b a b y s i t t i n g t h e p r e s i d e n t 's d a u g h t e r

Chapter 4: A Curse? You May Be Right After All

The entire week after that was a blur, cleaning those dusty books. But things weren't so bad now that Mr. Henderson was there with me. He brought a happy atmosphere to the library and always found a way to make my day.

"Emaline says you look a little sad today, darling." His sweet grandfatherly voice rang clear, "Is everything alright?"

I bit my lips and sheepishly denied the "spirit's" concern; honestly I was a little frightened by the thought of a spirit called Emaline. Mr. Henderson talked about her much, telling me daily about her likes and her dislikes, her favorite foods, their favorite places to go on a date at Everton. He smiled whenever he talked about her; always giving me full details about her as if she were still alive.

"I'm alright, Mr. Henderson."

The old man smiled; wrinkles forming like waves on his face as he pulled out the chair next to him, "Why don't you take a break from the books, dear? You've been working at them for a long time now."

I looked back at the pile of books; so disgusted that I wanted to burn them all. The very sight of them was provoking. I could use a break, so I left the rags with the books and joined Mr. Henderson. At first I was unsure where to sit; for fear of sitting on "Emaline" but he never said a word.

"Why aren't you out there enjoying the fresh air?" He smiled as he put his book aside with a bookmark; intent on talking to me.

I shrugged and smiled politely, "Someone has to care for the books."

He chuckled, "The books will always be here. You should be out there, my dear, taking in the beautiful morning air. Stop and see Everton for what it really is and it will become everything you could ever dream of."

"Really?" I raised an eyebrow, very much doubting his words. That's pretty hard to believe.

"Its all in the mind," He gently tapped the side of my head and retreated; smiling as he continued, "The truth is, anywhere can be what you've always dreamed of. It's a matter of how you look at things. It may not be what everyone else sees as ideal, but...somehow," -he looked on the other side of him and smiled; as if turning to Emaline sitting next to him- "It will have its way through to your heart. Just wait and see."

I stared at him as he smiled happily at Emaline. It was a genuine smile on his face.

"So tell me," He turned back to me, "What brings you to Everton?"

I laughed at the question and simply answered, "Just taking a break from the world. It's complicated."

I looked at him; unsure whether or not to go on.

"Nothing is ever too complicated."

I took a deep breath, "I just needed a break."

Mr. Henderson smiled, "So you decided to work in a library?"

"I didn't choose to come here," I burst into a laugh, "My parents sent me."

He looked confused, "To work in a library?"

"They sent me to live with my uncle. He owns the place." I grinned; hoping he could connect the dots.

"This one?"

"Um, yeah."

Mr. Henderson leaned back as he nodded and folded his arms, "And what was the reason for sending you here?" He sensed my hesitance in answering, "Well whatever it is, I have no doubt about you finding your way somehow." -he smiled- "In the meantime, Everton is beautiful. You will love it here."

"Thank you, Mr. Henderson." I smiled politely. He was like the grandfather I had always seen in the movies; old with white hair, sweet and simply charming.