Oh, someone new to meet. Heart seems to take a liking to this one. It seems he might take a liking to her as well
Ch 2: Meet the Librarian
When the next morning rolled around, Heart had slept like a rock all night long. She has not had sleep like that in weeks and it was very refreshing. Today was no ordinary day, it was her welcome party as the new librarian. New people in a new town. Sure, they wouldn't know her but it would be a nice opportunity to show people who she was.
Heart woke up that morning feeling very refreshed. For her first night sleeping in her new place, she slept well. She sat up in bed and gave a yawn. She wasn't sure what time it was because she didn't have her clock next to her bed. Hopefully she didn't sleep too long. She got up out of bed and got ready for the day.
She walked over to the window and looked out. "It's a beautiful day today. I can't wait to get it started."
Next, she went into the bathroom and got a shower, making sure to grab all she needed out of her boxes before heading in. That was the next thing she knew she had to unpack. Her bathroom.
Once she was done washing, she went to her closet where she started to hang up some articles of clothing. She had the dress out already that she was planning to wear. It was black with some white frill edges around the neck. She put some stockings on as well and put on her pearl necklace with a heart pendant attached to it. She applied a little makeup as well.
Heart headed downstairs and into the kitchen, now that she had everything put away, she was able to make something. Although she needed to go shopping. For the moment she had some coffee at least. Maybe she can grab something on the way to the library or maybe there will be something there. She'll play it by ear.
She drank her coffee and turned on the small radio she had in the kitchen. She brought that from home, it was actually her personal radio she had in her room. Music was always nice in the morning for her. She sat at the table and just enjoyed herself with her first morning here in town.
When she heard the host say it was almost 8:30am it worked out perfectly. She had a half hour to get to work. She finished her coffee, washed out her cup quickly and headed to the door. She put her flats on and grabbed her small purse then headed out the door. Making sure to lock it behind her and walking her way to the train car stop.
As Heart made her way to the stop another person was there sitting on the small bench. It was a tall handsome looking gentleman. He was wearing a chocolate brown fedora with a matching vertical striped coat and underneath was a red vest with a white undershirt. He sported a silk red bow tie that complimented his darker skin. His hair was a dark chestnut brown and his eyes were a deep reddish brown. He wore a pair of cheaters sitting atop the bridge of his nose. Black midnight slacks and black shiny dress shoes completed his look. A smile rested on his lips as he read the paper.
The blacked haired woman stopped a moment and looked at the man. She honestly thought he was a very handsome looking chap. Looked to be a gentleman but sometimes you can't have looks fool you. She walked up to the stop and stood next to the man on the bench. She was shy at first since she was new here. Should she say hello? Good morning? She honestly had her tongue tied in a knot. Her grip on her purse tightened as her nervousness grew.
The man noticed her immediately glancing secretly over to her. His smile widened a little seeing how she was shy. "How adorable" he thought, "Poor little darling is so shy, I'll say good morning to her." He decided then to put his paper away and turned to her "Good morning Miss, I hope you are well?" He asked, giving a little tip of his hat.
Heart jumped slightly at his voice and looked over to him as a blush dusted her cheeks. "O-Oh...Good Morning." She shuddered at first. "Sorry for my manners. I'm new in town and I can be a little shy. All in all though, I am doing well so far this morning. Thank you for asking."
"Well, that's good to hear no less, it's quite alright though dear. It can be a little difficult but not to worry everyone here is quite splendid! "He says just before the train car bell rings then pulls up to the stop.
Heart gave a small smile. "I'll make sure to keep that in mind. Thank you so much sir."
When she heard the train car pull up, she stepped onto the car and it was already too crowded. She didn't want to worry about finding a seat so she stood, grabbing onto a handle. The man followed and stood next to her closest to the exit. Heart kept her back to the man she met at the stop, hoping he wouldn't see the blush on her face. She just looked out the window the best she could as they drove in the train car. It wasn't long before they reached the library. The car stopped and rang its bell to signal its stop to the passengers.
The man then exited and waited for Heart, holding out his hand to her, "Watch your step darling, allow me." He said.
As Heart headed to the exit, she was surprised the man was getting off as well. When she saw his hand held out to her, a blush came to her face again. "T-Thank you." She says and takes his hand and he helps her down to the ground. "Such a gentleman, as I thought." She complimented him.
"You're too kind dear, I just wanted to be sure you were safe is all." He said letting go of her hand.
