Between The Books-Michael Clifford

Two

So here I am standing outside the massiveness that is the main library of Ohio State. Next to me is the Thompson statue looking across the Oval. During nicer weather, the Oval is filled with people playing frisbee, laying on the grass studying, walking or running, or tossing a football. Right now, covered in snow, it's bitter cold and there's very few people out.
I could be going out for beer and pizza at Hounddogs, but instead, I am gearing up for an exciting night at my school's library.

I take a deep breath, hitch up my bookbag and start up the steps. It's 5:30 on Friday night. Not too many people hang out at the library at this time, but maybe that's a good thing. I can get some studying done. I have to look over Kyle's notes he took Tuesday for our biology test on Monday.

I open one of the doors leading into the lobby area of the library and walk inside. To the right is a little deli place, called The Berry Cafe, where you can get food, snacks, and AMAZING coffee. My friend Elise works there. I wonder if she's there now.

I walk over to the information desk across from the elevators, and ask a nerdy guy with glasses if he knows where I'm supposed to go.

"Hi, my name is Star Kelly, and I'm supposed to meet Ronald Albright. This is my first day." I say, smiling.

"Ok, Ronnie's up these stairs all the way back in the far left corner. It'll say management on the door. Just go on in. I like your name by the way." He says, pushing up his glasses and smiling. His name tag says, Leo.

"Thanks, Leo. Are you always here on Friday nights?" I ask.

"Sure am. You working Fridays?"

"Yeah. Friday nights and Saturday afternoons. So I guess we'll be seeing a lot of each other." I say.

"It's super dead Fridays. Come see me anytime. I can't leave this desk except for breaks. My life here is hell. Be nice to have someone to talk to."

"Absolutely, Leo. I'll do my best to liven it up!"

"Listen. Ronnie, between you and me, is an ass. Just kiss up to him and you should be fine. See ya later, Star."

"Thanks for the tip! Later, Leo!"

I leave my new friend and walk up the stairs. The library is probably the most amazing library I will ever be in. There's eleven floors, over 200 computers, quiet study areas, meeting rooms, and all kinds of other little areas to get lost in.

Walking back through the main floor takes me a few minutes. I get to the office and walk right in like Leo said. There's a lady sitting at a desk and a short balding guy standing next to her. Ten to one that's Ronnie. They both look up when the door opens.

"Hi, I'm Star Kelly...."

"Hello, Miss Kelly. Come on back to my office, I'm Ronnie." He says, completely without personality.

Awesome. Leo appears to have been right.

.........................................

It's an hour later and now I'm situated at the circulation desk across the lobby from Leo. We can see each other, and talk if we use our outside voices. I have an official name badge, a log in code for the library systems, and even a cup of mocha cappuccino, courtesy of Leo. My job is to check in and out books and other library materials. In the twenty minutes I've been sitting here, not a single person has wanted to check anything in or out.

I pull out my phone and text Jax.

*so how's pizza? I'm just sitting here doing nothing*