First day at the library, how will this turn out?
Ch 3: Madam Librarian
Heart was up and was ready for today. Her first day on the job. She honestly couldn't wait to get into the library today. It made her excited. She managed to get her clock out and set to the correct time so that is what woke her up that day. She jumped out of bed and got a shower then got in another dress for the day. It was a dark red color, she put her pearl necklace on, brushed her hair, put on a little makeup, and headed downstairs to get some coffee.
The dark-haired woman turned on the radio and went to make her drink to start off the day.
The radio played a lovely tune that just made Heart want to dance. It sounded familiar and she knew where she heard it. It was played at yesterday's party and the exact song she and Alastor danced to when he gave her that dip.
Heart danced around the kitchen as she waited for her coffee to be made. She was so content and the song made her fill with joy. She couldn't think of a better way to start her day. Plus, the song reminded her of how wonderful last night was. Was really the bee's knees to have such a wonderful first day in a new place.
The song ended and whose voice came on after? None other than Alastor's, "And there you are ladies and gentlemen, one of the most swinging songs to get your morning started! I hope you all enjoyed that little number." The radio host started off, his voice booming and full of life this morning.
"Now for some news; today the library has a wonderful new face belonging to a little darlin named Heart who moved here from Tennessee! I had the pleasure of meetin' her yesterday at her shindig and I must declare she is the cat's meow. Do give her a hello and a warm welcome when you pop by the library for a good read! She'll be more than happy to help ya!"
Heart leaned against the countertop when she heard Alastor's voice on the radio. Even though she knew he would do it, she still blushed as he mentioned her and the library today. Hopefully today wouldn't be too too busy.
The man on the radio continued. "In other news it's going to be a beautiful day but with some storms later on in the afternoon so bring your umbrella and coat!"
She got her coffee and sat down at the table as she continued to hear Alastor talk about the weather. "Umbrella huh? I'll have to dig that out." She said as she took a sip.
"This just in, there was another robbery at the bank of New Orleans that happened 20 minutes ago numerous pedestrians were injured but no casualties. Witnesses stated it was the notorious Zizzo crime family as the culprit last update involved them being pursued by the authorities. These gangsters are dangerous ladies and gentlemen and have been known to target isolated individuals to rob as well as pull off big stings." Alastor warned in a serious tone.
Heart sat there and listened to the news of the gang that was around town and part of her started to feel concerned. She thought gangs were not as popular these days, but it seems that it wasn't the case. "Didn't have to deal with guys like these back home. I'm going to have to keep my eyes on the back of my head then."
"Other than that, I hope you all have a wonderful day! And a reminder to all you slow pokes out there, it is 8:30am so if you need to skedaddle to work better hop to it! Here's another song to help you get some ants in your pants out the door." The burnet said then played another jiving swing song.
Heart almost choked on her coffee as she realized the time. "Oh, jeez I better get going." She said as she quickly finished the rest of her coffee. "Thanks Al." She said laughing and turned off the radio.
She quickly looked through her boxes and found an umbrella, she put on her coat, grabbed her purse, and headed out the door. She walked down the street to the train car and waited for it to arrive. Was strange standing here alone instead of with the man who escorted her yesterday. Seems like her mornings would start off alone sometimes but she didn't mind that.
She saw the car coming and when it stopped, she hopped on and headed into town. The train car always had a lovely view passing by in the streets. Heart got to see the hustle and bustle of the little town that seemed to grow every day. Soon she reached the library stop and made her way to the steps after exiting the train car.
Heart headed inside the library and gave a small inhale as she exhaled softly. "First day. Let's get it started." She said and made her way over to the main desk.
Kristen heard the main door open and perked up when she saw it was Heart. She moves over to the main desk to greet her excitedly but remembering to keep her voice low. "Good mornin' sugarplum did you sleep well today?" She whispered.
Heart nodded. "Morning doll, yes I slept pretty good last night." She says as she gets to the desk and walks around to the middle.
"That's wonderful to hear! I couldn't be more excited for you dumplin this is goin' to be so much fun and wonderful for ya! My desk is over there, for easy access and nearby!" She said pointing to the rectangular desk behind and to the left of Heart's against the wall. "If you get a lot of folks, you can send them over to me and I'd be happier than a clam to help em!"
"Thanks, chickee. Maybe stay here for now. Help me out if I need it?" Heart suggested as she puts her bag under the one side of the desk
"Sure thing sugarplum! What do ya need from me? "She asked, chipper and ready to assist her friend.
"How about you show me where everything is? Like the sections of the library? I was looking a little yesterday but I feel I need a refresher and I think it's best coming from an expert." Heart says and gestures to Kristen for the last part with a smile.