Soon someone called out to Heart.
"Heart! Sweet pea there you are!" Kristen called out running to greet her friend in a hug.
Heart hugged her friend back. "Hello Kristen. Good morning."
They released from their hug and Kristen then said, "I see you made it just fine thanks to the help of Mr. Alastor here!" She beamed happily gesturing to the man who had spoken to her and helped her off the train car.
Heart stood there with wide eyes. When her friend said that the man she saw on the train car and helped her off was THE Alastor. She froze and her blush seemed to darken. She was at a loss for words. At the same time, she didn't understand why the voice didn't click in her head. After all, she only heard his voice yesterday and it was on the radio so of course it would sound a tiny bit different.
"A-Alastor?" She stuttered to make sure.
The man gave a chuckle and bowed again. "The one and only my dear." He replied, taking her hand again and planting a kiss on her knuckles gently. "Kristen had asked me if I would be good enough to escort you to your celebration. I happily agreed, she thought it would be good for you. Might I say it is Quite the coincidence we live on the same street as well"
Heart watched him kiss her knuckles and she felt her heart quicken a moment as his lips felt very smooth. "I-I I, um, wow, this is definitely a surprise." She let out a breath. "I apologize for not introducing myself to you then. If I had known you were Alastor I would have been better with my manners."
"Haha don't fret my dear, I was about to introduce myself but the train car had come before I could do so. I figured it could wait until we arrived then. Not very good to rush introductions you know. So, allow me to properly introduce myself, Alastor Ledet, pleasure to meet you." Alastor said as he took off his hat and bowed slightly.
Heart smiled at him and just was at a loss looking at him. She felt her heart finally calm down and once he was done introducing himself, she gave a small bow as well. "It's nice to meet you. My name is Ashlyn Wolfe, but please just call me Heart. I have most of my friends call me that." She says.
"Heart, what a lovely name... say if you were to attack something could I then call you heart attack? Ahahaha!" He joked, causing Kristen to giggle and laugh.
Heart also found the joke funny and giggled. "That was cheesy but so funny. I liked that. Thank you, I like starting my day off with a laugh." She says as she smiles at him gently.
"That's Alastor for you, some of the best sense of humor in New Orleans." Kristen replied.
"You're too kind my dear friend, you both have the loveliest smiles in the city I must say." The man complimented.
Heart played with the end of her hair a moment at his words. "I don't know about that." She tried to hide her face slightly.
"Nonsense Cher!" Alastor cheered. "I know so! What's the use of us standing around for your celebration? Let's get this shindig underway!" He says boisterously putting his arms around Heart and Kristen then leading the way to the library.
Heart gave a small giggle from his enthusiasm but she definitely liked it. She found the man to be interesting. He had a lot of energy and his voice was smooth and she could tell that he was made for the radio.
Once they got to the front, there was a big welcome sign, balloons, and everything else ready for them to welcome her!
She looked at all the welcome sign and balloons.
"You didn't have to go all out, you know." Heart reminded them.
"Oh we know but again as I mentioned and as Alastor knows-" She paused for a moment.
"-It just isn't the New Orleans way." They said in unison with a laugh as they got closer to the entrance.
Heart chuckled at them. "Well ok. I understand. If having a party in New Orleans it better be big and fun." She shook her head slightly.
Kristen and Alastor shared a look then grinned, opening the doors to the library for Heart. She was greeted with a giant group that cheered. "Welcome to New Orleans Heart! Woooohoo!"
Everywhere there were streamers, confetti, balloons, and a massive cake surrounded by food on a long table that seemed to stretch a mile long. There were even some gifts. Heart was totally not expecting this at all. Even so she smiled and was excited to see such a thing before her. It honestly made her happy to have something like this in a new place. It honestly made her feel welcomed and at home already. He had a big smile on her face the whole time
"Well, what do you think suga? Big enough for you?" Kristen teased.
"Maybe a little too big." She answered quickly. "But you went through all of this for me so I can appreciate that a lot." Heart gave her friend a side hug.
Kristen seemed a little hurt at her friends answer but dismissed it. It did not get past Alastor though and he took note of it. "Oh... uh ...t-that's good... I'd like to introduce you to someone Heart I-I'll be right back." She says leaving Alastor and Heart by themselves
Heart realized that maybe she had hurt her friend's feelings and frowned lightly, watching her walk away. It's not that Heart didn't like parties. She loved them. It was just all a surprise and definitely not something she was used to. She would have to apologize later.
