CHAPTER 1 (WHEN I MET 'HIM')

The library hasn't always been my favourite place. In fact, I was never really interested in books. I preferred math problems. I was even addicted to solving distance equations and finding out the exact values of things. In fact, I've even memorized the multiplication table. The numbers just sort of rush into my head.

"Achoo!" I sneezed as I pulled out one dusty book from a shelf.

I rubbed my nose and looked at the title 'The Hunchback of NotreDame'.

Nah. Not my type of book report.

I placed it back and rubbed my nose. This is another reason why I didn't like the library: the books were dusty most of the time. And I am allergic to dust.

So why would I risk my health?

Easy. Book report.

Much to my dismay, I need to find a book. I'm sure I wouldn't find any book at home. I had no use for books. Ever.

Books on Math maybe.

But novels? Nuh-uh. Not my cup of tea.

I looked at the titles of the books, running my fingers on their spines. Jeez. I can't find one that even interests me.

I hate books. I hate books.

I really do.

Detest them.

Abhor them.

Hate them.

I saw one novel on the shelf. I raised an eyebrow.

This could be good.

I reached out for it but then it was tightly wedged between two books. I pulled it again, exerting more force.

Darn it. Get off, will you?

I accidentally pushed it, and the rest of the books fell on the other side. All sorts of books came falling down: thick, thin, battered, tattered. You name it.

I was horrified to see the landslide that I caused.

Cripes! The librarian better not be here or else I'll be in more trouble than sticking gum on chairs!

"Ouch!" a voice protested from the other side.

Cripes. I hit someone.

Great Norah. Simply great.

I rushed to the other side.

Buried in a mountain of books was a boy with brown, curly hair. His eyes made him look like he was squinting but I guessed that that was just how he looked like. He was rubbing his head, and his face was screwed up in pain.

Shoot. You are such a klutz Norah. Simply spectacular.

I rushed over to his side and began carefully plucking the books off of him. A lot fell on him. I swear.

Aaah! Why don't I just throw these?? It'll speed up the process!

Without caring and without wondering if the librarian was watching (she would totally kill me if she saw me), I began throwing the books off the guy. The books were flying and whizzing about as if they had wings.

Finally, I managed to unearth him from the mess.

"Are you okay?" I asked him as I plucked the last book (Sherlock Holmes) from him.

"I'm fine… Thanks," he said and smiled a bit.

I sighed in relief. "Whew. I thought I killed you with that landslide. Look, I'm sorry."

He began to stand up and brushed his shirt.

Hm… He actually looked pretty nice. From afar he looks plain ordinary but at a closer view he looks cute…

Like a Chihuahua.

Oh shut up Norah.

"I'm Norah by the way," I smiled, feeling that I at least owe to him an introduction of myself.

"I'm Nate," he grinned.

"Really sorry about what happened. I'll fix this mess up before the librarian hangs me and throws my body off the Golden Gate Bridge," I said and began picking up the fallen books. I hope I didn't tear any. Any page had more worth than my life.

Nate chuckled and helped me with the putting back of books. He was nice. I expected him to go away and leave me here to fix my own mess.

Now, there was only one book left. I placed it in its rightful place (I was about to insert it somewhere else but Nate insisted that I leave it where it really belonged). However, the book was proving hard since it wouldn't insert at all.

"You like books, eh?" I huffed as I pushed the book.

Dang. This was hard.

He chuckled. "Yup. They deserve to be treated properly."

"Yeah. Right. Oh this is annoying!" I exclaimed.

WHY. WON'T. IT. GET. IN?!?!?!

I was getting more and more frustrated as I tried in vain to return the book. It's like it's fighting back and retaliating or something. I don't understand it at all.

BUT IT HAS TO GO BACK.

"Stupid book!" I let out a cry of frustration and kicked it hard.

All of a sudden, the shelf wobbled and the books came flooding all over me. The books were attacking me now as I fell down and couldn't do anything about the shelf toppling and collapsing over me.

As I have said before:

I HATE BOOKS.