4- It's Getting Better

I think the best decision I've actually made in my life was leaving my parents home and deciding to do it all on my own. It really hasn't been easy but at least I've experienced more and being Mr Lampton's assistant has helped me evolve in who I am as a person. I've learnt more on how to curb my temper and emotions even in the craziest of situations. This is due to the fact that many people who have come into the library just have a knack of getting my nerves.

If it wasn't some horny motherfucker trying to get into my pants, it was some kids their parents just dropped off as a means to get rid of them for a while so that they can have sometime to themselves. All in all I was just really frustrated but I couldn't also help but be grateful. I had a roof over my head and the pay was also good. I had been able to save enough to pay for stuff in college and also have some extra cash to get a few things for myself.

It's now been a month since I left home and not even one of my family members has tried to reach out to me. Although I act tough like it doesn't matter to me but it still hurts that they actually don't care. I'm just literally 15 minutes away from the house and I've not even for once heard that they were looking for me.

It became even harder when anyone I knew had some sort of relationship with my parents or sister came into the library. Sometimes I would have to hide or wear a cap and mask throughout the duration of their stay in the library. This cat and mouse chase was so exhausting for me. However, I couldn't let them know that I was here. I didn't trust them enough not to ruin it for me.

Well it was another hot day in the library with little or no turnout and I couldn't just help but sit and admire the interior of the library. You would think that because it was built years ago, the inside would probably look outdated. But that wasn't the case, I found out that Mr Lampton made sure that the interior got renovated every three years since he took over as the librarian.

That man was really something else. He was like a breath of fresh air for me and I am really grateful to him. Over the course of my stay here as his assistant, he has literally become the father my own dad wasn't to me. Sometimes he would get me breakfast or lunch, ask me if I was okay and occasional added huge tips to my salary. Usually it was customers that gave tips to workers but my own boss was different.

I couldn't be happier. It felt like finally someone actually cared about me. My feelings, emotions, welfare and all. There was this inner peace that I felt inside my chest. One that I don't think I've ever felt in my entire life. This just showed that I was making the progress and changes I had wanted to make in my life.

I was so lost in thought that I didn't hear the library door open and a very tiny voice startled me out of my reverie. I looked down to see a little girls of about five years staring at me with big brown eyes and her hair plaited into pigtails.

"Excuse me miss," she said so politely

"Do you sell barbie books in here? I want to buy a big collection for my friends and I,' she gave an exaggerated hand gesture when she said the word big.

"No, I'm afraid not little miss. we don't have Barbie books in the library. You should check at the kiddies store a few meters away and I think you'll see some there," I responded to her with a downcast being sorry for not being able to give her what she wanted.

Her lips began to tremble and she looked like she was about to burst into tears any minute from now and I became scared. This was because I wasn't that great with kids not to talk more of a crying one. I immediately came closer to her and patted her hair softly

"Please don't cry little miss. The book store is just about two minutes away and I'm sure you'll get the biggest collection of Barbie books for yourself and your friends," I said while trying to comfort her.

She wiped her eyes with her cute little eyes and smiled gently. I felt so proud of myself because it actually worked. I got a child to stop crying or rather, I got her to not cry at all.

I then looked around the library and noticed that she was the only one here. There was no other person and not even a single adult. I bent down on my knees and put my hands on her shouted while looking into her big brown eyes

"Little girl what's your name?"

"I'm Ava and what's yours miss? ", she asked excitedly.

"Okay Ava, I'm Mercedes. First things first, where's your mum or dad? And why did you come into the library alone? You could have gotten lost, you know," I said politely while trying not to make her feel bad.

"I'm sorry," she said while looking at the ground

"I just wanted to get those barbie books because I promised my friends that I would get them. So when we walked past here, I thought I could buy them here, that's why I left my mum while she was on a call to come in here," she said almost close to tears again.

"It's alright Ava, you don't need to cry," I patted her head.

"Come", I held her hand

"Let's go outside and check for your mum. She must be so worried since you left without telling her."

I led her outside the library and tried to see if I could locate her mum. We walked for a few minutes and we didn't see anyone and I tried to ask the little girl the directions to her house but she didn't know. I then decided to head back to the library and inform Mr Lampton so he could help locate her mother. We were almost at the entrance of the library when we heard a loud voice. We turned as we saw a woman running towards us

"Mummy", Ava shouted

"Oh my God, Ava baby, where did you go? I've been looking around for you. I just picked a call and then I looked back, I didnt see you. I was so petrified," the woman grabbed Ava and hugged her tightly.

I cleared my throat because it seemed like she didn't even notice that I was standing there. She looked up at me and suddenly her expression turned defensive

"Who are you and what are you doing with my daughter ?" She asked looking at me wearily

"My name is Mercedes and I work at the library " I said while pointing to the library.

I then went on to explain what had happened and then her demeanor towards me softened up. Immediately I finished narrating what occurred to her, she startled me by pulling me in for a hug

"Thank you so much, thank you. I really appreciate you. When I didn't see her, my mind already ran a thousand miles and I was so scared that something had happened. Thank you for taking out of your time to help her look for me," she released me from her hold and smiled genuinely.

"It's fine actually. I only did what a normal person should do. Nothing more. Besides when she told me what she did, I imagined how worried you must have been and that's why I decided we should come out and look for you," I explained while smiling back at her.

"Pardon my manners, I'm Iris and I just moved into the neighborhood with my family. I'm also sorry for my harsh behavior at first. I was just really worried," she said.

Little wonder I had never seen any of them around.

"Nice to meet you Iris and please it's fine, I totally understand your behavior. Anyone in your shoes would do the exact same thing."

I then looked at Ava

"Ava, please promise me that you would never do this kind of thing again. Anytime you're going anywhere, please let mummy or daddy know okay?," I smiled at her

"Yes miss, I promise," she said happily

I then turned back to Iris who was smiling as she watched our little exchange

"Okay Iris, I'll have to head back to the library as it has been a long day and I should probably close up for the day. Once again, it was nice to meet you," I shook her hands

"Thanks once again Mercedes. I guess I'll see you around then."

She then looked at Ava

"Baby, say bye and thank you to Miss Mercedes."

Ava walked forward and hugged me. I guess they were huggers in their family

"Thank you Miss Mercedes and bye," she said so cutely.

"Bye little Ava," I turned around and walked towards the library.

I noticed that Mr Lampton had already left so I just closed up the place and locked the doors. I thought about the events of the day and smiled to myself. I sighed and thought to myself, at least its getting better.