Many Mini-Adventures

Works in Progress

"Lily," Joshua said softly.

Lily didn't respond as her face was planted in her book.

"Lily," he said a bit louder.

She blew into her smoke pipe causing small bubbles to float about. Eyes still glued to the page.

He sighed and then stated, "Fernando dies in the end."

Lily coughed, nearly spilling her pipe. She then stood up and looked Joshua square in the eyes, holding the book close to his face. "You've read this book?"

"Yes."

She gasped. "And you just ruined it for me? Just like that?"

Joshua turned to face the window and scratched his head. "You forced my hand. Besides, the series is over a decade old. It's your own fault for not knowing it." He then felt a blunt force hit the back of his head. "Yow!" He rubbed his scalp and turned to find Lily's book at his feet.

Lily puffed her cheeks and crossed her arms. "Joshua Caleb Anderson. You rotten excuse for a friend!"

"Wouldn't have to be one if you were doing your job," he said. He then clapped the back of his hand twice against the palm of the other. He obviously meant business. "Here we're coworkers first. Friends second. Do you want to see us fired?"

She stomped her feet. "But this is my lunch break!"

Joshua stomped back. "We ate lunch together earlier!"

"But..." she sighed before slumping to the ground. "I really just wanted to read the rest of the book."

Joshua knelt down in front of her. "And you will. Just after your shift."

Lily frowned and Joshua smirked in response. She knew he was right. She knew she had to finish her shift at the library but it still sucked. How can one be around so much literature but not take some time to indulge in it? She honestly thought that's what she signed up for. And Joshua knew this.

In fact, she clearly remembered how he pleaded to come work with him. How fun it would be. But between schoolwork and this place, so little time has been devoted to her reading. This sparked a question in her mind.

"Joshua, why would you use my love of books against me like this?"

"What are you talking about?"

She huffed. "Don't play dumb. You clearly hyped up that we would be around a ton of books."

He nodded. "And we are."

"You also said I can check out as many books as I want with no limit."

He nodded again. "Yes, but that was meant as in 'check out books to take home.' Not read during working hours."

"Admit it, you tricked me!"

Joshua simply sighed and helped her up to her feet. "Listen. You told me you needed money, right?"

She lowered her eyes and nodded.

"You also told me that you always thought working at the library would be a dream come true."

She popped up her head and opened her mouth.

"Wait a sec. I know you're going to say how you 'would read all day long if you would work at one'." Joshua folded his arms. "What did I say in response to that?"

She looked away and spoke in a hushed tone. "You told me that if I did that, I'd definitely get fired."

"Yep. So, I'd like it if you would stop trying to prove me wrong," he said as he walked over to grab a stack of books from a nearby table, "and help me place these books back."

"Ugh. Fine," she replied as she dumped the suds from her pipe into the trash next to her. Afterward, she placed it in her dress pocket and walked to the table. She grabbed a stack of books and walked right beside Joshua.

"You've never told me what you needed money for," he said as he stopped a book from his stack from falling.

She chuckled a bit at the sight. "Well, you've never asked."

"You know I hate that line."

"Why? Because it's overused?"

"By you, yes."

She smirked. "Well, if you must know, I need to buy someone a birthday present."

"Aww, that's sweet. Your brother perhaps?"

"Nope," she said before lifting her head with a smug grin, "It's a secret."

They both placed the books down on the front desk. He turned to her and placed his hands on his hips. "Don't tell me it's you."

Her mouth widened. "You must be a mind reader."

"No, you just have a lousy poker face."

She frowned and leaned against the desk. "This is what I get for being friends with you. Can't keep anything hidden or do anything fun."

He laughed a bit. "What? So, all the times we've spent at the mall and many arcades mean nothing? You picked most places where we go."

"Ugh. And you always find a way to be right!"

A "shhh" could be heard from the front desk librarian. The two teens turned toward her and bowed.

"Sorry," they said in unison and before walking away.

"If there's one thing," Joshua said, "I'm not always right. We're both fumbling through life. For one, I forgot your birthday is coming up."

Lily raised an eyebrow. "Really?"

Joshua nodded. "Yea, with exams coming up, I haven't thought about much else besides studying. It's a real pain."

"Oh," she replied somberly, rubbing her right arm. "And here I thought you just didn't want to be around me outside of work."

"Of course not. And it's my fault for not telling you." He rubs his forehead. "This probably explains why you've been upset with me."

Lily started pushing a cart of books to a nearby aisle. Her mouth held in a straight line. Joshua stopped in front of the cart. Lily looked away. "I'm not mad. Just thinking."

"About?"

"About how I probably need to grow up. I could've asked what you were doing."

"We both need to grow up. We're teens."

She sighed. "Well, maybe me more so than you. So much for girls maturing faster."

Joshua picked up a book. "Lily, what's this?"

She looked at the book then at him before shrugging. "Just a book."

"Yes. And what is it about books you like?"

She sighed. "We're really doing this? I like the journey they take you on. And you'll say 'yes, that's what we're on so stop beating yourself up', right?"

"Maybe," Joshua laughed. "Actually, I was just trying to gauge what books you like. I need to think of a present for someone."

"Oh? You mean me?"

He leaned against the cart. "I mean...it's a secret."

She shook her head. He laughed. And the two of them continued their work for the day. Legend says that the two of them continued to work together for many years to come. Not at libraries, but at being the best friends they can be.