When stars collide

I sit in Art History class, my attention fully captured by Professor O’Leary’s animated lecture about mythical creatures, monsters, and beings— the stuff of fantasy novels and films. The classroom itself is a treasure trove of intellectual curiosity, adorned with art prints and sculptures that whisper of history and creativity. Leaning forward in my seat, I hungrily absorb every word, my mind alight with the possibilities his words conjure.

“The human mind has an innate passion for knowing things that go beyond its comprehension.” Professor O’Leary’s voice reverberates, echoing through the room like a solemn pronouncement. His gaze momentarily rests toward something or someone at the far end of the lecture hall. His brow arches, then sweeps down his gaze as he continues. “Where the mind cannot know, the imagination supplies the void. Imaginary creatures have inspired the greatest storytellers, artists, and poets. Of half-human and animal hybrids, to entirely fantastical beasts, they make up the fabric of folklores and tales told time and again. Ancient cultures believed it to be true, but today, we know it to be just a figment of the artists’ imagination…” he pauses for effect, and darts his gaze again toward the same spot at the end of the room. “… or is it?”

The bell rings.

“Let me know your thoughts. Write a 300-word essay on that question. Papers on my desk first thing tomorrow. If you weren’t listening, that would be your problem.”

As the professor concludes his thought-provoking discourse, the challenge he poses stirs my curiosity even further. The prospect of writing an essay on the topic is both thrilling and daunting. With a last sweep of the room, O’Leary gathers his belongings and leaves the classroom, leaving us students in a state of bewildered contemplation.

Suppressing a chuckle, I rise from my seat, my gaze momentarily dropping to my phone. A message from my shrink, Dr. Mead, informs me that our appointment for the day has been canceled and rescheduled for the same time on Friday. A smile tugs at my lips at the thought of the unexpected free time. The library, with its stable internet connection and the comforting feel and smell of book paper, beckons to me.

As I stroll through the corridor, my plans are briefly halted by my friend, Sarah. She invites me to join the girls for lunch at Leo’s, an enticing proposition. However, I politely decline, the lure of an uninterrupted research session too enticing to resist.

“You really are such a nerd, Liv,” Sarah teases, her tone playful. “Come on… it’s already our second year in uni, and you still have no boyfriend. You’re all books, and not even a pizza date. Hang loose, girl, get a life.”

I chuckle in response. “I’m good… maybe next time.”

Sarah smirks and rolls her eyes, a hint of affection in her exasperation. “Okay… but my birthday’s coming up this weekend. You have to be there.”

“Sure, I won’t miss it for the world,” I assure her with a wave, bidding her farewell.

Stepping into the library, a sanctuary of knowledge and solitude, I embark on my quest. Gathering a stack of books about mythological creatures, my excitement grows as I spot an unoccupied table near the windows. Bathed in natural light, it’s the ideal spot to delve into my research.

Yet, my peace is shattered when a careless passerby snags the strap of my bag. I narrowly avoid a collision with the doorpost. My irritation simmers as the stranger continues on his way without an apology.

“What a jerk,” I mutter, adjusting my bag and continuing on my path.

With an armful of books, I make my way toward the coveted table. But, much to my chagrin, my journey is once again rudely interrupted. The same guy who had jostled me earlier bumps into me, sending my books tumbling to the floor.

“Oh, sorry…” he mumbles, his embarrassment evident.

It’s the same brash individual, dressed in a black leather jacket adorned with a dragon emblem, faded jeans in need of repair, and heavy boots that exude an air of ruggedness.

My irritation flares, and I’m about to give him a piece of my mind when he reaches for one of the books.

“Hey… that’s the book I’m looking for… Magical Beasts of the Endless, by—“ he begins to say, his hand outstretched.

My hand shoots out instinctively, slapping his hand away. “I found it first. You can wait your turn when I’m done with it.”

A defiant spark ignites within me. Despite the scoldings of my mother and the counsel of Dr. Mead, I relish the satisfaction of standing up for myself.

