Chapter 164Books to Borrow

Nuru and I left Hitori's house and went onto the streets. She was looking really happy with the idea of going to lots and lots of books and, to be honest, so was I. It had been a long time since I'd been in the library, especially since I was too busy with school and my room was filled with books I got anyway. But it had always been a lovely place. It was a big one, with several floors, open in the central hall.

There wasn't a Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton there.

It was kind of odd, but every time I walked into the library I had the feeling that there should be a huge dinosaur skeleton in the center. Instead there was just an open space with a desk at the ground floor.

The streets caressed our feet until we entered the library.

And again the emptiness I felt when I walked through the revolving doors, Nuru closely behind me. She picked up fast on everything that happened to her but this time she openly took some time to take it all in.

"Wow" She exclaimed softly as her eyes looked all around the big open space, looking up at the higher floors and the books contained there. She made a childish twirl as she really wanted to take in everything.

I almost forgot to tell that the library was a strange mix of modern and classic. The lighting, for example, was quite modern. Hidden away in the walls and aimed at the ceiling, the lights spread a soft light with very diffuse shadows. The bookcases themselves were of brown and red wood with plaques of brushed metal that showed the categories, numbers and other relevant information.

Strangest of all, perhaps, was the floor. One would have expected perhaps stone or linoleum tiles, even plain wood would have been presumed. But actually there beneath our feet was short carpet with a two color-pattern that didn't really disturb the eyes. The pale and deep red gave the already soft light a gentle glow from beneath. Here and there, near the ground, was some lighting as well. Softer than the rest of the light and perhaps more meant to guide people along certain paths.

All in all, the combination of styles came together reasonably well. With only some things to irk the eyes.

Like the empty space. Or the glass-in-lead windows here and there. They looked off. Clear windows would have been better. Some sunlight for the desks at the windows would have made them a brilliant place to read.

Nothing is perfect I guess.

The girl at the desk smiled as she noticed me. "Amy!"

I knew her, a bit unkept dark blond hear, glasses obviously. She was very frail and not too tall but she almost always had a friendly calm expression on her face. Even though I hadn't been here in months or so, she still recognized me. I always forgot her name though... What was it again? Sandy? Sam? "Hey... eh.. Sandy was it?"

The girl giggled. "You really do forget every time, don't you? It's Sandra."

"I'm sorry, I don't know why I keep the wrong name in my head. I'm sure it won't happen again." My memory had improved a lot, but only since I'd been changed. At least now I knew.

And would remember.

"Who's your friend?" She pushed the glasses back a little higher on her nose, a reflex I guessed.

"She's visiting and really loves books, so I couldn't resist bringing her here. Her name is Nuru. Oh! Is it a problem if I lend her my library card?"

She shrugged. "If she's just visiting, I guess. There's no picture involved anyway. I won't tell if you won't" She winked playfully.

"What are you doing here at this hour? Usually you're only here in the afternoons. I noticed you haven't been here for a while, where have you been? You look great in those clothes, is it a new style? Oh, and you never guess what we got in just last week, the new books about that one writer you like, with the flat disc like world. And of course of those vampire stories as well. But that's been there for a while. Did you read those already?"

Just like usual. After the initial surprise she set back in her common stream of words, too fast for anyone to really reply. But in this case I noticed I could keep it all in my head. A smile grew on my face as I prepared myself to reply.

She looked at me expectantly. "I was too busy during the day, school and given books kept me occupied. A female friend of mine helped me choose this style, I like it too. I know where both are, I'll check."

The expression on her face was priceless, she blinked a few times as she processed everything I just replied. "Oh great!"

Satisfied with the answers she went back to work. It was kind of cute, she always had so much on her mind that when she talked it came all at once. I guess she was one of my rare friends from before...

Nuru had crept kind of behind me while I'd talked to Sandra, I took her hand and led her to the books. Well, as a start anyway. I gave her a nice guided tour through the various sections in the library. From the fantasy to the horror, through the study books to the comics. I even showed her the more mature section of the library, one that was surprisingly extensive.

I'd only read two books from there though. They were completely the same and very boring. The same guys, the same women. No inspiration at all.

Nuru was so excited through this all. But she kept quiet. Her face was just a continued expression of silent glee. At least she respected the library, staying quiet. The biggest question I had was what she would choose to read first.

"Nuru..." I started but something got my attention. We were relatively close to the hall, standing on the first floor, looking down on the desk. "Wait, step back for a moment."

Two men, well dressed in their suits, were walking up to Sandra. They gave me the chills. Something was very wrong about them. Contrary to my expectations, they didn't wear sunglasses though. Nuru stayed away from the railing, so they wouldn't be able to see her. I just stood there casually, as if I was thinking about something.

One of them glanced around, the other started talking.

"Miss, we're looking for a young girl, Nuru. maybe you've seen her." He held up a picture.

From here I couldn't quite see what they were holding up. Sandra looked at it and tapped with a pencil against her lips, looking up at me. This told me enough. I shook no almost imperceptibly and Sandra, smart girl, kept on looking around as if she was thinking.

"No, I haven't seen her."