Alastor walked up closer to the woman, bending down closer to her, "She means well you know..." He said calmly and softly to her.
The woman turned to Alastor. "I know she does. I didn't say I don't like it though. I just wasn't expecting it. I'm from a small Tennessee town so I'm not use to something like this."
"It's understandable... Ever since she got your letter of accepting the job and moving, she was planning this. She's been through quite a lot as of late dear and doing this party for you, planning and gathering everything... that was all her. It helped take her mind off of things that... no wonderful and innocent woman like her should go through."
"She did it all? I thought she would have had help." Heart felt worse about upsetting her friend.
"She did tell you about the former librarian, didn't she?" He asked Heart, raising a brow at her.
At Alastor's question she nodded. "Y-Yes she did, but said he deserved it because he was doing bad things."
"No one really wants to help her anymore." Alastor started to explain. "The reason I mention that scum is because she was his worst victim... Since she worked here as his assistant, she was always subject to his pig behavior and disgusting treatment of her like an object for his pleasure. No one not even the police believed her when it first started happening. She knew she could tell me anything as her friend but felt ashamed." His hands balled into fists. "So, she suffered in silence for months but then one night when I was in the library, I witnessed it for myself. That cad thought everyone was gone and found out she tried to report him. She would have been dead if I were not there... I scared him off and took her to my home and that's when she told me everything. It took her months to heal from all the physical scars he did to her. She uses her make up to hide them because of how folks look at her. People in town blame her for his death saying she made everything up and got him killed. The rumors were unkind to her so now only a handful of people, her true friends stay and believe her."
Heart listened to Alastor as he told her the story. Kristen never told her any of this in her letters, but that can be understandable. Heart just stood there and a frown slowly on her face as she looked away from the man. Feeling ashamed for not appreciating everything her friend did to welcome her into a new place. She felt like crying but she didn't want to ruin her makeup this early in the morning.
Finally, she looked up at him. "Thank you Alastor. For taking care of her. You truly are a great friend to her and it makes me happy that she has someone like you around. I appreciate you telling me this story as well." Heart says to him as she frowned still, feeling like an awful friend.
"I'm so sorry dear, I didn't mean to make you feel awful, especially at your party." The man apologized. "Sometimes I become a little too protective since she and I are childhood friends. After all, she did so much for me, even helped my mama get well from being deathly sick. I know you are good to her too, just based on how happy she'd be when she received word from you."
Heart gave him a reassuring smile. "It's fine Alastor, I understand you are just a friend who cares and I appreciate that." She says as she played with the sides of her dress. "I'm glad she has someone like you around to protect her."
"Aha there's that gorgeous smile darling! That suits you to a tee." He winked.
Heart blushed at his complement.
Kristen then returns with another young lady who was a little taller than her. She had short, beautiful silver white hair, dark blue eyes and a pale complexion. She wore a bold red lipstick and wore a deep pink dress complete with matching heels and gloves
"Heart I'd like you to meet Rosie, Rosie this is Heart." Kristen introduced. "She's been my pen pal I've told you about and our new librarian! I get to work with her all the time now!" She squealed happily to Rosie. Rosie was very regal, poised and a tad soft. She looked at Heart with a small, elegant smile.
Heart gave a small bow to the woman. "It's nice to meet you, Rosie." She says and stands back up straight. "It's always nice to meet new friends of Kristen's."
"Ah how cute you are in person Heart, it's splendid to meet you. my sweet Kristen has told me so much about you. She is most adorable when she'd come into the house after getting the mail squealing like a little piggy to see your letter amongst the stacks. You should come over for a meal sometime, we would be happy to have you right, Starling?" She asked Kristen.
The girl nodded happily. "Mhm!
Heart smiled wide when Rosie talked about her friend. "I'd absolutely love to come over one day. That does sound like the cats pajamas." Heart said excitedly. It made her happier that Kristen had people around her that could take care of her and treated her well
"Oh, Rosie is my roommate Heart, we share a home with each other and it's the bees knees!" Kristen added. "You two coming? There's so much food and cake, then some dancing is going to happen a little later! I bet you can cut a rug Heart! "Kristen giggled Holding onto Rosie's arm
"Absolutely!" Heart answered with a smile. "As for dancing, well I have two left feet sometimes but I can still dance a good bit."
