𝐼𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝐸𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑎 𝐿𝑖𝑏𝑟𝑎𝑟𝑦

~𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑝𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑇𝑤𝑜~

Books never let Madelyn down. She woke up well rested and ready to take on the day. As usual, she washed up, had breakfast, got dressed in high-waist baggy jeans, navy blue crop top sweatshirt, and converse shoes, put her long hair into a quick messy bun and out the door she went on her way to the library, wanting to get a head start on finding books for her project so she could have the rest of the day to work on it.  

Once she arrived at the first library, which was currently empty, Ms. Clive, the elder woman who worked at the circulation desk at the place, greeted Madelyn with a warm smile. “Good morning my dear, here for another romance book I assume?” Ms. Clive was a strong, cheerful woman, not one of those extra sweet and fragile ones that make cookies every day. She always wears thick sweaters and straight jeans, and streaks of grey are clearly visible against her brown hair.

“No, not this time Ms. Clive.” Madelyn chuckled, slightly embarrassed. “I need the books on history.” She always thought romance novels were cheesy, yet she gave them a shot anyway and really got into them and read them in secret because she would find it awkward if someone knew she read those types of books. She felt quite embarrassed now since the librarian just blurted it out.  

“In that case, they're in aisle 4.” said Ms. Clive, continuing flipping through a magazine.  

Without another word, Madelyn scurried over to the correct book aisle and began her search.  

The library wasn’t small or big at the same time. It was the perfect size for Madelyn’s neighborhood. The right side of the library had 4 long tables behind each other and black plastic chairs. On the left side was the kids' corner. Low bookshelves with colorful books, a reading carpet, beanbag chairs with Disney movie characters on them and posters on the wall with text such as “READING IS POWER!” and “YOU CAN DO IT!”. The rest of the library was tall bookshelves for study books, adult novels, and so on. The book spines in the history aisle were mostly brown and dark green, giving off a gloomy feeling.  

Madelyn carefully pulled out book after book from the shelf and flipped through the pages. Some were in stable condition, but others showed signs of carelessness.

Madelyn shook her head at the sight of chunks of paper ripped out from the pages, coffee stains on the book cover, and wrinkles on the pages.  

After several minutes, she picked out two books that could be of good use to her and looked acceptable. She checked out the books, said goodbye to Ms. Clive and headed off to the next library.

She left the next two libraries with two more books. With her hands full she started walking home. By the time she reached her neighborhood her arms were sore from holding four two-inch textbooks.  

Theo and his two older brothers, Kayden and Aaron, who were both sixteen, were playing basketball with their net at the end of the driveway. Theo was hunched over, hands on knees catching his breath while the other two were laughing. Kayden and Aaron were twins, Kayen was younger by 7 minutes and was much shorter, had unbrushed lime green dyed hair just like his brother Theo and was the goofy one, Aaron was tall and older, more mature and had silver bleached, fluffy hair.  

Madelyn tried to powerwalk past them, but Theo instantly noticed her. “Hey... Maddy... What's up?” he managed to say through big breathes.  

“Oh, Mad! Hey, didn’t see you there.” Kayden said, grinning.

“Hi boys, how are you all?” she answered with a small smile. She really didn’t want to talk to her neighbors now but being rude isn't an option.

“We’re doing good, he’s not.” Kayden said, pointing at Theo, who was still wheezing.  

Madelyn tilted her head quizzically. “What's up with him?”  

“Couldn't take a game of basketball. Me and Aaron are just too good, right A?”  

“Yup.” replied Aaron, who was busy scrolling on his phone but then looked up. “Maddy, nice seeing you. Need help with those books?” He jogged over to Madelyn and took the books into his hands.

“Sure, thanks.” She said, glad he made that offer. Her hands felt like they were about to fall off.  

Aaron was always a gentleman and very kind. No matter what, he would find a way to help someone in any situation, he was serious yet sweet and always dressed properly. Never a wrinkle on his shirt. Madelyn liked Aaron a lot, she would get butterflies in her stomach when he’s around or being was extremely friendly towards her and offered help when she most needed it.  

~~~

“So, what are the textbooks for?” He asked once they reached Madelyn's room.

“History project. About deeper information in past events.” she replied, clearing her desk from yesterday.  

He put the books on the desk. “Y’know, there’s this old library not too far from here. It's pretty wrecked but surprisingly there’s still books that could be helpful.”

“Okay, I’ll check it out. What's the name? Address?”

“Not sure about its name. As for the address, I'll write it down for you.” Aaron took one of Madelyn’s sticky notes and pens, scribbled the address of the library and handed the paper to her.  

Just as she was about to read it, the two heard a loud yell from outside.  

“Oh, dear God, what have they done this time?” Aaron said, rushing out of Madelyn’s room and down the stairs. “I’ll see you later!” He shouted to her right before closing the front door.  

Madelyn peered out her window to see what the problem was. She saw Aaron running to his brothers, Kayden pointed frantically in the direction of their house, and Theo explaining something fast.  

She closed her curtains and tried to ignore that situation. She finally looked at what was written on the note. “Mollistan Street? Huh, never heard of it.”  

Pasting the note on the wall, Madelyn sat down to begin reading the new books she had, but the library Aaron suggested didn’t feel right with her. Like there was something wrong with it. Something she couldn’t put her finger on.

~~~

Another day of her making no progress on her project had passed, but the note on her wall was waiting for Madelyn, her arrival.  
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Nice, two chapters back to back and I reached my goal of 1000 words.

Glad y'all are enjoying this