"Oh of course, how silly of me! I'm just too excited I'm gettin' ahead of myself! Come with me!" The girl said, taking Heart's hand and leading her through the different sections of the library.
"It's all ok my friend. Let's get it underway." Heart says and then starts to follow.
They walked around the library, making sure Heart knew where each section was. Start to end. All in alphabetical order by author's last name. Fiction, nonfiction, history, maps, newspaper's, files. Everything. The whole works. Even the card catalog that was to the left back side of the library. There was even an upstairs but it was mostly for kid's books and was part of a lounge.
Heart loved every moment of it. She felt like a kid in a candy store. Looking at everything with wide eyes, she couldn't wait to dig in a little herself.
"So, what do you think of your Library? "Kristen asked excitedly after they finished the tour.
"It's absolutely amazing. It will take me a while to remember where everything is, so I might take some time among the shelves to familiarize myself." Heart says as she looks around again.
"That's absolutely wonderful and fine to do sweet pea! I couldn't be more excited for you! Is there anything else you want to see or know?" The girl wondered.
"Not at the moment. I should be ok for now." Heart told her and patted her arm. "Why don't you work the front desk for a little bit while I try to memorize myself here?"
"Sure thing boss lady! Give me a signal if you need me. This is your library now and you need to take it all in to be familiar with it." She winked then headed to the front desk to help some kids wanting to check out some books.
Heart nodded as the girl walked away and she turned around to face the bookshelves. She took a breath before walking in. She glanced at all the books on all the shelves. Making sure to take small mental notes of where certain ones were. She fixed a handful here and there that were out of order. She wanted to be familiar with things and this was a good way to do it for sure. Rearranging some things and just the smell of the library was calming to her. The quiet atmosphere added to the feeling. She couldn't picture being anywhere else.
The day was off to a wonderful start with Heart being familiar with her new library and her dear friend by her side to help run it. Throughout the day Heart became more and more comfortable doing what she does best: helping folks find a good read and books they need even if they aren't sure what they are in the mood for. The town was certainly a buzz because of this new librarian. Being the cat's meow caring about their novel needs.
Heart loved seeing the smiles on others' faces when they were satisfied. She couldn't be happier with what she does. She even pulled out a book for herself that she found interesting and just was reading it here and there. She was making sure people didn't run or be too loud for other guests. That's the one thing she had to be sure of and the only strict part of herself. Even so, she could tell that people were liking her company.
Later on in the day, Heart noticed some young kids had left some books on a table and decided to put them away. She was lucky that the books were all in the same area. She walked over to where the section was and started to look for their rightful spots. She started putting them away and organizing them so they could be in the correct place and order.
Alastor had gotten off of work early since it was a Friday and decided to check on Heart. So, he headed to the library to his favorite section and began to browse for a good read to take to the lounge. He had noticed there was another person on the other side and peeked through some of the books to see it was Heart. He felt he wanted to be a bit cheeky and give her a nice surprise. He waited for his moment and it came when she began to remove some books to reorganize them. He saw she was getting close and ducked his head in front of some books.
As Heart removed them there was his face on the other side, "Hello darling! Fancy seeing you here."
The dark-haired woman didn't even realize what was happening and jumped in surprise but luckily did not scream. She dropped the books in the process and covered her mouth to keep from not screaming. She took a few deep breaths and put a hand on her now quickly beating heart. "Alastor? You almost sent me to the big sleep you boob!" She quietly yelled at him.
He gave a chuckle then whispered, "Sorry darling, I couldn't resist. How are you faring today?"
Heart gave out another breath to calm herself and just started to pick up the books from the floor. "Honestly today hasn't been that bad. Had some nice people today. Lots of folks seem to like me. Which I guess is a good thing." She explained to him.
"I see, here dear, let me step around to help, it's only fair." Alastor stated, looping around to her aisle bending down to pick up the scattered books and place them on the cart.
"Thanks Al, I appreciate it." Heart says as she puts her few books on the cart. She dusted off her hands and straightened out her dress. "So, what brings you here sir?" She asked him curiously.
"Me? Oh well remember it's Friday Cher, I'm off work and I come to read and relax usually in the lounge towards the back. Much quieter and a nice change of scenery from my abode." The radio host whispered but still in his pristine and showy manner.
"Oh yes that's right. Sorry, I'm still trying to remember. It's only been a few days; I'll get it down pat in no time." Heart said with a small giggle.
"Pat? No, I'm Alastor, remember silly little darling?" He joked.
It took her a few moments but that caused her to then start to chuckle wildly. "Oh-oh my goodness. I can't with you." Heart said covering her mouth laughing.
He gave a wide grin, proud of himself he made her laugh. He felt strange like a lightness in his stomach he never felt...he ignored it though, probably the jambalaya he ate last night.
He doesn't fall for anyone. but she is quite the doll to be around. "Can't do what hm?" He played along again.
