LEYAH IV

“Old habits die hard, don't they, Ley?”

Leyah's head, faster than what one would consider natural, snapped to him. A blinding grin formed on her lips and she pounced on him; it was certainly the tightest of hugs that he had ever received and probably ever will. Afterall, none could reach the level of affection that Leyah exhibited for him.

“Not that I mind your hug, no. But, I would certainly prefer to leave this cafe with my spine in one piece,” Upon hearing his words, she immediately broke the hug. She could already feel her face heat up. She had clearly overstepped her bounds. Great.

Her pessimistic thoughts were interrupted by the sound of Fredrick’s laughter. She let out an amused sigh; at least one of them found merriment in this.

While Fredrick laughed his heart out at her embarrassment, she was staring at him unabashedly. He was simply too dashing and handsome, for her not to get lost in her fantasies. He cut out an impressive figure in her gray and black uniform. His brown hair was fluffy, making her want to run her fingers through it.

She soon found herself getting lost in his bright forest green eyes. Lost enough, to be unable to notice his laughter ceasing. Fredrick let out a smile. The smile on her face along with that look of hers, made him regret her posting here. Maybe, I should have her shifted elsewhere, he thought to himself as he found himself staring back at her electric black eyes that seemed to suck him in. They were electric, sure; the way they sent a pleasant shiver down his spine.

Leyah was still lost in his eyes, inching ever forward. Slowly yet faster than she anticipated. Perhaps, she would have had her first kiss. Perhaps, not. Alas, she would never know as Fredrick flicked her forehead, snapping her out of her reverie.

She blushed and cleared her throat before sitting down. She pointedly made sure not to look at Fredrick's face.

An awkward silence had descended over them. She wanted to say something but her mind kept replaying the memory of almost kissing him, over and over. It was an uncomfortable experience.

“What will you be having, Ley?”

Fredrick took the initiative in breaking the silence. She loved him more for it.

“I think, I will take a cappuccino.”

Fredrick hummed as he browsed the menu. She let out a small smile. Men and their habit of feigning interest. Perhaps, he had forgotten that she knew him too well. More than he knew himself. She already knew what he would be ordering. Regardless, she did not comment upon it.

“It seems, my mind fancies a cup of cappuccino as well. Can never go wrong with the classics, after all,” Bingo! She thought to herself as he spoke and signaled for a waiter. For a man who claimed to have a complex taste, he certainly did not behave like it. Truthfully, she found it endearing and cute.

They say in a comfortable silence, waiting for their drink. Fredrick was glancing out the window, seemingly lost in his thoughts. While, she was busy gazing at him. It was a moment of perfection. It reminded her of their past meetings, back when they worked together. They were memories of peace and happiness. Yet, none could hold a candle to this moment. Or, perhaps, they could and she was only biased due to the length of time that had passed since their last meeting. Nevertheless, she would take a moment with Fredrick over spending time in solitude at the library.

Even though, she was lost in her gleeful thoughts, she had not failed to notice the restlessness in Fredrick's posture. He took clandestine glances at her, once or twice he would open his mouth, only to close it. He clearly had something to say to her, yet could not build up the courage to. It was all a bit jarring to her. Fredrick? Being unable to speak openly to her? Impossible.

The waiter brought them, their coffee. It was, as she was taking a sip of her cappuccino that Fredrick chose to speak.

“How, have you been holding up, Ley?”

She took another sip of her coffee before speaking, “It's been so-so. Sometimes, I am having the time of my life. Yet, other times, which is more often than not, I find myself having the worst time of my life. Especially, during these past few days,” She sighed, “They've just been draining on me.”

“Oh?” Fredrick began, concern and curiosity dripping in his tone, “How so? I thought you would be experiencing Nirvana, surrounded by books, as you are.”

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“I thought so too. Until, I found it and got my life, rather fucked,” Leyah let out a sigh and chuckled pessimisticly.

“Found it? What do you mean? Found what?” Fredrick leaned forward, his curiosity getting the better of him.

“The book. A stupid little thing written by Charles Arvell.” Fredrick's eyes widened with surprise.

“Charles Arvell?! The Charles Arvell?!”

She nodded in response, failing to understand his sudden interest. The book was just the ravings of a madman. Yes, it was a lesson in history, however, she still did not see its importance in the grander scheme of things. Furthermore, she doubted that the man had achieved anything of significance in his life. If he had, it would've been spoken far and wide.

