Save Me One Last Page

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

THE RAINDROPS DANCED in the soft and cold breeze as I pulled into the parking lot. I wasn't even sure if I really wanted to do this. Part of me thought that it was a bad idea, and that I should just forget it, turn around and go home. But at the end, curiosity took over.

    The warm air hugged me as soon as I entered the City Library. The misery I had from the cold and the rain was gone in an instant. I could hear nothing but the sound of pages being turned, and the cracking of the fireplace. It felt like home.

    The librarian, Mrs. Woodward, sat behind the counter, alone as always. “A freak”, my mom would call her. I didn’t agree with her one bit. “She just perfers to be in her own company.” I would reply. Rumor has it that her husband and son both died, and that she had been mourning for them ever since. That explained why she rarely talked and why she was always in black.

    I tried to avoid her. Easy task, I told myself. But the old woman always seemed to be everywhere.

    Looked like she was the only one to ask today. I took out the piece of paper and placed it in front of her.

    “Mrs. Woodward?” I breathed out her name, “I was wondering if you know where this book is?”

    After a long pause, she glanced up at the paper. I could tell that she recognized it because for a moment, she looked scared. Then she blinked, narrowed her eyes, and looked straight into mine, as if she was  searching for something. That reaction certainly didn't make things easier for me, and there I was wondering why my mom called her a freak. I cleared my throat, then repeated my self , “ I would like to know where this book is, please.” 

    Staring at me still, Mrs. Woodward nodded toward her left. Unknown Author, the old sign read. I never went there, and I guess nobody did. That place was abandoned. It sat there alright, just like all the other shelves, but no one really care about it. But unlike the popular books, where everyone usually hung out, this place was almost forgotten. I thanked her, but she still hadn't taken her eyes off me. Creepy, and by that I mean both her and that place. I took a deep breath. Come out as soon as you find it, I thought to myself. Nothing’s gonna bite you.

    As I entered the dark room, I almost wanted to go back. The smell of old paper and worn out furniture filled my lungs. I couldn’t wait to get the hell out of this place. With that thought, I began to search through the books. 

    …uk.001-094, the writing on a shelf read.

    It was getting darker.

    …uk. 121-209…

    I couldn’t stop the heat from rushing up to my head.

    …uk. 255-299…

    I breathed heavily. It was not too late to turn back.

    …uk. 300.  

    And I was there.