The man inhaled, looked at Cayden, then back at me before turning to me once more, his expression now showing some awareness.
"Hi," the man said.
I mustered a smile, "Hi"
"We wanted to connect on the internet" Cayden spoke plainly and authoritatively.
“I'm sorry, but today's internet connection was extremely sluggish due to a loose and damaged internet cable”
"When is it going to be fixed?"
"Tomorrow"
“Can't it be finished today?" demanded Cayden.
“The man I contacted had an urgent call to take care of, so I'm afraid not”
At that moment, I stepped forward to interrupt them. “It's all right, I'll simply come back tomorrow”
The man nodded while smiling at me. "I am sure it was fixed tomorrow"
I mustered a smile as I said, "Thank you," and pointed to the door as I looked at Cayden.
We went outside and got in his car.
Cayden stated, "I'm sorry about that, but I can bring you to another store where there is internet."
I shook my head. “It's nothing to worry about. I'll just be back here tomorrow”
“I simply don't want you to consider our town to be lacking”
I cast a quick glance in his direction and ask, "Because I live in a city?"
He sighed, "Honestly yes. There everything was technology driven and here, this is a remote area and this is far from what you live in"
I can't help but think that this has anything to do with the earlier conversation we had about me perhaps leaving.
I grinned, "I don't find your town lacking, Cayden. And I can adjust very fast, you know. It's just that my life, and my career, were all in the US. I grew up there so I don't see myself living in a different place right now. And I don't believe a trip less than a month would convince me."
"Even Traian?" he said.
I nibbled my lower lip, thinking. And I end up with one conclusion. "Yeah, even him"
"That's one heartbreaking truth," he replied.
I whispered, "Truths are mostly heartbreaking though"
Similar to anticipating marriage and finding yourself alone. Similar to believing that the man you love is in love with you while, in reality, he is not.
Then we stopped.
Cayden said, "I guess you're stuck at the library today."
I took a quick peek outside and noticed a large structure of historic architecture. I stepped outside the car.
I said, "You have a big library," as my eyes swept over each feature of the structure.
It appears to be adhering to the Victorian motif. And I love it. Those architectural layouts have always captured my attention.
"One of the gems of the town. This library was founded 500 years ago, and many people, even from other towns, visited it. It has thousands of volumes, and Traian constantly makes sure that the latest updates of the newest books are there."
I smiled and said, "I'm very glad to hear that."
Much as how I cherish books, so do libraries. Aside from my job and daily activities, the library was one of the places I visited to pass the time, relax, get the most recent information, and take a break from paperwork. Additionally, I am a professor and am aware of the value libraries provide for students. The fact that the kids here had the most recent and updated literature made me pleased enough.
"Would you like me to stay with you?"
"No, it's okay. Thank you so much for bringing me here"
"You're welcome and it's really a pleasure to do so,” He looked around, “And if you were hungry, there are neighboring restaurants around here. And our librarian is extremely friendly; you can ask her or phone me."
I grinned. "Noted. Thank you very much,"
As he made his way back to his car, I waved at him.
"Bye," I said.
He said, "See you later," and he drove off.
I turned around and walked in the direction of the library. I opened the massive, wooden double and as soon as the door flung open, I instantly surveyed the area.
There was a reception desk on the side and as my gaze looked ahead, the tall shelves of books greeted me. And I'm completely enthralled by those sights. This will be fun.
A quiet and unsteady voice said, "How may I assist you?"
My focus shifted to the elderly woman who exited from one reception desk and was now coming toward me while smiling warmly.
She has to be their librarian.
I approached the elderly woman and said, "Hi," moving forward to meet her halfway.
To my astonishment, she held my hand while giving me a thorough once-over. Her thin, weak hands were clasped together with me.
"Welcome to our town," she says softly. "Olga is my name”
This is the woman Kate and Sally mentioned last time. Lara also works here, if I remember well. Is she also here? But I restrained myself from asking the last question. It's inappropriate for me to pry into other people's business.
"I'm Jaidyn"
"There is no one here because the students are in schools, but my regular folks will be here later, so the entire library is yours for some time," she said, releasing her grip on my hand and pointing to the library with her other hand still clutching the walking cane.
I nodded and said, "Thanks again."
When Mrs. Olga gripped my wrist and spoke, I was prepared to turn around and leave.
She speaks to me in nothing but a riddle, saying, "We have been waiting for you for so long. I hope you choose here."
I said, "If I may ask, what....what do you mean?"
Mrs. Olga gave me a little tap on the wrist while grinning at me, her gray eyes peering into mine over her large glasses.
She started to walk away from me without saying a word. And I stood there, my gaze following Mrs. Olga until I couldn't see her anymore.
I breathe in deeply. Right, I came here to look for something. And the messages I've been getting today have further strengthened the case for why I should treat this seriously.
As I made my way to the shelves, I couldn't for the life of me figure out where the 'Shifters' belonged. After spending a few hours perusing the books in the mythological sections, I left empty-handed. I still know nothing about shifters because it was never even addressed in the texts there.
I retrieved a book and made my way to the large table to unwind.
There are no people still. And, to be really honest, that's what I wanted. Simply said, I don't want anyone to notice that I searching for these ‘Shifters.’
I groaned and put my head down on the table, looking at the bookshelves.
I said, "Shifters," to myself.
Think. Consider something. Something that could serve as a hint as to where I should begin my next search.
'Shifters'
I can still hear Claire's words from when I first arrived here. My body sprang up out of the blue as my eyes widened.
"Half man, half wolf" I mumbled.