Chapter Text
Illi McMillin is a freak. An outcast around this school. No one really likes her, they all find her weird. She fascinates me, though. No matter how weird she is compared to other kids at this school, she always will be the one in my eyes.
I shake the thought of her from my head, trying to focus on my science homework.
*Ugh.. this is so confusing! I don’t understand any of this!*
I stared at the paper, hoping the correct answers would appear in my mind like magic. I slam my head down on the table, unable to recall the discussion from class the previous day.
*Y’know, I’ll just go to the library. Yeah, there has to be a book with the answer there!*
I grabbed my messenger bag that was covered in patches I sewed on and shoved my papers and pens inside. I hurried to put my shoes on and rushed out the door, nearly tripping as I ran out of my house. I hopped onto my bike and began pedaling in the direction of the public library. These papers were due tomorrow, I had to get them done quick.
It took about 15 minutes, but I finally reached the library. I parked my bike outside and scampered inside. As I entered the library, I took a spin around to admire all the books surrounding me. At the front desk, there was an old lady with grey hair working on a computer.
“Uhm.. excuse me Miss?” I cautioned, trying not to be too loud in the big, open building. “Where are the science textbooks?”
She sighed quietly, seeming exhausted from a long work day. “Over there,” she pointed behind her to a large section of books labeled ‘NON-FICTION’. I amble towards the wall of books, searching for a book that could help me.
I notice a bright green and blue book sat between 2 brown books. It looked so out of place. Like it didn’t fit in with the other books around it. It sort of reminded me of how I don’t fit in around school, how I’m the weirdo who is hated by half the school. I grabbed the book and continued searching.
After going up and down the isles of books, I had gathered up a stack of 4 textbooks that I could use to help me in my class. I started to walk towards the check out area, when in the corner of my eye, I saw her. I paused, staring at the girl sitting in a secluded area of the library. Illi, she sat reading a comic book, one that I am particularly familiar with. Her black hair shone in the blinding lights above. I was so distracted by Illi, that I wasn’t looking where I was walking.
“Hey! Watch where you’re going, freak,” a boy around my age declared as I bumped into him. I dropped all my books, them scattering on the ground.
“O-oh.. I’m sorry, I really didn’t mean it-”
“Shut up, weirdo!” he said, walking past me and away. I scrambled to collect my books, embarrassed.
“Hey, are you okay?” I looked up, surprised to see Illi kneeling beside me. I felt my face turn bright red.
“U-Uhm.. yeah! yes uh I’m o-okay, thanks for asking..” I stuttered. Illi reached out and gathered my books in her arms, standing up. She reached out her hand towards me, offering to help me up. I took her hand shakily, shy of what she may think of me.
“Uh.. your name is Illi, right? Thanks for the help. I-I appreciate it.”
“Of course!” she replied. “You’re Warren, correct? That kid, his name is Jackson. He’s a complete asshole. No one likes him really. People only tolerate him because they think he’s hot.” She chuckled, smiling at me.
”Oh, y-yeah, right.”
I stare at her, admiring her hazel eyes. I stare at her for a few seconds before I realize what I’m doing.
“U-Uhm.. I gotta go- Bye!” I grab my books and run to the check out. I check out the 4 books as quick as possible before running out of the library, flustered. I hop on my bike and pedal away as fast as I can.
When I reach my house, I get off my bike and hurry into my house, slamming the door behind me. I try to shake the thought of Illi from my head so I can focus of my homework now, but I just can’t. I throw my books down on the living room table, taking out my papers and pens. I start working on my science homework with the help of the textbooks, but I just can’t seem to get rid of the thought of Illi.