~Ariel~
After three days, my leg felt better. I could walk around if I didn't mind a little discomfort. I prepared to go to the library because I have an afternoon shift at the Pizzeria.
Mrs Rose had an interview with her potential employers this morning so I had to take Honey with me. I didn't want her bothering Min ah.
The walk to the library was very unpleasant. I had to stop severally for the sake of my healing leg. When I got to the library, I was shocked to see people outside. Not just ordinary people, policemen.
I stopped to calm my nerves. What is going on? Why are there policemen outside and where's Ma'am Nana. I swallowed hard before approaching them.
"Hello, Sirs. What is going on please?" I asked them politely.
"And who are you?" Came a rude reply. It wasn't from the policemen. It came from a man in an expensive suit. He had a suitcase in one hand and impatiently checking his watch on the other. He looked very business-like and rich.
"I...uhm...work here" I replied nervously. His head snapped to me at once and I felt like disappearing. How can someone look so fierce?.
"I see. Where is your employer?" He asked. Nana?.
"I don't know. I've been home on a sick leave for three days. That was the last time I saw her. I'm surprised to find the library locked. Can I call her?" I asked as politely as I could. He looked at me doubtfully.
"Do that and put it on speaker" He said finally. I reached for my pocket then remembered I didn't own a phone. I simply used the ones in my workplaces.
My cheeks burned in embarrassment as I scratched my hair awkwardly.
"Well?" He asked impatiently and all eyes fixed on me.
"Can I borrow a phone? I don't have mine".
"We didn't come here to play your little games. Do you know where she lives?" A policeman asked. I shook my head.
"We will have to take you then" He said and I stepped back in fear.
"W-What? I d-didn't do anything" I stuttered.
"This building has been shut for years by the government and your employer thought it was okay to vandalise it" The suitman spoke.
"Vandalise? She used it as a library" I defended.
"Which is illegal! The building does not belong her in any way so she had no right to use it for any reason. As an accomplice, we would have to arrest you too" He spoke harshly. I stepped back again.
"But I know nothing about it. I just got employed three months ago. The library has been here for years" I defended myself, backing away.
"You will have to explain that in court" He said and my heart stopped. I don't want to go to jail. I can't go to court. I can't be arrested. I can't. I just can't.
Suddenly I felt like a sack of potatoes hit me that moment and maybe it did cause I woke up to see Honey in me, licking my face. I looked around and I was still in my room.
It was a dream. I sighed in relief but I couldn't help my worry. Does that mean ma'am Nana is in trouble?. I got Honey off me and found my way to the bathroom to shower.
After I got ready, I took Honey with me on a walk to the library. I decided that if I saw anything unusual, I would leave without interfering.
I took some breaks for the sake of healing leg and when I finally got there, it was awfully quiet. The place was locked too. I frowned deeply. Why would the library still be locked at this time?.
It was then I noticed someone leaning against the wall, concentrating on his phone. The hoodie was shielding his face as usual.
"Hello?" I greeted but he didn't even bother to look up. Oh, I forgot how rude he could be. If he couldn't even help when I needed help, why would he respond to my greeting?.
"Have you been here for long?" I asked again but he didn't reply either. Honey let out a growl beside me. I guess she finds him rude as well.
I thought of ma'am Nana. What could have happened?. Is she sick?. She looked healthy three days ago.
"Was it open yesterday?" I asked him, peeping through the windows. He said nothing again. I sighed, giving up. I sat on the mini stair to wait for her.
The jerk was still with his phone, ignoring everything else. Honey whimpered as she got on my lap. I knew she was hungry but I had no money. The main reason I came to work.
She could manage her hunger pretty well but I didn't like seeing her hungry. I thought of what to do. I can't stay here all morning. I'm hungry too.
I really need another job. These part-time pays are not enough. Maybe a waiter or a cleaner for a company or movie theater.
I got Honey off my lap and stood. I glanced at the stranger again. Will he stay here all day?.
"Ma'am Nana may not come today. You can't stay here all day. Will you come with me?. I am going job hunting so you may get bored either way but atleast you'll stretch your legs a bit" I offered. He didn't look up from his phone.
I decided to leave him and walk with Honey. I decided to stop at Min ah's work place to get Honey something to eat. She always keep treats for Honey incase he visited.
I looked sideways to check for cars as I set to cross the road. I was shocked to see him trailing behind me, eyes fixed on his phone. He'll get hit for sure if he continues like this.
I waited for him to get to me before grabbing his free hand and pulling him with me across the road. He didn't even seem to notice when I let go of his hand.
As soon as I stepped into the boutique, Min ah came running to me.
"You came! How are you Honey?" She bent to her level and kissed her. "I have lots of treats for both of you" she grinned. Then she saw him, standing there with no interest in anything but his phone.
"Who is he?" She asked me with a suspicious smile.
"He's a regular visitor at the library but for some reason, it wasn't open today so I asked him to come with me" I explained.
"Nice to meet you, I'm Min ah" She introduced herself and stretched her hands. He didn't even acknowledge her. I sighed and she frowned deeply.
"That was very rude" She glared but he didn't look up. I knew she was at the verge of punching him so I quickly intervened.
"He's not particularly rude to you, Min. He hasn't said a word to me ever or even glanced away from his phone".
"So why is the jerk following you?" She hissed. He didn't react. He just acted like he was all alone in a world he created himself.
"I asked him to" I told her. She scoffed but said nothing. She picked Honey and walked to the other sales girl. They discussed and agreed on something before she gestured me to follow her.
"Come" I told him and walked ahead. I glanced back and he was still in the same spot. I groaned and went back to grab his free hand.
Min ah led us to the cafe upstairs. We sat on a table and she excused herself. I glanced at the stranger. How is he comfortable with the hoodie and hair shielding his face.
"Would you atleast tell me your name?" I asked but he said nothing. Min ah returned with a big bag. She emptied it carefully in the table and I gasped.
"How could you waste money on so much junk? A decent plate of ramen is better" I stated.
"Stop acting like you're going to reject it. I'll buy your lunch after your shift, okay?" She smiled and I nodded. I picked one of the biscuits while she fed Honey.
"Tell your phone addict he can have some too" Min ah said grudgingly. I nudge him but he didn't react.
"You can have some. Pick anything you want" I said.
He didn't. Min ah and I chatted while he enjoyed his 'privacy'. After about an hour, he stood and walked out without a ward.
"Where did you meet that punk?" Min ah asked glaring at the door. I shrugged.
"Maybe he's an introvert".
"Or maybe he's just a jerk" She snorted. "Or a pervert who walked behind to enjoy the view of your ass".
"Shut up!" I laughed.