Story one - Christmas at the library

Christmas in the library

Sally sighed as she shuffled over to the man hunched over at the oldest of the writing desks. The click of his keyboard, creating almost a hum of rushing, but all Sally could think about was getting home to put on her roast with just enough time to call in to Australia before the family had headed off to bed, full of their own Christmas feast and too much wine in the sun. Her shoes muffled clicks along the ground as she stopped behind the man and he turned around to give her a very sweet apologetic smile.

"You are about to close, aren't you?"

"In 5 minutes. I know people like to have a warning beforehand so they don't feel rushed." She rambled absentmindedly. He continued to smile back at her, and she felt her cheeks flush.

"Thanks for that. I hope to be done in 2." He said and turned back to his screen, beginning to type away furiously again. She turned and dragged her feet along back to her uncomfortable chair at the front computer. She began to close down all of the programming thinking about how cold her flat would be when she got home, shivering at the thought. She peered over to the window to her right and noticed the happy bubbly Rachel packing away the last of the chairs in the children's room. Her Christmas story time had been a triumph and even though she was utterly depressed, the spontaneous choir that had broken out at the end had warmed her heart. Only for a moment, but it was something. She looked up and waved at Sally warmly. Everyone else had left in a hurry due to the worsening weather and Christmas lunch. Sally looked back towards the corner where the man worked away, considering if she needed to go and give him a second hurry along, but she could see him packing up and felt her heart lighten. 2 minutes until closing time. She began to gather together her items, ready to run out the door as soon as they locked. Although, she would have to wait for Rach to finish packing up. She could hear the scrape of the gentleman's chair on the floor. At least she'd be able to hurry Rach along when the man left. 1 minute to go. The man walked towards her. His happy demeanour returned her sad sombre mood as he sprang towards her, making her wonder what lovely family gathering he was heading home to now. As he reached her, she forced a smile.

"Merry Christmas." She said. He smiled at her then stopped in the doorway.

"Oh, Australian accent. Merry Christmas. I hope it's not too cold for you this time of year."

"Well, it is a little different to what I'm used to, but I think I'm adapting." She said smiling. His friendly face shined at her.

"Do you get to go home much?"

"Not recently. Work has been a lot and just getting ready for the new year. I always wanted a white christmas." He shifted his laptop case onto his shoulder. 

"Aw well it's not so white yet. It's coming though."

"Hmmm."

"I do like the snow. Shame I'll miss it this year."

"Oh?" She asked curiously.

"Yeah, I'm headed your way actually. Just finished signing a contract for one of my employers. He plays cricket. Just signed for a big bash team."

"Oh, you are a player manager?"

"Yeah, don't look it do I?" He said shifting uncomfortably on the spot. It as her turn to smile at him.

"Well, that's not what I'd say. You look the part to me." She noticed him blush.

"Hmmm. Maybe I just don't feel the part." 

"That's something I miss about home. The summer of cricket." She said sadly.

"I've never experienced an Australian summer live. What's it like?"

"Oh, the sunshine and the deliciously refreshing beer, the joy of the crowd."

"Sounds wonderful. Were you a regular?" He asked.

"Only to the Sydney test match and the odd big bash game. T20 is not my favourite format."

"I've not ever really been much of a watcher of cricket."

"But you manage cricketers? How did that come about?"

"My best friend needed a manager for his career. I was always good with talking. That was my main asset. He was the cricket brain. But I lost him some time ago."

"To another manager?"

"No to cancer."

"Oh god I'm sorry."

"Yeah, it was a big blow. He was such a great friend. But I have my business and I have my memories." He was quiet for a time, standing in the doorway. But as it was well past closing and Rachel was now waiting to leave, Sally smiled sympathetically. He read the room and readjusted his laptop bag. "Sorry. You probably want to leave now." He shuffled off out the door before she could call out to him.

"Merry Christmas." He said before heading out the door letting it click as it slowly closed.