❝ We can rely on some people who give comfort, and that's you for me ❞

. . . .

If I said, books are my biggest escape, then the library would be heaven.

Back to the point, have you ever wondered what is it like to have over a hundred piles of books?

I should be happy, but I have inadequate thoughts. It's creating an overwhelming feeling, which can twist your excitement to terror. It's because of my exams. Now, I am anxious, in order to find out the right author of the book.

You may wonder, what's wrong in finding out the specific author? It shouldn't be, but when you're on meds, and supposed to read various authors book — let's just say, life can be a nightmare too.

Mhm— it should be there. Sliding the fingers over the stretches, ah! Got it. Waves of ocean flash through my desert ones. I froze, how is it possible?

The creature finally has taken the cue to break my stare contest, more like shocking. Showing the perfect dimples which can melt even a frozen toast. Oops — wrong judgement!

"Hey!"

Hello to you too! Should I be greeted like that too? Too bad, I ain't gonna do that. In other cases, maybe I would be happy but not this time. How can he expect me to behave normally after his days of disappearance?

With leaving a single message, "Hey, Rosie! I guess it's the end, I don't know what to do anymore."

I was scared, would be underrated. I was terrified. Just with a bunch of questions, is he alright? Is everything fine?

No, Mister! He didn't have the decency to inform me about his whereabouts. At least I would be less worried for his safety.

So, I did what I should have done long ago. I started to walk from there. I guess he finally understood, I ain't gonna let him go without a proper explanation.

Fixing my glasses, I scooped my coat to my body. With a few books in my arms, I started to walk from the library. He started to shout my name.

I wasn't in any mood to talk. I didn't pay any heed to his pleading. Eventually he realized he should just go. Today was indeed a productive one. I ain't the type of person who loves to drink caffeine, unless I need it. This is the moment, I badly need some.

I decided to go over to the cafe, as usual I have ordered the same kind of coffee which I like, with not much sugar but caramel flavor. I was about to look for the books which I bought, then I heard the bell ring.

I look up & see, he is there. So yeah Mr. Not-so-busy man finally got the time. Nevertheless, I shrugged it off. He came to my table, sitting across from mine. I pretend to look for my books, although I know what he's gonna say next.

"So, you're avoiding me. Huh? Okay, never mind. I will keep talking. You know, Collins! You have pretty long legs. . . ."

Okay, if it was the first time I was having that kind of convo, maybe I would be surprised. But we are talking about the great smooth talker Alex Fredrick! So, no astonishment is needed there.

"You walk pretty fast! You know, I could've caught you easily if there wasn't a road block."

Roadblock? As far as I remember, there wasn't a road block, I murmured.

"Ah yes! There was a woman who needed help, that's all."

That's the charm of him. If anyone was in his place, they could have easily left the woman, and chased me. But he didn't.

The waiter put down the coffee and in the meantime, I showed her a grateful smile. Alex did the same, more like the kind one.

You want some?— I asked. No matter how much I may be angry, at least I have the decency to ask him.

He just shrugged it off. He drifted to his inconvenience thoughts. It's clearly showing the way his eyebrows are crunching. "It's about my mum— I had to leave."

Mhm— for a moment, I thought he was talking to himself. But then I understood what he was trying to say. I just said, "Alright."

A deep sigh escaped from his mouth. He said, "Yeah! So, see you later in the evening then?"

One of his trademarks, leave everything with a question mark. I just smiled and said, "Sure!"

He smiled back, leaving with saying bye into my ears.

Ah! So much for a day!

________________

It's past 8 pm now. Helly, my roommate was out today. She's a student of psychology. Her tests were already done, so she wanted to enjoy the time & decided to go over to a club with her few friends.

Can't blame her, exams & this stress was eating her mind these days. She might need a refreshment now.

Life can be a little tough, if you know how to lose & tighten the grip, maybe you can get a hold. I should study now.

Even though Helly was out today, I am sure she's gonna come back late tonight. And I ain't in the mood for cooking one person, basically me.

I decided to go for a butter toast, nothing else. I was in the middle of the chapter— then the bell rang.

Who can be at this time? Ugh! You said, you are going to a club, I didn't know that club could be . . . . — Alex! What are you doing here?

"Told ya, he smiled & said, besides grab these pizza boxes first. And woman, don't make wait anyone at your doorstep."

Oh! Come in, I said. I am actually surprised to see pizza. Like seriously who could've thought the boy who's overly possessive with his diet will come to my apartment with PIZZA!

