Title: Unwritten

Author: Elli Cole

Summary: Antoinette never particularly liked to read romance novels nor was she a romantic. But one summer afternoon, a particular book caught her attention in one unnoticed shelf in the library and found the urge to read it. She never thought that she would fall in love with the lead character, Michael.

Prologue

Stumbling Upon It

Antoinette had always loved the smell of books and parchments riveting through this secluded area of the library. Her fingers lightly touched the spine of the books as she passed through the many rows, dusts clinging to her flesh. She let out a soft sneeze and rubbed her eyes tiredly. She hadn't gotten any sleep from last night reading her fifth book as of the week's progress.

People would say she was too much of a bookworm and it was altering her mind's way of thinking but it didn't bother her. What satisfies her was the way the book kept her mind occupied with thoughts that would amuse her or would keep her on her toes. Being in love with reading was an understatement for her.

Her fingers grazed the spine of a book covered in red velvet and she reveled at its rough exterior. She took it out and gripped it with both of her hands lovingly. It was interesting to look at but what more if she read it? She excitedly opened it and read the title.

"Of Nuisance and Irritation."

That, in itself, had made her close the book and put it back on the shelf. She once again looked for a book in the confinements of glass. One in simple paperback had plagued her interest and she cautiously slid the glass of the shelf. It moved with an audible squeak and a shudder ran through her spine.

Finally, the book was in her reach and she took it gently in her grasp. The title had an intriguing ring to it and she wondered if it was as good as the title's worth. She quickly glanced at the summary and frowned at its content. She begrudgingly put it back from where she had taken it and sighed. Would she ever find a good book today?

It seems as if she'd read most of the best in the library, she mused wryly.

She turned around and something caught her eye. The cover was worn-out and the sides had black spots swathed to the bottom. It wasn't particularly pretty to look at but she was vaguely curious as to why it looked as if it was read numerous times already. She strolled over to the shelf that had consumed the left side of the library and daintily stood on her toes. She reached for it but had the unfortunate luck as she pushed it further back.

A sigh of exasperation escaped her lips and she became aware of the ladder that rested against the bookshelf near her. She hastily scrambled towards it and grabbed it firmly. She carried it to the front of the bookshelf and climbed it in difficulty. She reached down towards her skirt and flattened it out. She bit her lip as she looked at the book pushed to the back of the shelf.

She reached out and flexed her fingers as her fingertips slightly grazed the book’s spine. A grin started to tug at the sides of her lips as she held the spine and her fingers gently tugged it forward. She had it.

“Miss?”

Her concentration broke as surprise took a hold of her senses. She braced herself as she felt her feet slip from the ladder and a gasp escaped her lips. She looked down and saw a pair of arms encircle her waist and a pair of skewed glasses rest upon the base of her neck.

“Are—are you alright, miss?”

She dimly nodded her head as she scrambled to her feet in embarrassment. “I’m sorry!” She sputtered out as a blush started to scatter at her cheeks.

“It’s quite alright, Miss,” his voice sounded gruff yet weak. He helped her regain her balance. “May I be of any help to you?”

She blushed as she coyly nodded. “I was trying to get that book,” she murmured as she pointed at the book that slightly peeked out at the edge of the shelf.

He nodded his head and with ease, tugged the book down towards her. She reddened as she uttered her appreciation. “It’s nothing.”

Then he walked past her like they haven’t spoken to each other.

She frowned at him slightly. “Rude… but helpful,” she uttered to herself and cradled the troublesome book in her hands. She took a seat close to the shelves and sat down in anticipation. She closely examined the book in interest. She hummed to herself and opened the book slowly.

His Rise and Fall by Marlon White.

She frowned. It wasn’t a specifically entrancing title but it would have to do. She had already risked her derriere’s safety taking it from the top of the shelf. She rested her elbow on the smooth surface of the mahogany and read silently, her eyes lingered a second more on the first name she came across with.

Michael.

oOo

End Note: My first multi-chapter fic here in FP. I hope you guys like it. Please review.