His Heart's Desire

15

Alice

The weather reflected my mood. It poured rain as I ran across the muddy grass and into the school. Brodie didn't drive me and I missed the bus so I had to walk. I already missed first hour and I had books to return back anyways so by this point I wasn't fazed one bit.

I make my way into the cold library and being soaking wet doesn't help. It's freezing in here and I immediately start to quake with chills.

My books tumble down the return shoot and I turn to leave but something catches my eye.

A bright yellow sign that reads the latest in Historical Fiction hangs above one of the bookcases and I make my way there. A few minutes of reading wouldn't hurt.

By the time I'm there my heart bounces in joy. The selections are just what I've been waiting for! The sequel to my favorite has finally arrived and I don't hesitate and grasp the hardcover and plop down and the floor.

I get lost in the story and the silence in the library, considering everyone was in class, was almost euphoric for me. I could bask in this silence all day.

I bite my lip as the stunning and brave main character makes her one and only escape with the love of her life.

I grip the page that I'm ready to turn as soon as my eyes scan the last word. My wet hair is dripping down my back but I stopped caring 10 pages ago. And before I know it the bell rings and I jump. I hit my head hard on the back of the bookshelf and wince. I read this whole period!

I gasp and slam the book shut. I push it back into the slot on its shelf and lift my bag over my shoulder.

I start walking down the long aisles of endless tales and legends jotted down with meaning. Each story had, well, a story. And to me, each one was worth reading. Too many books in too little time.

My walking seizes as I spot that familiar chestnut brown hair and that brooding body that always seemed so tense. But as I watch Nick in his own little world with a book resting on his muscular thighs, it's almost mesmerizing. His shoulders aren't tight. His jaw isn't locked and his eyes aren't snappish.

His face is hidden behind his fist as he leans on it. I slowly walk up to him feeling the need to. Something felt a little more off than usual. I mean I've only talked to him a few times but... he's just so different. It amazes me and frustrates me to a never-ending extent.

I need to thank him for helping me yesterday.

"Nick?" I whisper considering it's a library.

I watch his shoulders tense as if he knew it was me before he looked up. His cold eyes meet mine but they don't stay. My eyes narrow in on the bloody bruises that litter his neck.

A heavy breath starts to leave my parted lips and I see for a split second his eyes focusing on my legs. His face holds annoyance but his eyes hold apprehension. He seems on edge.

My hands softly land themselves on his muscular shoulders without warning and I examine the bruises as he continues to stare blankly up at me. These look painful as they are a deep shade of black.

"W-what happened," I remark softly and run my thumb over the dark coloring and disfigurement.

He brushes my arm off his shoulder and one of his large calloused hands grip a loop in my jeans before pushing me away from him.