The Unexpected Best Friends

Chapter 5 – That girl

Ella would like things to change. And she knew it must start with her. She needs to change if she wants things to change around her.

She’d been pegged as the “easy” girl. She used to believe it was a compliment. Why make things hard? The thing is… when she likes someone, she likes them and she makes it easy for them to approach her and have her.

What’s the adage? No pain, no gain. They easily had her, so they had no qualms losing her just as quick. Her feelings were real. She thought they liked her back. She hoped they would love her and treat her right. Apparently not.

Ella shook her head. She had so much hope. She should change the way she does things. She can’t be “easy” anymore. It would be hard, but she’s willing to try the opposite. Play hard to get, huh? Any bastard would not put in the effort to get the girl, she understands that now. If someone’s serious, if he really likes the girl, he would try his best.

She’d seen them do things that the men she’d been with hasn’t done for her. The flowers and the chocolates. The fancy dates. For her, it was always a tumble in bed, eating pizza and drinking beer. Watching movies in the living room, instead of the cinema. She wasn’t treated the way she expected to be. The way she wanted to be. Right, it must be because she showed them that she’s “easy”.

In the last two months, she’d made progress with how she dresses. They would no longer assume that she’s a slut, would they? She’d been called names a lot of times before. She did notice the change with the way people approach her. They’re less crude. They’re kind of polite to her now. Who knew changing the way you dress can have such an effect? Does one outfit really scream respect while another say screw my life? The realization was amusing at first, then disgusting the next. The mold of society has strong influence, hasn’t it?

After that very emotional chapter, she stopped reading the book and gently closed it. She took a really deep breath and Mr. Nice Guy glanced at her. She should thank him. If this was her before, she won’t bother returning the handkerchief. It’s just a handkerchief, right? How expensive could it be?

She bit her lip. Should she approach him? Well, she’s the one who’s supposed to thank him. He won’t think she’s hitting on him, would he? She collected her thoughts and straightened her expression. She gently stood up and placed the chair back under the table. She moved to stand in front of him and whispered.

“Thank you for letting me use your handkerchief. I’ll return it to you after I wash it? Would you be here next week as well?” She wasn’t even sure what she’s saying.

Dave looked up and squinted at her. He leaned forward, not able to hear her properly. Why is she whispering?

Ella realized this and she leaned forward. She repeated what she said but he was distracted. Her cleavage was on display right in front of him. He couldn’t help but look. It was only for a few seconds. He looked away after and apologized.

She noticed his actions and her eyes widened when he apologized. She looked down to see her chest is exposed to him. She quickly straightened herself and held a hand over her dress. Traitor! It was fine when she’s standing, but it really betrayed her when she’s leaning. She blushed furiously. She was not intentionally flashing him.

He saw how red her cheeks were. No doubt from embarrassment. Even he is embarrassed. He was tempted to tell her that he didn’t see anything but that would be a lie. She has healthy breasts and they’re perky, from what he’d seen in that brief amount of time. Damn, he can’t help checking out the outline of it now that he’d seen it bare.

She held a protective arm over her chest upon seeing him looking at it again. It was his turn to blush a little.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to look. You caught me off-guard.” He made sure to look at her face this time. He held up a hand in surrender. He hoped he didn’t piss her off.

She didn’t say anything and stalked off while looking very uncomfortable. Nice going, Dave. You scared a pretty lady. She’s sexy, too. Did he just check her out? She has fine ass and a shapely body.

He really didn’t mean to look, but now it was etched in his mind. Also, he likes a girl who reads. Maybe they’ll see each other again next time.

Why did she just leave? Why didn’t she say anything? Ella checked out of the library and went home early. She was knocking herself on the head. She reacted very badly, didn’t she? Maybe she should have slapped him or something. Though she used to wear very revealing clothes before, she’s kind of getting used to her current outfit choices now, which hides a lot more skin than before.

Her cheeks burned at the memory again. It looked like he liked what he saw. She rolled her eyes at herself. Of course, he does. Men are all the same. They like booties.

She checked herself again. She looked decent. She really wanted to change her image. She doesn’t want to be called “easy” ever again. She’s worth something, alright? She would be worth the effort.

Biting her lip, she remembered the man’s appearance. Damn if she’s being attracted by a handsome face again. But he does look mature and manly. She can tell he’s older. Probably no longer in university. But what is he doing in the library? She should have noted the book he was reading. She hasn’t gotten his name. She sighed deeply.

Oh, well. Let me wash this little hanky and return it to him when I see him again. When she started frequenting the library, she kept mostly to herself. She didn’t take notice of who were around her. She was trying to focus on reading her books. She liked the peaceful atmosphere in the library.

Shaking her head, she walked over to her closet. She should wear something with a safe neckline. What happened earlier was really an accident. She hoped he didn’t get the wrong idea. He looked fine and spoke kindly. Would she check him out the next time she sees him? Who knows?

