Esther Raushenbush Library Novels & Stories

155 Shania adjusted the stack of books in her arms as she stepped into the cozy library at the foundation’s headquarters. This had quickly become her favorite spot to retreat to, a quiet space where stories lived and dreams flourished. A part of her still marveled at how far things had come. The library was bustling with activity as kids and young adults flipped through pages of novels and textbooks. Shania watched a young girl named Tasha animatedly discuss a book with her peers, her shy demeanor replaced by an infectious enthusiasm.

“Oh.. Mrs. Vaughan, I didn’t realize—” “You didn’t need to.” She gave him a polite smile, then turned to me. “Come, dear. Let’s go somewhere quieter.” The whispers began as soon as we walked past the desk. Bianca Calloway. The founder’s daughter. Esther led me to her office on the second floor. It was warm, softly lit, a blend of modern and memory. The framed photos of my father on the wall made my throat tighten. “Sit,” Esther said gently. “You look tired.”

Estelle nodded, “Yeah, don’t worry. I’ll find something to do, maybe check out the library some more.” “Alright.” Miranda stood up, “I’ll get going now. I still need to take a shower and change.” She made a show of smelling her underarms and made a face. Estelle laughed and waved her off. After finishing the snacks that Miranda left, she went down to the library. She still couldn’t help the gasp that escaped her lips at the sight of it. Majestic, she thought. Who built this place? Estelle stopped at the thought. Must be his grandfather.

Easton seemed to know what I was looking for as he led me to the shelves containing books on other species. “This isn’t even the public library.” He told me as he scanned the shelves. “You mean there’s another library?” I implored. “Yep, and it’s even bigger than this.” He chuckled. Easton found some books about Fae, and gestured for me to follow him. In a back corner of the library, there was a small area that seemed to be a small office space. He sat the books on the desk. “We use this when there are too many books to go through. You can sit anywhere with whatever books you want, though.” He said.

I’m going for somewhere less intimidating and noisy. That’s right. I’ve followed Hana to the Sterling Memorial Library at the heart of the campus. The building was just as beautiful as the day I attended the ribbon cutting in 1930. I’ve always loved this library and its ever-expanding collection of books. I couldn’t let myself get distracted by the architecture if I didn’t want to lose Hana in the large building.

I did not hold the thought. Esther stopped in front of the office and rapped twice on the door. A voice from inside allowed us to know that we were free to enter, and she pushed the door in slowly. The office that we entered was extravagantly huge, but it looked like its space was being utilised to the fullest. Rows of trophies and achievements took up an entire wall on one side of the room; another was lined with bookshelves, which held neatly arranged books. The other wall was made entirely of glass and looked down at the busy street outside.

Clem commented, looking at Esther. "You should go and check it out. You might have an idea on how to open it. After all, you are a witch too." He said to her. Esther nodded, then walked towards the library section, that was just filled with books. She was confused. There was not even a space or a lock or something. Nothing. Just books. She wringled her hands on each other. She was nervous. They were expecting her to do something as a witch, and she was useless. She felt useless.

“This place is huge! You run it all by yourself?” “Sort of.” I blushed. Why was I blushing? “There’s one other librarian that helps out.” “Yeah, but according to Mayor Pippins, she’s ancient.” Ethan added laughing. “Hey.” I said, not amused. “She’s a very nice woman and she’s been a resident of Greenbrooke for over forty years.” “You’re right.” Ethan chuckled, trying to be serious. “I apologize for the insensitive comment.” I nodded as we made our way to the back of the library. The first place I liked to take people when they wanted a tour was to the garden. It was so beautiful and serene and I could tell that Ryan would appreciate its uniqueness.

She glances around, then looks up at me quizzically. “What?” I ask curiously. “Nothing, I just… you don’t seem like the reading type,” she says sheepishly. I smirk, “I’m full of surprises. Besides, I need to pass the time somehow. Books are a good escape. She walks in, and once again wanders around taking in the room. It’s a two-story library, with a black wrought iron spiral staircase leading to the second floor. The room’s 20-foot tall window looks out into the expansive entrance to the estate, which at this hour is lit up by night lights. The room is very minimalistic with white walls, grey furniture and black shelves lining every wall and overflowing with books.

Everyone leaves the elevator on their floors, and I am the only one left, and when the doors open, I see Esther waiting for me with a broad smile on her face. “Layla, I’m glad you’re here,” she says as she guides me through the corridor that is full of double doors until we reach a white room with windows from floor to ceiling. I can see the statue of liberty from here, and I can’t help but let a “wow” come out of my lips. “This is beautiful,” I say, and Esther smiles as she guides me to the small room where we can leave our belongings. “No cell phones allowed during work times,” Esther says, and I nod, grabbing my phone and typing a quick text to Jo, “Phones not allowed. I’ll message during