***
The rest of the day dragged on. Mina never got to speak with Nan about the Grimm family curse, and nothing interesting appeared or followed her around school, so Mina hoped the Story had forgotten about her. Mina was so preoccupied with the Grimm curse, Savannah, and Brody that she was pretty sure she flunked her history test. She felt numb as she handed an almost blank test to her teacher.
When the final 3:30 bell rang, Mina breathed in relief. She could now go to the public library and try to research more about her family’s history. Walking to her locker, Mina was surprised to see the number of students surrounding it. She decided to hang back and wait until the crowd dissipated so she could grab the rest of her books and leave, but the number didn’t budge. Putting her head down to enter the mob, Mina clumsily maneuvered to her locker, stepping on toes, saying, "Excuse me," bumping elbows. It wasn’t until someone grabbed her elbow to steady her that she saw the reason for the crowd of students. Brody was leaning against her locker, and he was holding her elbow.
“See you guys later!” Brody ordered the crowd. Unbelievably, the group of students left until it was just the two of them.
“How do you get used to it?” Mina asked.
“I’ve dealt with it all my life, so I learn to tune it out.” Brody looked sad until he turned to Mina and his face lit up with delight. “You ready?” he asked.
“For what?” Mina looked around, confused.
“To go home.”
“Of course,” she answered, reaching behind him to open her locker. She grabbed her backpack, embarrassed by its pathetic state. Dropping it in her hand, she tried to move away from him, but he snatched the backpack and hoisted it on his shoulder.
“Hey, give that back! I can carry my own backpack,” she said, putting her hands on her hips.
“I know, but this way I guarantee that you will follow me.”
“Don’t count on it,” Mina grumbled, stopping in the hallway, refusing to budge. When she saw that Brody just kept walking, even turning the corner with her backpack still in hand, she had no choice but to follow meekly behind.
Once she caught up, Brody turned around and started walking backward. “See, I know you.”
“No, you don’t. You just met me,” Mina countered.
“But I would like to get to know you,” Brody said, smiling. “If you would let me.”
Brody walked them out to his car, and once again he opened the door for her. When Mina was safely inside with her seatbelt buckled, Brody started the car.
“Where to?”
“I thought you knew everything about me. So you should know where I live.”
“Uh, not really. My father’s friend had problems pinpointing the exact address. He only knew the area. Why is that?” he asked. “Are you hiding from the mob or something?”
“Or something,” she answered. “Can you take me to the library?”
“The library! My, aren’t we studious.” Mina rolled her eyes and went for the door, but Brody stopped her again. “Hey, I’m kidding around. The library it is.” He turned the key in the ignition and pulled out of the parking lot, putting on their local pop music station for the drive. The silence seemed to drive a wedge between them, but Mina wasn’t going to be the first one to speak. A few exits later, they pulled into the parking lot of the town’s small white library.
Mina jumped out as soon as the car pulled to a stop. “Thanks for the ride. And sorry. You know, about earlier. I’m sure you’re a nice person.” She gave Brody a fake smile, grabbed her backpack, and shut the car door.
Brody’s door opened, and he shut his door after her.
“You don’t have to stay,” she told him. “I’m going to be here for a while.”
“I’ll wait for you. You’re even farther away from home than before, and I’m definitely not letting you walk home alone.”
“I can call for a ride. My mom will be home soon,” Mina said, speaking quickly. This was definitely not a research trip she wanted to share.
Brody looked at her. “Mina, you are not getting rid of me that easily. I’m already here. Let me help you.”
“I don’t need help.”
“All right. Then let me come and do my own thing. I need to study, too, you know.” Brody swung his own bag over his shoulder and walked up the steps through the glass doors. Once again, Mina had no choice but to follow behind.
Mina loved the smell of libraries, loved the smell of old books and the soft hum of the lights. It was probably why she was so out of tune with kids her age. She didn’t watch a lot of TV, and she spent more time reading than socializing, except for hanging out with Nan.