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The building was considerably huge for a school library. Spread across approximately five thousand meter square area, our library had been awarded as 'Best Library of Educational Institute', because of its infrastructure and availability of around sixty-five thousand books, four thousand periodicals, catalogues, magazines, films, recorded sounds, and digital media-- all in different sections-and also availability of books on loan. The library was divided into many sections. One of them was the reading section which was situated on third floor. Using the beautifully articulated stairs in the heart of vestibule, I guided myself up towards the third floor. A huge name plate at the top of the door frame that read Reading Section welcomed me. This was a section where we could read any book from the library collections, sitting peacefully, but we couldn't borrow it home. For that there was different section.

Walking into the quiet, still library, I made my way over to the long table on the left side, which was occupied by few students. There were two long tables fixed on either side of the room with chairs properly arranged. The two tables were placed in such a manner that it formed an aisle in the mid, at the end of who was placed a table with piles of books, half-hiding the person sitting in chair behind it. Madame Librarian of this section, Ms. Morgan served in this school last eight years. Her auburn hair tied in a taut bun was visible. Wire-rimmed glasses were placed neatly on the brim of her nose, which she erected after every ten seconds. Her face was serious as usual. I had never seen her smile. She looked busy in typing something on her computer. But in between she raised her eyes from her computer screen and threw louder statement in the silent library to make the students lower their voices so others can focus.

Clerestory windows were incorporated into the west wall behind Madame Librarian's table, which gave a magnificent and outstanding look, while also bringing in a powerful light. Blank tapering windows framed in pietra serena, surmounted by pediments, and separated by either triangular or segmented paired columns were set into the ivory walls. The wide space between the tables and windowed walls was utilized for the four rows of huge bottom to ceiling wooden book shelves. These features gave a renaissance look to the room. Even the rest of the sections of the library were constructed with renaissance touch.

The library was quiet, peaceful. I could hear nothing, but the peaceful sounds of paper turning, the occasional hum of the copying machine and soft patter of feet on thick carpet. Sometimes buzzing or whispering sounds of students could be heard. But these sounds did not affect a bit to the tranquility of the library. In fact that is what makes it special, isn't it? This was the one of the reason I chose library to spend my time. The peace of mind you get here is unexplainable. It is the second place after church I would choose to relax and think about my problems. Sometimes it helped me to solve my problems, but most of the time it helped me to calm my mind. And of course I loved reading books; it took me to a completely different world, far away from my sucking-at the moment-life. Sometimes I would get my answers in these books. They are the awesome companion to the loner or lost.

I placed my bag in the chair and turned towards the book shelves that were divided into different sections. I grabbed the book from Mystery / Thriller shelves under Literature and Fiction section. The name Once Upon A Lie written in bold letters stood out on the blue cover. It was written by author Maggie Barbieri. It sounded interesting, so I proceeded towards my chair to read it. Though I was least interested in reading it right now, I still opened it and began; so much to cut my time.

I always got fascinated with the smell of books. I remember, whenever I used to get a new book, I used to open it and fill my lungs with its odor. These books leaked of smell of imagination, smell of old and new pages. It was overwhelming.

As I started reading the book, the image of the person whom I had been avoiding for the whole day started flickering in my mind consistently. There was another reason for skipping the classes. Steven. I had avoided him for the entire day till now. Of course we shared the classes, but I had managed not to come across him. But now as Ron had gone for his swimming practice and I, without any doubt would have to sit with Steven.

I didn't know why I was avoiding him. It wasn't like I had done anything wrong, but still I couldn't bring myself to face him after that Saturday night. It had become awkward after being intimately close to him, after fighting with those feelings I felt for him. It was difficult for me to look into his mesmerizing eyes, because I knew I would break. I had so many questions in my mind. There was something in the way he looked at me that night. My heart had raced up, heavily thumping in my chest. He was close to me, yet so distant.

Gosh! Why was I even thinking about him?

