The Peregrine Passage

Chapter Seven: Adam

It's not that I've never been to a library before, because I have. I've just never bothered to go to the town library. Anything I've ever needed has been right there at school, and why would I go get some random card to borrow things I don't need? I guess that's about to change, though, because Hazel and I are meeting there in just under an hour.

I check my reflection in the mirror as I comb my hair. Dark circles line my eyes and it looks like I haven't slept a week. That might actually be true, come to think of it. I've been spending every spare moment studying or thinking about the mystery. When I finally get around to sleeping, Piper is either blaring Blink 182 or arguing loudly with Mom. Although, the past few nights I've heard her talking on the phone, attempting (but failing) to keep her voice quiet. I splash some cold water on my face in an attempt to look refreshed before heading downstairs.

I look around for someone in the kitchen but it's cold and empty. I opt for a simple ham and cheese sandwich for lunch, quickly wrap it in foil, and hop into my truck. I dart back inside, though, realizing I forgot a hat and coat. You can't afford to walk around Maple Ridge without full cold-weather gear from November onward.

I somehow manage to get lost on the two-mile drive from my house to the library, which is humiliating in itself. Hazel definitely doesn't need to know about that. After my third accidental circle, I finally take the correct turn that takes me into a small parking lot. There's an old brick building completely shaded by trees labeled MAPLE RIDGE TOWN LIBRARY. It's no wonder that I didn't see it—it's fully tucked away.

I park Sawyer and swing the door shut. Peering through a glass window, I see Hazel standing at the library entrance. She looks right at home, chatting with the white-haired lady at the front desk. When she sees me pass through the door, she breaks out into a familiar beaming grin. She's wearing a pink sweater which brings out the flush in her cheeks, no doubt due to the cold, alongside thickly-rimmed glasses.

"You made it! I was afraid you wouldn't know where to go." She mocks.

"Is that sarcasm? I can read a map, you know." I reply, hoping I can successfully navigate my way back into town and avoid long-term embarrassment.

"Well, with your apparent lack of reading skills, I couldn't be sure." She turns to the older woman typing on an old keyboard behind the reception area.

"Oh, Adam, this is Mrs. Basilfield. She's the head librarian around here." She looks familiar but I'm not sure where I've seen her before.

"Nice to meet you, Mrs. Basilfield." I give her a smile and nod and she waves enthusiastically as her cheeks turn a rosy pink.

"Adam! I hope you're doing well. I haven't seen you since you were a boy!" That's when it hits me: she was the assistant librarian when we were in elementary school. I remember sitting around in circles after recess while she'd read us all stories like Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle, Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!, Charlotte's Web, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, and the one I loved the most: If You Give a Mouse a Cookie.

Hazel turns to me in astonishment.

"I can't believe you don't remember her reading of Charlotte's Web! That was always my favorite."

"I'm so sorry, Mrs. Basilfield, I completely forgot about elementary school. It's been so long." She gives an understanding smile.

"You're fine, dear. I still remember when you would run around and force us all to call you Superman Sullivan! You had your bright red cape and everything." My cheeks flush with heat and I can tell that Hazel is holding in a laugh.

She whispers to me, "Is that the reason your coat is so red? Trying to bring it back?" I elbow her away.

"Anyways, kids, Hazel tells me that you both need access to the archives for some sort of research paper?"