to her.

"Are you—"

"Reed and I have a date tomorrow!" I blurted out.

I immediately covered my mouth, eyes widened. Ronnie's completely flabbergasted from my outburst and drops the books she's holding. One landed on her foot, making her let out a bunch of curse words. She immediately holds her injured foot while hopping on the other, "What do you mean a date? As in a date date?" I nodded in confirmation.

Ronnie grabs my hand and pulls me to sit on the chair next to the trolly. She crouches down trying to even her breathing, "Are you sure about this Maya?" She has that expression on her face again. I walk down memory lane reflecting my past experiences. "I'm sure, Ronnie. No regrets, remember?" I replied calmly. She hugs me tightly, clutching on my shirt for dear life. I hug her back while she struggled to conceal her whimpers. I try my best to ignore it because I know that's what she wanted. Ronnie lets go after ten minutes and wipes away any remaining tears.

"You know I still got my dad's shotgun, right?"

We both giggled then continued our work. It was five in the evening when we're done with everything. We decided to close early right as the last person left the library so we can spend more time for ourselves. Ronnie will be going out of town for business tomorrow and she wants every last second she's here to be spent with me.

"I love you, Maya."

"I love you too, Ronnie."

We finished locking up the library then head to her place. We got out of Ronnie's car and held hands walking to her doorstep. She's carrying a bag filled with candies with one hand while I'm holding a bag of junk-food on the other. July has been good so far, hopefully it stays that way.