Page 21 of Run For Me
Her jaw drops and a tiny squeak escapes. She’s so shocked, I’m able to get around her without issue and continue down the hall.
She doesn’t follow. Thank fuck for that.
I make it to the library with no further issue and head to the back corner, where I sit and stew when I’m in a foul mood. Only this time, when I get there, someone else is sitting in my chair. I’m frozen for a moment, rendered speechless. Hell, I can barely breathe. When I get my shit together, I take a few steps back to hide between the stacks of books so I can’t be seen—and watch her.
No one ever sits here.
It’s dark, a bit dirty, way too dusty, and completely isolated. Hell, it’s even colder than the rest of the library. They used to have it set up as a comfort area, with sofas and shit, but when kids were caught fucking, thanks to it being tucked away in the history section of the library, they took it all away, leaving just the one chair. And today, it isn’t empty.
Today, she is here.
Chapter Fifteen
Sailor
After my classes are done for the day, I find myself tired and wanting to go home to relax, but then I remember there is no relaxing at home because my home is no longer empty.
I feel the best when I’m alone and able to handle my surroundings the way I need. Sometimes I need quiet, sometimes I need music blasted so loudly my ears are ringing for an hour afterward. Having someone not allow me that comfort isn’t tolerated well. I get grumpy and irritable.
I trudge to the library in search of quiet. Being here will at least force me to get some homework done. I have two professors who have already assigned papers. How nice.
Last night, I was pep-talking myself about making things work with Sam, and I’m really, really trying. After this morning, I felt it would work. But throughout the day, small thoughts kept creeping in. Doubts. Curiosities. I just need more time to figure it out.
I walk through the library, looking for a spot for myself, and finally, after walking every which way, I come across a randomchair set in a hidden back corner. I have no idea what this is or why it’s so isolated, but I take advantage. The area looks like it may be used to store things, or maybe just extra space they weren’t sure what to do with? Either way, I’m grateful for it, especially since there isn’t a sign that says to keep away.
I plop down in the over-sized chair and pull out my phone and notes from class, remembering I need to get a new laptop for school. I’d meant to do it before school started, but I ran out of time. I could use the one I have, but I’d rather keep my personal computer at home. All I need is to lose more personal stuff or accidentally send in something personal instead of schoolwork.
Using the notes app on my phone, I start a loose outline for the paper assigned in my social media class. Yes, they have a social media class, which I thought would be important since that’s what a lot of my jobs are for—people looking for marketing images for social media platforms. Learning more about them can only help, right?
After an hour, my eyes burn and I’m exhausted. I just want to go home. Plus, I’m starving! I rest my head back and close my eyes, taking a moment to breathe before I finish this last bit of outline and pack my things up.
I feel myself drifting off to sleep, and I’m enjoying the relaxing bliss of it, until my skin crawls with the feeling of being watched. I blink my eyes open, but there’s no one there. I peer around the area but see no one. It’s just me back here, alone. I could have sworn I felt someone staring… Usually this sort of thing only happens when I’m home, thanks to whatever ghosts live in that house. Yes, I believe in ghosts. Yes, I think there are some in my house. But no, I don’t think it’s my parents or grandparents. I’ve felt them there long before my father died.
I startle when my phone vibrates on my lap. It’s Sam calling, so I answer it but keep my voice low because we aren’t supposed to use phones in here.
“Hello?”
“Hey, baby. Just wondering if you knew when you’d be home.”
His voice is booming, so I click the button to lower the volume.
“Uh…” I pull the phone from my ear, not realizing it was already almost six. “I’m leaving now, actually. I’ll be home in about twenty-five minutes.”
“Perfect. See you then.”
“Bye.”
I end the call and place my phone on my lap, taking one last look around but still finding no one. I need to get my shit together.
All day, every person I’ve made some kind of contact with, I suspected as the journal thief.
The red-headed boy in class who smiled at me when I walked up the stairs to my seat.
It’s him.
The tall, long-haired guy who bumped into me in the hall.
It’s him.