"Nonsense, I think you look like you can tear up that dance floor even with your two left feet." Rosie stated with a wink. "Come starling, let's grab a bite, hm?" Rosie suggested to Kristen who seemed keen on the idea.
"Ooh yes please! Find me if you need anything Heart!" She says as she left arm in arm with Rosie to where the food was laid out. Heart waved her friend goodbye as she walked off with the taller woman.
It was now Alastor and Heart alone again. "Aren't they just charming dear?" He asked her.
She smiled happily as they walked away. Heart looked towards Alastor, "Yes they are adorable. I can see Rosie cares about Kristen and that smile was very pure." She chuckled happily.
"Indeed, she's the best partner the little darlin could have." He hummed watching them interact nearby after getting some food
"They do look cute together." She agrees with a smile. "They make it so obvious a little bit, they should be careful." She says as she realized just how friendly her friend was to the woman.
"Sharp as a tack I see darling. you'll be a fine librarian it seems like nothing gets passed you" he complimented. "I wouldn't worry about them too much; Rosie is quite the respected figure around town no one dares gossip or threatens her. She laughs at them and has built a name for herself. She's also a good friend of mine and I reached out to her to see if she could help Kristen. From there a relationship blossomed. Warms the heart if I do say so myself." He winked at her. "Now then doll, how about we have a ball! I'd be happy to escort you anywhere you'd like to go. The library itself, food, dance, even gifts I see. Kristen also mentioned if we could bring a gift for your housewarming that would be appreciated. We know you wouldn't have much coming from Tennessee and all." He said, offering his arm to her.
"Thanks, Alastor, that's very gentlemanly of you." Heart says as she takes his arm. "Well, I wouldn't mind something to eat. I need to do some shopping so I didn't have much this morning except for a cup of coffee." She shyly admitted.
"By all means then dear lead the way, I am a bit peckish myself. It's a sin you have not been properly fed yet!" He declared.
Heart chuckled as she started to walk towards the food. "Well, hopefully I can go out today or tomorrow and get some groceries. For now, i'd like to just enjoy this amazing party my friend put on for me."
"That's the spirit!" The male smiled as they made it to grab some food
They ate and were merrily enjoying Heart and her arrival many of the people came to get acquainted with her. The children were so inspired and in awe of her too.
The morning was wonderful as Heart got to meet so many of the city folks that came to the library. It was nice to meet some new people. She may have been a little shy about it, but she was comfortable within the walls of the library. Alastor didn't seem to leave her side either and honestly, she didn't mind it one bit. She actually enjoyed his company around the place. He made her laugh and he was nice to talk to. All the children were excited to meet her as well. Heart was wonderful with kids and they were glad they had such a pretty librarian now instead of a crazy old man.
"So, my dear are you enjoying yourself? It seems the children gravitate to you like the poles." He quipped as they sat in a quiet corner of the library to give Heart a break from all of the action.
"I have. It's been berries honestly. Everyone has been so nice. Kids always flock to me. I don't mind. I love kids. They always find me fun to be around. " Heart explains as she crosses one leg over another.
"Hmm yes children are quite sensitive and can tell when there's a true angel around to be kind to them." Alastor winks at her sipping some coffee.
Heart blushes but still giggles. "Oh, I am no angel that is for sure. Even so, it makes me happy when I make others happy." She smiles at him.
"If I may Heart dear, I was wondering if you'd mind if I did a story on you? I understand it's rather straight forward of me but you're just so charming and I think you're interesting as well." The radio host asked her.
Heart looked up at him as she took a sip of her own coffee. "A story? On me? I assure you Mr. Ledet, I am not the most interesting dame nor am I a good dish." She told him with a small smile. Even her own words hurt her but at the same time she grew up saying that she wasn't the most beautiful babe out there. At the same time, she never really tried.
Alastor waved off her words, "Nonsense nonsense why put yourself through the ringer like that Cher? I'm sure you're full of surprises and good details. A Sheba like you doesn't come around very often and have your wits "
"You really have a way with words dear sir." Heart says smiling more at him as his words did warm her a bit. "Well, if you insist on a story, then I shall give you something."
"That's the spirit my dear! No need to spill the beans this very minute. When you're unpacked, settled and comfortable let me know and we can make it happen!" He beamed proudly with his smile widening
"Sounds like a date there." Heart joked with him as she chuckled. "Maybe we can have the interview over coffee one day." She suggested
"Splendid doll I do love coffee as you can tell. There's a lovely establishment near the radio station! I am a regular and the treats I hear are wonderful too even though I am not much of a sweet tooth. You seem to be the type to." Alastor said as last night played in his mind when he, and his shadow spied, on her and Kristen enjoying dinner and beignets.
