Atticus stepped into the library, the musty scent of old books filling the air. His eyes scanned the room for a moment, taking in the sight of soft leather-bound volumes and ancient tomes that lined the shelves. As he approached Sophia, the ticking of a grandfather clock in the corner intensified, echoing off the wooden walls and tall ceiling. His feet moved with purpose, his black shoes making a soft tapping sound on the polished floorboards. As he moved closer, he glanced at Sophia, who sat engrossed in a book, her dark hair cascading around her face.
"Hello". He said, his voice low and smooth, placing his hands on the table. Sophia's gaze lifted and their eyes met. Atticus's heart skipped a beat. Her eyes were mysterious-soulless and soulful, repelling and attracting. Something about her didn't add up, he couldn't read her, a read phenomenon that unsettled him. In ancient creation myth, soul and body existed in separate realm- physical and spiritual - intertwined yet distinct. A hidden gap connected this two realms revealing the essence of a person. This gap, only few knew was in the eyes. Vampire's had the natural ability to see a human soul through this gap. It was hidden from humans to prevent catastrophe and exploitation.Until Sophia, Atticus has never seen anyone who could conceal his soul but it seemed she did it effortlessly.
"Hi". Sophia responded. Atticus smile faltered,
"Can I sit here". He asked.
Sophia looked around at the other places and then nodded. "Sure you can sit here". She said and went back to her book.
Atticus eyes widened in shock, she didn't remember him. Not even a little. How was that possible, he was a face not be forgotten. Angry at the thought of that, Atticus forgot his mission. He yearned to make sure she acknowledged him.
He sat down and the room fell quiet for a second. As Atticus settled into the creaky armchair next to Sophia, the antique chair groaned under his weight, releasing a puff of dust from its worn upholstery. The old library had been part of the university forever, and the chairs had seen their share of use over the years. Atticus tried his best to be comfortable, but the chair seemed determined to make its objections known.
"What genre". He asked her, breaking the silence.
Sophia looked at him again and smiled. "Romance".
Atticus chuckled. " Wow, same. What a coincidence!". Sophia nodded and was about to go back into her book.
"So what do you think about the book?". He asked.
"Well I think its nice, I really like how tough the female character is". Sophia replied smiling.
"Yes me too, Allison fighting those creatures she is good". Atticus replied with all confidence.
"First of all her name is Hannah and secondly she is a barrister in a bar. but ok... Sure". Sophia replied.
"Is it, I guess I read the book wrong". He replied flipping through the book
"That's because you are holding the book upside down". Sophia giggled.
"Oh! Am I?". Turning the book. Sophia once again giggled.
"Am guessing first being in the library". Sophia asked.
Nodding. "Yeah... Am Atticus".
"Sophia".
"It's nice to meet you Sophia". Atticus said smiling, "you know you never struck me as someone who was into romance novel".
"How, we just met...". Sophia said surprised.
"Wait you really don't remember me, we met at the gala last week. We danced for goddness sake". Atticus said in shock. She really didn't remember him. So why he had been having erotic dreams of her every night since that day, she was here not even thinking of him.
"Ooooh, it's you. Wow... wow. Am so sorry, I didn't mean to get you annoyed. I didn't really remember you". Sophia said, her face showing how sorry she was.
" Okay". Rolling his eyes."so how is your female lead". He asked smiling. Atticus didn't know why but he felt a peace he hadn't felt for a long while. There was something about her that pulled him in and he couldn't explain.
" She is married but her husband is cheating. You know men, they are all the same a bunch of cheaters and scammers. Can never be trusted". Sophia replied, brushing the hair off her face.
"What!... so you think all men are the same?". Atticus asked. Their eyes locked. Sophia nodded.
" Well no, all men are not the same, I know some men are crazy enough not to stay with one woman but doesn't mean all men are jerks. So Sophia don't ever think all men are the same". Atticus said with a stern look in his eyes.
"Well Atticus, am sorry, i don't know of you but all men are same. I'm not saying it just because of what I watch. It's something I know, all you men care about is a pretty face, perfect body and I wish that were enough for you, no it's not. By the end of it all, you abandon them for someone else, forgetting that they human beings and they too have feelings. It's something I have seen countless times, so no I don't believe you". Sophia said with determination.
Atticus widened his eyes in shock." Really, what about you women. All you guys care about is money, jewelry and a rich man. You sting yourself to them not because you care about them but because you want to use them, so if this men decide to retaliate they have the right because if something where to happen to their bank account, you guys will run to another". Atticus replied.
Both didn't know they had increased their tone until the interruption by the standing ovation from the spectators.
Atticus and Sophia widened their eyes in shock.
"Oh...". Sophia said in embarrassment.
"Am sorry, I didn't mean to..". Atticus said, his eyes pleading.
"I'm sorry also you are right I shouldn't just judge".
"No problem, so I'm hosting an event and I love it if you could come". Atticus said smiling.
Sophia smiled as she looked at the invitation."No, thank you". She said and walked to the door.
Atticus was dumbstruck. "What?".
Confused, he stood up and chased after her, grabbing her hand by the door.
"What do you mean no". Atticus asked in shock.
"It means I don't want to go". Sophia said smiling. Her eyes never leaving his.
"Why". Atticus asked more confused.
"Well Atticus why doesn't concern you. All you need to know is i'm not coming". Sophia responded. "Good day, Atticus". She said and walked to the car that pulled over.
Atticus was surprised. This was the second time she turned him down. How was she doing this. He watched the car zoom off, his mind puzzled.
Meanwhile, down the street. A man in black watched from the back seat of a car eyes never leaving the two couples. He watched her get in and could see the confused face of the man.
"What do you think my lord". A man in the driver seat asked.
The man in black remained silent as he continued to watch the car drive away, his cold eyes fixed on the vehicle. The driver glanced at him through the rearview mirror, unsure of what the man was thinking. After a few moments of silence, the man in black finally spoke.
"It is time."
His words were simple but their meaning was clear. The driver knew what those words meant all to well.