Few days later, Rosie was feeling good in school, making more friends and getting closer with Luis. She loved the way her classes seemed to fly by, filled with lively discussions and laughter. As she walked down the hallway, she felt a sense of belonging she hadn't experienced before.
One afternoon, Rosie hunched over her desk in the library, her pencil scratching against the paper as she stared at her essay notes. The fluorescent lights overhead cast a faint hum, and the scent of fresh paper and ink wafted through the air. Luis approached her table, his sneakers squeaking softly on the floor.
"Hey, Rosie," he said, dropping into the chair beside her. "What's got you stuck?"
Rosie sighed, her shoulders sagging. She tapped her pencil against the paper, her brow furrowed. "This essay on Shakespeare's themes. I'm trying to analyze the symbolism in Hamlet, but I'm getting nowhere."
Luis leaned in, his eyes scanning the notes. "Let me take a look." As he read, his hair fell across his forehead, and Rosie caught a whiff of his cologne – a subtle blend of citrus and spice.
Together, they pored over the essay, Luis offering insights and suggestions. Rosie's eyes lit up as the ideas began to click into place. "Oh, I see what you mean," she exclaimed, scribbling notes furiously.
As they worked, the library's atmosphere grew quieter, the only sounds the soft rustle of pages and muted whispers. Luis glanced at his watch. "We should probably wrap up soon. School's almost out."
Rosie nodded, feeling a pang of disappointment. "Yeah, I guess you're right." Luis smiled. "Want to come over to my place and finish it up? We can brainstorm some more ideas."
Rosie's hands hesitated over her notes, her mind racing with possibilities. She glanced around the library, her eyes lingering on Luis's face before she looked away. "I...I need to call Vivi first," she said, fumbling for her phone.
Luis nodded, his expression understanding. "No problem. Just let her know, and we can head out."