Chapter 1: It Begins (It Usually Does)

Darren looked both ways before crossing the street, shaking his head. Of all the ‘important’ things my parents taught me…why remember this one? Although the street was not a heavily used one, it still required some vigilance on his part. The sun beat down on the pavement as waves of heat rose. He walked up the steps to the Silver Lake Library, pausing to notice the impressive architecture and fountains. The sliding glass doors slid open with a slight hissing sound as cool air rushed out. The head librarian looked up from her desk, clean except for a bronze nameplate reading Emily A. Jones. “Darren! Good to see you! Is something wrong with the books?” Darren smiled. “Nah, I finished them. Oh, don’t look so surprised, Em. You know how fast I read. And besides, they weren’t that long.” Emily shook her head. “Whatever you say, genius. So do you want the newest ones, or are you going to try to get a social life, like you promised?” Darren winced. “It’s not that easy, Em. Some of us can’t make friends on the spot. I mean, what am I supposed to do, walk up to a group of people and start talking with them like I know them?” Emily shook her head, smiling. “Nah, you gotta make sure there’s a cute girl there first, and see if she’s got a boyfriend. You’re smart, you’ll figure it out.” Darren smiled back. “Speaking of boyfriends, how’s yours?” Emily was practically glowing now. “He’s incredible! Just a few days ago he stopped by and took me out to this great restaurant and…” Someone pushed in front of Darren. “I need to check out these books.” Emily frowned, but slid his card through the reader. Darren caught a glimpse of the card: Antonio…something. That was a little rude…but I guess I should go anyways. I’ve already lost a lot of time. Darren smiled darkly at the irony. Time was something he had plenty of. Unfortunately, Antonio thought he was being laughed at. “Something funny, Kinsley?” Darren snapped to the present situation. “What?” How does he know my full name? “I said, ‘is something funny, Kinsley?’” Darren frowned. “No…I was…thinking of something else.” He was no chicken, but a fight was something he’d like to avoid right at that time. Especially in the library, with the “Please Be Quiet” sign right in front of him. Antonio didn’t look like he was buying it, but left in a hurry after giving Darren dark looks on his way out. “Darren…he was looking for a fight.” “Yeah, I know.” “Would you have given him one?” Darren thought for a moment. Would I have? “Yeah.” Emily looked at him strangely for a moment. “Alright, then. Have a good day, Darren.” “You too, Em.”
- posted by Nick @ 3/27/2004 05:05:00 PM