“Only you, Leyah, only you can have such an underwhelming reaction.”

“Underwhelming? The bloody book is underwhelming. It has nothing and I mean, nothing of importance. The only topic, even worthy of discussion, is perhaps Elena. And, I doubt even she is an interesting topic for debate.”

“Elena? Who's Elena?” Fredrick questioned as he took a sip of his coffee.

“I have no clue. As far as I have read, she is his amour, his lover.” She took a sip of her coffee and failed to spot the curious glint in Fredrick's eyes.

“I see, I see.”

Silence once again descended over them. Yet, this time it was a comforting one. She was content in enjoying his presence with her, this evening. The restlessness in Fredrick had disappeared over their talk. Perhaps, whatever concern he harbored, had been answered indirectly in their talks.

It was as they were finishing up, that Fredrick shattered the comfortable silence. His words made one of her dearest dreams come true.

“Leyah, will you marry me?”

She was barely able to let out a resounding ‘Yes!’ before her world went black and she passed out from the intense wave of pleasure that bloomed within her.

_________________________________________

The rays of the sun stung her eyes, as she woke up. She had the wildest of dreams, last night. The best kind. She had a romantic date with Fredrick. The date even ended with him proposing to her!! Truly, the best dream, she ever had. It made her want to return to the land of sleep. She almost did until a voice interrupted her, making her pause with shock.

“Already awake, Ley?” Her eyes snapped open to the sight of Fredrick sitting on the sofa in the room. How was he in her room? Wait…. this was not her room! How did she get here?! It was at that moment that her memories rushed back to her. Oh dear.

“Ummm, did we… do it, last night?”

“No.. No! Of course not! I brought you here, when you passed out. I would never take advantage of you, in such a manner.” Fredrick seemed to look appalled at the very idea. Leyah sighed mentally. She was disappointed in herself. Of course, Fredrick would never take undue advantage of her. He was far too noble to commit such an act.

“I'll be heading down to the lobby, alright? You can freshen up and meet with me there. Okay?” She nodded with a smile. Fredrick returned her smile and left the room.

She felt a wave of disappointment wash over her. Two of her biggest fantasies became reality, yesterday. Yet, here she was with little to no proper recollection of them. Well, that was not entirely true. She did remember the proposal but she did not remember the feeling of sharing the same bed with Fredrick. A most crucial loss.

“The Ludlum Proposal passed, you know?”

The question was presented suddenly on the drive back to the library. It caught her off guard. It was unlike Fredrick to discuss politics at such an informal time. Too much unlike him. Then again, mayhaps, he just wished to hear his fiancee’s opinions on the matter.

“Oh.”

“Just that? I thought you would be far more… aggravated by it.”

“It just doesn't matter anymore, I guess. I mean, I'm light years away from Calypso and so is my family. It does not affect me in the slightest about what shenanigans the senate gets upto with Calypso.”

Fredrick hummed at her answer and replied, “Understandable.”

The rest of their drive, passed by in the blink of an eye. With little talk, as they were more than content in basking in each other's presence.

“I'll be seeing you soon, Leyah. Take care!” Fredrick's words brought a warmth to her heart and she felt a smile bloom on her face. She waved him goodbye as he drove back to the town. His departure was saddening. Yet, it was a delightful moment for her. Her smile widened as she played with the promise ring on her ring finger. It was all a bit unbelievable.

Lost happily in her thoughts, she sauntered back towards the library's door. She paused out of her daydreaming of her future as the door refused to open. She scrunched her nose in confusion and alarm. She tried opening it again. The door remained steadfast and refused to budge.

“ACCESS DENIED. IDENTIFY YOURSELF OR BE DISINTEGRATED!” The loud robotic voice made her jump back in shock, almost falling on the ground. She shook her head. As soon as she gets in, she's going to find out just what had happened in her absence.

“I am Leyah Engel, the Library's Custodian!”

“VOICE MATCH: CONFIRMED. WELCOME, CUSTODIAN”

Leyah did not need to open the door, as it opened for her. It gave her pause. Was the library, this advanced?!

Unbeknownst to her, as she stepped into the library, the security cameras in the library continued to follow her every move. Evaluating her, observing her but most of all, judging her worth…