Sincerely Yours

THREE: CLARA

 "The time is now 8:50 pm and the Hugh Blake Memorial library will be closing in 10 minutes. Please take the books you are planning to check out to the front desk where a librarian would be happy to assist you. We would like to thank you for visiting your local library and want to remind you that we open again at 9am tomorrow." Light classical music began playing out of the intercom system and Clara looked around in surprise. She had planned on spending most of the day in the library but hadn't actually planned to a majority of her Friday there.

            She had read most of the book and had finally reached a part where she was completely immersed into the words on the page.

            Picking up her bag and the book she stretched, wincing when her shoulder popped loudly. As she began to pack up she noticed the second book sitting on the floor near her seat where she had put it after that guy had suggested it. She still had a good 60 pages before she was done with the first one but at the rate she was going it would be good to have the next one. Maybe it would even save her a trip back tomorrow.

            Holding both books in her hand she smiled. This was what she had been missing, this calming, quiet time where it was ok to just loose herself into a book in the middle of a public building. This serenity was something that she hadn't experienced in a while since deciding she was going to double major in biology and chemistry.

The old man was still sitting at the desk when she finally made it up there to check out her books and he put aside the thick edition of War and Peace to smile widely up at her. "Where are we going today, Miss Edison?"

            "A little bit of California and a little bit of Washington D.C." She held her card out to him with a smile.

            "Been there a few times myself, quite lovely this time of year I'd say."

            "Well I doubt it was anything like what this book depicts it as," She responded with a laugh.

            Handing both books and her library card back to her he asked, "And why's that?"

            "Because there are zombies." A voice from behind her mock whispered and she turned to find Oliver standing behind her on his way to the exit. His messenger bag was thrown over his shoulder and a slightly crooked smile on his face.

            The librarian laughed, "Nope, there were no zombies when I was there. These are due back in two weeks, on the 18th. Have a good night you two!"

            Oliver held the door open for her and she waved at the librarian before stepping outside. It had gotten considerably cooler and she shivered. "How's the book so far? Absolutely fantastic?"

            Clara turned to find Oliver standing next to a motorcycle, a helmet in one hand and strapping his bag more securely around himself.

            "It's quickly becoming one of my favorites."

            "I'd love to hear about it sometime," He smiled a crooked smile again and Clara could feel her heartbeat speed up a little bit.

            "I'd imagine I'll probably be spending a lot more time in the library from now on."

            "Really now? So I can expect to see you around here more?"

            Clara nodded and pulled her keys out of her bag, "Most definitely."

            "Then I guess I'll see you around, Clara." He pulled on the black full-face helmet and straddled his bike, "Have a good night."

            With a wave he started it up and started to leave the parking lot.

            Unlocking her Jetta Clara tossed the books into the passenger seat and started the car. A small white piece of paper fell out of one of the books and she reached to pick it up. Written neatly all it said was, 

"I really hope you appreciate this book as much as I do.

I was serious when I said I wanted to know what you thought.

Let me know if anything interesting happens.

Sincerely Yours,

Oliver"

        And a phone number along the bottom.