The guy, somewhat contrite, offers a friendly grin and a plea in his puppy-dog eyes, partly obscured by a stray lock of jet-black hair. “Okay… I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to take it from you. But... can we at least share a table?”

I contemplate for a moment, deciding to make him earn his place. I gesture to the scattered books on the floor. “Well, that’s more like it... then why don’t you help me here? You can bring them to that table by the windows.”

A triumphant sense of righteousness surges within me as he agrees. Despite our initial clash, I can’t help but feel intrigued by the enigmatic stranger. He seems to possess an enigmatic charm that piques my curiosity.

As I settle down to read the contested book and type down notes, I can’t ignore the rhythmic tapping of the guy’s boot under the table. It grates on my nerves, and I hiss, “Can you please stop that?”

His response is a simple, “What?”

“Stop tapping your boot. It’s annoying.”

“Sorry,” he mumbles, shifting in his seat.

Silence descends, but it’s short-lived. The guy, unable to contain his curiosity, breaks it. “So, what’s your interest in mythical creatures, anyway?”

I glance at him, briefly setting aside my laptop. “It’s for an essay in Art History. What’s yours?”

“It’s personal. You know there’s a gazillion articles on the topic on the internet? Why pick that old book? It’s outdated.”

I shrug and return to my work, determined to focus on my research. The tapping of his boot has ceased, but I can feel his eyes on me, assessing, evaluating. I bite my lip, fighting the urge to smile.

“Are you done?” he asks after a while.

“Not really, but you can have it now,” I reply, handing him the book without looking up.

“Thank you…” he says, then clears his throat. “Again, I’m sorry for bumping into you earlier. I was just in a hurry. What’s your name, by the way?”

“Sure, apology accepted. And it’s Olivia… Olivia Hartwell. Everyone calls me Liv.”

“Liv… um… I’m Liam Blackthorn. We may have started on the wrong foot… but I’m not always this annoying, you know?”

I shrug nonchalantly, avoiding eye contact as I turn the pages of another book. “Good to know.”

Liam seems undeterred by my reserved response. “Well… I’m taking this book out. Thanks again… Liv…”

As he starts to leave, I can’t help but call after him. “Hey… Liam…”

He turns back, a hint of curiosity in his eyes. “What?”

“Since you’re taking that book out, would you allow me to have another look? These other books don’t seem to satisfy my search. Can I have your number?”

He grins, his eyes alight with amusement. “Sure… but if you’re in such a hurry, you can continue with your research at my place. I got other books on the subject you might want to check out.“

My eyebrows shoot up, taken aback by Liam’s unexpected proposal. A hint of amusement dances in his eyes, and I can’t help but wonder if he has misconstrued my intentions. I quickly clarify my stance that I’m certainly not going for a hookup.

“Sure...” I reply, my tone firm. “But just to be clear... I’m only interested in the book, alright?”

His response is immediate, a bright grin spreading across his face. “Crystal. Shall we go?”

“Now?” I ask, a touch of disbelief in my voice. It’s a bold move, heading off with a near-stranger.

“Aren’t you supposed to turn in that essay first thing tomorrow?” he counters, his tone practical.

I regard him, suddenly aware that he has paid closer attention to the lecture than I had thought. “How did you know that? Are we in the same class? I can’t seem to remember seeing you before…“

He shakes his head, a casual gesture. “Nope... I was late in signing up for that class. So I just sat in today to listen to Professor O’Leary’s lecture. I was way at the back,” he explains matter-of-factly. “So— are you coming with me?”

I weigh the options in my mind. I do have a deadline to meet, and my research has hit a roadblock with the lack of satisfactory resources. Liam might be an enigma, but he also seems to be the key to unlocking a wealth of information hidden within that book. Besides, he’s kinda cute.

With a sigh, I relent. “Alright, fine. Lead the way.”

As we make our way out of the library, I can’t help but wonder if this impromptu trip with Liam will solve my research dilemma or the beginning of something entirely unexpected.