"That does sound wonderful." Heart agreed. "I do love my sweet things. I enjoy chocolate the most of all." She tells him.
"Aha I had a feeling you were partial to chocolate Miss Heart. I will keep that noted of course for future endeavors." He chuckled.
Heart rolled her eyes playfully. "Well, you know that I like chocolate. I think it's only fair if you tell me what you enjoy, Mr. Alastor."
"Ah well unfortunately I'm not much of a person to favor sweets. I do however enjoy fresh venison. Absolutely wonderful, especially when it's fresh. I do hunt on occasion if I feel the market doesn't have any fresh to my standards." He says adjusting his spectacles with a proud grin.
"Oh so you're a hunter? How long have you been hunting for?" She asked curiously.
The woman always wanted to go hunting but her father always told her that the bears would get her and that hunting wasn't for girls anyway. Even so she always wanted to try.
"Since I was a boy darling. I learned quickly at a young age and am one of the most skilled hunters in New Orleans. Well, I don't want to brag…" He trailed off taking another sip of coffee.
"Wow really? That's still pretty impressive I say." Heart says as she looks at him with bright eyes. She liked to listen to him talk. It was relaxing and soothing at the same time
"Why thank you dear, not many think that, so it is nice to have someone acknowledge it." Alastor told her, then took out his pocket watch and glanced down at it. "Oh my I seem to be flapping my gums too much. This is your party after all dear, did you want to return?" He asked looking up at her from his watch
The black-haired woman looked at him with soft eyes. In honesty she was enjoying this time with him. Just sitting here and talking with him. He was charming and the sound of his voice brought her comfort. Even with all this in mind, she probably should go back to the party.
"Yes, let's head back for the time being. I've enjoyed my chit chat with you immensely though." Heart answered as she uncrossed her legs and slowly stood up
The male seemed rather surprised for a moment; she enjoyed his company. He gave her a warm smile then stood up offering his hand to her. "Well then my lady, shall we?"
She took his hand, "We shall."
The two walked back to the main part of the library where everyone was still having a great time. Heart was glad this party was something everyone was enjoying. Meeting all the new people was a little overwhelming but that was ok with her. After today it will be smooth sailing from there. As the pair returned to the main area of the library where the festivities were happening, music began to play and everyone began to cut a rug either by themselves or with a partner.
Kristen and Rosie were already tearing it up having a blast. "Come on you two! Come join the fun!" Kristen called from seeing Heart and Alastor return.
Heart smiled and looked at Alastor. "Would you like to dance with me? Even though I have two left feet sometimes?"
"How did you know I was going to ask you the exact same Cher?" He asked her playfully then said "It would be an honor to share a dance with such a charming lady and our new librarian, two left feet or no! Haha!" He says.
"Sometimes they say, great minds think alike." She gave him a wink and giggled. "Now let's have some fun." She keeps a hold on his hand as they head to the dance floor.
There was a swing song on and even though she wasn't that good at swing, she still enjoyed her time. The whole time on the dance floor she didn't seem to step on Alastor's feet at all. Close but not really. She was having a wonderful time.
Alastor made sure Heart had a wonderful dance experience, he was excellent at swing keeping an eye on his foot movements and hers so she would step on his feet. He wouldn't mind if she did, he didn't want her to feel bad and ruin her good time.
"Look at you darling, you're getting the gist of it! You're a real swinger!" The brunet male said, smiling wide.
Heart laughed, "Oh I don't know about that sir, but I will thank you for the compliment." She says smiling.
He then took her in his arms and did a twirl then gave her a dip "I know so mon Cher~" He winked while still holding her in the dip.
Heart felt her face blush like mad as he dipped her and then winked. She was left speechless from that. Plus, the feeling of his arms around her made her heart beat like mad. When they got out of the dip, they continued on the dance but now Heart was starting to be all over the place since her mind was a little distracted now. Alastor took note and picked up on Heart's feelings. It affected her dancing as well. He thought he was maybe perhaps being a bit too flirty with the poor dear.
"Are you alright, Heart? Perhaps you need some water, you're a bit wobbly in the knees it seems." Alastor suggested.
