Noah worried the second he left the note on Leigh's desk. His stomach twisted in agonising anticipation as he waited for her to find it. When she returned, she quickly scanned the library, trying to search for any signs of the recipient. Noah kept his head down and tried to look as uninterested as everyone else. He hardly felt her gaze pass over him for more than a second.
For the next hour, he wondered if he had freaked her out. Maybe the message was stalker-ish. Noah pressed his cheek against the cool surface of the desk, internally sighing in defeat. He wasn't sure how long he stayed there for, but it must have been longer than he thought. A warm, plump hand rested on his shoulder and gave him a sympathetic smile.
The library was closing soon.
Picking up his bag, he threw his things into it and swung it over his shoulder. Other than some kid doing some last minute printing, he was the only one there. Noah was both tired and hungry, contemplating whether he should stop for a quick burger and milkshake or just go back to his dorm room and crash for the night.
Decisions, decisions.
But, as he passed the Young Adult section of the library, all thoughts of food and sleep slipped his mind. The librarian was standing by the doors with her jacket on, ready to lock up and secure the area. Noah made a quick detour and disappeared between the aisles.
P, Q, R, S.
The book was gone. Overwhelming joy consumed him and he couldn't help the half awkward dance that took over his usual calm walk.