Somewhere insignificant

      On the corner of an insignificant street, in an insignificant city, there's an insignificant shop. It's an odd little thing where you can read or buy books, as well as enjoy a cup of something warm. While it's a small place, it always feels welcoming in it's cozy simplicity.

    Every day, once class was out, Ellie helped run the place for the few hours before closing. Today was no different and she took pleasure in the routine.

"Back from school this early?"

"Don't worry mom, I'm not cutting class. One of the teachers was just out sick today"

"I wasn't worried. I promised you I wouldn't hover until you're a senior"

    The older woman got up from her chair and around the counter to hug Ellie.

"That reminds me, I'll probably have to hire someone for next year, since you'll be busy studying for entrance exams"

"I don't think it should be a problem, I usually get a lot of studying and homework done while here. We're not exactly bursting with costumers"

"Don't say that. We're doing very well, it's just that most of them come and go constantly "

"The result is the same"

"Well, since you're early, I'll have time to make something more interesting for dinner. I'll leave it in the fridge, you can heat it up later"

"Thanks. Say hi to the other nurse for me"

"I will"

    With her mother gone, Ellie started on her homework, passing the time until he arrived. At exactly half past two, the door opened with a soft sound from the wind chime. He always came at exactly half past two, she'd seen him in front of the window on days he had been early, but he never came in before that time. 

    He always bought a cup of tea from the machine and sat with a book for exactly an hour. Sometimes, he'd caught her looking at him. Always, he nodded at her on the way in and out of the shop, but he'd never said a word. Today was no different.

"Welcome" Ellie said

    He replied with his usual nod, then sat to drink his tea and read his book. He was definitely an odd one, though... he was kinda cute. At that moment, their gazes met and hers snapped back to the notebook on the counter. Ellie could feel her face getting hot. While she wasn't sure about the ethics of ogling costumers in one's shop, she wasn't particularly interested in finding out, not to mention it was a pointless indulgence on her part.

    A few people passed through, though she spent most of the time with her assignments. Exactly one hour later, the boy got up, walked over to the counter and returned the book.

"Have a good day"

He gave her a short nod, his eyes lowered towards the ground. Ellie couldn't help wondering if he was always this quiet. The door closed behind him a moment later and peace was restored.

    Outside the shop, Theo almost broke into a run. God, she was gorgeous today as well. How was he supposed to make eye contact with such an ethereal creature? More importantly, had she seen him nod? What if she hadn't and now though him rude and decided she'd never speak to him again? They hadn't really done much talking either way, but still! Not to mention he'd been caught looking at her again.

    Theo loved books quite a bit, that being said, the only reason for his dedication to this bookshop was her. If Ellie though he was some kind of creep, lurking around her, he'd never recover.

    He reached home a lot faster than usual and entered the house with new found determination. Tomorrow! He would muster up the courage and actually talk to her tomorrow. Had he made this resolution every day for months? Yes, he had. Had he always chickened out? He'd done that as well. Not anymore though, tomorrow would be the day!

    Passing next to the mirror in the hallway, he caught a glimpse of his face, still bright red. Who was he trying to fool? He needed a new strategy to win her over. The direct method was too much for poor Theo to handle.

    Up in his room, he sat at the desk, fixed his glasses as if they were the only hope for inspiration, then pulled out a piece of paper.

Dear miss Ellie,

    No, no, no. Who was he? Her student? They were the same age, he didn't need to be so formal. He pulled a new page.

Dear Ellie,

I couldn't help noticing you. Your kindness and beauty

    'That's just too forward. I'd probably scare her off' He pulled out another piece of paper.

Dear Ellie,

Thank you for all the books you kept aside for me. I've enjoyed all of them, though some more than others. You have been rather kind to me and I'd love to spend time with you outside the shop some time.

I don't want you to feel obligated and I won't keep pestering you if you refuse. That being said, I'd ask you to give me a chance to get to know you better and show you who I am.

                                 Your faithful reader,

                                                           Theo

    Theo examined it critically. It wasn't the best, but it would do as well as any. He folded the note, put it in an envelope with a "To Ellie" on it and got up from the chair to go to the kitchen. Looking down, he decided to write one last note.

Dear Ellie,

On the insignificant corner of an insignificant street, in an insignificant city there's a small odd little shop. Not a lot of people stay in there and that's part of why I enjoy it.

That part is honestly a rather insignificant one itself. Mostly, I go there to see the kind smile of the beautiful girl behind the counter, hoping she'll notice me, the way I do her.

You've captivated me and I don't mind if it stays that way. That being said, one thing I'd like to see change is how often I see you. I want to fill my days with you, if only you'll allow me.

                                               Your captive,

                                                             Theo

    He could never let her see it, neither could he bring himself to throw it away. For the time being, it could stay on the desk.

"Theo, come down already" his mother called "Your father is leaving for work soon, let's eat"

    Deciding not to take the risk of his brother finding the note, he put this one in the envelope as well, then rushed down to the kitchen. The smell of warm food made him remember how hungry he was. He'd take the note out tomorrow.