Chapter 2-1
648 Words
Chapter 2
Despite the fact I’m afraid to be in front of people I don’t know, the first day has been interesting. The library isn’t very popular so I had time to look around, check out the aisles, and peek at the books. I’ve always loved to read, but during my months of isolation I had the chance to appreciate reading even more.
The day is almost gone, and I’m waiting for Meg. I’m curious to know what she thinks about me and to find out if she considers me to be the right person for this job. After all, I tried to be kind to everybody, even if I avoided looking people in the eyes. I still have a long road to go before I can feel comfortable when others look at me.
I’m playing a little with the library software when I notice somebody pushing a book across the desk towards me.
“Yes?” I stutter, still concentrating on the computer.
“Hi!”
There is something familiar in that voice. I turn and find myself looking at a pair of green eyes. Sean.
“Oh, hi.” I look around the room, suddenly nervous. “What do you want?”
Sean raises an eyebrow and smiles at me for a moment. “You’re neither chatty nor very kind. I’m sorry, am I disturbing you?”
I’m hopeless. I can feel I’m turning red and bite my lip.
“No. It’s just that…no. I’m sorry.”
Shit!
Sean smiles again and I feel the urge to ask him what the hell is so funny that makes him smile all the time.
“I’d like to have this one,” he says, pointing to the book.
I look at it, puzzled, and then look back at him.
“What?” he asks me. “Don’t tell me you don’t think I can read or something. I’m a tattoo artist, but I swear I learned to read many years ago.”
“No, sure. I don’t want to be…”
What, rude? I haven’t said anything bad, have I? But unfortunately, my expression speaks for itself.
“Nothing.” I take the book and type the title into the computer. “Stephen King, huh?” I murmur, looking straight at the screen.
“I love his books.”
“Yes, they’re kind of strange.”
“Well, not all of them. Actually I think this is one of his best.”
I don’t disagree with him. “The Stand. Have you already read it?”
“Yes.”
“Oh. Second reading, then. You really must love it.”
“Have you read it?” he asks, curious.
“Yes.”
“And?”
“It’s good.”
Sean smiles again, almost satisfied. “So it’s not that strange that somebody loves the King.”
“I didn’t mean to say that.”
“Oh, you were just putting some words together to pretend you were speaking. I got it.”
I look at him from beneath my long bangs and am this close to answering him rudely. “Do you have a card?” I ask instead, limiting the exchange of glances as much as I can. Sean shakes his head and I sigh. “Can you give me your ID so I can register you?”
“Sure!” he answers, passing me his driver’s license.
I quickly input his details into the program, but I feel his eyes on me and a sort of embarrassment rises inside of me.
“Sean O’Sullivan. Irish?”
“Yes. Galway.”
“Nice.”
“Have you ever been to Ireland?”
“No.”
Sean must wonder if I’m human or some sort of strange living robot. Honestly, I couldn’t say which one.
“Would you like to go?” he asks.
I shrug. “Maybe. Here you go.” I hand him his library card.
“Thanks,” he whispers.
“You’re welcome.”
Something doesn’t feel right. Why isn’t he leaving? “Do you need something else?” I ask him, puzzled.
That’s strange. I think I see his cheeks redden. Is it possible?
“I’d like to…I’d like to know your name.”
Oh, that’s a good one! I blink and wonder if I understood him right.
“My name?” I ask, nervously.
“Yes, but only if you won’t have to kill me after you tell me,” Sean jokes.
“Ryan.” I can’t wait to put an end to this…thing. Whatever it is.
“So, Ryan, nice to meet you.” Still smiling, he offers me his hand.
I shake it with little enthusiasm. “My…pleasure.”
“I’m not sure that’s so, but I’ll settle for it,” Sean replies, pulling back his hand. “See you, then. I promise I won’t keep the book for too long, okay?”
“Okay.” What’s wrong with him, wanting to talk to me so much?
Sean leaves and Meg takes his place. She’s satisfied with the job I did and I couldn’t ask for more. Seems like my life is finally changing.
- Writer
