The Librarian

You find an older woman in a dark pants suit kneeling on the floor, sorting through some books which are scattered haphazardly on the floor. She's muttering to herself, intent on her work, and apparently oblivious to your arrival. Her light brown hair is pulled back in a bun and she wears large plastic rimmed glasses.

"Are you ok?" you ask, startling her. As she looks up you see that your initial impression that she was middle aged was incorrect. Despite her dowdy, unflattering clothes and the heavy unsuitable glasses she can't be any older than her mid-twenties.

"Yes...yes I'm fine...you just startled me, that's all," she stammers, keeping her voice low. "I was reshelving these books and knocked the pile over. I didn't expect to see anyone this late in the day."

"I'm Darnell Sharp, the new history and geography teacher," you smile, stepping forward and extending a hand.

"Oh this is awkward," she blushes, looking down at the floor and the scattered books in dismay. "I'm Alice Wilder the librarian. I was hoping to have this finished before you got here, but I'm afraid that with one thing or another I've got behind on sorting the European History section. This must look terrible."

"No it's fine," you say with a reassuring smile. "I'm sure that you've got it well in hand. I just had some time on my hands and thought I'd see what the library had to offer."

"We're quite thorough, at least for a school this size," she says quietly. "We aren't close to university standards of course, but it's a better collection than you might expect." There's real pride in her voice as she looks up at you, giving you your first real look at her. Her hair is lighter than you first thought, and a thin wisp has escaped from her tight bun, hanging tantalisingly in front of a dainty ear with a pearl stud. Her glasses hide much of her eyes, a pretty shade of grey with blue and green flecks, and although her petite upturned nose would be best described as cute, she has surprisingly full mouth for someone so quiet.

All-in-all, you decide in the half second you use to take in her features, Alice is really quite pretty,but she doesn't have the slightest idea of how to dress or use make-up. She's like a more **** version of Ms. Naylor; a young woman trying hard to look much older.

"Was there a particular book you were looking for Mr. Sharp?" she asks softly.

"Not really. I just wanted to get a sense of what I could refer students to. May I help you with reshelving?" you ask, crouching to pick up a couple of books.

"Oh...oh no that's not necessary," she says with some anxiety. "I know it looks terrible right now but there is actually a system. This is so embarrassing, to be seen in such disorder." She flushes slightly, making her delicate features all the prettier.

"Well then, if you won't allow me to help, perhaps you'd allow me to take you to dinner," you say, spurring an even deeper flush on her skin.

"Oh, oh no. I mean, I've already eaten, and I must get this done," she answers, her soft voice tumbling over the words. "I promised myself I'd finish and I'm so far behind. I mean it's very kind of you to offer Mr. Sharp, but I really must decline."

"Perhaps another time then, Ms. Wilder," you accept her refusal with your most charming smile. "Or may I call you Alice? We don't have to be formal do we? Let's make it Darnell and Alice."

Her blush deepens and she shakes her head. "I think its best we be professional Mr. Sharp. Thank you for the offer of dinner. It's most kind but I really must get back to work."

"Well since I can't change your mind, I'll leave you to it," you smile. "We shall have that dinner or lunch together soon though, shall we. I think socialising helps facilitate and strengthen a professional relationship, don't you?"

She makes a non-committal noise and turns her attention back to the scattered books, muttering a farewell as you depart.