"Oh, um, you know, that does sound like a good idea. I could use a drink honestly." Heart says so that she could calm down a moment. What in the world was wrong with her?
The two went over to the drink table and Alastor had gotten them two cups of water; he handed the first to Heart before taking a sip of his own. "There you are dear, take it nice and slow. We don't want you getting sick." He says.
Heart took the cup from him and took a few sips. "Thanks, Alastor, I appreciate you sticking around with me." She says as she flashes him a small smile.
"Oh of course I just hope I'm not overstaying my welcome in your presence though. I don't want to suffocate or hoard you to myself." Alastor said, taking another sip.
"Not at all. I actually quite enjoy your company." Heart admitted to him. "I just hope I'm not holding you back from enjoying yourself."
Alastor gave a laugh. "Of course not, you're quite a charming darling. One of the loveliest belle's I've met my life so far if I dare to say "
Heart's cheeks dusted pink with a blush and she smiled happily at him. "I rarely get compliments like that all the time, so I thank you."
"Of course my dear, perhaps we could even be good friends soon." Alastor stated. "I am quite intrigued as I mentioned I could even show you around the station if that tickles your fancy?"
Heart's eyes went wide. "I feel I would enjoy that very much. I might take you up on that offer."
"Aha I knew you would!" He said happily and he pumped a fist through the air. "I do frequently visit the library in between broadcasts and after my days on Fridays mainly since it's a shorter day on air." He explained.
"Oh really? You must love coming here then. I take it, you like to read then?" Heart asked curiously
"Guilty as charged dear." The brunet said with raised hands. "I do have quite a lot of books in my abode but I like to read here. It's very nice and a change in scenery. Plus, I like to visit the newspaper archives and see how I can improve on my news skills"
"That's a very good way to use the library. Change of pace, quiet, soothing almost. Can be quite relaxing to." She says as she thought back to the times at the library at home.
"Mm yes indeedy. I get to have all of that plus one new feature I will look forward to every time I come, you and your splendid smile!" Alastor chirped, gesturing to her.
"Aw Alastor you flatter me." Heart said, smiling wide and she felt that maybe being here in New Orleans probably won't be that bad after all.
"I speak the truth darlin! If you know anything about me, I am indeed an honest man when I compliment a lovely and splendid lady." He took her hand gently, "I mean every word." he whispers and winks pecking her knuckles again.
Heart felt her chest grow warm with ease and the feeling of his hand in hers was comforting. "Sometimes there aren't many men like you Mr. Alastor. So, you are indeed a rare find."
"I can say the same for you dear. Lovely and sharp as a tack as I mentioned. No dumb Dora at all." The man mussed.
After their small water break, Alastor and Heart went back to dancing, eating and being merry with their friends. Soon the party had come to an end in the early evening. Cleanup was done and ready for tomorrow; Heart's first day as the new librarian. The only folks left were Heart, Alastor, Rosie and Kristen. They watched Heart open some housewarming gifts and stored them behind the desk for Heart to take home in small increments.
Heart opened all her gifts and enjoyed all of them from everyone. Was thankful for them as well for being so welcoming to her. Almost made her emotional as she opened her gifts and got to the end. Her full first day in New Orleans was a hit.
"Well sugars today was wonderful! Best be heading home to get ready for work tomorrow!" Kristen chirped, getting her and Rosie's jacket from the coat rack.
Heart was taking one of her items with her, it was a teapot, which she honestly needed a new one. "This is true. A full day of work and I honestly can't wait." She says excited.
"Indeed, I can't wait to cover the news from today's celebration. It's going to be very entertaining!" Alastor beamed happily taking his coat next and Hearts holding it open for her so she could put it on with ease.
"I'm sure you'll do wonderful." Heart says as she put on her coat with ease from the man. "Thank you Alastor." She said lowly as she adjusted the coat.
"He always does! He has such a gift for the radio! His broadcasts are always so knowledgeable and feel very safe!" Kristen said as the group walked out the library doors and down to the train car stop, "Rosie and I are going to head back, we live around the block." She tells them and then has a spark of an idea. "Oh, Alastor I hate to ask you but could you make sure Heart gets home alright? Since you both live on the same block?" She asked him.
"Why of course my dear! I would be glad to! That is as long as she is alright with it." Alastor says looking at Heart with a smile
"I don't mind at all." The woman answers. She then walks up to her friend and gives her a big hug. "Thank you so much for this party today. I honestly had a lot of fun." She tells her as she holds her tightly.
