The Library Girl

One Year Later

December 31, 2016

Today I received a parcel in the post. It was wrapped in brown paper, and there was a sticker stuck on the front with my name and address printed clearly in typed letters. I turned it over, and saw my publishing company's emblem on the back,along with their return address. My heart immediately began to beat against my chest at four times its usual speed. 

Clutching the package carefully, I rushed inside.Leanne was in the kitchen preparing dinner, but she came out to see what my commotion was all about. Her eyes lit up when she saw what I held in my hands, and she sounded almost as excited as I felt when she said: "It's the book, Rosa! It's finally arrived!"

I could hardly contain my excitement as she lead me into the living room to open it. We sat together on the couch and I tore open the brown wrapping. I usually like to preserve wrapping by opening it carefully, but this time I could barely contain myself. I was in a hurry to see what I knew was inside.I pulled out the book and stared at the cover. 

The artist had done a wonderful job. The cover depicted a girl with long black hair and wearing a pale lilac dress. She was sitting atop a pile of books, while reading yet another book which had butterflies flying out of the pages.The title was written in large, flowing gold script underneath the picture. I traced the letters with my finger; they felt bumpy,popping out of the page a little. Underneath the title, in evenly spaced, white capital letters, was my very own name.

I slowly flicked through the pages. The layout was wonderful, and there was a beautiful picture at the end of each chapter. I was full of joy. My very own words, published in a real book. I would treasure it forever.Then I flicked to the back of the book and read the information about the author:

Rosa has always loved to read, and always dreamed of being an author. When she was only twelve years of age, she lost her family and house in a fire. She moved into her village library, and became the town's much loved "library girl." It was there that her passionate love of books inspired her to write this story.

Leanne put her arm around me, and I smiled. The summary was perfect. All of it was perfect. And although I haven't lived in the library for over a year, I know that in my heart I am still the library girl. I always have been, and I always will be. I am the library girl forever.