• Jane and I talked at the table and told stories. It was nice because I didn’t even notice Scott. Zane stood, leaned on the wall behind me watching Scott out of the corner of his eye.

    “Oh wow,” Jane said leaning back on her chair smiling.

    “What time is it?” I asked.

    “It is 10 o’clock,” I laughed.

    “Wow, um Zane we should probably get back to my house. My parents didn’t give me a time but I’m sure they’ll yell if it’s too late.” He nodded. I stood up and Jane did too.

    “Thank you for coming over.” I smiled.

    “Thank you for having me,” she gave me a tight hug.

    “I want her to come back,” Jane said letting me go and talking to Zane. He smiled lightly.

    “OK mom,” he said.

    “Be safe!” she called as we went out the door. The stairs were cold so I wrapped my coat around me tighter. We headed to the car and got in quickly seeing a group of guys at the end of the street walking up. It was silent as we went over the bridge.

    “So that’s Scott,” I stated more then a question.

    “Yeah….he wasn’t supposed to come. But of course the ******** can’t stay away for more then—“ “Zane!” I said. “It’s ok. As long as he doesn’t hurt you we’re ok.” he glanced over at me and looked away quickly.

    “I wasn’t worried about getting hurt…..I was worried he was going to hurt you,” he mumbled softly. I looked at him. His jaw was tight but I swear I could see pink running to his cheeks. I smiled and laughed lightly. I took his hand and brought it up to my lips and kissed it then patted his hand.

    “I can take care of myself there Mr. Walker. If he would ever try to hurt me, I would just open up a can of ‘Whoop a**!’.” he laughed. We got to the house and I got out. He walked me up talking about some concert Jane took him too.

    “ACDC?” I asked surprised. He nodded and laughed.

    “My mom loves them.”

    “So that’s why Back in Black is your ring ton.” he laughed.

    “Yeah,” I smiled.

    “You’re really good to your mom,” I said. He sighed but smiled. “I’ll see you Monday.” I started for the door.

    “Wait!” he said quickly. I turned as Zane came up and kissed my cheek lightly.

    “You look beautiful,” he whispered. Shivers ran down my spine. With that he turned and went back down the steps and got in his car. I smiled and went inside. I heard the car drive away and sighed. Dad was in the living room watching the game when I walked in.

    “I’m going to bed,” I said. He nodded. I went up to my room slipping off my shoes and jacket. I pulled off my dress and got into bed not feeling like changing. I got my book and started to read almost in a daze.

    Sunday morning I went down stairs later and finished my book. I sighed as dad flipped the channel on the TV. I need a book. I looked at my phone and sighed. No texts from Zane.

    “Dad,” I said standing up.

    “Mm?” he asked.

    “I’m going to go to the library quick ok?” he nodded.

    “Be careful out there though it’s getting a little icy.” I grabbed my coat and scarf then my gloves. Mom came into the living room getting a magazine off the coffee stand.

    “I need something to read while we’re there” she mumbled. I headed out the door and ran to my car as I felt the icy breeze. It was going to snow this week. I could tell. I got to the library and went to my favorite section. I moved my fingers across the leather backs and read the last names. I smiled as I pulled out a dusty Mice and Men. It was a tiny book but it was so good. I had read it a couple times. I then moved to the next isle and found Stephen King. I smiled as I pulled out a large book with a couple stories in it. I went around the other corner thinking maybe one more book would be good. There was a table in the corner and there was Grant sitting at it. I stopped frozen then went to step back around the corner when he saw me.

    “Olivia!” he said surprised. I looked up and smiled.

    “Hey Grant,” he motioned me over. I awkwardly went over.

    “So what are you doing here?” he asked. I laughed.

    “Getting books?” he smiled.

    “Sorry stupid question,” I nodded.

    “Are you studying?” I asked. He sighed.

    “Yep, history,” he tapped his pencil and nodded. “It sucks.” I rolled my eyes.

    “You were never good at that subject.” He laughed.

    “Yeah not my best.” It was silent I shifted awkwardly on my feet.

    “Well I better get going,” I said and headed down the isle.

    “Um, yeah…ok bye!” he called after me.

    “Bye,” I said and walked to check out my books. “Awkward.” I muttered.