Chapter 3 "The Library Encounter"

The following weekend had arrived. Egon was headed to the library for some additional books he needed for a project he was researching. It was early afternoon on Saturday. On his way to the ancient history section, he heard a familiar voice. He slowly made his way to the room, careful to not be seen by the people in the room. He peeked in, his eyes widening as he saw who the voice belonged to.

There, sitting in the front in a small chair was the red headed beauty he had seen last Friday - Janine! She was enthusiastically reading a children's book to a group of kids sitting on the floor. Their legs were crossed as they eagerly hung on every word of the story.

Egon smiled, not only because he had beaten the odds of seeing her again, but also how Janine changed her voice with each character. It was obvious that she adored children; her eyes sparkled as she read. She showed the pictures in the book to the children before turning each page.

He was completely enamored with Janine as she finished the story. The children applauded once she closed the book, some even rushing up to her and hugging her.

"Thank you, Miss Janine!" one little girl squealed.

"My pleasure, sweetie! I'll see you next Saturday!" Janine happily announced as she stood. She approached the doorway, jumping slightly when she saw Egon standing there. "Egon! I mean….Dr. Spengler! I … it's nice to see you again!" she stuttered, her face blushing.

He smiled. "Please, call me Egon. And it's very nice to see you again, Janine!"

"What brings you to this part of the library?" she asked, smiling brightly.

"Actually, I was on my way to the ancient history section, but I heard your voice and thought I would check it out!"

"Ancient history, huh?"

"Yes, I'm working on translating an old scroll that Ray found at a garage sale earlier this week. I needed to check out some books in order to do that."

Janine's eyes widened this time. "Wow! That sounds very exciting!"

Egon's heart was pounding. He was excited that he had gotten another chance to see Janine; he also was not accustomed to a woman showing genuine interest in his work. "Ummm….yes. It looks to be written in Sumarian."

"Oh! You know that language?"

"Yes, I am familiar with many different languages."

Janine smiled. "So, your knowledge goes beyond just science?"

"Yes, but science is my preferred area of expertise."

Janine eyed him up and down. "I bet that's not all he's an expert in," she thought to herself. She noticed that the clothes he was wearing today made him look a bit more classy than what he wore on their first date.

Egon noticed Janine's interest in him and immediately felt his heart start pounding with nervousness. He swallowed hard and was just about to get up his nerve to ask her out when…..his pager went off in his jacket pocket.

He sighed and rolled his eyes as he pulled it out of his pocket. He looked at the number. "Crumbs!"

"What is it?" Janine asked.

"I'm afraid the firehouse has received a call. I'll have to finish my research at a later time." He gave her a weary smile.

Janine's smile had faded too. "Oh ok. Well, it was nice to see you again!"

"Yes, it was nice to see you again as well!" He then turned and walked to the librarian's desk. He asked to use their phone so he could call the firehouse and let them know he's on the way.

He turned back around to take another glance at Janine, but she had already left. He sighed heavily.

By the time Egon returned to the firehouse, Ray, Winston and Peter had packed the gear into Ecto-1 and in their jumpsuits. Peter noticed Egon's somber expression. "Hey Spengs, what's wrong?"

"I didn't have time to check out the books I needed."

"Why not?"

Egon smiled sheepishly. "I was ….checking out something else."

The guys grinned.

"Who was it?" Ray asked.

"Janine!"

"Barb's Redheaded friend you double dated with?" Peter asked excitedly.

"The same! We talked for a while, and I lost track of time."

"Did you set up another date with her?" Winston asked.

"I'm afraid not. The pager went off and I was forced to end our conversation."

"Sorry about that, buddy," Peter replied. "But if you'd like, I can get her number from Barb? You can give her a call!"

"Perhaps, but first, let's take care of this call."