A note: I inserted a short conversation here from the mysterious boy and a dude named Paul in italics. :D It's in the boy's POV. :)

CHAPTER 2 – NEWCOMER

Ever since the word got out that the original manuscript of Madame Bovary by Gustav Flaubert was lost somewhere in a local bookstore here in Manhattan, I've been searching for it every free time I get.

While waiting for Dylan to finish his acting class, I stopped by a bookstore in the corner of East and 57th street. It was unlike any of the other bookstores I've been to. It may not look like much on the outside but when you go in, you could be lost and not find your way out for days. It was heaven to me! Just being inside it was inspiring. The height of the ceiling and the paintings of the cherubs on the walls were breathtaking. It was like a mini-Sistine Chapel in Manhattan.

I was struck with awe.

"Can I help you?" A musical voice behind the counter asked.

I turned to tell him what I was looking for but again, I was struck with more awe. This place was full of amazing surprises. My breath was literally taken away from me. I thought I looked awesome, but when I caught a glimpse of the boy behind the counter and me in a glass panel, next to him, I looked like garbage. I mean, the band t-shirt he was wearing didn't do him justice.

"Is something wrong?" The boy with the face of an angel asked. Man, he looked like he belonged on the walls with the angels.

I took a deep breath and tried to speak. "Huh?" I sounded, and probably looked like I was hyperventilating. "You're so pretty." WTF? I could've died of embarrassment at that very moment.

He then smiled and let out a little chuckle.

I looked down my shoes. "I'm sorry." I stammered, and then gathered the courage to look up again, "It's just that, you take my breath away." I am not thinking straight. Kill me. Kill me now.

I ran out of that place in embarrassment, not noticing that the charm bracelet Dyl gave me fell.

I noticed her bracelet fall on the floor and wanted to chase after her.

"Don't she'll be back." Paul said decisively.

I noticed it hours later when Dylan and I were having lunch. I thought about asking him where he bought it and then maybe just buy another one.

"Could you cover me on this one?" Dylan asked, slightly embarrassed.

"Sure. No problem. What's the matter, your parents holding your allowance hostage?" Haha.

"No, I'm just kinda short. Your peace offering gift took a lot out of my wallet." He laughed nervously.

Oh no. It was expensive. "Exactly how much?"

"It doesn't matter. I'll pay you back when I get my allowance next week."

Shit.

I retraced my steps earlier that day. I've only been to the bookstore, and I remember that I was still wearing it when I came in. Oh fuck. I decided to look the bracelet up online and buy another one. I'd rather die than go back to that place.

No wonder Dylan was out of money. The bracelet cost him $1500! That's the kind of money that I don't have. Besides, if I buy another one, it wouldn't have the same value as that of the original. I can't believe I had to go back there.

The next morning, I was basically dragging myself to that place. I closed my eyes when I went in, hoping that there's another cashier on duty.

"Hello there. I knew you'd be back." Shit. It still was him.

I kept my eyes shut.

"I suppose you're looking for this?" I heard the clashing of the charms on the bracelet.

I didn't move. God, I was such an ass. "Yes, that. Can I please have it?" I reached my hand out, hoping he would place it in my palm.

He wore it around my wrist instead. And I felt his hand graze mine for a fraction of a second.

I felt a slight tingle run down my spine. And I couldn't fight the urge to open my eyes and gaze upon his angelic face for one last time. "Thank you." I whispered, staring into his bottomless hazel eyes.

His eyes have a weird, hypnotizing albeit suffocating effect. I could feel myself gasping for air.

"You know, I had a feeling you might act like that again, that's why I brought this..." He handed me an inhaler.

And I laughed like hell and threw the inhaler back at him. "What the fuck?" That instantly broke the ice.

He laughed too. "What?" Then he smiled, "I didn't want you to run out of here again without finding what you're looking for." Damn, he had a smile that would make angels cry.