ALLISHA'S POV
Classes were over early in the morning and I was beyond in rejoice. There would be a faculty meeting for the whole school so my book time would also be earlier---and longer!
I clasped my book with excitement and started to march out of the room and head to the library.
But unfortunately, I couldn't be more unlucky.
"Where do you think you are going?" Fritz asked while holding on to my uniform at the back. No matter I tried to struggle my way out of his grip, he wouldn't let go.
"Mind your own business. I won't let you ruin this," I said looking helplessly at the library.
"Fine, then I'm coming!" He then grabbed me.
"Please no!" I said begging him not to come. I am too afraid he'd know my secret.
But, he never even bothered to listen to me. He let go of my hand and snatched the book I was holding.
"Just half of the year and your borrower's card is almost full," he said in amazement while scanning my borrower's card.
"Give it back. Not this time." I said while doing my all to grab it back.
Until I realized that we were already in the library.
"Good morning Miss," I greeted the librarian as usual.
"Oh, it's you again. Take your time." She continued writing as if I was not even there.
But all her expression changed upon seeing Fritz.
"It's great for you Mr. Ferrer to visit us for the first time." She greeted Fritz beautifully.
"Yeah, and maybe you'll even see more of me," Fritz answered and punched in both of our borrower's cards.
I stormed in without waiting for him and walked to my favorite section. I scanned every book, though I already read most of it, hoping to see the reason why I love going to the library. Besides books of course.
"So why like books?" Fritz startled me asking from the other side of the section.
"Go away Fritz," I said trying to adjust and get a perfect view.
"Why these books? It's crazy." Fritz said again while scanning one book in the fantasy section.
I didn't answer. I lost my capability of speaking, I seemed to lose my sense of hearing. Finally, I saw him. He was walking towards his most visited section.
My heart once again thumped in a very abnormal way, starting a rush all over my body. But it got worse when he walked past his section and headed toward my section.
Retreat!
"I'm leaving now," I immediately grabbed one book and scurried my way out.
"Hey, what's wrong with you? You look pale." Fritz asked as he blocked my way.
"I'm fine. I...I just need to go," I almost stutter.
I tried to look back to see if the mathematics boy was coming near then returned to look at Fritz and a creepy smile cracked on his face.
"So he's the reason huh," Fritz said which made me want to melt and just want to disappear. "Come on, is he the lucky one? Oh gosh! I thought you were incapable of emotions, let alone having a crush. Congratulations, you are a human being!"
" Shut it, Fritz. Get out of the way," I pleaded. I am getting weak in panic.
" Oh, what a great taste ha! What did you like about him?" he continued.
" Don't make me Fritz. Don't make me!" I said in my most serious face, gritting through my teeth. My brows were already creased in so much irritation, if it wasn't the library I could have easily yelled at him and punched him.
" What? What?" He teased me even more.
" Fine. So," I said as I changed my expression into somewhat like a cunning monster. " Why do you like Merian?"
His expression dropped to a zero centigrade. He grabbed my uniform aggressively, and anger took over his entire face and I felt a little frightened. He almost hit me when the librarian called for our attention.
" Mr. Ferrer and Ms. Aregory, go out. Service at 5. Warning number one." The librarian announced through the microphone.
" I hate you!" I angrily snapped at him.
I rushed my way out of the book section but then he grabbed me out of the library.
I heard a little chuckle before leaving. That was so embarrassing. I hope my---ah! Whatever, but I wish he didn't witness all of that.
" Let's talk later." Fritz left me outside the library and walked out of my sight.
I returned to our classroom and I tried hard to focus on the discussions the whole afternoon after the meeting. I never tried to look back at Fritz after the heated conversation we had. If he hated me, then I hate him more.
Until the bell rang for the five p.m. class dismissal. The day was endless.
I hadn't noticed Fritz leave the room but maybe because I didn't even try to turn my head to anybody the whole afternoon.
" Hey come on. The service must be there," Autumn happily waited outside the room.
" Go on. I still have to do something. I'll try to catch myself a ride home when I'm done." I said lazily.
" Why?! What happened?!" She exaggerated but still she was concerned.
" Autumn, calm down. I'm not in love." I explained.
" Ok. My gosh, I almost died there. Bye!" She said and ran away.
I walked to the library and started cleaning already. I had to hurry since I might not be able to go home if I wouldn't.
Thirty minutes passed and I hadn't seen Fritz. Outside, it was already getting dark, I was tired, and I was sleepy. I better finish this up.
But sleepiness was too much for me to handle. I looked around to see if the librarian was somewhere to be seen, and good gracious universe, she was outside. I decided to go to my hideout and take a nap.
" Just ten minutes," I whispered before falling asleep.
I let myself drift to sleep and I lost track of time. Sleeping was my only way of escape and besides, being frustrated took a lot of energy away from me.
" Hey wake up, service is over!" someone said while kicking me lightly to wake me up.
" Who the h*ll woke me.." I said sleepily.
" Wow! You got the nerves to be angry. Be thankful I even woke you up. I could have just left you here all night or maybe, I should have just pointed you to Ms. Librarian of sneaking into sleep while everyone is doing their service."
" Ah, it's you. The reason why I had to be at this service. Tha—nk yo—u!" I sarcastically said and Fritz frowned in dismay at my retortion.
I picked up the little pillow and placed it neatly back to where I used to place it.
" Thanks again," I mumbled with a smile before running out of the library after getting my borrower's card from the librarian.
"Come on, we're heading the same way. We'll catch the last trip." Fritz grabbed me on the collar of my uniform out of nowhere which caught me off-guard. He must be waiting for me. I guess guilt somehow entered the premises of his brain.
" Wha.." I wasn't able to finish when he smiled and ran.
We were both out of breath when we reached the jeepney station. We pleaded with the driver to let us ride in the backseat because it was the last jeepney and it was already full-packed.
The driver agreed after arguing for three minutes. I put on my earphones and enjoyed the ride.
" What are you listening to?" Fritz asked and pulled the other pair out of my ear.
" Hey give it back! Are you a snatcher or what? You have a very annoying habit of grabbing anything anytime you like it," I annoyingly said, I almost lost my balance and was bound to fall but he saved me by arching his arms to grab me back.
" Shit!! You almost fall. Good thing I have a habit of grabbing, you. I only do this to you," he said seriously and put on the other pair of earphones. "Band songs?" His face lit up.
" So?" I answered back.
"About Merian, let's keep it a secret," he said seriously.
" What's wrong about liking her?" I teased him.
" She's my ex-girlfriend," he said almost whispering.
" Oh no! I'm sorry. I really am sorry. I didn't know." I said earnestly.
And I offered my hand into a pinky swear.
" Thank you!" he said and locked our hands to a pinky swear.
We both hummed through the song on our way home.