The large doors stood open before me. The world beyond was every bit as beautiful as I had imagined. The sprawling library was lined with towering shelves and what must have been thousands of books.

Towards the front of the library was a round desk where the librarians huddled. Desks with computers and headphones were scattered around. Tables of varying lengths were set up around the place. That was fine and all but oh the couches. The couches were a brown leather, perfectly matching the atmosphere of the old wooden library.

I smiled to myself; this place was a tinderbox. If a flame started the whole library would be lost. Here's to hoping that never happens.

Grinning from ear to ear, I traipsed over to a wraparound staircase which led to the second floor. I hurried up the stairs, to the second-floor balcony. The top floor extends over the back end of the library, but by the staircase is an epic view of the first floor.

I admired the view for a moment but quickly disregarded it. This part of the library, I could disappear back here.

Moving down the aisles, I stared longingly at the books, but I'm committed to reading Josiah's book first. Hopefully it would hold more answers that the useless headmaster.

I strolled past the mighty shelves into the depths of the library where I found a small circular alcove in the back wall. It had a low ceiling and small shelves. Two armchairs sat with a reading table and lamp between them. A small desk snuggled beside the shelves, a light bulb hanging above it.

My lips peeling into a grin, I flicked on the lamp and settled into the chair on the left. I couldn't help but sigh in appreciation. This hidey hole was practically perfect and now it was mine.

Growing comfortable, I flicked open Josiah's book and began reading. Glancing at the contents page, it seemed like the book was mostly history, meant for posterity. So, heeding Josiah's words, I skipped to an excerpt on the school values.

It was pretty standard; at this school we encourage our students to unlock their potential and thrive. We teach diligence and responsibility that our students might one day enjoy a passionate career which contributes to society and their own personal growth. Blah blah blah.

The school motto was failure teaches greatness; we teach the rest. The rest? So, this school teaches everything other than greatness? Honestly, that sounds like most schools to me.

My attention was torn from the book as I heard a crash. A girl was standing before me. Her hands were at her side and several books lay scattered around her feet. And here I thought I was safe from people.

I glanced at her before returning to my book. "You dropped something," I said casually.

Pressing her hands to her hips, she narrowed her eyes. "You're in my spot."

Hearing that, I raised my eyes until I was barely looking at her. "First come, first served," I responded, turning the page.

Baring her teeth, she hissed at me.

My eyes grew wide, and my brows shot through the roof. I stopped reading and look at her strangely. "Seriously?"

Groaning irritably, she scowled, muttering the word, "Prick." Gathering her books, she sat in the armchair beside me.

We read in silence for some time but eventually I tired of reading Josiah's book. I needed a real novel, something to lose myself in; not whatever this garbage was.

Closing the book, I scanned the area again. My eyes eventually settling on the girl. She looked about my age, but she was tiny, as if a strong breeze could knock her over. Maybe only five feet, but it was hard to tell when she was sitting. Though, the thing I really noticed was her hair. Light grey and tied back in a plait.

I'm not sure why, but I always found a woman's hair to be her most attractive feature. This girl had beautiful hair. After spending a few moments admiring her, I zoned out. I was off with the fairies as they say.

I don't know how long she had been glaring at me for. It was only when she loudly cleared her throat that I was brought back to reality.

"Do you mind?" She asked angrily.

I cleared my throat and shook my head. "Sorry, I wasn't-"

"I don't care," she said brusquely. "Just don't let me catch you doing it again."

I scoffed and shook my head, smiling to myself.

"Something funny?" She asked, still glaring at me.

I shrugged. "I was just wondering how someone so beautiful could have such an ugly personality."

Her jaw dropped and her cheeks flushed. "I? You! Ugh!"

Chuckling, I stood and turned to leave. "See you around, cranky girl."

"I hope not," she answered, staring daggers at me.

I grinned. "Regular sourpuss you are."

Her eyes narrowed. She was ready to kill me, but what can I say? I like pushing boundaries.

­"I think you're going for scary, but I feel like I'm being threatened by a kitten," I said, teasingly.

Huffing, she returned to her book. "Ignorant dumbarse."

"I'll cop that." I laughed, turned and left, the grin still on my face.