#26.1 The Book Hunt
Nov 11th, 2010 by Ashley
Alex rushes in, almost bangs on the sliding door, trips over uneven carpet and scares an old lady on her way out almost half into her already carved coffin. He mumbles half-hearted apologies and storms to the service desk. The daytime bank clerk weekend library volunteer at the counter reaches his hand down for a non-existent emergency button while Alex blurted out some words that seem to be the name of a book. The volunteer calmly retrieves his hand from the bottom of the counter and gestures to his right.
“Reference desk is right over there, sir.” He tries to be polite.
“No. You don’t understand.” Alex finally catches his breath. “There is a batch of donated books that came in yesterday. I need to see them.”
“Sir, that’s not possible.”
The volunteer cannot believe after a week at the bank, he has to endure another unreasonable asshole during the weekend. He’s now seriously considering fostering cats or dogs for animal shelters.
“Please. Help me here.”
“I don’t see how I can.”
“Please.” Alex’ face turns maroon, “I need to get the book back. It was not supposed to be donated. See, it’s my mom’s fault…”
“Yeah, blame it on your poor mother, gee.” The volunteer snickers.
“No. That’s not it. Please listen to me.” Alex wants to punch this guy so much, strangling sounds good as well, but , for once in his life, he knows better. “See. I was reading the book and I left the book on the pile by mistake. I didn’t get the chance to pick it up before my mom made the library run.” Alex pleads, “Please, I really need to get it back. It’s important.” It’s not the whole truth but he thinks it’s good enough for this pain in the ass, who, unfortunately, is his only hope.
“I might be able to help you,”
Alex stops his restless movements while the volunteer continues,
“but as you can see. There’s a line. I’m gonna help these people first. Step away please.”
Alex’ shoulders drops and he backs sheepishly away from the counter.
Alex was reading the book in the dimly lit living room. The book was, well… not a page turner, and Alex was dozing off against the shattered golden light filtered through the glorious autumn leaves. He must have dropped the book into the pile of books next to him, and when his mom walked in with a badly beaten cardboard box, he pointed to his left indicating books that were to be donated. If only…
The volunteer interrupts Alex’ train of thoughts and informs him of the unfortunate news,
“All the donated books have been sent off to Gilroy branch this morning.” He adds as if it would help. “Apparently they have a higher priority.”
Alex groans.
…tbc