He was just a random guy I met hardly few days before and I... I started liking him. But I was being naïve by falling for a person who was fighting back his feelings. I knew he felt the same way for me as I did for him, but I didn't understand why he always took four steps back after taking two steps close to me. /why would he do that? What was he scared off? The way he ran away like a coward, would it really work between us? I wanted it to work. I never realized what love is until I met Steven. Love... Did I say love? I- I was in love with him. Yes I loved him. If whatever I was feeling is love then I was in love. Why, why did I fall for him? I never knew how it feels to be in love and now that I know it, I realized its painful when you don't get love in return. It is more painful when you meet the person everyday and know that he loves you back, but he doesn't want to love you- it didn't make sense. Even before falling in love, my heart was crushed. I was pathetic, my life was pathetic.

Shoot it! I shook my head to clear my mind.

At the mid of the book, when the story had caught my interest, I heard a soft patter of chair opposite my being pulled. The manly cologne was familiar and I recognized who the person was. One hug was enough for me to remember his scent, but along with the perfume smell, there was a hint of some different, weird smell that was unfamiliar to me.

I ignored that person and continued reading.

"Reading book?" Owen asked me in a duh tone. I peered over my book and gave him a big frown. Then my sarcasm got best over me and I replied, "No, catching fish for diner."

"Cool! How many did you catch till now? Do invite me for the diner." Owen winked at me, while I let out a yawn.

I resumed my reading. Owen was definitely seeking for a company. He started drumming his long fingers on the table, but a glare and few yelling stopped him from doing that. I wondered why he wasn't with red head girl as Lee and Stechi had said and that reminded me of Lee. I wanted to help Lee, but I needed time to do that. At once it turned on me what that weird smell was. Owen had already screwed that girl.

I quickly scrunched my nose in disgust. "Gross! You smell of wild sex," I pointed out.

A sneering smile that curled up his lips made me cringe. "The room beneath the staircase is quite comfortable," he said with a smirk.

"I am sure that red head won't be interested in meeting you anymore."

Instead of giving any nasty comment as I had expected he would, he simply cocked his eyebrow.

"What?" I asked, annoyed by the look he was giving me.

"How did you know I screwed that sexy nut?"

"Lee told me she saw yo-" I clasped my palm over my mouth; too late to realize the damage I had done.

"Lee?" he asked, amused. "Interesting."

I didn't like his smirk. Owen was a pure playboy. The last thing I wanted from him was to screw my innocent friend. Yes, she was innocent. It was shocking news to us too when she had told us while we were playing truth or dare during one of our slumber party. We always thought she had lost her virginity long back, counting her number of relationships. It turned out that she was a typical girl who was waiting for her Mr. Perfect. No doubt she would consider Owen as her Mr. Perfect. I wanted to bring both of them together, but certainly not this way.

"Don't you dare touch her," I told him seriously.

"I promise I won't touch her, unless she wants it."

I knew there was no use in bantering with him. "In that case," I said, "I will need to handle Lee." I rolled my eyes with disdain.

I got back to where I had stopped reading.

"Where is your tail?" Owen asked me suddenly making me choke on my spit.

My head instantly snapped up. "What?" My voice wobbled. Annoyed gazes bored into my head, so I lowered my voice, "My what?"

"Your tail. What's his name? Yeah, Ronald."

My eyes widened in shock. Did he really call Ron as my tail? "Hold on," I pointed my index finger at him and said through gritted teeth, "If you are done saying then listen to me. Ron is my best friend and I won't tolerate anyone saying anything against him. I will make them regret whoever says it. Got it?" God knew how much I meant each word.

"Alright, alright." Owen held his hands up and shrugged. "I won't say that again," he said, but his words were far away from sincerity.

Anyways, I accepted it. "Better," I said and resumed reading.

After letting few seconds pass, I heard him read the title of the book I was reading, and that was loud enough to let entire students crowd present in the room know which book I was reading. Of course he got some glares and warning from Ms. Morgan, but this was Owen who cared less.

The best thing I could do was keep quiet and pretend I didn't know him, until he said, "Is this that same book in which the cousin is been murdered by the daughter?" I tossed my head to glare at Owen who was giving me a fake innocent look. With another disapproving look at him, I brought the book at my eye level, so that Owen was out of my view. But there was no use in reading that book anymore. This book had hooked me up with its mysterious writing and now that I knew the climax, I had no interest left to read it. Thanks to Owen for ruining it.

Can't I get moment of peace?

