Page 26 of Bella and Her Beast
I nod my head emphatically. Even she knows this is an enormous step.
“Girl, well, it has to be a big thing ifyouof all people are having thoughts like this. No pun intended.”
I fight the urge to say something snazzy back to her remark. But in all honesty, she’s right. Me thinking of a long relationship without a book boyfriend in mind is a major move. But why him?
CHAPTER EIGHT
ISABELLA
Over the past week, the library has been hopping. I didn’t take any time off on purpose so I can have a few days to spend with Greyson when he returns, which should be tomorrow. The day at hand, however, is one for the full moon enthusiasts. The adage about Murphy’s Law is in full effect. Today we celebrate La Luna. There are lots of festivals to celebrate the moon; from dance, to giving thanks for a bountiful harvest. There are also those who worship the moon for their religious purposes, but that is not something we discuss with our classes today. We stick strictly to its place in our solar system.
“Joy, can you please see why the copier stopped working?” I announce making my way toward the check-out counter.
“Again? That’s like the third time today and it's new,” she retorts, angrily stomping off to the computer room.
“Ms. Bella, my glitter stick is broken,” one of my second graders states, when she tries to shake her glitter onto her moon drawing.
“Oh, no. Let’s just see what’s wrong with this one.” I shake it hard, and nothing happens. I try to wriggle the top off only for it to explode and get all over my costume, which is a full silver body suit and ballerina slippers. I took off my cardboard circular cut out when I kept knocking things over, including kids. Frustrated and disappointed, I sigh and retrieve a new stick from the supply bag. “Here you go, love.” I hand the young lady the new stick after removing the protective tape and testing it. I go take a seat at my desk for a few minutes to gather my composure.
“Girl, what is it about today?” Joy asks when she takes the seat next to me.
“I have no idea, but I am ready for this day to be over. It’s like a madhouse. The kids are calm with a few exceptions, but the technology is goofing off, I spilled glitter all over me, and I have to close.” In all of my fluster, I lay my head on the desk and just bump it a few times. Just enough to help me refocus.
“Um, I’m glad you are taking the next few days off, cause... girl. You are freaking me out, and you never do that. Are you missing your boo?”
The few moments I have had with him being in my thoughts were fleeting at best. Since he’s been gone, I have been busy none stop. At most, I spent two minutes thinking about him today when I heard one of the songs we danced to at his place. We’ve talked a few times, but they were never longer than ten minutes; partly due to my work schedule and the time zone difference. We even tried to video chat while I was cleaning my kitchen, but the signal was so bad, we decided to try later. The awkward freeze ups were annoying.
“I think I am. Joy, what is it like to have real feelings for someone?” I never had a girl to girl talk with her about relationships, and this is hardly the time, but these feelings never diminish. I’d be lying if I said they didn’t increase with each passing day.
“Hmm, if you can’t imagine being without the other person, then that my dear is love. But for you, I would say it’s the awakening of being with someone other than your family and friends and it makes you feel good.”
“Well, whatever it is, I am trying to navigate these waters without a map, and I’m not sure what to expect.” I grab the trolley and begin the clean-up process with the crafts and Joy takes the books to their homes.
A few of the kids made pictures for me to hang on display in the library. I carefully put their names on the back so we can send them after the program is over. I collect and store them on the second shelf of the dolly while the supplies are cleaned off and organized by type on the top shelf.
“Hey,” a voice calls to me. My senses heighten and I can feel his presence.
I look towards the direction and confirm what my body is telling me. Greyson is back. However, this is notmyGreyson, His stance is more rigid than normal. Even before we connected.
I chalk it up to his travels and how tired he must be. My heart skips a beat, and a smile emerges on my face when I walk toward him. “Hey, Greyson, you’re back. How was the trip?”
He takes my hand in his and places a kiss on the back.
“It was good but I’m glad to be home. Didn’t realize I’d miss you as much.” He gently traces the contour of my cheek even with all the silver face paint.
“I missed you too. It’s been crazy around here today with the moon festival.”
His expression turns from light to heavy. “You have no idea what the powers of the moon can do to people,” he mumbles. “Bella, do you think you can get away right now?”
The tone in his voice, along with expression of aggravation on his face, cause worry within me. “Not at this exact moment. Why? Is there something wrong, Greyson?” I stroke the side of his face hoping to soften his mood.
He lets out a deep sigh and runs his fingers through his hair in an exasperated fashion. “Uh, not really. I just need to show you something. Can you come out to the house tonight? Like as soon as you get off, head straight there?” His eyes widen with a level of seriousness I’ve never seen in him before.
I am feeling a bit uneasy. I want to say yes, but he’s not telling me the truth, I can sense it. “Are you wanting to break up with me?” My lip quivers at the words as they leave my mouth.
“No. No, Bella. I will never leave you.” He touches my lips with the tip of his finger, tracing its shape.
Resisting the urge building within me, I pull away from his touch. “I am off tomorrow, maybe we can link up.” I move along to the next table and gather the art tools and pictures from the children.
