By the time the clock struck nine in the morning, Georgina had showered and put on her fedora hat, scratching Oscar's chin and snapping her apartment door shut, hands buried deep in her coat pockets.
The clouds swirled around the sky—a gray color that indicated rain coming after a few minutes.
Georgina cursed the fact she didn't have an umbrella at such a time and hurried along the streets to get to the nearest library using the street signs and the flow of the crowd.
The library she stopped by was painted a rich brown with multiple windows on the front, allowing a view of the towering bookshelves and large tables scattered about, as well as the counter at the farthest right where no one was seen.
Georgina's nerves tingled with excitement, drinking in the sight before ultimately stepping forward.
The bell attached to the top of the heavy double doors jingled as she went inside, the smell of old books and papyrus greeting her.
At the familiar scent her lips turned up in a smile, eager to get her hands on any reading material and read to her heart's content.
She didn't feel like stealing anything today; only immersing herself in thick tomes to her heart's content. She also wouldn't dream of stealing any book from here since they all looked well taken care of and had high maintenance. Surely, the owners would look for the missing books if she ever tried.
Her combat boots clicked softly against the shiny floorboards, eyes looking around and hands going over the spines of the numerous books as she walks.
Everything was so enticing that Georgina felt herself buzz with excitement.
What to read first?
In no time, she had gathered her pile of books to read and found a table by the corner, thankful for the solitude.
At least no one will disturb her.
A couple hours flew by with her not noticing, engrossed in her novel that she failed to realize a figure approaching her table.
"Fancy seeing you here."
Startled, her head whipped up and she found herself staring at green eyes.
Her face morphed to show displeasure.
"Why are you here?" she demanded, venom dripping in her tone.
She didn't mean it but it was starting to get tiring, running into the same person almost everyday when you just wanted to relax.
He chuckled, a light and airy sound that oddly calmed her down.
"How about some lunch and we can talk?"
A tempting offer. Georgina found herself chewing her bottom lip in contemplation, finally sighing and agreeing to his request.
"Wonderful. Give me a moment to lock up the library then we can go."
She stared up at him in confusion but he was already walking away.
Did he just say—
After a few minutes the pair was off, walking side by side with an air of awkwardness surrounding them.
"So, what do they call you?" the man asked conversationally as they walk the crowded streets.
Georgina uncomfortably avoided hitting another person's shoulder before the question registered and she scrambled to answer.
"Oh I'm Georgina Wells," she said almost automatically. "And you?" she returned to be polite.
"Aaron Miller," he answered smoothly. It was subtle, but Georgina noticed how his chest puffed up a little in pride.
The two walked in silence, Georgina staring at the same surroundings yet feeling something different on this particular Tuesday.
She couldn't pinpoint exactly what was new today, but she can feel it.
She was a little scared though, because change was something she wasn't comfortable with accepting wholeheartedly.
But maybe change was coming, and it was in the form of this man.
A couple of twittering sounded from above, her eyes taking in the sight of two blue birds fluttering about in the air before perching on a telephone pole and continuing to sing their song.
Vendors hollered about their products and people continued to walk and bump others randomly with almost little to no apology. The traffic wasn't so bad but the smoke the cars released were thick and reeked of an unpleasant odor that made Georgina scrunch her nose.
"Where are we going?"
"There's a nice place downtown that serves the best, in my opinion. I'm taking you there," the man called Aaron answered cheerfully.
The pair went on and made occasional small talk, Georgina struggling a little in the situation.
After living in solitude for five years and counting, Georgina forgot how to interact with people. She'd grown accustomed to living by herself and having minimal conversations with humans, spending time with her cat and best friend and cousin. The lovers were arguably the only humans she interacted with on a daily basis, so making a new friend was something to get used to again.
Aaron though was respectful and helpful, often advising her on what to ask and what not to say. She attempted to take this all to heart, trying to remember as much and mulling over his advice.
By the time he was telling her about internet etiquette, his eyes wander somewhere and he stopped talking.
"Oh, here we are," he announced, opening the wooden door of the small establishment for her.
She instinctively shied away from the smiling waitress who led them to their table, a little wary of new company.
They sat across each other, the air filled with silence once more.
"You said something about locking up the library," Georgina started tentatively, hands fiddling with the loose fabric of her jeans. "Why's that?"
"I'm a librarian," Aaron answered with a smile. "I maintain all the books and check them out whenever people want to borrow them. You should try it sometime. It's fun."
"I've got books at my apartment, thanks."
He frowned a little.
"But I'm sure your collection is not as wide-ranged as the library I maintain."
He paused to think for a moment before leaning forward. "All right come drop by some time and I'll tour you around."
She couldn't help the giggle that flitted past her lips. A hand instantly came to cover her mouth, but she knew he heard it.
She cleared her throat before speaking again.
"Why're you so adamant about it? Aren't you worried I might just steal from you like I do to everyone else?"
She was worried, in fact. The worry was masked by her smile though, pretending one of the things that came naturally to her. She didn't want to break the man's trust, but knowing her tendencies, she might very well do so in the near future.
But the fact that he decided to take her out for lunch already spoke volumes on how he saw her, and it was all so new and terrifying that it made Georgina's stomach churn with something, as if wanting to explore a little.
No, she didn't feel like vomiting. She wasn't that hungry either.
But the hospitality this man showed on a robber like her... it was something she's never experienced before as she was used to looking out for herself.
He didn't even call the cops on her!
And that was saying something.
"If I did believe that then you wouldn't be sitting across from me," he pointed out, rendering Georgina silent as she thought it over and finally noded once to his statement.
"Fair enough, I guess."
Their food soon after arrived with exquisite decorating and a smell that made Georgina's mouth water. She tried to muster a thankful smile to the servers before leaving. She didn't know if she's succeeded, but the smiles they gave back were rewarding.
"So you'll come?" Aaron asked, excited.
One look at his eager expression was enough for Georgina to make up her mind.
"Yeah."
The wide smile that graced his lips made Georgina's own lips copy the gesture, however timid it was.
In this light, Georgina was reminded how such a simple action could mean so much to others.