Tick tock tick tock
The sound I have been hearing for a few hours now. But my attention was all concentrated on this page which was there in front of me. I turned it again. My eyes running over different words. Without knowing my hands caressed the sides of the page. The smooth yet rough texture running down my receptors.
"I am sorry but we will have to close down now." The sweet voice made it's way into my ear. I lifted my eyes enough to look at her. She was old. Just like I remember her from when I used to come here with my father. Her hair were in a bun. While she had huge circular glasses sitting upon her nose.
I looked at the clock which hung just above the huge shelf of the fictional characters.
10 pm.
"I thought you close down at nine." I closed the book in front of me. My hand still in between the pages I was on.
"We do. But since you looked so much engrossed I thought of extending it. But look at the time now. It's ten. I am afraid I might have to close down now. Sorry, sweetie." She smiled softly at me. You could see the time reflecting on the corner of her eyes.
I looked down at the work I was reading. I still didn't feel like leaving it.
I sighed sadly. I got up from my seat looking at Mrs Granger and nodded at her. Smiling slightly.
She looked at me without saying anything. Looking at me knowingly. I stepped aside to go but she stopped me. I turned around to find her holding the book in her hand,
"Why don't you take it with you. You can return to me whenever you are done." She whispered looking softly.
I looked into both her eyes. To see if she was lying. But she wasn't. They were as earnest as they could be.
"But how can I? I don't even..."
"I have seen you. I know I can trust you. Take it with you." She took my hands and put the book in them, "Besides, it's a good book."
I looked at her unsure. Still not able to get over the fact that I was given the permission to take this book with me. Even though the library doesn't allow people to take the books with them.
"I don't know how to-" I started.
"Thank me? You don't need to. You love reading. Now where do we find much readers nowadays? I'll be just glad to let you savour it to the fullest."
I held the book close to my chest. Feeling the heaviness of the words against me. The one heavy thing I love to carry.
"My god! Look at the time. I don't want your parents to worry. Let's go. Come on." She adjusted her glasses before moving forward in her long old dress.
I moved behind her as she walked softly towards the exit. As soon as she was out she locked it with the keys jangling in her hands. She turned around towards me, putting the keys back into the pocket of her dress.
"It's late." She said looking up at the sky. It was a windy night. As usual what is expected from this city. I hum in response.
"Why don't you book an uber? It's not safe." She said looking around. Her eyes a little terrified.
I knew why she was afraid. She was afraid of the gang which usually became active at night. Smugglers they were.I have heard of them. Everyone's terrified of them. You don't want to cross their path, especially at night.
"I think I'll be fine. I'll call my mom. Anyhow, my home is at walking distance from here." I reassured her.
She looked at me unsure for a moment, "I'll wait."
I shook my head smiling slightly at her, "You already have done enough for me Mrs Granger. I don't want to trouble you anymore than I already have. I'll be fine. Will you?"
She seemed proud as she said, "Yes, ofcourse I will. It's you who I am worried about."
"Then you don't have to. Go home." I take her hands in mine and gave a reassuring squeeze.
She nodded at me, her eyes twinkling. She stepped down from one of the stairs which ran on both sides. Once she was almost down she turned towards me one last time. A smile evident on her face. A smile which was genuine. And a smile which never faltered from her face.
"Take care." She said before walking down the road. On her way home.
It was just me now. Alone. Standing here in front of the library. I was much thankful that I had a roof on my head for now. With book clutched tight into one of my hands, I took my phone with the help of my free hand. I dialled my mother's phone.
It went right to voicemail. I knew she'll call me the minute she sees my missed call.
I look up and notice the dark clouds covering the night sky. It doesn't rain much but it seemed as if it was going to rain today.
I sighed. I think I'll just walk until mom decides to call back.
I climbed down the stairs opposite from the ones Mrs Granger went. Once I was down I took my phone out.
I looked at mom's phone number. Slowly I scrolled up before the name was staring back at me. His name. His phone number.
I contemplated if I should call him or not. I have his number but I haven't ever given him a call in the past years. I was afraid. Afraid maybe he might not pick up. But I was far away from that now. After what happened in the amusement park, maybe he'll pick up.
Slowly I dialled his number. It rang for a few minutes before I heard it,
Hello?
"Xavier? You picked up!" There was a ray of hope in my voice.
Either I am really busy. Or I just don't want to talk to you.
Or he is with us. I heard Alec's voice shout in some distance.
Will you shut up! So yes, leave your message now. Maybe I'll hear it.
*beep*
I ended it. I looked down a little upset. But I shouldn't be upset. It wasn't as if I was expecting something more. But there was just this small ray of hope that maybe he'll pick up. Maybe.
I looked up ahead. I think I can walk home. It's not that far away. And somehow I think it was going to rain. And I don't want to get drenched in rain. And what are the odds that I will run into that crazy gang, right?
I walked with the book and the phone in my hands. All the shops had closed down and the only thing you could see were the dark roads. Not a single soul in sight there was. The only source of light was that of lamppost.
Not even five minutes into it I saw a bunch of guys standing with their motorbikes laughing, talking and smoking. They wore black clothes and jackets. Piercing and tattoos on their different parts of faces. And they looked scary.
The gang.
What are the odds? Yes, definitely. Luck is definitely on my side if it already wasn't.
I stopped in my tracks, frozen in one spot. My brain working at a speed of light and the only thing going on... I can either keep my head down low and expect to pass through them without them noticing me or I can turn around right here and run away from them, again expecting they don't notice me.
I contemplated for a moment before taking in a deep breath. I can do this. I can get out of this situation. Shit. I should have stayed there until mom picked my call. Or better yet I should have booked an uber.
I am such an idiot.
In the end I decided to run away. There was in no hell's chance that I was risking my life by passing through them. I already have risked it enough to get me here, I wasn't planning it further.
I took a few deep breaths to calm myself before turning around and making the run for it. I should go back to the library. I think I'll be much safer there.
I didn't even get to run for five seconds before I heard a very heavy voice yell,
"You think you can run away?"
Yes, ofcourse I thought I could run away. Maybe that's the reason I am running away.
I didn't even look back. Not even once. I was afraid. Afraid of what I might see. Maybe they are far away. Or maybe they are just behind me on their big monstrous bikes.
But the only thing I knew right now was to run as fast as I could and survive this night.
___
Hey guys,
I don't know who needs to hear this but you are beautiful/handsome. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. There are people who love you for the way you are. I love you.
So yes, back to the chapter. Liya definitely landed herself into some trouble, don't you think?
Let me knowww
Vote, comment and review!
Love youuu<3