Bookshelves

A Story by TieDyed

Escape from reality...

I walk down the aisle of bookshelves, a smile playing across my lips. I stop at one particular shelf, brushing my hand against the surface, collecting dust. The dust has been there for so long it might as well have soaked through the book’s covers. I look around the old bookshop, long abandoned by its former owners. This was the perfect place where I could escape and be alone. I could think here. And if I needed something to stimulate my thoughts, I had old, worn books. I’ve took refuge here when my own reality became chaos.

I’ve done this for a few years now. But since last October, I met someone who has changed my own reality. I rarely visited this sanctuary since then. I had no need to escape my thoughts. I wanted them to stay with me. I walk down these empty aisles waiting for him. We needed our own sanctuary now. One we could share. I told him I had a place where we could meet. We’ll be stuck in our own reality and we will be safe. No one can touch us, harm us.

I pace down the aisles once more before I hear the bell ring, signaling someone walked into the shop. I turn to see him, my heart races. He smiles at me, his crooked smile giving me a burst of happiness, rippling through my body. I walk to him, trying not to look too excited. I smile at him and throw myself into his arms. He wraps them around me, as if trying to protect me from possible harm. I look up and lock eyes with him. I could see in his eyes the love and care. We stare into each other’s eyes for a few moments more, and then he speaks.

“I’m happy to see you again! It’s been so long, and I almost couldn’t make it.”

“Why not?” I look into his eyes, searching for the answer.

He shrugs and I tilt my head, know there is more than just that.

Sighing, he explains. “I almost got… caught… again.”

I look at him, knowing. I hug him tighter.

“We can get through this together. You’ll always have me.”

He nods and looks away, something catching his eyes. He walks over to one of the bookshelves and picks a dusty book. I follow him and stand on my tip-toes, looking over his shoulder.

“This is an interesting place! It’s… different..”

I smiles. “I know! I used to come here at least every other day.”

He turns around and looks at me, cupping my face in his hands. He leans down and kisses me, his soft lips embracing mine. We part, his expression soft. I look at him, wanting another kiss. He understands and kisses me again, but this time with more passion. My arms wrap around his neck, his hands on my waist. He pulls me closer, in a tight embrace. We kiss. I don’t want it to end. Emotions fill me. Lust, love, want.

I hear the bells announcing someone has walked into the store. We snap back into reality, taking us away from our own world. We look to the door. But no one is there.