Just A Weirdo ✓

~ 01 ~

Although it was a bit chilly, I took my time in walking back home. People filled the streets as they hurried to specific places. I saw young couples, singles and families wandering about. It was almost dark and the streetlights were already on.

I couldn't help but admire the lively humans around me. I could feel the positivity radiating from all these people in the atmosphere.

It was a lovely Friday evening after all. And with Spring break at its peak, people had yet another reason to be joyful and peaceful.

I had just departed from the bookclub meeting. After Robert, a classmate of mine who so desperately wanted to be called Roberto instead of his birth name Robert, invited me to join, I couldn't help but do so. It had truly surprised me that he spoke to me considering how much of a loner I am.

[Past]

When the bell for lunch rung, I bought food for myself and went to the library. I bit into the slice of pizza absentmindedly. Someone sat beside me and I reluctantly removed my eyes from the book. I was shocked to see Robert watching me with a smile.

He was wearing blue pants with silver sparkles and a denim jacket to match. Where does he shop?

"Hi," he said with the same smile. I wasn't weirded-out or anything, it was just shocking that he approached me willingly.

"Hi, Robert," I said as I licked the barbeque sauce at the corner of my lips. He frowned. "I mean Roberto," I quickly added and his smile returned. Why was he so obsessed with the name?

"You are Debbie, right?" he asked and I nodded enthusiastically, surprised he remembered my name. It meant so much to me. He wouldn't understand. "I saw you reading and was wondering if you are interested in joining the book club."

"We have a book club?"

He nodded, "Yes. We read different books and meet every Friday to discuss them."

"Sounds nice," I said.

"Yeah, it is. Why do you look so surprised?"

"It's nothing. I'm just not used to people inviting me to stuff," I stated, feeling sheepish.

"I get it. You can come today if you want. Our meeting starts at 5 in the evening to 7. Right here in the library," he informed me. My eyebrows furrowed.

"Doesn't the librarian close the library at 6?" I questioned, utterly and completely confused.

"The president has a key." My mouth formed a little 'o'. "Just show up if you're interested," he said as he stood up. He started walking away.

"Thanks for letting me know," I said. Robert was nicer than I thought. Truthfully. I had trust issues.

I didn't think I'd ever fix that problem of mine. It was there to stay with me forever.

[Present]

Them meeting on Fridays was convenient as I was usually at my part-time job the first four days of the week. I worked at a candy shop - a job I had to look for after I accidentally damaged a certain person's phone. That's a story for another time though.

Today the president decided to end the meeting at six o'clock because two members got into a verbal-fight-gone-physical, arguing about the most used idioms and adjectives. The only thing that was missing was a camera. I mean, they ended up arguing in French. I don't know if they were showing off their knowledge or if they were genuinely voicing their thoughts. Either way, I'd seen enough drama for the day.