THE LIBRARIAN

EPISODE 4 ASMARA

We arrived at the clinic, and Delilah carried Rory as we made our way toward the reception desk.

“Hey, we’re here to see Dr. Anderson. This is Asmara,” Delilah announced.

“Good evening, ma'am. Please be seated; the doctor is attending to someone at the moment, but he’ll be done shortly,” the receptionist replied politely.

We sat on the couch, and a few minutes later, the receptionist called our names. “Ma’am, the doctor will see you now. Room 302, to your left.” I thanked her, and we walked down the hallway to find the assigned room.

“Hi, Dr. Anderson?” I asked politely, stepping inside. The man on the other side of the room had his back toward us, but when he turned—oh my—he was beautiful. He had soft blonde hair, pale features, striking green eyes, and he stood so tall and broad.

“Please clip my nails too, Doctor,” I heard Delilah whisper with a sigh.

He cleared his throat. “Hello, you must be Asmara,” he said. He had a British accent, and I wondered if he could get any more attractive.

Delilah nudged me. “Hey, yes. This is my cat, Rory,” I said, handing him the carrier.

“She’s a pretty Persian,” he remarked, taking Rory out and setting up his equipment. “You can sit there; I’ll have this done in no time.”

He sat across from me with Rory secured in his lap. Though Rory was fidgety, he skillfully calmed her down. While he worked, I caught him staring straight at me, which made me feel flustered. His gaze was overwhelming, and it made me a little nervous.

He finished in about thirty minutes.

“You have a well-behaved cat, I must say,” he said, handing Rory back to me.

“I’m surprised myself; she’s never been this calm before,” I replied, tucking Rory into her bag and giving her a treat.

“Thank—” I started, but I was cut off by Delilah’s phone ringing. She motioned for me to meet her outside while she answered. As I turned back to thank him, I realized he was standing right in my personal space.

“You’re beautiful, Asmara,” he said. “Go out with me. A date.” He flashed a charming smile, took my hand, and placed a gentle kiss

on the back of it.

“I… Dr. Anderson, I don’t know. It’s a bit spontaneous. That isn't really my thing,” I said, stepping back to create some space.

“I understand. You're just so beautiful I couldn’t resist. How about you give me your number? I’ll text you, and you can see if you change your mind,” he said, still wearing that charming smile.

“I… I don't know, Doctor.” I was honestly feeling so anxious; I had never been in a situation like this before.

“Come on, it’s just a number. You can always say no, Asmara. We can just text , keep in touch - just friends..?. Don’t make me beg now,” he said pleadingly.

“Okay, you can have my number,” I said politely. We exchanged numbers, and he flashed me a toothy grin that made me smile back.

“And it’s David. my name, you can save it ” he called out as I turned to leave. He was back in his chair, still smiling. I laughed and headed into the hallway, quickly spotting Deli.

“Why are you so flustered?” she questioned, touching my face to see if I had a fever.

“The doctor—I mean, David—he gave me his number. He asked me out on a date!” I rushed the words out.

“What the hell? He’s so pretty! Asma, you bagged a fine British man for yourself!” she cried, nudging me. “When is it? Tonight? Oh my god, we need to find you a dress!”

“Ugh, no, Lilah. I said no. You know me,” I said, my face feeling hot.

“What? Asma, why?”

“Because I’ve never done anything this spontaneous before, and it’s making me anxious,” I said, fidgeting with my fingers.

“Aw, babe, relax. It’s okay. Breathe. No rushing, okay? Take your time,” she said soothingly. “Come on, let’s go get some ice cream.”

As we walked toward the parking lot, I added, “I did give him my number, though.”

“Ahh! Oh my god, yay!” she shrieked.

“He said we can just be friends and text,” I continued.

“That’s good progress! So proud of you, my little baby,” she said, hugging me.

“Haha, let’s go now. We have a movie night, and you’re cooking tonight,” I said, getting into the car while placing Rory in the back seat.

“Sure! What do you want to eat? And what are we watching?”

We spent the drive home talking about random things and singing along to the radio.