Paige and the Lost Library of Atlantis

Paige and the Lost Library of Atlantis Chapter 8

Chapter 8

Again, the girls found themselves sitting in Mr. Wilder's colorful cubicle. The curator spoke to them first.

"Finally, that spell has kicked in, and we can get back to the matter at hand without miss Paige's inconvenient emotions getting in our way."

Paige knew that statement should make her angry. All she felt, though, was a vague sense of annoyance. She looked up at The Curator but did not bother to respond.

Billie turned toward Thaddeus. "We need to find the Atlantis Protectors. I think they are the only ones who can save us now. They created The Erasers, we are hoping they know a way to disable them. That is if they didn't get erased themselves."

"Now, let me double-check my files here," Thaddeus said as he rifled through a messy file cabinet. "I believe that the Atlantis branch was... yes, I've found it now..." He pulled out a crinkled stack of papers, trying to straighten them on the edge of his desk. "The Atlantis branch went dark ages ago. See, it says so right here.'' He waved the wrinkled stack of papers in Billie's face.

Now it was Paige's turn to speak up. "Yes, we know that. We are here because there is a rumor that the Atlantis Protectors survived and took refuge here in this world. What the heck is this world called anyway?"

Thaddeus looked amused. He crossed his foot over his knee and clasped his hands in front of him.

"There are many named for this world. Some call it hell. It does have an official name, however. This is the town of Oakwood Meadows. Now I know it sounds like either a housing development or a mobile home park, but that's the name. Before you ask me, this town is the world. There are not enough people hiding out here to generate a world full of stories. So everyone lives here. In Oakwood Meadows. 'The averagest place to be.' We even have a gift shop. Be sure to stop in there and get yourself a T-shirt."

"You didn't exactly answer her question." Billie accused with a bored tone in her voice. "I mean, the one about the Protectors of Atlantis."

"Ahh, yes, yes, I am getting to that." He was interrupted by a loud snore. Paige looked toward the noise and saw the Curator, slumped in her chair, snoring away.

Paige reached over and smacked the Curator on the arm. "I'm sorry if this is boring you, but we are trying to save the world here. Actually, trying to save every world."

The Curator, startled awake, shakes her head. "Of course, I am awake. Please do not touch me. What do I have to do, wear a hula hoop around my waist? Ever heard of personal space? Thaddeus, Please, continue."

Clearing his throat again, Thaddeus continued. "I have heard these rumors as well. If they are hiding out anywhere, it very well maybe here. Have you tried the Oakwood Meadows Public Library? It may sound like a stupid suggestion, but maybe they are hiding in plain sight."

"Genius, my dear Thaddeus, simply a marvelous idea." The Curator said. She stood up and walked toward the door. "Come on, girls, let's be on our way. Chop chop.'' With that, she was already out the door.

Paige looked toward the door, watching her go. "You know, if I had suggested that, she would have called me simple-minded or something. Good thing, I don't even care anymore."

Billie started toward the door, getting ready to leave. Paige was curious about something, though. She stayed behind, waiting until the others left before she spoke.

"Mr. Wilder, if you don't mind me asking, why do you dress as you do, why do you decorate like this?"

"Why am I so eccentric, you ask? It is kind of a sad story. As you know, this place has wards that make life here hard. No absolute depression, but also no absolute joy either. Every other Protector has left this place. Those who were not on the run, took other assignments. Some took their chances with leaving, preferring to live a short, and fulfilling life to a long, sad one in hiding. Some, though, some of my friends went the way of Billie's mother, before we put up the wards. So I am the only one left. I do my best to bring as much happiness to my life as I can."

Paige wished she felt more sympathy for him. What she felt, though, was just a mild curiosity.

"Why haven't you just left this place? Maybe you can, if we manage to defeat The Erasers."

"Someone has to stay. Someone has to keep up these wards and protect these people. I hope you are right, Paige, I hope you succeed, and I can leave, and go find a pocket of happiness for myself. But, I find, for the first time in a long time, I have hope. Maybe you will succeed, and I hope you do. But even if you fail, my time here will be over. I won't be alone here anymore."

Paige, satisfied with his answer, turned to follow Billie, once again, out the door. There was a vague warmth in her chest at the thought of 'following Billie.' She had lost the passion she had felt a short time ago when she was kissing her. She even missed the pain, sadness, and anger. It had been hard to deal with her grief, but at least it was hers. She had been robbed of something important. Something that made her...her. Although she felt 'less,' she did feel determined. She was determined to win. To get her passion and pain back. To raise and fall together with Billie.