Of Poetry and Prose: Chapter Ten
"I didn't know you liked wrestling?" I asked knowing that Stone would take the bait. I don't know why, but I just can't pass up a chance to start an argument with him.
"That's not what – Oh buddy…you don't know what Machu Picchu is? How do you call yourself a Librarian?" And there it is, the indignation at my lack of knowledge. I love when he gets all riled up. Of course I know about Machu Picchu, but what fun would it be if I let him know that.
"I'm just as much one as you, I got a book."
"That's a pity book," he grumbled in response.
I can see Cassandra smiling at our exchange and that's all that really matters. Our lives are infinitely better when she is happy. I know that things are finally moving in the right direction with her and Stone so I know I have to get my jibes in where I can with him. I don't want her mad at me if at all possible. I know that she'll never admit it, but I know she loves when we have our little brotherly squabbles. Our strange little family wouldn't be the same if I wasn't such a pain in Stone's ass and they both know it.
After so many months of working side-by-side I'm not sure how many cases any of will be doing on our own. Between the three of us I think we can solve almost anything that comes our way. Still I wonder if with Stone and Cassandra working their way toward a romantic relationship, am I just going to be in the way? While I know that Cassandra will never make me feel left out, I do wonder how much Stone will want me around if he can have her all to himself.
Lima, Peru. Cassandra still hasn't told us what we'll be looking for but I'm already hungry thinking about the little café I told her about earlier. Good food will have to wait until after our long and boring plane ride. We've been spoiled using the back door in the annex, so the only thing getting me through the thought of plane travel is knowing I'll be getting to annoy Stone for hours. Awesome!
While eating some truly horrible airport pizza during the wait for our departure I can't help but think back to Colonel Baird's advice, well maybe they were more warnings than advice.
"I have two things to say to you right now Jones and I hope you take them to heart. Under no circumstances should you ever think of or look at me like I'm in anyway a mother-type figure to you and you are not allowed to turn being a Librarian into a profit-based business." She's using her very serious voice and I can't help but think she's gone a bit crazy with her requests.
"Those are very specific things. And I don't know that I can promise that last one," I just cannot help turning everything into a joke.
"Jones, please don't make me hurt you. Just promise me you won't be too reckless out there."I can tell she's exasperated, which of course just spurs me forward.
"No can do Colonel Baird. I am too awesome to be contained like that," I can tell that she's starting to get a little angry that I'm not taking her seriously. "Don't worry, I'll be careful. Just promise me you'll do the same," I said before walking out. I'm not sure I want her to know how upset I was when I thought she was going to die.
"What are you thinking about?" I was a bit startled at Cassandra's question.
"Nothing really. Why do you think Colonel Baird told me not to think her as a mother-type figure?"
"Must have been something you said to her in the timeline when you were the Librarian. She told me to never give up."
"So you got actual advice and I got two warnings, that just doesn't seem right."
"No, that sounds exactly like Baird. She just wants to keep you from getting in over your head and the only way she knows how is to tell you not to do something. Of course that could have adverse consequences when you go and do just the opposite."
"Well, I wouldn't want anything to get in the way of my complete awesomeness."
"And we're ever so thankful for that." She flashes me one of her brightest smiles and I'm happy to see her smiling again.
"How are things with you and Stone?" I asked motioning to where he's sitting with his nose in a book.
"Better. We still have a lot to talk about, but we're better." The smile changes into a sweet one that I'm sure has more to do with looking at Jake than me.
"Good to know."
"Thank you."
"What for?"
"Always being there and listening."
"Any time Math Girl." I decided to get up before she starts getting to sentimental with me.
I know this is a short chapter, but I felt that Ezekiel needed a little bit of love and I wanted to write his advice from Baird too. I hope that you enjoyed reading it as much as I did writing it. Hope to have more up for you to read soon! Thanks!