Once again in the Bookstore

Chapter 2

Finally. The book that the girl wanted to get for her sister finally arrived, however on a Sunday. Even so, it forced me to call her. It was simply my duty. However as I typed in the number my finger kept only hovering over the green call button on my phone. Calls were always terrifying, this was a different feeling though. A different kind of nervous. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath before calling her. It was around ten o'clock in the morning and I hoped she wouldn't be disturbed by my call. She picked up. With a slight gasp I started to form my sentences as good as possible.

„H-Hello, it's Scyaram from the bookstore, if you remember?"

Quietly I facepalmed. Of course she would remember.

„Y-Your book just arrived and I just wanted to let you know that you can come and pick it up tomorrow."

„Scyaram?"

„Y-Yes."

That's right, I didn't tell her my name. Still I didn't expect her to be this surprised. I didn't expect any of the following conversion either, however I just tried to tag along as good as possible for the reputation of this store. Or so I thought.

„Yeah so, I was thinking... My sister needs that book ASAP if you understand. Sooo maybe you could do me a favor and bring that book to me? I'd pay you extra for your efforts of course."

Oh no. Why was I blushing again? I forced myself to calm down and tried to make her understand that we don't deliver to people. There was a short moment of silence before she started talking again.

„Scyaram, dear, do you happen to like something else than books you get stuck on while sitting at the counter waiting for costumes?"

„H-Hey! Don't be rude!"

She was laughing in the background.

„Well, is there?"

I was thinking for a moment before actually answering her, because I wasn't quite sure what her reasoning was to give me questions like these.

„I like gardening, and animals."

„What Animals?"

„Any. Cats, fishes, owls-"

„Oh! My dad has an owl."

I wasn't certain about it, but there were a lot of signs that she wanted me and her to meet eventually in any way possible. My mind was completely all over the place, because I wasn't sure how to react. I couldn't get a word out of myself.

„Look, it's a win-win situation. You bring the book and you can see my dads owl, she's a very pretty one as well and very gentle. You two would be good friends-"

„Stop!"

It burst out of me from nowhere.

„L..Listen. I can't deliver, we don't deliver, I-I'm sorry, we're not open today, b-but tomorrow at nine again. S-So, h-have a nice day and sorry for interrupting!"

Fast I hung up as I leaned against the wall, letting myself glide now to the floor as I let my phone drop. My heart was beating fast and I tried my best to breathe calmly. It might have been unprofessional from my side to say such things, after all she was still a costumer, but she scared me. The way she talked and acted. I got back up on my feet after a few minutes, grabbing my phone. What's up with me? Uncertain of what the consequences would be or how to act after that situation, I decided to simply take a shower. There was nothing else I could do for now. My hands were still slightly trembling from that call. I realized that the time I spent in this home had made me paranoid. The only thing I knew was how to live inside of my safety spot. I never learned how to interact with people other than those times I ended up in the medical station, the only person ever around me being my dad. I leaned my head against the wall as the water was still pouring over me for a moment before I seemingly didn't move around enough for the detector to recognize it and the shower turned itself off. I closed my eyes as a tear ran down my face. Why can't I just be normal?
My phone caught my attention by playing off my ringtone. I begged that it wasn't her again. Carefully I walked towards my clothing basket where my phone was lying and picked up the call.

„Hey, sweety, where are you?"

Dads voice came out way too loud from my phone's speaker so I had to turn it down.

„I just took a shower, what is it?"

„There's this lady downstairs who wants to see you. Apparently for some book? I told her we're closed today but she insist on seeing you. What did'ya do to catch her attention this bad? Hahah!"

I hung up. No. Why was she here?! This was not the time to get upset. Or was it? From my point of view, I had all rights to be, however my work-self was simply willing to handle this with professional attitude. So yet again, I took a breath, dried my hair and put on my clothing that was waiting for me in the basket. After putting my glasses back on, I looked at my reflection for a second, then left back to the stairs. There she was. Politely waiting at the entrance of our hallway, looking up to me as I was still standing upstairs. This situation was so strange. Carefully I went downstairs towards her and handed her the book.

„You.. really couldn't wait for tomorrow, I guess?"

She smiled.

„I actually wanted to get to know you a bit."

I blinked.

„Why?"

„Because you seem to be lacking friends."

How did she read me so well? My eyes turned away from her a little moment. I couldn't simply send her away again now.

„Well... you can use my shoes for now and put away your jacket then. I.. I don't know if we still have juice. M-My room is upstairs, just follow the hallway till the end, not to the left, that's where dads room is, if you wanna walk ahead."

She smiled and did indeed go upstairs. Come on, Scyaram. Get it together.