I'll make time

Maggie started working at the college library four weeks ago, just getting some extra cash. She only worked 3 days a week but sometimes she’d cover the other student’s shifts if she had time, and on the days she was working she’d always see the same girl. I mean, of course she sees the same people a lot, that would make sense. But this was different.

This tall (well, tall to Maggie), redheaded girl was in here every time Maggie was working. Every. Single. Time. Causing her to wonder whether she actually did anything but study, like, did she ever go outside other than to walk to and from the library.

Sometimes there were other people with her, but they’d never stay as long as she did. They seemed younger than Maggie and the mystery student. Today was one of those days where a younger blonde girl was sat with the girl, eating donuts and trying to distract the other from doing her work.

‘Kara, I promise I won’t stay here too late tonight. I’ll be done in time for movie night.’ The redhead told the blonde.

Kara took a second to think as she chewed a donut, then nodded. ‘Fine. Do not be late again!’

The blonde was about to walk past Maggie when Maggie shot her arm out, gently putting her hand on the other girl’s arm, who stopped and turned to look at her.

‘Erm, hello?’ The blonde pushed her glasses up her nose.

‘Kara, right?’ She got a nod in response. ‘What’s with your friend over there? I don’t think I’ve ever seen her not studying.’

Kara grinned. ‘That’s my sister, Alex. She works really hard, wants to push herself. I try to get her to go out more but you know…’

‘Maybe I could give it a try sometime.’ Maggie smiled softly, glancing over at Alex who had her tongue poking out of her mouth as she concentrated.

When Maggie looked back at Kara, the blonde had a smirk on her face and a glint in her eye. ‘Oh really?’

‘Yeah, I mean, who wouldn’t want to have an extra friend.’ The brunette shrugged, a blush creeping up her neck.

Maggie was comfortable with her sexuality, she was gay, and she didn’t care if people knew. But she had never actually spoken to Alex, so she wasn’t going to start suggesting anything other than friendship to this girl’s younger sister. No matter how pretty Alex was. And she’s like really pretty. And she didn’t even know if Alex was into girls.

‘Yeah. Friends.’ Kara gave her a knowing look. ‘I should let you get back to work, see you around erm-?’

‘Maggie.’ She told the younger girl. ‘Yeah, I should let you go. See you Kara.’

Once Kara had left, Maggie turned back to carry on stacking shelves. Catching a glance at Alex who was staring at her with a strange look on her face.

Alex’s face went red as soon as she noticed Maggie looking back who quickly flashed her a smile. The redhead smiled back, ducking her head and getting back to work.

The brunette grinned to herself as she stacked the shelves. This could be interesting.

///

The next time she went to the library, Alex caught herself glancing around the room for the girl that worked there sometimes. The one that smiled at her. The pretty one.

Not seeing her anywhere, she frowned slightly before getting her books out of her bag and getting to work.

About 40 minutes later, Kara came tumbling into the seat next to her, giggling. ‘Aleeex.’

‘Kara.’ She dropped her pen, and sat back to talk to her sister. ‘Everything okay?’

‘Yep!’ She smiled.

They started talking about their day before Kara paused, waving at someone. Alex looked up to find the cute girl that worked there, waving back at her sister.

‘You know-‘Alex cleared her throat. ‘Erm, you know her?’

‘Yeah, that’s Maggie.’ Kara turned back to her sister, raising an eyebrow. ‘She asked about you.’

‘What? Why? What did she say?’ The redhead bombarded her sister with questions, who responded with a smirk and a giggle.

Kara shook her head. ‘She just wanted to get to know you I think.’

Alex took a sharp breath. A pretty girl wanted to get to know her. Sounds fake.

‘Hey Maggie, come here a second.’ Kara called across the library, ignoring Alex’s protests beside her.

Maggie wandered over to their table, glancing at Alex. ‘What’s up Kara?’

‘I just wanted to introduce you to my sister.’ Kara gestured to Alex. ‘This is Alex, Alex this is Maggie.’

The two locked eyes, before Alex stammered out a hello, much to the amusement of Maggie. ‘Nice to finally talk to you Alex.’

‘You too.’ Alex nodded, fighting a blush that was working its way onto her cheeks. ‘Sorry, are we keeping you from working?’

‘No, you’re fine. And if it stops you from studying for even just a second, I’ll make time.’ Maggie teased as she took a seat, Kara giggling beside her.

Alex frowned slightly. ‘I don’t study all the time!’

‘Yes you do.’ Kara jumped in, Maggie nodded.

‘Well, maybe you can prove it to me. Come out some time? I’d like to see you out of your little corner of the library.’ Maggie raised an eyebrow, giving her a smile.

Alex’s brain short circuited for a moment before realising Maggie was waiting for an answer. ‘Oh, erm…for sure! I mean, yeah, that’d be nice.’

Maggie rewarded Alex with a full grin, dimples and all.

Alex nearly fell out of her chair.