INNOCENCE

• one

NELLIE

I sit on the ground & lean back against the bookshelf of the library with a soft smile. I held my book in my hands & open it, the bookmark letting me know what page I left on.

"Finally some peace & quiet." I whisper to myself. I read through the book pages & my heart flutters at the beautiful words the author had written in the book.

"Your body is art."

The main male character whispered beautiful & soft words to the love his life. My cheeks begin to ache due to me smiling so hard.

I'm falling in love with a fictional character.

The sound of the heavy rain outside & the silence in the library puts me at ease knowing there isn't anyone in here. I love being alone.

I flip the page & I read through the words carefully. The further I read, the sweeter it gets.

Soon, I'm interrupted by the sound of a door being slammed shut. I groan & stand from the ground. I shut my book & shove it into my book bag. I take a peek wondering who walked in & my gaze falls on the library security.

"Neliyah I know you're here, you have to leave. It's 9pm, you aren't allowed to be in here after 7: 30 pm." The man groans & I sigh.

"Sorry." I whisper & he nods his head.

"Please be careful when walking home alone, Nellie." He warns & I smile softly at him.

"I will Mr. Johnson." I whisper. I sigh & bite my lip. I wave good bye to the middle aged man & leave the library through the back door.

The moment I step foot outside, the heavy rain pours down on me. I sigh & put my hood on. I jump over the big puddle in front of me & begin walking to the bus stop.

My sister needs to give me my car back.

I walk with my head down wanting to be cautious for the big puddles, so I won't mess up my shoes. Accidentally, I bump into someone & I stumble back. I lift my head & stare at the man who's staring back at me with a scowl.

"I'm s-" I attempt to apologize but he cuts me off.

"Watch where you're going you big bitch!" He shouts & I raise an eyebrow.

"You're momma hoe." I retort & walk pass him ignoring his disrespectful whispers. I look back & he's standing watching me walk away. I cringe & turn my head continuing walking to the bus stop.

After a 10 minute walk, I reach the bus stop & sigh. I'm in need of an umbrella. I notice a woman standing beside me with an umbrella. I put my head down & stare at my Nike shoes.

"Dear." She calls out & I lift my head staring at the woman in question.

"Yes ma'am?"

"I'll share my umbrella." She smiles at me & my heart warms at her kindness.

"Thank you but it's okay." I speak kindly & she laughs softly.