THE LIBRARIAN

EPISODE -5 ASMARA

We got back from the vet and started on our dinner for girls’ night. Delilah is half Italian from her mother’s side, so she cooks amazing Italian cuisine, which I love. Since I wanted something creamy and comforting, we decided on spaghetti aglio e olio. I love how she blends the creamy sauce with the spaghetti, and that hint of garlic is always so savory. It’s perfect and comforting.

We danced around the kitchen, twirling each other and singing at the top of our lungs.

“You can dance, you can jive, having the time of your life!” she sang while pointing her wine glass at me, moving her hips to the beat.

I danced my way toward her, singing, “Oooh, see that girl, watch that scene—”

“Digging the dancing queen!” the both of us sang together, and she twirled me while we lazily sipped our wine and laughed so hard, embracing each other.

“Oh, I love this,” she said, going back to sautéing her vegetables, still humming.

“I know, I love us!” I said, hugging her

Our little singing and dancing moment was interrupted by the doorbell.

“I’ll get that,” I said, wiping my hands on my apron.

“Hey, lil sis.”

I was surprised to see Caleb at the door. My brothers have a habit of coming unannounced, but today I had specifically texted in the group chat not to bother me, since I had girls’ night planned with Lila.

“Caleb, what are you doing here?” I said, holding the door.

“Wow, you’re so excited to see me. Not even a ‘come in, brother’? You hurt me,” he said dramatically.

“Oh, cut the drama. You know I have girls’ night tonight. You can’t intrude,” I said.

“Hey Asma, everything okay? Who is it?” I heard Lila ask from the kitchen.

“Yeah, it’s all good here, just my unnerving brother,” I said, closing the door behind Caleb, who was already making confident strides toward the kitchen.

“Hey Del, you look gorgeous,” Caleb said, winking at her.

“Oh hey, Caleb. Hi… um, thank you,” Delilah greeted him back, now a blushing mess.

“And what are you doing here, brother?” I asked, trying to sound firm and unwelcoming, hoping he’d take the hint and leave.

“Oh hush, grandma. Kevin asked me to bring you this,” he said, handing me an invite.

“Oh, my bad. Thanks, Cali,” I said sheepishly. Kevin had texted me last night that he would send across passes for the Calvin Klein fashion event happening this Friday. Since he designed a huge collection for the new season, he was excited for me to see it, and honestly, I can’t wait either.

He’s so brilliant when it comes to designing, and I absolutely love his work. This is huge for him. While he was away, he would call me constantly, talking about his creativity, and honestly it made me so happy to hear him speak about his work so passionately. I’d be honored to see it come to life.

I made my way to my bedroom to get Rory and kept the passes on my desk.

“Oh my baby Rory, are you hungry, little kitten?” I came back to the kitchen with Rory in my arms and found Caleb weirdly close to Lila. and she appeared to be very flustered.

“Hey, you okay there? You look flustered,” I asked while getting some food for Ro, make Caleb clear his throat while Delilah straightened up .

“Yeah, all good. Just the heat… cooking, you know,” she said, waving her hands around.

I set Rory down and made my way to the island chair.

“I swear, Asmara, you’re living a grandmother’s dream,” Caleb said, smirking tauntingly.

“Whatever it is that you mean,” I retorted.

“Look at you—a cute Persian in your arms, a cute job at the library, no social life whatsoever, no nightlife for you. You’re such a prude, sister,” he said. I know he’s trying to rile me up and get a reaction. This conversation has happened far too many times, and tonight I will not feed his ego by reacting. I know he loves me, but he can be a real ass at times.

“I am perfectly happy with my cat and my job, Cali. And I am so grateful to have you,—you’re so caring,” I said sweetly, blowing him a kiss.

“Now get out. It’s girls’ night and you’re ruining it,” I said firmly. This time it worked, and he left.

“Okay, alright, cat lady—enjoy. See you around, beautiful,” he said, winking again at Delilah. What is up with him constantly winking?

“Hey Lila, is it done yet?” I asked, refilling our wine glasses.

“Yep, almost. You put on the the movie, I’ll get the food and ice cream,” she said, stirring the pot.

I set up the projector and turned on the lamp for warm lighting. I got the blanket ready and made it cozy for us to sit and eat.

“Oh, this is yum, Deli!” I exclaimed, sipping my wine.

“Aw, thank you, Asma,” she replied.

We finished our food and were now halfway through our movie "Leap Year" while enjoying a tub full of vanilla ice cream. Delilah prefers dark chocolate, but I love vanilla, so that’s all we had in the house.

“May you never steal, lie, or cheat, but if you must steal, steal away my sorrows. If you must lie, lie with me all the nights of my life. And if you must cheat, please cheat death, because I couldn't live a day without you.”-“Aw Asma, love is so beautiful,” Delilah said as we watched the beautiful wedding scene.

“I know. It is so nascent… so beautiful,” I said, sighing while petting Rory as she snored in my lap.

Then suddenly I realized something.

“Delilah, do you think I’m making a mistake living my life like this? I mean with Rory and the library… thinking about what Caleb said, it feels like I’m missing out,” I said, suddenly feeling sad.

“No, oh my god, no Asma. You’re doing just fine, babe. And you know Caleb—he just likes teasing you. You love Rory and your

job. These things make you feel content and happy. And it’s okay to not like loud parties and getting wasted. Trust me, it’s not the best,” she said, comforting me.

“I know, but I feel like I’m too absorbed in my comfort zone to try new things. I mean look at you—you balance it just fine, the quiet life and the loud party life,” I said.

“Look, I agree with you on that. You should try new things here and there, just to experience life and feel the thrill of doing something new. And then you can always come back to doing what you love,” she replied.

“How can I do that? Try new things… will you help me?” I asked.

“Of course I will. I’d love to. You just need to let go a little—say yes to things without knowing how they’ll turn out. Do what makes you anxious and step out of that fear. Make impulsive decisions, we can take it slow - step by step ” she said.

“That sounds so unlike me , but i think i want to try .. Thank you for being there for me, Deli.”

“Of course, Asma. Always,” she said as we hugged." yay!! we'll go clubbing together " she continued giddily

Delilah is like a sister to me, and I’m so happy and grateful to have her.