Chapter 2: John Green

"I see where you're coming from, but I beg to differ. Of Blood and Bone has a way better plot than A Song of Ice and Fire." Jules carried on.

Matthew visited the café again, making it part of his Tuesday routine. Although Jules wasn't always scheduled, the times that he did see her were always the best part of his day. She treated him as an old friend (despite only having short conversations at the counter), and he appreciated her kindness and easygoing attitude. He learned early on that she was a huge bookworm, loved rock music (specifically Rammstein), and cracked jokes like it was second nature. Strong, a wildcard. She truly was awesome, as she would say.

He conceded, "Alright, you make a fair point. What about recent Fiction? How do you feel about John Green? Even though his stories are targeted for young adults, they're great to read because they are realistic." He took a sip of his free maple-infused coffee (but was it really free if he always tipped five dollars?).

"I like reading Fiction from time to time. I've heard about him but I've honestly never read any of his stuff."

Matthew couldn't believe it, "What? How? Three of his novels became movie adaptations."

"Not that I'm trying to be anti-trendy but I'm skeptical when it comes to popular books, especially the ones that turn into movies. It could be amazing like Crazy, Rich Asians (even though the book series has way more drama), or a comedic abomination like 50 Shades," she was visibly disgusted. "Don't get the wrong idea, I will never touch that series. I'm basing that off of trusted scholars. But anyways, I've just been disappointed too many times."

He laughed. "Okay, I'll totally vouch for John Green. Hold on, I actually have a copy of Looking for Alaska that you need to read." He bent down and searched his backpack. "This one is my favorite out of all his because it's not what you expect, I think you'll like it. I don't want to give too much away, but basically it's about this kid who changes high schools and becomes friends with some interesting characters."

"Interesting characters, huh? Awesome, thanks Birdie! I'll loan you one of mine too so it's even. Give me a sec." Jules rushed to the backroom to fetch it.

As he finished his coffee, he counted himself lucky that he visited right before her short break. It was hard sometimes to have a full conversation when there were people waiting in line, their eyes boring into the back of his head, like daggers ready to strike their mark. Not to mention strangers overhearing their conversation, silently judging him. It was perfect timing.

Jules returned with a book in hand, as promised. "I was in the middle of reading this one again for like the 100th time so no worries on giving it back ASAP," her innocent eyes turned serious, "but if anything were to happen to it, 'I have a very particular set of skills. I will look for you, I will find you, and I will kill you.'"

Jules finished the book by the next day.

As soon as she was back at her apartment after a long day of work and school, she cracked it open and didn't stop reading until there were no more pages left to turn. She had been sucked into the Culver Creek school and was thoroughly invested in the mystery behind Alaska. Despite her annoyance with the awkward Pudge aka Miles, which in itself can be a good sign, she was pleasantly surprised that the story felt real. Mattie was right, she thought, maybe I should give Green's other stuff a shot.

She hadn't noticed it was one in the morning. It wasn't the first time that she had stayed up late because of a good book, and certainly not the last. She had a habit of diving headfirst into alternate realities, fully immersing in the world.

Her roommate, also known as her younger brother Ludwig, must have seen how captivated she was because on the kitchen table was a plate of food with a note, "Schwester, please eat before going to bed. - L." Jules wept at his kindness. "He's too good for this world," she said as she stuffed her face with Italian Sausage Spaghetti.

Some days passed and Jules hadn't seen Matthew, which was fine. She was looking forward to the next time he drops by, see what the verdict was on The Deed of Paksenarrion: Sheepfarmer's Daughter. She enjoyed their short yet sweet conversations, she couldn't help but smile for the rest of those shifts. He was inviting, sweet, honest, and bold (when he was comfortable, she noticed. His stuttering was adorable, too, in her opinion). Mattie was unlike anyone she's ever met. I'm definitely asking for his number next time... so I can bug him with my commentary.

Jules reread the book.

Of course she told her two closest friends about the cutie with the blond, wavy hair and bright tanzanite eyes highlighted by red thick-rimmed glasses, who always ordered the same maple coffee drink. How could she not? One conversation during their regular lunch meetup in particular stuck out to her.

"So, have you asked him out yet?" Tino asked again.

Jules replied, "No, it's too soon." She picked at her Cobb salad with a fork.

"This is coming from the same girl who got together with the Point guard of the basketball team at the party held our first year, then dumped him that same night like 3 hours later, though I understand why." Francis commented.

"But, what are you talking about 'too soon?' It's been a couple of months you've hung out with the guy." Tino added.

She looked up from her hole-punched lettuce. "You don't understand. It's different with Mattie. It feels different. I want him to like me, and I don't want to scare him off. I know I'm abrasive."

Tino took a bite from his bocadillo sandwich. "Normally you couldn't care less about that kind of stuff."

"Mhm, are you really Jules?" Francis teased her.

"Thanks guys," she said sarcastically. "But really, I honestly would be okay with just being friends with him."

"Okay," Tino said, "Now I know you got it bad."

Francis stood up and wrapped his arms around himself. "Ah, young love! You actually care about him and want to understand him better." She waved her hands at him, trying to shut him up. Smirking, he schemed out loud, "May I suggest a way to let him know how you're feeling without the pressure?"

As Jules was reading Looking for Alaska for the third time, she came across a particular scene involving Miles and a girl from his class. Remembering her friend's advice, she decided to take action, seize the day, throw caution to the wind, just do it. She grabbed a post-it note and favorite pen and devised her plan.