The Library ~ A Short Story

“I loved reading those books.”

Startled, I look up. My ocean blue eyes meet chocolate brown ones.

“Doesn’t everybody?” I chuckle. “It’s only one of the most best-selling books of all time!”

“I know.” The boy smiles and takes a seat in the chair across from me. “Who is your favorite character?”

“That’s hard. They are all so special to me in many different ways. But, overall, I’d have to say Hermione. She’s just so awesome.”

“Yeah. Ron’s my favorite character. Even though he messes up at points, he always comes back. He never gives up and sticks with Harry until the very end.”

An awkward silence comes upon us, each lost in our own thoughts of the world of Harry Potter. I can’t believe this is happening to me. I, Annie, am just minding my own business in my corner at the library when all of a sudden a boy I barely know comes up and talks to me. I don’t quite know what to make of it.

“Do you come to the library often? I’ve never seen you here before.” I ask, putting Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix down.

“Actually, yes. I started coming about two weeks ago when I had to check out some books for my history project. That’s when I noticed you came here too. You were always lost in your own little world of stories. I started coming every day to see what you were reading next, but I never had the courage to approach you. So I sat reading in my corner and you sat reading in your corner. Only until today did I decide to at least find out your name.”

“Really?” I stare, unbelieving, at him. “And it’s Annie by the way.”

“I’m William. It’s nice to meet you!” He sticks out his hand and I politely shake it.

“Same here! I’m glad you decided to introduce yourself. So, just to clear things up, do we go to the same school or something? Because you look really familiar.”

“Yes, we do,” he smiles. “I’m even in your math and Spanish class.”

“Oh, wow! Sorry I didn't recognize you. There are just so many people shoved into that one room that I can’t remember every face.”

“That’s totally fine! I know the feeling. Sometimes, on bad days, I still get lost and have to ask someday where the gym is when I’m standing right next to it.”

I brake into laughter and he soon follows suit. This gets us a hushing from the librarian nearby, but that only makes us laugh even harder. I’m starting to like him more and more as time goes on. This has to be one of the best days of my life! I hardly ever get noticed by people, let alone boys!

An alarm on my phone goes off and I realize it is time for me to head home. Reluctantly, I put my books back into my bulging backpack and stand up.

“Sorry, but I have to go. Maybe I’ll see you at school tomorrow?”

“I’m sure you will. I should be heading home too. If my mom finds out I haven’t spent this hour starting on homework, she’ll freak!” He quickly gathers his things and we start walking towards the door together. “Goodbye, Annie!” And with a smile on his face, he exits the library and doesn’t look back.

I stop and watch him maneuver down the busy street. “Goodbye, William.”

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

“And that’s how I met your grandpa: through a love of books.”

“What a great story, Grandma! Can you tell me another one?”

“Oh, Julie, your grandma is all tired out now. Maybe another time.”

And with that, I put little Julie to bed, kiss her goodnight, and close the door. She soon falls asleep.

“Sweet dreams, my little one.”

Have a great day // Thanks for reading :)