Since Michael's exposition was coming closer, he let us have the day free to go wherever and photograph grandness. His words. He did make us split up with our last partner and we were to send the pics by the afternoon. I wasn't complaining, though.

Chris, being Chris, took my Mom's car keys from me and made me sit on the passenger side before driving us to Boston's public library. Even if I was excited to go, I still didn't know what to think about the way he acted yesterday back in my house. I had no idea what he was thinking or what was going on, and it was frustrating not trying to pry more.

Despite everything, I was excited to go to the public library. It was one of those buildings that held so much history behind, that gave you the chills every time you walked in and I was not disappointed when we arrived. The place was huge. No matter how many times I came, I was in awe.

When I was younger, I felt like we were entering an elegant castle like the Versailles Palace. It gave off a lush feeling as you stepped through the grand stairwell, admiring the Renaissance paintings on the wall and the large crystal chandelier hanging over your head.

However, it was the first time I came with Chris. He hadn't been really into books a year ago. I gazed at him. So many things had changed.

His green eyes turned to me, before his lips tugged up. Slowly, he grabbed my hand right about as we were crossing through the doors that lead to the main library.

Silence encased us as we softly padded through the room. My hand was tingly and my heart was thumping so hard that I was sure everyone could hear it too. The smell of old leather and crisp paper made me feel warm and giddy.

Series of tables were placed right in the middle of the room. All with those posh-looking green lamps. People were walking around; more were reading on the tables. We went straight to the librarian desk, where the computers were set and three people were stacking books on carts.

On our way here, Chris had mentioned that I could shot pictures of actual books to sort of introduce people to the whole theme. I thought it was brilliant, but I wanted to ask for clearance before we set everything up.

I figured the oldest woman was in charge, so I approached her. With the nicest smile I could muster, I explained to her about my photography project. She let me take the pictures as long as I didn't disturb other people and had to get their permission if I chose to snap photos of people reading and such. She also wrote me some sort of permission slip in case any of the guards approached us.

Before we set to work, we strolled through the place. Chris mentioned something about the back light and how we needed to ensure we were taking the pictures with the right lightning. I let him do all his tech-stuff, while I observed the place where I'd want to take them.

I also wanted to go upstairs to the kid's library. It was filled with colors and cool tables for the children.

Excited, I took out my camera from my backpack. Chris did the same. Amused, I stared at him as he started to snap a few pictures, testing the lenses and all. "Are you taking pictures too?"

"Aren't we partners?" he glanced at me before checking something in his camera.

I frowned. "How are we going to shoot something for you?"

"We'll manage," he shrugged it off, not really looking at me.

Sighing, my heart tightened. Why can't you talk to me, Chris?

I stared at him for a long moment. Cassie said he had his hands full. How so? Swallowing hard, I bit my lip. Give him time. Reluctantly, still having this bad feeling in my gut, I set to work, trying to repeat the basic steps Michael taught us.

For the next hour, we took several pictures of different things. I stepped to the shelves angling my camera to display a long row of books, trying to achieve the fading background touch. I also took photos of the things I felt were iconic to the place. The green lamps, for example. The archways on the ceiling and even a view from the floor-up. Despite my dark mood at moments, I did have fun.

Photography was starting to grow on me. I felt like that was the whole point of Michael's class, to develop a passion for portraying different images trying to show things through your eyes.

Not waiting for Chris, I stepped outside and snapped a few images of the patio. A fountain stood in the middle, surrounded by a small garden and archways. It was beautiful. A lot of people chose this location for their wedding photos and I could see why. It was a place filled with history, but it also held the promise of learning new things.

I always thought that a book holds the power to let you live a thousand lives and to pass the knowledge from generations to generations. My heart soared for all those people that worked so hard to write those stories.

The children's reading club was pretty awesome too. The shelves were smaller, so the kids could reach the books. After taking a few pictures, I found myself sitting down on the colorful mats, taking out one of my childhood's favorite book, The Hungry Caterpillar.

My lips curved up as I remembered how much I loved this book. I even had two birthday parties in a row with the same theme. As I flipped through the pages, I wondered how should I set things up to take a picture reminiscing it. I figured that finding a caterpillar was not an easy task for a girl who hated bugs. I heard steady steps to my right and the distinctive sound of a camera clicking.

Looking up, I found Chris kneeling in, snapping pictures. Putting the camera down, his green eyes were fierce as he stared at me. My heart skipped a beat. Right in that moment, I knew that no other guy could bewitch me the way Chris had. He was like a puzzle. There were pieces of him that I knew so well and many more that left me clueless. He was obtuse and intriguing as hell.

Either way, it was clear that I still loved him. I don't think I ever stopped. My breath caught in my chest as I gazed at those beautiful eyes. Despite his shady character, I think I love him even more.

He sat on the floor next to me. "What are you thinking?"

That you have my heart in your hands and I'm not sure if you want to crush it or cherish it. Freaking awesome. "Nothing," I casted my eyes down, brushing the page of the book, scared that he could see right through me.

He brushed a hand on my cheek, and my chest tightened as I glanced up. That disarming smile that captivated me the first day we met, drew on his lips. I was pretty sure that he knew the effect it had on me.

Butterflies fluttered in my stomach, while I swallowed hard because my mouth felt dry all of a sudden. "You can't lie, Farah." His eyes roamed all over my face. "You always frown," he murmured as he lightly brushed my forehead with his right hand. "And you always bite your nails." I was about to bite my thumb; I drew it back at his words. His grin widened.

My heart flipped as I recognized the guy I'd fallen in love with a year ago.

"Kiss me," I blurted out in a courageous moment.

He took a sharp intake of breath before glancing around the room. We weren't alone. There were a couple of kids with their mothers. Plus, a librarian walked by every ten minutes or so. "Here?" he raised an eyebrow.

I stood up, grabbing my stuff and putting the book back in its place. When I finished, he was right next to me, staring me with deep, hungry eyes. My stomach flipped as he grabbed my hand and led the way to the patio. My heart was racing like crazy as we reached the first archways.

Chris didn't lose time. He pulled me closer to him before kissing me. It was urgent and fierce, and much too short. He pulled away breathing hard, leaning his forehead on mine. "Fuck," he muttered strained.

My heart soared.

I love you. The words caught in my throat because I couldn't say them. Not now. Not like this.

He needed time, and I would give it to him, hoping that my love was strong for the both of us. 

Thank you for reading me!