CHAPTER TWO

However, it turns out to be just my phone ringing, and I nearly jump out of my skin at the sound. So much for being brave. I rush back to the couch to answer the call, and my heart skips a beat when I see Clara's name flashing on the screen.

"Hey, Chica," I answer, my relief evident.

"Uhm, hey, I'm calling to let you know I won't be coming home tonight."

Say what now? "WHAT!" I practically yell into the phone. "You've got to be kidding me."

"No, I'm not. Lock up after you, see ya! Bye," she says casually before hanging up.

Oh, God, no...

I nervously contemplate returning to the kitchen but pause when a thought crosses my mind. My bedroom has a lock, and honestly, there's nothing valuable to steal in the living room. So, I decide to grab the essentials and retreat to my room for the night.

And to top it off, I even had the audacity to tell the potential intruder to make themselves at home. Who does that?

The next morning, I wake up feeling refreshed and ready to seize the day. No, I didn't dwell on the intruder after bolting to my room and locking the door last night. Why would I?

First things first, I need to check if our furniture is still intact or if we'll be sitting on the floor for the next six months. To my relief, everything in the living room is just as we left it yesterday. I mustered the courage to inspect the kitchen area too, and not a single thing is out of place. Maybe the intruder simply needed a place to crash. See, why assume the worst?

Around noon, Clara returns, and I learn that we have an assignment due tomorrow. I must have missed Mr. Lawrence mentioning it last week, probably because I tend to zone out when I'm bored. It's a skill that has its pros and cons.

I reluctantly make my way to the library, where I'll spend hours researching on my day off. Yay, life!

In the library, I head toward the history section but end up bumping into someone while juggling my backpack and books. My books tumble to the floor.

"Oh, I'm sorry, did I hurt you?" The person speaks with the smoothest, deepest, most velvety voice I've ever heard in my life. It's like liquid chocolate.

"Uhm, no, you're... I mean, I'm fine. Thank you," I stammer, trying to reach for my scattered books. However, he beats me to it and swiftly hands them back to me, lightning-fast. Before I can properly thank him, he walks away—rude. It's a shame because I didn't even get to see his face. I shrug it off and continue toward the history section.

Three grueling hours later, I'm done and nearly give a victory whoop, but I catch myself in time. After all, I'm in a library. I pack up my things and decide to treat myself to ice cream for a job well done.

I enter my favorite ice cream parlor and order my usual—mint and chocolate flavors, a divine combination. I pay for it and chat with the waitress while waiting. Once it's ready, I take it to a booth near the window. I usually just order and take it home, but after three hours in the library, I need a break.

I'm halfway through my ice cream when I notice a guy staring at me and approaching my table. I pretend to be engrossed in my ice cream, but in reality, I'm feeling a bit intimidated by the intensity of his gaze. It's as if he could make me do anything with a glance.

"Hi, you're the library girl, right?" he says as he reaches my table. I'm momentarily puzzled before recalling our earlier collision in the library.

"If by 'library girl' you mean the one you bumped into, then yes. So I'm guessing you're the guy I bumped into. I was trying to apologize when you just walked away, so I'm sorry," I ramble on. What can I say? He's like a walking Greek god with his dark locks, the greenest eyes I've ever seen, and a jawline that could cut through a wall.

"It's nothing, Lucia. I'm glad you bumped into me." All of a sudden, my brain starts spinning. I don't recall seeing him before, and his face is hard to forget. So how does he know my name? He must have noticed my confusion because he quickly adds that he saw my name when he helped me gather my notes at the library.

"Can I sit?" I'm a bit skeptical, but what harm can he do in public like this?

"Sure, you can, but I don't think I have the energy to chat this evening. I just want to enjoy my ice cream and head home."

"That's fine. You can enjoy your ice cream while I look around. To be honest, I'm not in a chatty mood either."

And that's exactly what we do until it's time for me to leave, sitting and occasionally stealing glances at each other or other things. I pack up my belongings and stand to go.

"Uhm, I have to leave now..."

"Ethan. My name is Ethan."

"Right, Ethan. I have to go now. Thanks for keeping me company here and for helping me out in the library earlier."

"It's no biggie. Be safe out there, and I hope to see you later."

I don't know if it's just my paranoia, but the way he said, "be safe out there" sends shivers down my spine. But I've had enough excitement for one day. It's time to go home, take a shower, and get some rest.

When I arrive at the apartment, I discover that Clara isn't in again. Her date with Mr. Mystery Guy must be going well, and I'm thrilled for her. I never thought she'd find someone, but she's making an effort now. I make sure to double-lock the apartment door, just to be sure, and then head to my room for the night.