Her library days were Wednesdays and Fridays. So, she went the following Wednesday. And behold, he was there. She decided to return his hanky quickly before getting a new book and sitting down to read. There’s enough space in the reading area that there’s no reason for her to sit near him. Also, she already has a favorite spot.

She approached him while pulling out the said handkerchief from her sling bag. She’s used to whispering in the library.

“Hey, I’m returning this. Thanks for letting me use it.” She gently set it on the table, and tapped it.

His gaze was on her face and he smiled upon recognizing her. That should be illegal. She didn’t think he would look more charming when he smiles. Her heart thudded in her chest. She was suddenly nervous around him.

“Hello.”

She can only smile back before hurriedly slipping behind the bookshelves. He has an effect on her, that’s for sure. She might have a crush on him. Is it so wrong? She inwardly groaned as she looked for the book she planned to start reading today. Is it wrong to have a crush on someone because of their appearance? She sighed. She was trying to change but some things are… proving to be difficult. Someone’s appearance is definitely a superficial reason to like someone. Well, isn’t that why there’s a phase to get to know someone? It’s not like she’s instantly in love. If he turns out to be the same as the others, she’s sure she won’t like him. She would despise him. Jerks. Bastards.

Her mind might have run wild. She picked up the book and returned to the reading area. Dave was waiting for her. Her expression doesn’t look good.

She sat down on the next table, about four seats away.

“Bad day?” He asked and Ella looked around when she heard his voice.

She adorably looked left and right. There were about six people in the area and two others looked up as well.

“This is the library.” She reminded him in a whisper.

He almost chuckled.

“Are you new here, then?” His question made her think. What does he mean?

“No. Not really.” Maybe it was a bad idea to sit this far from each other if they’re going to have a conversation.

Dave thought so, too. He got up and moved closer. He didn’t want to creep her out so he sat with one chair between them. He’s intrigued.

“I’ve been coming here for years. You don’t need to whisper, you know?”

“Still, you should lower your voice. The others are reading.” She continued to whisper, and her expression showed a little irritation. Who’s this guy to tell her what to do? There’s nothing wrong with being considerate, is there? She has never been considerate before, she knew that. These days, she’d been trying to be more aware of her surroundings and the people around her. Especially the ones she cares about. The ones who aren’t exactly judging her. The ones who still look at her with kindness no matter how much she already messed up.

Dave doesn’t know how to feel, about being told off. Is he really disturbing the others? He looked around and considered it. It’s not really easy to admit you’re wrong.

“You’re right. I’m just used to it, you know. I’ll try to speak more softly.”

Ella blinked as she stared at him. Her cheeks blushed at the closeness. He was somewhat leaning and there’s only a foot of distance between them.

Dave likes her reaction. She looked very innocent.

“I don’t think I’ve seen you around town, though. You’re not new here, are you?” He propped up his book and opened it to a chapter he’d been reading. He thought she might feel more comfortable with him if he’s not staring.

“No. I grew up here.” She followed his lead and focused on her book. Also, his question made her uncomfortable. Maybe if she was wearing those revealing clothes she used to have, he might recognize her. Suddenly, she doesn’t want him to know. He looked as if he’s genuinely interested in talking to her and he’s being sweet.

“Really? If you don’t mind me asking, how old are you?” This is a little tricky. He doesn’t want to offend her, but he also wants to make sure she’s of legal age already. She still looks young, but he’s guessing she’s already eighteen at least. Barely legal, huh?

“Why? Making sure you’re not hitting on a minor?” Her mouth replied before she could properly think of a good response. Why did she just blurt that out? It’s so embarrassing. Now he would know that she thinks he’s hitting on her. Damn it. She wanted to hide. She leaned on the table and covered her face with the book. So stupid, Ella.

He seemed amused by her reaction, though. Dave grinned. So, she does think he’s hitting on her. She’s not exactly wrong. But before he does, he wanted to make sure she’s legal.

“So, am I hitting on a minor or no?”

Ella bit her lip when she heard his reply. He isn’t making fun of her and he’s admitting that he’s hitting on her! She’s somewhat relieved that she hasn’t fully embarrassed herself.

Slowly, she straightened on her seat again before glancing at him for two seconds.

“I’m twenty-one.” She softly replied.

Her answer satisfied him. That’s good. She’s more than eighteen. She must know something about relationships and dating at this point, right? He can’t be sure, though. Her reactions are refreshing.

For her part, this is the first time she’s experiencing things like this so she’s not sure how she should be reacting. She’s used to acting on her desires and asking guys out. When she likes someone, she lays everything on the table.

That would no longer be the case, though. She needs to sort men out. Only those who are serious would treat her right. And she wants to be treated right. But how do you exactly play hard to get? How difficult should you make things for the guy?