Heather in Small Heath

'Coincidental' Collision

Taking a few more steps closer to the desk, Heather caught the attention of the one she sought. Ms. Maris' eyes warmed brightly as she lifted both of her arms in welcome.

"Ah, my little helper! It is so good to see you today."

Heather smiled as she finally arrived at the giant, wooden desk. Her chin barely reached the top of it, so she had to stand on tiptoes in order to lean her arms against the cool, marble covering of it.

"It is good to see you too, Ms. Maris, " Heather breathed. "Today was another rougher day with mom again."

Ms. Maris' eyes quickly softened as she took in Heather's ratty t-shirt and stressed countenance. Ms. Maris quickly scanned the girl's body for any visible injuries but, as always, the woman saw nothing. She always saw nothing, but that did not stop Ms. Maris from checking each time Heather came to visit.

She patted the girl's arm in understanding. Ever since a few months ago, Heather was regularly found in this library seeking refuge from her mother. Whether it was helping Ms. Maris with putting books away, or reading to children, or even sometimes sitting down and having a good talk with Ms. Maris about their lives, Heather was able to escape into this haven and feel at peace; she could feel like she mattered somewhere.

"So," Ms. Maris spoke gently. "Conversation or cataloging?"

Heather considered her options for a moment, and then softly replied, "Conversation, if you can spare the time."

Ms. Maris good-naturedly rolled her eyes, "I have all the time in the world for you, dear. You know that."

Feeling her heart warm, Heather speedily turned away and started to weave in and around the different aisles of the shelves until she found 'her and Ms. Maris' spot'. It was located in a little nook in one of the many corners of the library, but Heather liked it because of the giant, plush armchair that stood there. It had grape vines embroidered on its white background, and Heather found it beautiful from the moment she saw it. And, like any eleven-year-old would, she dubbed it 'her' chair almost immediately.

Going over to it, Heather sat down and made herself comfortable while she waited for Ms. Maris to arrive.

Not even five minutes had passed until Heather heard Ms. Maris' familiar humming coming from down one of the aisles. The humming got progressively louder until Heather's older friend turned the corner, stopped humming and, with a hint of humor in her eyes, held up two Butterfingers and two cans of Coca-Cola.

"I know we are not supposed to eat chocolate around books, " Ms. Maris began. "But I'm the Head Librarian, so I do what I want."

Heather and Ms. Maris shared a conspiratorial chuckle as she sat down on the brown chair that stood opposite of Heather's. They both quickly cracked open their drinks, took a swig of the sweet soda, and sat further back in their respective chairs.

While she leaned back, Ms. Maris' eyes closed. Heather took this opportunity and perused her friend's face. She noticed, for the first time, that Ms. Maris' had a single freckle on her left cheekbone. Heather found this information interesting, as all of the people she knew with freckles had whole constellations of them.

After a few moments had gone by, Heather broke the silence.

"Could you tell me another story about when you were younger? With your family and siblings?"

Ms. Maris opened her brown eyes and gave Heather a soft smile.

"I would be delighted to. Happy or sad?"