Chapter 1
People used to believe that it was the humans that choked the planet into the condition we’re fighting hard to treat today. That couldn’t be further from the truth. It’s ignorant youths that grows up to be just as ignorant as it’s elders. From a different perspective it’s people who don’t care enough, so they don’t do. Other species of beings are no better. They don’t know enough, they don’t practice enough, they don’t care enough. That’s what kills hospitality, or the good will of ‘humanity’.
That is what Chezel has to deal with now. A bunch of ignorant youths who can care less, growing up to be rude entitled miscreants. Or so her anger is to make her believe. She stares up at the pile of books that the students so graciously deshelved in the middle of the night. A wonderful act they provide every two months or so. Books of different ages, with delicate pages tossed carelessly on top of each other. She tore her gaze from the disheartening display to the furniture. Tables and chairs laid about on the floor and the shelves naked. She closed her eyes to manage the emotions building within her.
Inhale.. exhale.. her eyes fluttered open.
“At least now I can dust and polish the furniture.” She set aside her purse and began to collect the books. Starting from the very top, she gently untangled the books from each other, careful not to rip a page. She examined for any gum or suspicious substance that may cause unrepairable damage (just as last time did) before neatly stacking them on their sides.
Fortunately this wasn’t the case, the books only suffered from wrinkled pages and scratched spines. An hour later, she was half way done. Her legs creaked, like rusted gears, as she stood from her knees. She looked to a nearby clock and was shocked to know that she spent four hours separating the books. The furniture laid about across the room, a pile of books still reached her chest, stacks of books still needed proper tending to. So many things needed to be done in so little time.
Manipulating time with magic wasn’t new to her and was a great idea. Stopping time to finish the task that would usually take her a week or so. Great idea. But maybe this wasn’t such a great idea. In just a few minutes she is expecting a scheduled tour for a possible new member. This person should probably know this particular fact before paying the application and monthly fees.
There have been members who expressed their need to know that the second floor library gets ransacked every few months. Chezel’s ears twitched to the sound of shuffling echoing from down stairs. If it’s the visitor then it’s early. With a heavy heart she stepped away from the pile of books and waited to greet the visitor. If this effects the visitor’s choice on being a member, then so be it. It’ll be for the best.
The sound of multiple pairs of steps ascend the stairs with boisterous laughter. She had only scheduled one visitor tour, not a group. Other than her assistant and herself, there should be no reason for this much noise. Chezel prepared herself for a group of troublesome people and wasn’t surprised to see them. A group of smiling youth lead by my assistant, cautiously looking her way and examining the library they just entered.
A tall man, about 6’5”, more than half her size stood center of them. Blonde hair and blue eyes complimented his princely looks. A girl latched to his side, suggestively dressed, sipping on her beverage through a straw. Two more girls occupied his other side, laughed among themselves. Three men joked behind them, with tight spines. A handsome group indeed, could be models. Chezel greeted them with a gentle nod, her face refusing to twist into any expression.
“Oh Mrs. Gouthro! I’m Alain Beast. I’m sorry for the inconvenience but my friends insisted on joining. I hope you don’t mind.” The tall princely one jumped forward. He was so sincere in his tone that he caught Chezel off guard.
“Not a worry. The scheduled tour was mainly for me. More people does not bother me in the slightest but..” she stepped aside to provide a better view of the chaotic room. “I might inconvenience you. The room is in no condition for a proper tour. Which happens quite a lot. I understand if this changes your mind about-“
“OMG!! LOOK AT THIS DUMP!! YOU’D THINK THAT FOR A PAID MEMBERSHIP YOU’D GET BETTER SERVICE!!” The girl sipping her beverage shouted, she squeezed her breast on Alain’s arm. “Come on baby~. This whole thing turned out to be a bust. Let’s go have some fun okay~“
“What do you mean? I just got here. Why don’t you guys go? I still want to talk to Mrs. Gouthro.” Alain slipped his arm free and gently pushed the girl back. The group pouted, only wanting to stay in his company.
“Like I said, they may stay. What is it that you wanted to talk about Mr. Beast?” Alain stepped closer to Chezel with a gentle smile.
“Please, call me Alain. About the physical copies… does the university take orders in case I want a specific book? And is it possible for me to check them out? And for how long?” Something inside Chezel fluttered.
“Oh- well this library is not directly employed by the university so I will be the one taking orders for any specific book you might be looking for. Check outs are available to members only but only for two weeks. Any longer and you’ll need to either renew the check out or pay a late fee. These books are from my own personal collections so I ask students to handle with care..” her voice trailed off. She always makes it clear that these books are precious but students still abuse them.
“Wow. I see. That’s very admirable Mrs. Gouthro. I’ll be sure to take extra care while handling the books.” Chezel thanked him, if only she could twist her clay lips in a gentle smile.
“The library also provides digital access to any book that’s not displayed on the shelves. If you would like , the front desk will hand you a personal tablet to study from.” Chezel was excited to receive a possible new member. The two got lost in conversation about membership privileges. The forgotten crowd settled in seats, waiting for it to end. Most of them understood that this was one of Alain’s interests, that it’s only right for him to have fun.
But the young girl who craved his attention the most felt disrespected. Her company was priceless, why would Alain want to deal with a flat chested shrimp than be with her? She clenched her drink and rushed in between the two. Splashing her drink in Chezel’s face. Everyone gasped.
“Alain~.. oh dear~ oh no! I’m sooo sorry. I just-” The assistant pushed the girl aside?
“What the hell?! You said that it was almost empty!” The girl shrugged.
“Well I guess I was wrong. Sorry~” the girl reached out for Alain’s arm but he stepped out of reach with a scowl. “Wha- what!?”
“You promised that you’ll behave, Mandy. Mrs. Gouthro I am terribly sorry.” Alain took out a napkin and gently patted Chezel’s cheek.
Chezel watched as everyone fussed over the incident but their voices quickly became distorted. Their figures twisted and lost contrast. Her voice came out shaky and they would’ve almost missed it. She tried to face her assistant but she couldn’t tell which silhouette belonged to whose “thats alright, I’m fine.. I” she felt liquid drop on her hand, the sensation rippled through out her body, her eyebrows made an effort to draw together.
The thought of her skin touching liquids chilled her. A shiver ran up her spin. Fear over took her. But why was she scared of getting wet? She felt the ground on her knees and hands wrap around her arms. One drop of liquid on her skin seemed to increase in her mind, repeating in a loop, until she felt as though she was drowning. Panic set in then..
Darkness.
Chezel fainted into worried hands, slowing her fall. Mandy was cast out as Alain gathered an unconscious Chezel off the floor. The young assistant left to fetch a towel and they sat there worried. Some worried for Alain’s sake alone, what if this affected his ability to apply for membership? They glanced at him and watched as he studied her features.
