The First Day

Alex was walking to the library. He had a strong love for thriller books. He always find time to read, even under hectic workdays. The library was just one block away from his office. So, he visited it on a daily basis and borrowed books often. As usual, he entered the library to greet the librarian, who was a very friendly man. But, he was nowhere to be seen today. Instead a young lady occupies the librarian's chair.

Alex felt awkward, because he waved to the seat as usual, but today, the person on the seat was a lady that he didn't know. Catherine was at first surprised to see a stranger waving at her like he knew her well. Then, she understood what happened, by the look on Alex's face. He had a sheepish look on his face. Anyway, he walked up to the lady and asked "Is Martin on leave today? ". "No, he was transferred from here. It was unexpected. And, I'm the new librarian ", she replied with charm. "Oh, I didn't knew that! Why would he be transferred, all of a sudden? ", Alex questioned politely. "Well, this is a government library. They do such things more often here. Only god knows, what is in their minds" she chuckled. Alex smiled and extended his hands to her "I'm Alex, one of your daily faces". "I'm Catherine. Pleasure meeting you", she replied.

Alex was impressed by her. A good-looking and charming young lady. He went on to his world of thriller books. As usual, he started choosing a book. Presently, he was into Dan Brown books. Such a classy writer! Alex always thought about the work, the writer should've done, inorder to complete the book. And he felt Dan Brown outruns most of the authors in that aspect. He took out Digital Fortress from the collection and went over to his usual seat, near the glass window.

After spending an hour on the book, he went to the librarian to request a borrowal, before leaving. Catherine grinned at him. "Where are you from? ", Alex asked her. "I live nearby, just 5 blocks from here", she replied. "Oh, I thought you were transferred from a long way to here", Alex said. "No, I'm new to the profession. And I was lucky enough to grab an opportunity in this library", she answered his doubt. "Ok. I would like to borrow this book...", Alex continued and took a few minutes to leave the library. He discovered a newfound liking for Catherine. He found her extremely beautiful and charming. Alex walked back home, thinking about Digital Fortress, but with intervening thoughts of Catherine from time to time.