"You and your cheesy jokes. They seem to get me every time." She smiled at him and had a small blush from her flustered state.
"Speaking of cheese dear, did you hear there was an explosion at the cheese factory as of late?"
"Oh? No, I didn't."
"Luckily no one was hurt but, Da Brie was everywhere!"
Heart tried to stop her laugh but it burst forward and she tried to be quiet at the same time. "Ok ok, enough." She said between laughs.
"Alright my dear I surrender I wouldn't want to get you into too much trouble on your first day." The male said as he had a big smile on his face.
"It's ok. Maybe you can tell me more later." She said smiling. "Oh, that reminds me, would you like to go get coffee on Sunday? The library opens later that day so I figured we could go and have that coffee together."
Alastor was taken aback slightly at her offer. A woman never asked him to join her for coffee before. His smile grew, "My what a splendid offer darling, that's so very sweet if you consider it a date!"
Heart chuckled. "Well, I figured you could get that interview in as well if you wanted." She added with a wink.
"Cher you are indeed sharper than the average woman and I like it! You're absolutely wonderful you are!" He whispered excitedly with a glint in his eye.
Heart blushed. "Oh hush, I usually don't do this kind of stuff but I wanted to branch out a little."
"And branch you do little sapling! You're going to be a big, beautiful tree soon! Now how about you pick a book for me based on what you think I would enjoy, hm?" He asked booping her nose
The woman chuckled and put a hand to her chin. She thought for a moment about what he might like. It could be an array of things. She took a guess. "I might have one for you. Come with me." She says and gently grabs his hand for her to follow.
Alastor gave a light chuckle and cocked his brow. "Alright then lead the way little bookworm." He whispered going along with her
"It's not far over." She went about three isles up and then searched through the books. Eventually she found what she was looking for. "The Red House Mystery by A. A. Milne." She says as she takes the book out and shows him. "It's a murder mystery."
"Hmmm how did you know that was my favorite genre my dear? My my you can read people well." Alastor took it gently and looked it over. "Out of all my years coming here I haven't read this one yet... looks like it was tucked away judging by the dust. This will do wonderfully thank you my dear." He beamed happily draping an arm around her for a hug.
"Haven't read it? I assure you sir it's a good one. If not then I shall take your complaints." She said jokingly.
"I will keep you to your word my lady." The radio host played along, letting her go from the hug. "Well, I'll be in the lounge dear, I'll let you know what I think." He said going on his way to the back, book in hand.
"Have a good read, Alastor." Heart says as she watches him walk away. She let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding. Then put a hand to her chest to feel her heart beating so fast. "Calm down. What is wrong with me?" She whispered then sighed and then continued on to put the books away.
Alastor was walking and felt his chest become light as a feather bearing wildly as he made his way to the Lounge. He's never felt that way before... how strange, "What in the blazes is wrong with me?" He asked blushing as he got to the lounge and sat down to start to read the book.
The rest of the time at the library was a little busy as people got out of work and some were excited to see Heart. One man even came in but all he did was hit on her. Luckily, he was dismissed quickly and he left. She knew her first day wouldn't go fully smooth but that was really the only thing that happened. Thank goodness
It was evening time now and Alastor had been lost reading the book Heart had picked for him. He couldn't put it down, he had to finish it tonight but the library was closing soon. He decided to mark his place and take the book to have Heart check it out for him. He went down from the lounge to her desk. Kristen had already left for the evening when Rosie came to take her home. "Hello, my little bookworm," Alastor whispered as he walked up to the round desk in the middle of the library, "How was your first day?"
Heart looked up from the book she was reading herself and up to him with a small smile. "First day went well. Besides the annoying boob that tried to pick me up. It all went good." She says.
"Hm? Some heathen tried to hit on you? How absolutely disgusting... Did he touch you?" The male asked with a bit of concern and venom.
"He tried to. All he got close to was touching my hand." Heart said with disgust. "Even then I had to go wash them afterwards. Was very unpleasant." She shook her head. "But he is gone and hopefully he won't come back after I told him to leave before I called the cops for loitering."
"Something isn't sitting right with me dear... and it's not the jambalaya I ate earlier... I would like to escort you home to be sure. As long as you are alright with it?" He asked as he placed the book she had given him earlier on the counter.
Heart looked at him concerned. "Well, if you think that is necessary. He did seem pretty upset when he left. Honestly surprised the guy was obsessed with me, not many men are. Must have been on something." She then smiled. "But I think having you escort me home would be nice. Just to be sure."
Alastor's smile faltered a little when heart said such a thing about herself... but quickly regained his composure. "Of course dear, could you do me a favor and check this book out for me before we go soon? I'd like to finish it when I get home and ... well give it a good read again. It's absolutely splendid!" He said.