The girl hugged her friend back happily. "Anything for you sugarplum! I'm glad you had a swell time!"
The two then separated from the hug.
"It was splendid to meet you Heart, you do indeed live up to the excitement Kristen gets when she speaks with you in her letters. Please come over anytime you wish if you need anything." Rosie said, holding Hearts hands then giving her a small hug before she and Kristen walked home leaving Alastor and Heart to wait for the train car.
"Well, I say today was a success." Heart said smiling as she sat on the bench waiting for the train car. "I definitely had a wonderful time."
"That's wonderful to hear Cher! I'm very glad today went without a hitch. It should not be long until we can get you home." He added as he joined her on the bench as they waited.
"Thanks. I can't wait till tomorrow either." She says excited and the sound of glee.
A few more minutes had passed and the train car finally appeared and came to a stop in front of them. Luckily it wasn't very full so they could both sit down this time instead of standing. Alastor helped Heart onto the car first then allowed her to take the window seat so she'd be safe with him sitting on the end. The bell rang and they were off to head home.
Heart talked with Alastor a little as they rode the train car. Honestly, she liked to hear him talk, she was going to leave his station on all the time most likely.
The streetcar came to a stop finally in their neighborhood. Alastor helped Heart off the car and they stood there at the stop.
"Thank you again Alastor, for helping me home." Heart thanked him.
"Don't thank me yet dear I still need to escort you to your door. What kind of gentleman am I if I ignore such an important detail?" Alastor said, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and going in the direction of Heart's house.
"Oh, well if you're sure. I don't want to inconvenience you." Heart says to be sure as they started walking down the sidewalk.
"Not an inconvenience at all. If you haven't noticed yet darling, I have the legs of a swamp bullfrog. Let's just say I take my life in quite big strides ahahaha!" The man chuckled, being a bit silly with his legs to prove his point.
Heart let out a laugh from that, covered her mouth and snorted a tiny bit as she watched him.
"That was the most adorable thing I've seen you do and I love it!" He said with a chuckle.
Heart blushed lightly at his words, "You are really a book Alastor. Always surprising."
"A book, eh? Well, I must've been thankful a sweet librarian thinks so and didn't judge me by my cover. If she did, I'd be on the shelf! Hahaha!" Alastor said with a big laugh.
Heart continued to laugh at his jokes. "Oh, my goodness. You are definitely a book I'd take home and read over and over again. Then I'd recommend it to others." She says.
"Ah you would hm? But why not have me all to yourself?" He asks with a hint of flirt in his voice. It was barely there but enough to be detected
Heart's laughter stopped soon after he said that and she was flustered for a moment. "Oh...well...I guess I could." She said with a finger to her chin. "Never hurts to have a special edition to the collection."
"Ah witty as ever! I like you darling, you're very entertaining! Haha! Say which lovely abode is yours? I'd hate for us to have missed it because of so much fun we are having! Feels like a sin!" He laughed.
Heart snapped out of her haze for a moment and looked around at her surroundings. "Oh! It's the beige one coming up on the left here." She said pointing to it.
"Ooh very good taste dear! Splendid! That home has been empty for quite some time so it's finally nice for it to have such a vibrant owner to give it some life!" Alastor said excitedly.
She chuckled. "I got it for a good deal too. So that was nice as well." The two walked up the walkway and up the stairs to the porch.
He smiled at her as they both neared her door. "Well, here we are then, you're home safe and sound. Alastor said, looking down at her with a tender smile.
Heart turned to face him at the door and was silent for a moment. She moved a piece of her black hair out of her face. "Thank you Alastor. For walking me home and everything else today." She says shyly.
"Of course, my dear it's been splendid! You're very charming. I will see you around then. You need to get some shut eye for your first day!" Alastor said then picked up her hand placing another kiss on her knuckles. "Goodnight mon Cher." The radio host said before letting her hand go and turned to walk down the street to his home
Heart blushed at his kiss and held her hand close to her. She watched him go until he was out of sight. She got out her key to unlock the house then walked inside, closing the door, and leaned against it with a dreamy sigh.
"God, I shouldn't be doing this so soon." The woman whispered. "I need to slow down my head and get to know him a little more. Thats all."
Heart calmed herself and got ready for bed. She had a long day tomorrow and she couldn't wait to get it all started.
Oh my, Heart seems to take a liking to Alastor already. Careful there tiger.
