"So what's your story new girl?"

"Don't call me that please," Ava sighs.

"Fine, how about Avy?"

Ava giggles, "I guess that's a start,"

"Well, what's the deal? Why come to the small town called Derry?" Zander looks at her from the corner of his eye. Man did he think she was stunning.

He honestly didn't know why she was always picked on for being fat. She had curves in all the right places...

"Well, I moved here because my cousin died. Luna Evans? That was my cousin. I'm still confused on how she died... it makes me scared to be out here on the street," Ava stares off into the distance.

"Oh... I'm sorry I didn't know-"

"Save the pity for someone else. I've had enough from my family," Ava says dryly.

"Okay!" Zander looks ahead and sees the library come into focus.

"My favorite books are
Romance," Ava says out of the blue.

"Why?" Zander says curiously.

"Because I know I'll never have it," Ava gives Zander a tight smile.

What Ava didn't catch was Zander's small frown as those words came out of her mouth.

"Well here we are my fair lady! The fair library, fit for a queen!" Zander opens the door for her and she laughs. The sound someone makes when they are truly enjoying your presence.

Zander couldn't remember the last time he heard that sound.

After they enter, Ava turns and gives him a playful 'shhh'.

Zander smiles as she leads him to the romance.

He leans against the wall and studies her as she pulls out a few books. He watches her brows furrow as she examines the preview.

"Nope," she sticks her tongue out slightly as she concentrates.

Zander chuckles under his breath as he watches her. He had never fallen for anyone before, maybe this is what it felt like.

He shakes his head and steps away from the wall.

"You would like this one," Zander pulls out a book called, All The Bright Places. "I've read it before and I think you'd like it,"

Ava takes it from his hands and examines the print.

"Yes, you're right... weird.. I've only known you for like, maybe an hour and you already basically know me," Ava laughs.

Zander smiles and pulls away from her. "I better roll out. Please be careful and remember the curfew, Ava," he pauses on her name. "See you around," he grins and swaggers away.

Ava watches him leave, there was a hop in his step that wasn't there before.

She smiles to herself and takes the book to check out.

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Words- 435