That spring I had a work study at the campus library. When summer arrived things were slow. Most of the time I wasn't doing as much filing or checking out people like during the fall and spring months.

I used the time to do my homework if I had any. And I was going to start on the research paper that was due at the end of the semester. I sat at the front desk looking at the books I had grabbed from the shelves.

I was on my way to put back a book that I felt was not going to help me. When I turned the corner of the book’s shelf home, I was shocked to see Avi staring at the shelf before him.

I admit it; I froze a good few seconds, unsure about what to do. But then he gave me a glance before turning back to the shelf. I wasn’t sure why he was just standing there so still. Quietly, I assessed where my book should go and then returned it to the shelf, only inches from the one he was staring at.

I swallowed.

Why was I so nervous? There should have been no reason to be.

Just as I put my book up, Avi pulled one off the shelf, “You are in Psych 101 aren’t you?”

I nodded. Why was I tongue-tied?

Then he turned and looked fully at me as he asked, “Have you started on your paper too?”

Stolen novel; please report.

For some reason, my voice caught as he stared at me. Maybe it was his dark and fathomless eyes. Or perhaps the mysterious aura he had. It also occurred to me that his cerulean blue hair stood out beautifully against his bronze skin.

Girl, get it together.

I finally cleared my throat as I found my voice and an answer, “Yes, I started last week, actually. I’m still trying to get the information together.”

“Oooh….”, he bobbed his head once, suddenly breaking the spell of his eyes. I exhaled a breath I didn’t notice I was holding as his eyes slid from mine.

My eyes dropped to the book he was holding. “I don't think that book is good. It’s not deep enough for this paper, though you might find something….”

Avi promptly returned the book to the shelf, “Thank you for saving my time.”

I could have sworn I saw a small smirk flash across his face. I turned, and I noticed through a space where a missing book belonged that someone was standing in front of the desk looking around.

I gave an apologetic smile to Avi, mentioning that I had to return to work. I promptly checked the student out then returned to my own paper. I had actually forgotten about Avi until I felt someone standing in front of the desk, making me look up. He had three books and his student ID card sitting before me. I gave a small smile and checked him out.

“Thank you, Nya.” He said as he accepted his ID back, “I will see you next class.”

I smiled as he picked up his books, “You're welcome. See you.”

Returning to my own books, I continued trying to make heads or tails of what I was reading when I stopped suddenly.

The Professor did not call on me today, thankfully, and Avi was the only one that introduced himself….

So how, then, did he know my name?