How To Find Your Future

19 - A Degree In Obviousness

Olivia

I've only been inside our city's library a handful of times. I wish I could come more but I always find myself too busy too or already having books at home to read. But there's something about being inside a quiet space surrounded by a billion different books from a billion different authors, in a billion different genres that brings comfort.

I close my eyes and breathe in the scent of coziness, worness and book pages.

Charlie chuckles from behind me.

I spin around, place my hands on my hips and raise an eyebrow. "What's so funny?"

He shakes his head and hides his smile behind his hand. "Nothing," he mutters.

I roll my eyes. "Yeah, okay. I believe you."

He laughs. "It's just you."

"Me?" I cross my arms. "What's so funny about me?"

He cringes. "I didn't mean it like that."

"Then how did you mean it?"

He chews his lip for a moment. "I meant it more so as," he pauses and seems to think his next few words over. "Your reaction. To being in a library and how much you enjoy it. It's..." He struggles for a moment before he says, "It's cute."

Something hot creeps up my face. I duck my head. "I just really like the library."

Charlie coughs. "Yeah. Me too. Um, shall we go ahead?"

I step out of the way and over to the side. "Yeah. Lead the way." I still don't meet his gaze as he nods and starts to head to the front desk that sits almost in the front middle of the bookshelves that surround it. The desk is empty. He looks around as I come up to stand beside him. The heat that had been on my face has finally cooled.

"No one's here," he stats.

I roll my eyes. "Thanks captain obvious." I look around the library but don't see anyone who looks open to helping us. Or anyone who works here who's on their own. I turn back and examine the desk. There are two computers and two swivel chairs. A sign sits on the desk promoting some event that'll be happening here this week. The front of the desk is crowded with posters that share all the activities that take place here. And sitting right in the middle on top of the desk is a tiny bell with a sign under it that says ring for a helping hand! I point at it as I turn to Charlie. "Did captain obvious miss this?"

His eyes widen for a quick second that I almost don't catch as he shrugs it off and rolls his eyes. "Of course I didn't." He walks over to the desk. "I just didn't want you to think I always noticed everything." He leans against the desk and hits the bell.

I cross my arms. "Sure. I totally believe you."

He grins. "I knew you would."

I roll my eyes.

A lady in a pantsuit walks out from a row of shelves and makes her way over to the desk. Her black hair is up in a tight bun. She goes behind the desk and greets us with a smile. Her blue eyes lighting up as she sees us. "Hi there. What can I do for you folks?"

Charlie spins around and leans on the front desk with his arms. "We have an appointment with the head of the young adult department."

The lady raises an eyebrow. "Really? Can I get some names so I can let him know you're here?"

Charlie nods. "I'm Charlie and that's Olivia." He points at me. I give a little wave.

The lady nods. "You two wait here while I go and get him."