PERCY.
A small smile graced my face when I reachedy destination. Ah, the library's silent quarters! My heart suddenly feels lighter as I spotted the sign—my second sacred sanctuary. The first would be my late grandfather's office, now a private room for my sister and me. I didn't go there because it's at the other end of the campus and I did not feel like driving.
I should have come straight to this place instead of subjecting myself to my friends' endless chatter. If I had come here immediately after my lecture, I wouldn't be in this dilemma. Now, I'm caught between resting before my next lecture, or skipping it altogether. I chuckled quietly at the idea. Skipping has never been an option for me unless I was ill. Despite my background and reputation, I pride myself on having excellent attendance record and grades.
I made my way into the library and settled into the cozy corner of the forgotten section as I let out a deep sigh. I was finally able relax.
I closed my eyes, and in no time; the sweet arms of sleep enveloped me. But, that was short lived when some excited voices woke me up. At first, I thought it was a bunch of people, but it became clear it was just one guy when he got closer—he was loud and way too enthusiastic. He sounded like he had found a tomb of lost treasures, and his constant chattering was driving me nuts!
My initial instinct was to tune him out, to block his incessant chattering and go back to sleep. But as the moments dragged on, his voice continued to narrate his inner monologue.
"I will take this, and this, and that! And oh, this too!" he exclaimed excitedly.
My irritation bubbled over. Each giggle and excited chatter of his gnawed insistently at my nerve, an intrusion upon my sacred silence that was growing increasingly unbearable.
"I can't believe I found all this by accident. Oh, just wait till I show Ohio what I scored; she's going to be so jealous!" he exclaimed again, sounding like a child on Christmas morning and that was the last straw. I'd had enough!
"Oh, for goodness' sake, would you shut up already!" I snapped through gritted teeth as I sprung up and was ready to unleash my wrath upon the intruder.
But then, I locked eyes with him. The bluest pair of eyes I had ever seen, radiant against the dull ambiance of the library. My anger vanished instantly, swept away like autumn leaves in a gentle breeze. Those irises were mesmerizing, and for a fleeting moment, I was reminded of my grandmother's greenhouse—where I had chased her restless puppy among beautiful flowers with similar petals.
My hand reached out, hovering just an inch from his cheek, driven by an impulse I couldn't quite understand. The world around us faded into the background, and all I could think about were those striking blue eyes, so full of life and warmth. I felt an unexpected connection, an inexplicable urge to touch him, but at the same time, panic surged within me.
What the hell was wrong with me?
"Um… excuse me?" he stammered, shock replacing the excitement that had danced in his eyes moments before.
An uneasy silence hung in the air, thick and awkward as if the world had drawn a breath and held it tightly. I blinked, suddenly feeling the spell between us disappearing, and I withdrew my hand as if I had almost touched fire. He on the other hand looked as though he had seen a ghost. He's absolutely beautiful! His perfectly porcelain-doll-like features only deepening my bewilderment.
"I'm so sorry, I didn't know someone else was here!"
He apologized frantically before turning on his heel and dashing away like a startled rabbit, leaving me behind, oddly, I felt a twinge of disappointment by his sudden absence.
What the hell just happened?
Was it all just a figment of my imagination, or had it truly happened?
Just hours ago, I would have laughed at the idea of having a favorite color—I had always thought it was a childish thing to have! But right now, if someone were to ask me what my favorite color is, I know I'd certainly say: 'blue' without missing a heartbeat.
I have never been particular about using specific colours in my designs; whatever worked, worked. So, what is this sudden fascination I felt for the color blue?
How could anyone have eyes such as his? His irises were like blue petals wrapped in gold rings. I didn't know it was even possible for anyone to have such beautiful eyes. I can't explain what the hell just happened, but whatever it is, I can't deny that I'm undeniably drawn to his eyes.
If only he'd stuck around longer.
I was still lost in my thoughts when my phone buzzed in my pocket, bringing me back to reality and my earlier irritation resurfaced.
"You've got to be kidding me!" I muttered under my breath, pinching the bridge of my nose as I read through the message and just then, my phone began to ring, pulling me further from the enchanting world I was briefly lost in.
"I thought you said that was the last time, Pen?" I spoke into the phone, irritation evident in my voice. All I heard was the sound of my twin sister whimpering and my irritation vanished and I sighed.
"Would that be all? Should I grab you some snacks or painkillers?" My tone softened involuntarily, an instinctual concern for her rising to the surface.
"No, that would be all. I have something for the pain, just...please hurry, Percy!" came her desperate reply.
Even as I spoke into the phone, I was already out of the library and on my way to my car, ready to carry out her request. For Pen, I would drop everything in an instant, no questions asked. She's the only person in this world who sees and loves the real me, and it goes without saying that she means everything to me too.