Heart gave him a smile. "I am glad that you enjoy the book so far. It makes me happy you want to take it home and continue it. Guess I made the right choice." She says and opens the book to take out the card that was inside it and stamped it with a date and put it back in. She then went to a notebook and wrote down the book, the number on it and then the renter's name. She then slid the book over to him. "I'm sure you'll return it soon, but it's due next week." She told him.
"Fantastic Ms. Heart! Thank you so very much I will be sure to have it in hand to return by then!" Alastor reassured her.
The clock then quietly chimed 6:00pm which was closing time on a Friday. Heart looked at the clock. "That time already?" She said, surprised. "Let me check to make sure no one else is here. Then I can get my things together and then we can head on our way." Heart smiled.
"Sounds lovely little darling, I'll be waiting for you by the front door." He said heading that way grabbing and putting on his coat and hat from the coat rack at the door
Heart nodded and went off into the library to make sure there was no one lurking around or had fallen asleep. She put books back as she went. When she saw no one, she went and closed the books on the desk. Then grabbed her bag from underneath and headed towards the door, grabbing her coat as she went.
She saw Alastor waiting there at the door. "Hopefully I didn't keep you waiting." She apologized.
"Not at all Cher, it's the weekend and I don't broadcast until 11am so I have it easy. I'd rather you be safe with me since covering that story about the gang earlier this morning." Alastor reassured her.
"Oh yes, I heard about that." Heart said as they walked out of the doors. "It's crazy having to deal with gang activity." She says as she locks the door. "Never had to deal with that before."
"Not to worry dear I'll be right here and any time you feel unsafe I'd be happy to escort you. It's no trouble." The radio host reassured her.
"Thanks Al, that honestly does make me feel a little better." Heart says as they make their way down the steps.
They didn't get far before the same man that hit on Heart from before stood up from a step and then met them halfway. "Well, hey there baby doll, I didn't know when you were done so I hope you don't mind that I waited for you."
Heart stopped and then looked at the man disgusted. "I told you to leave me alone." She snapped at him.
"Oh come on babe don't be that way." The man said as he grinned.
Alastor's blood boiled at the bozo, not taking her answer and screaming. He stepped in front of Heart so he was now in between the man and her. "Excuse me, Bo, better scram since the lady has expressed her answer to you more times than she's had to. If I were you, I would please depart before I put you in a Chicago overcoat." He growled his smile straining.
The man burst out laughing. "What do you plan to do with me then Skinny Arms? No no my friend, I think it's you who needs to leave. I'm the real man here." He said as he pointed to himself with a lot of boasts.
"Close your head, deadbeat. You're no more of a man than a mouse instead. Or no... annoying... filthy... RAT!" Alastor said, socking the man right in the kisser.
After the radio host hit him, the man lost his footing and fumbled down the stairs after. The man couldn't stop himself from falling and as he fell down the steps, he hit his nose. His face now covered in blood came out a little bit.
"Now you hit the road and leave her alone or I will finish you." Alastor warned.
"Fine! Have her you fucking four eyed freak." The man said before walking off.
Heart was surprised that Alastor had hit the man and put a hand to her mouth to suspend her gasp. Even so, she was also overjoyed to see Alastor stand up for her. She looked over to the man beside her. "Your hand ok?"
His hand was still a little shaky, slightly bruised and began to bleed not too much though. "I'm alright my dear, nothing some medicine and bandages can't fix." He said in his cheery tone. "As long as you are safe Cher, I could care less about some scrapes"
"Let me take care of your hand then at least?" Heart suggested as she took his hurt hand to observe it.
"If you insist, but... it isn't required..." Alastor said softly as she immediately took his hand. Usually, he never lets anyone touch him... but...she ...she is an exception.
"I insist." She says with a caring smile. "It's the least I can do. I'd ask you over my house, but I'm still unpacking everything." Heart said sheepishly.
"Well, we do live on the same block, come to my place it's still early in the evening. The train car should be here any minute." He smiled at her, taking her arm and leading them both down the stairs to the stop.
Heart nodded with a smile. "As long as it isn't any inconvenience to yourself." She says as they get to the stop.
"Of course not darling, I'll even cook dinner if you'd like to stay and have some as a thank you?" He asked.
"Oh Alastor, that's too much. I couldn't ask that of you." Heart said a little worried for having the man do such a thing for her.
"Nonsense! If I didn't do it, it would not be enough! I haven't eaten yet so it wouldn't be a problem at all. Ah, here is the train car. How about you think about it on the way home and when we reach the stop you tell me what you've decided, deal?" The man asked as the car pulled up and rang its little bell.
"Deal." Heart answers with a smile and then they hop on the train car.
Heart always has a caring side, but for Al I think its extra special.