Chapter 43: LIBRARIAN LINDA

" Oh my, the awakening of a new dawn." Natasha was having a great laugh about what she claimed to be the recent developments.

" I think so..." Trailing off, I watched her chuckle loudly oblivious to the death glares being thrown at us. Not just the librarian's but every other person around. The library was starting to get packed as dusk was gradually approaching.

" I've been dreaming of this day since the first time I met you." She got up to do a dramatic twirl in the yellow sundress she was wearing.

"You must be kidding me."

"No no, the day Jeremy Heath turns a new leaf with would be a day all shall hear of the goodness of life." There was even a brief curtsy at the end of her twirl. The world must be turning upside down.

"All?"

"Yes, everyone would know how great the world is becoming." She panted a little before trying to control her breath. Is that exhaustion I detect? Can't possibly be, at least not yet.

"Okay then, live up to what you've said." Stroking my chin, I tried to come up with my version of fun. After all, she should live up to her words.

"Live up?"

"Yes Natasha, let everyone know of my new leaf." From the corner of my eye, I could see the librarian watching our every move. This is definitely going to be a blast.

"No way!" Her eyes widened when my words sank in. Impeccable wits if I must admit. I didn't need much explaining, she caught onto it ever so quickly.

"Yes, way!"

Just as I predicted, Natasha threw her arms in the air frantically, her voice getting louder by the minute. Little did she know that the higher the pitch the higher the possibility of getting kicked out anyway. "We'll get kicked out, banned, arrested."

"Kicked out, maybe. Banned, we won't be coming here often anyway. Think about it, we might not even come here ever again, so what do you stand to lose. Arrested, I don't think so." Can they really get us arrested for causing havoc in a local library?

"I'm not so sure...."

"It's part of my tour. For the best experience, you have to listen to the tour guide. Go ahead Natasha, do as I say." Nudging her by the side, I tried to convince her soothingly. I would be getting back at her for teasing me and have a delightful show too. It's a win-win if you ask me.

"Fine"

"I'm cheering you on." I tried clapping and whooping quietly to show she had my support. That is until cops show up. Much to my surprise, Natasha walked up to a chair and settled her feet on it.

"Ma'am get down from the chair, you are violating the ethics of the library." The person who had been burning death glares to our backs was quick to caution her. This should turn out somewhat well....

"Just one second. Listen up, everyone." She tried to get everyone's attention but her feminine squeaky voice wasn't doing much. Glancing at me, her eyes brows arched.

"THE LADY IS TALKING, LISTEN!" I barely needed to Yell, to get the words out as loudly as I wanted. Loud enough to gather a small audience.

"Thank you, Mr. Heath." Appreciations were thrown in my direction before she carried on with her speech.

"You are most certainly welcome. Kindly continue."

"This is a public announcement to inform you that Mr. Jeremy Heath, New York's favorite model. Cute and sexy has decided to put his old ways behind, hence turning a new leaf. Can we all celebrate with him by giving him a round of applause?" Forcing a smile through her grim face, Natasha tried to rile up the crowd. Meanwhile, they stared at her as though she grew an extra head. Most people were just wondering what the noise from the back was all about.

"SHE SAID A ROUND OF APPLAUSE!" I was more than happy to do my tour guide duties. I had to yell this time, it yielded good results as the crowd began to applaud me for my new leaf too. Even without knowing why.

"Thank you for listening." With a dramatic bow, she hopped down straightening the hem of her dress.

"That's it, both of you take your leave."

"Awwwn, but we are yet to explore the wonderful world of the library" Natasha pouted, exasperatedly sighing.

"I think you've explored enough. If you don't leave now I'll call security and give you a permanent ban."

"Geez, there's no need to go that far Mrs. Libarian."

"Yeah, what she said." I walked up to them, joining the conversation.

"The name is Linda."

"OK, there's no need to go that far Mrs. Linda the librarian."

"Just go."

"Without causing any hassle, we will leave just as you have requested. Do you know how many people will pay to have us in their libraries? But out of our goodwill and patriotism as respectable citizens, we shall obey the law." Natasha tried flipping her off, crossing her arms. Her face showed how hard she was trying to stifle back her laughter.

Turning my back, I spoke directly to the people occupying the seats. "But before we go, can I get another round of applause?"

"Why are you all being so quiet, life is so much fun with noise." Natasha inquired brightly. She was all so gabby, very surprising.

"Ummm, I don't know if you realize that this is a library." A random old lady rolled her eyes at her. Others were muttering too.

"Who says you can have noise in a library."

"Ummm, everyone...." The lady responded again.

"Well, everyone is wrong. The next time you come here, bring your speakers along and fill this place with the right kind of music. Do you understand me?"

"Yes." This time it was a teenage boy who looked like he was forced to be in here.

"I SAID, DO YOU UNDERSTAND!"

"YEAHHH" He bellowed on top of his voice, pumping his fists in the air.

"I have had enough, I'm calling security."

"Tsk Tsk, don't be against revolution. It's a good thing." My hands reached out to pat her head, just as I always did with Natasha.

"YEAH"

"LEAVE!" Linda yelled on top of her voice. It's funny how she produced more than any of us at once.

"Nice, you're catching on to it."

"SHUT UP! Why do you choose to frustrate me!"

"We already agreed to leave just give me a sec."

"What are looking for? I said you should leave. Don't go in there."

"Chill." Striding through the bookshelves, I reached out to find the book I has suddenly thought about. Perhaps Linda would allow me to lend the book without further hassles.

"I will files charges against you."

"On what ground?"

"You're disrupting the peace and stability of an establishment. A prestigious one if I might add."

"Oh, establishment. Sounds fancy."

"Urgh."

"I'm here. Let's go Natasha with our dignity intact."

"Yeah, the joke's on you librarian Linda.

Linda crossed her arms over her chest defensively. "Where are you taking the book to?"

"It's the local high school's yearbook for a previous set. I'll make sure to return it."

"Now, let's go, Jeremy. This place bores me out."

"Have a good day."

"You're banned from coming back here, ever!"

"Even from returning the book?" I chipped in smartly.

"No, not that. You return the book first then the ban"

"Shouldn't you implement the ban immediately?" Natasha titled her head to the side feigning confusion. Linda on the other hand looked like she might blow up into a fit of anger any time soon.

"No, not when you're with my book. It's under my care."

"I wouldn't want a circumstance where I return with the book and get arrested or something."

"As long as you're with the book you'll be safe."

"From your murderous glances too?" I thought to push her buttons one last time.

"Get the hell out." Without batting an eyelash, she pointed her finger down the line.

There was a brief walk of shame as we padded through all sections before getting to the front desk. Linda plastered on a fake smile not wanting to cause any scene.