Air Kingdom

Chapter 66-The Finale Part 2

There was nothing but darkness and a voice whispering in my ear.

"Emma," it crooned. It sounded like he was trying to speak in a sweet voice but the tone only sent shivers down my back. "You're so far away but that won't last for long. The second you close your eyes in Air, I'll be there. You will never get rid of me."

A pair of oddly, brightly colored eyes flashed in my vision. They looked familiar and unrecognizable at the same time. They got closer and closer until that's all I saw.

I woke up, gasping and grasping my sheets. A thin line of sweat covered my whole body and I felt too hot in my fleece covers. I glanced at the clock beside me.

4:30 pm

My plan was to wake up at 4 but that obviously didn't work out. I quickly got out of bed, combing my hair and changing into my work shirt. It was a white shirt with the words: DM's Book Emporium. It was a simple yet sweet name.

I rushed down the stairs, almost bumping into Merriam. She was short and plump but she had the biggest heart in the world. Her glasses were perched on her head and her white hair was pinned up into a bun.

"Whoa, darling. You don't want to give an old lady a heart attack."

I rushed past her, shouting a response. "Sorry! I'm late for my shift!"

I heard her mutter a few words about how I was always late. I didn't care though. I knew she was just joking around. We lived right above the store which was very convenient. I found Daniel counting the money in the cash register. He waved the large stack of bills in front of me. "This is going towards my new car."

I rolled my eyes. "Yeah, yeah. You're getting a new fancy car. I know."

As much as Daniel loved his truck, he figured that he should get in the new "in". Instead of throwing his truck away, he was going to give it to me. He knew I have an interest in driving and he would give it to me when I got my license. I would've loved to show up at school in a new convertible but you get what you get.

He put some of the bills back and tucked the rest in his pocket. " Since you're late, I already started putting away the new shipment of books on the shelf. Once you're done with that, you can pick up any stray books lying around and put them back. There's no one here right now so keep an ear out for the bell."

I nodded and glanced at the multiple boxes of books stacked up to the roof. This was going to take me until dinner. "Alright, that's it?"

"Yep. Do your best and hurry up. Merriam made pumpkin pie and there's no guarantee I'll leave some for you." He warned, patting his round stomach. Merriam made the best pumpkin pie in the town. I was in such a rush that I didn't even notice the fresh smell of pumpkin spice. I can feel my mouth watering already.

"What are you still doing here then? Hurry up and leave me alone. I got some books to unpack."

He chuckled and left me alone. Leaving me alone in the bookstore. I sighed and grabbed the box on the top, standing on the tip of my toes to reach it. The tower of boxes shook, nearly giving me a heart attack. I finally got the box down safely and almost dropped it on my foot. I opened it up and found books from folktales and myths.

I headed over the corresponding section with the box, my arms complaining the whole trip. I dropped it on the floor, the sound reverberating throughout the whole bookstore. I slowly began shelving the books away, being very meticulous about it. I hated it when I didn't find books in its right spot. It was slow and time-consuming work but I didn't mind. It was relaxing and soothing for my brain. I hummed along to the current song playing on the radio which was on the counter of the store.