Part Five

“Please don't cry.”

HER POV

It wasn't what he said, it was how he said it that made laughter erupt somewhere from my insides.

The glint in his eyes mirrored the shy smile of his mouth, as he set the book down to fully focus on me.

The book was a facade after all.

For the first time, I chose to not just see, but truly look. His smile spread wider with each scrutinizing second that passed, revealing a row of perfect white teeth.

He remained still, allowing my eyes travel from his hair - chestnut and curly, down to his eyes - sparkling with mischief before settling on his chest and the cross-engraved necklace that softly rested above it.

“Don't stop smiling”, I wanted to say.

Instead, I insisted on irritation as the words, “You're here again.” rolled off my tongue.

His response, interrupted the air of silence around us.

There it was, the chuckle that beckoned me to join in.

“I have a feeling you don't mind.”

I didn't.

But I waved his comment aside, crossing my arms, defensively. His boyish grin, told me he was once again, unbothered by my reaction.

“I have something for you.”

Reining in my curiosity, I watched him stand, walk towards the aisle, and return with a box.

He slid it across the table, slowly, like a quiet temptation.

Wary of our previous encounters, I stalled to eye him down, unsure . But all I saw was encouragement, silent, yet persuasive.

So I took his silent cue, slowly loosening the ribbon that held the box together. The smell of something new and crisp hit me in the face as I lifted the flap, revealing the content of the box.

My phone.

But a new one.

“I'm sorry for bumping into you.”

I heard his apology, but it barely registered in my mind.

Instead, I heard the sincerity in his voice, the gentleness in his gaze as he stared at me. Unsure of what I would do next.

The tears rolled down more quickly than I would have expected, followed by soft sobs that threatened to spiral into louder ones.

He noticed.

He cared.

He noticed enough to care.

He cared enough to notice.

“Please don't cry, I'm so sorr....”

This time, his words drowned in not just my thoughts but also the bubble that enveloped us.

“Thank you so much.”

Relief flooded his face as he let out a sigh. His previous concern dissolved into a peak of laughter as would my tears as I wiped my eyes.

The next few hours would go by in a blur, so quickly that I almost reached out and asked time for a pause.

More time to soak in the moment.

More time to soak him in.

The next day, I did not want a do-over. I needed a continuation.

There was a spring in my step as I walked into the library, one in rhythm with the hum in my chest.

I would see him again today.

And for the first time since he had been more but an interruption, I embraced the anticipation that rose with each step towards “our” seats.

I could already see, even from a distance.

The table was there.

The chairs were there.

But he wasn't there.

---

Co Author's Note -

Wagwan guysss!

Today's entry was quite late. I apologize for that, birthday girl was quite occupied.

Thank you so much for reading so far.

We have just one entry left. Can you believe that?

What do you think happened to him?

I want to hear from you.

See you tomorrow!

All my love,

Debsssssss