And Now
You Know…
Working at the local library was the place for Shaun. He had endless books to read, complete silence, and to top it off it was a simple job he could handle without the threat of being murdered by Templars. Today was a normal day like any other, people checking out or returning books, asking various questions and what not until… she came in. Ever since he started working here two years ago she came in once a month to check out a huge stack of books after returning another huge stack the same size. And in she came with a tall stack of books carefully walking over to the front desk gently putting them down on the counter standing there smiling.
"Um excuse me? I would like to return these books." She smiled as she spoke quietly as I walked over picking up the book on top and began the slow process of stamping them. Seriously she was a real pain in the ass why did she take out all these books? And seriously the late fees must keep her up to her eyeballs in debt!
"Ma'am how would you like to pay the late fees on these books?" I sighed feeling annoyed with her already shooting her a half glare. Still smiling, unfazed by my glare, she pulled out of her bag with the famous 'Vitruvian Man' printed on it a large wad of cash, she then proceeded to hand me a hundred dollar bill. After giving her the change I had to stamp all the books and put the return date into the computer for filing. An hour or so later the same woman came back with an even bigger stack of books than before!
"Excuse me sir?" She asked oh so politely as I pushed myself away from the computer screen.
"What is it?" I replied fixing my glasses pinching my nose as I felt a headache come on.
"I would like to check out these books please if you don't mind." I practically shot her a full on glare as I looked at the stack of at least thirty books. Something inside me just kind of snapped and I said something I was really thinking.
"God damn woman why do you insist on keep taking out so many god damn books?!" I almost shouted as her as the happy grin turned into an angry frown.
"If you would like to know why then come by this address tomorrow at eleven thirty." She grunted angrily writing down an address on a sheet of paper. After a five second glaring match she walked away without checking out the books, I guess I offended her. The next day I approached the apartment complex looking at the piece of paper in hand hoping I got the right address.
"I seriously hope I got the right place I am not going to waste anymore gas driving around town." I grumbled pushing the button for the girl to open the downstairs door to let me into the building. A quick elevator ride later he was standing outside the apartment labeled 'B-613'. Looking up and down the hall on both sides I decided to knock on the door before I knew it the same woman from the library was standing in the doorway. The only sound heard besides the squeaking of the door was Beethoven's fifth in the background.
"Oh good you made it please do come in." She spoke sounding almost posh with the hint of an accent. Looking around the apartment upon entry revealed a bigger horror than her constant book borrowing: a living room filled to the brim with book shelves overflowing with more books! What the hell was wrong with this woman?
"Uh…." Was all I managed to get out before she sat down on the furniture in front of the fake fireplace inviting me over.
"You are now probably very confused. Come sit and allow me to explain," She spoke not looking at me as I took a seat along the couch, "I've traveled all over the world since I was very small, as my parents wanted to broaden my horizons as soon as I could walk. Everything here is a collection of books artifacts and knick-knacks from my world travels. Also if you look closely you will notice that only a very small percentage are actually in English."
"Oh I suppose that makes sense as to why you keep taking out all those books at the library." I said looking above the fireplace at the beautiful but absurdly familiar painting. Then there was a loud hissing noise in the background and the girl got up.
"Oh the tea pot." She spoke rather dully losing the slight posh accent from before while getting up. As she was away in the small kitchen I continued to gaze the painting I felt like I had seen it before somewhere it was strange. Soon she came back with a silver tray and a tea set on it. She smiled setting the tray down on the coffee table before facing me.
"Who did this painting? It's beautiful."
"Believe it or not besides it being a family heirloom it is also a Leonardo Da Vinci. It's one of the few of his undiscovered works."
"How did you get a Leonardo Da Vinci painting?!"
"As I said it was a family heirloom. My however many times great grandpa is actually Leonardo himself I did the research." She smirked before sitting back in the chair pouring a cup of tea for her and me.