Chapter Two: After Hours.
580 Words
The library was nearly empty when I got there.
It was just past six. The sun had dipped low, casting long shadows across the high school’s front lawn. I stood in front of the double doors for a second, wondering if I was crazy for agreeing to this.
I told Dad I was meeting Emily. That was half-true. Emily was supposed to meet me, until I changed the plan last minute. She wouldn’t have approved anyway. No one would.
Inside, the library was quiet, except for the soft hum of the air conditioner and the occasional clack of keys from the computer station. Mrs. Laney, the librarian, barely looked up when I walked past. I found an empty table near the back, tucked behind the tall shelves of fiction. I started unpacking my notes—more to calm myself than to prepare.
Then he showed up.
Black hoodie. Hands in his pockets. That same unreadable look in his eyes.
“You’re early,” he said, sliding into the seat across from me.
“I’m always early,” I replied, flipping open my notebook. “It’s a habit.”
He grinned. “Of course it is.”
We sat in silence for a second. I could feel my heart beating too loud. It didn’t help that Jace was staring—really staring—like he was trying to figure me out.
“Let’s get this over with,” I said, finally looking up. “We’re supposed to pick a modern parallel to The Scarlet Letter. You got any ideas?”
He leaned back in his chair, folding his arms. “Yeah. Easy. The whole ‘hiding something that’ll ruin your life’ thing? That’s everyday life for me.”
I blinked. “You’re joking.”
He shrugged. “Depends on who’s asking.”
I rolled my eyes and tried to focus. But I could feel the tension, low and steady, humming between us. He wasn’t trying to be charming. He wasn’t even trying to impress me. That was the worst part. He was just being himself—and somehow, that was more dangerous than anything.
We worked in silence for a while. To my surprise, Jace wasn’t dumb. He made good points. Connected the book to how people judge each other, hide behind lies, and keep secrets. It was… actually kind of brilliant.
After about thirty minutes, he leaned closer.
“So… why did you agree to work with me?”
I looked up from my notes. “I didn’t have a choice. Remember?”
“No, I mean…” He paused. “Why didn’t you ask for a new partner?”
I hesitated.
He was still leaning forward, elbows on the table, eyes locked on mine.
“Because I wanted to see if the rumors were true,” I said quietly.
His expression changed. The smirk faded. “And what do you think?”
I held my breath. “I don’t know yet.”
He sat back, nodding slowly. “Fair enough.”
The bell for late bus announcements rang overhead. Mrs. Laney called out that the library would be closing soon.
As I gathered my things, Jace stood up too. “Same time tomorrow?”
“I guess,” I said, adjusting my bag.
“Don’t worry, Carter,” he said, smirking again. “I won’t ruin your good-girl reputation.”
He walked out first, and I stood there for a few seconds, heart racing, wondering what I’d just started.
- Writer