He chuckles & said while keeping the coat on the hanger, "No need to get surprised. Hence, someone great told me once, there is no harm in eating pizza once in a while. You can still be fit."

Must be someone great, then we both burst out into laughter. Undoubtedly it was me who always used to stick out my tongue whenever I saw eating those green salads. I mean, I love my food, how can someone be so picky over food?

Apparently he can be. One logic— I love my diet! So, yeah that's the one thing I am mostly passionate for, of course after my dreams. Duh! His saying, not mine.

I started to gather the plates on the table, and asked him to come over here. He did silently. We started to eat, but I was baffled so I couldn't help but ask— why do you work out so much then when you don't even wanna flex it?

"HUH! Well, it's not like you don't know, I just kinda love it," he said while munching the slice of pizza.

Pfft— yeah, sure! I said, rolling my eyes.

After we got done with eating, I started to go over my notes. Yeah, it's not like he is gonna talk anyways. There are many times he was just silent, I was the one who blabbered even though I ain't the talkative one.

I guess that's one most common thing between us, our silence. Any boy would've charmed many girls by the accessories he has. It's the opposite with him. Girls fall more with his personality.

Never mind, I was just through the half chapter when he came back with two mugs of coffee. The aroma hits on my nostrils. I lift my head, see that he settled down the coffee mugs.

Wow! Aren't you really being generous today?— I said while grinning ear to ear.

"Not really, thought maybe you would need it," he said.

Thanks, I said & took a sip of coffee.

"Wanna go on the balcony? It's not like you have something big left for exams. I know it must be your fourth/fifth revision."

Psst— you could have just said that you wanna go there, no need of exaggeration.

"Yeah, sure!"

So, here we are standing on my balcony with the coffee. Now, there's thick silence in the air. Even though we aren't speaking, there are hundreds of thoughts swirling around.

He was the one who broke the silence first. "So— my mum called that day. I needed a moment for myself. I thought mountains can be the best place," he said absentmindedly.

You gotta be kidding, right? I mean, are you freaking serious? Do you have any idea how much I was worried?

"No, to be honest."

There you go, the blunt spoken person. Another trait of Fredrick, he always says what's on his mind.

So, what's the issue? What does your mum want?

"Nothing new, she just wants me to move in with her."

And you don't want to.

"And you know the reason very well."

True that. I decided not to push further because it  would only worsened his mood.

We started to gaze at the sky. Another common figure in our friendship. In fact, our first most decent talk was about it. Life is crucial for everyone. Some like to show, some just silently bear it. Alex falls into this category.

When I asked him to see the stars on the sky, this stupid was asking me if I was narrating him any song lyrics?

I smiled at those memories. Not his fault, since our young generation always try to decipher their feelings through it.

Even now, we are staring at the sky. Now, different thoughts have consumed us. Suddenly, he asked what are you thinking?

I was startled for a moment but regained the posture. Nothing much, just thinking how much one can go beyond their reach? Like see, people say the sky's our limit. But how far? Sometimes I think is it even possible to break it or maybe touch it?— I replied.

He smiled and said, "Rose, you never failed to amaze me. This has already proven, when people started to go outer pace. But I know what you are trying to say, at least I know the poetic justice now."

Great! At least you know now, otherwise I thought I have to spend another 30 minutes telling you that, I have jokingly said.

"Not really, but I have different thoughts, you know. I don't know why but I always try to find something shiny in this black canvas. It feels like those shiny stars are the perfect example," he said.

Like?

Like our life! Even when there are darker days, those stars prove that your life can shine too on this black canvas, he explained.

Wow! Aren't you becoming poetic now?— I nudged him.

"Perks of being with you, Collins!" He winked.

He is right, thou' people don't agree but it's true our traits somehow affect our own ones too. Now, it can be two ways. But that's for another day.

One thing for sure, people say that opposite attracts. Honestly speaking, I don't believe it. It may sound nice only in fiction, maybe scientific login but not in real life.

You definitely need someone with whom you can relate, and with Alex, it's definitely one thing I adore most. It's the silence.

People get busy in their own life, they say maybe you can find love too in this journey. But they forget one thing, no matter how priorities get crashed, fathom of unknown threats, you can always have some moments to have a cup of coffee with your friends.

Should I say, I got lucky? Since I am having this moment right now.

"So, are we cool?"— he asked.

"Yup! Cooler than this gentle breeze."

━━━━━━━━━━

Ah, so what's your thoughts on this? I would love to know, so please do share it.

I have updated after so many days. This is low-key based on many things. Hope you will get the context. FINALLY, I am happy that I've written down this story.