I huffed furiously and slammed the book shut.

"Why are you here?" I crossed my arms over my chest and leaned back in my chair.

"Catching fish," he mimicked me, self satisfied.

"Whatever."

"So?"

"So?"

"Why aren't you attending classes?" He questioned.

"Simply." I shrugged. "Can't I do something that I like once in a while?"

Owen chuckled knowingly. "You know, I can help you."

I looked into his grey eyes for any trace that he was joking, but no he was serious. The offer was appealing, but I didn't want to involve his brother in this matter. No, never!

I shook my head reluctantly.

"Are you sure?"

Yes... No... I don't know, I debated in my mind. Finally getting a grip on myself, I shook my head in No and promptly changed the subject before he could use some words that would gradually lead me to accept his offer. "So Mr. Player loves to read books?"

"Who said it?"

"Just now you..." I trailed off as I struggled to put two and two together. "How did you know then, what happens at the end in this story?"

"I don't know what story you are talking about." I narrowed my eyes at him. "What? I simply said that."

"You!" I squeaked, earning a warning of throwing out of the library. "You are unbelievable. You, you... I don't have insults enough to hurt you."

"Why are you overreacting? I had no option left. You weren't sparing me your time." He huffed- dramatically I might add- and pouted his lips out.

Truth to be told, he wasn't at all looking adorable with that pout. I lifted the book off the table and smacked it twice on his dumb-head.

"You both, this is a last warning to you, either keep silence or leave the room and that book is a school property," Ms. Morgan ground out. Her shrill voice was tinged with frustration. I was surprised, why she hadn't lost her sanity by now after these years of screaming and yelling at students who had no intensions of obeying her.

I mumbled sorry and sat in stoic resignation. But then something undesirable happened, something that I had been running away from for the whole day came to me voluntarily.

"Disturbing someone's peace, are you?" Steven's voice ringed in my ear with a effect he always brought on me. How was I supposed to handle myself if he rejects me, when I knew I couldn't resist him?

Steven was casually standing with his hands inside the pocket of his grey sweatshirt. He shuffled his gaze between me and Owen with amused expression.

How could he be so calm when I was in the depth of despair because of him?

"I- I was just..." I waved my hand around, telling him mutely that I was in library.

Of course he knows this is a library, dumbass, I snapped mentally.

I had been running away from him, but I had not considered of how to react when we cross each other. We studied in same school, for crying it loud!

"Hmmm..." Steven looked around and then back at me. "So, are ready to go home?" he asked me.

"Erm... Yeah, I-"

He cut me off of mid sentence, "Come on, then. Let's go."

"Steven, thank you but Mitz will be dropping me home."

"That is why I am here." I looked at him puzzled. "She met me in the extension wing. She told me to drop you home as she had to go somewhere urgently."

"Mitz told you to drop me home? Why didn't she tell me?" This was a joke. Why the hell did Mitz tell him? Out of so many people she could ask was Steven. Great!

My words must have sounded rude, because Steven's expression changed to that of pained ones. "She had called you, but you didn't pick up," he informed me.

"She did?" I asked dumbly and jumped to fetch my phone from the absent pocket of my dress. I was wearing a dress which fashionably had no pockets. That is why I had kept the phone in my bag and since I was in library, I had kept it on silence mode. Sure enough, there were miscalls by Mitzy and one message. I tapped it open and scowled. There was nothing to read in the message except a wink smiley. I had awesomely great friends! Note the sarcasm.

"It is okay, Steven. I will ask somebody to drop me home. In fact you have to drop Megan too." I looked at Owen for nay support.

"Yeah, Bro," Owen interjected and I released a sigh of relief which lasted only for seconds, "You don't worry. I will drop Megan home. You should take Ash with you."

My jaw literally dropped to the floor and I managed not to attack Owen, who winked at me.

Finding no choice, I delivered the book back to it's shelve and grabbing my backpack, followed Steven out.

"Good luck," Owen whispered, while passing my side.

"Asshole," I mouthed, to which he chuckled.

"You will thank me for this," he mouthed back and disappeared through the corner.

I shook my head and took a deep breath. It was time I sort out the things between us. It was now or never. This was the moment which could decide the fate of my love, would it work or not.