Aislinn's POV:
I was met with the fresh smell of old books walking into the library. "Hello Mrs. Hampson, good morning" I greeted politely settling my black worn out bag on the chair and hanging my coat on the rack.
"What took you so much time Aislinn, you're 15 minutes late!". She turned to me, placing her hands on her waste and arched a brow.
"Sorry Mrs. Hamps-" I was cut off by a rude voice " I don't care about your excuse this time. Get out and get to work. New books are coming in later on today, go sort out the spacing" she ordered turning back to whatever she was doing.
In fear of getting fired, I scurried off to do as I was told. There's a certain serenity I derive from working in the library. It's comforting as I'm left alone with my thoughts.
"Papa! Papa!".
"Yes my little angel"
"How do birds learn how to fly?"
"Hmmm someone seems a little curious I see". Papa said as he tucked a strand of my hair behind my ear. "They are actually pushed out of their nest by their mother and expected to learn to fly on their own. Letting instinct take over". He finished poking his index finger on my nose
"But they need help papa"
"Indeed. But their determination and consistency does all the work my angel"
"That's not fair papa. Promise you would teach me to fly" I stretched forth my pinkie finger towards his.
"I promise". He said as he wrapped his pinkie against my small ones. Grabbing me up, he kissed my hair, forehead and cheek in reassurance. I felt home. I really felt peace.
"Aislinn are you done?!" The loud shout of my name brought me back to reality. Wiping my tears with the back of my palm I shook of the thought and got to work. Today is Sunday, I have to do enough work to make money for the week at least.
Yes, exactly what you're thinking. I work everyday of my life and don't have time for myself. Not that I'm complaining but my family needs to be healthy and sound. As long as they are okay, I'm okay.
Papa once said ' Life can never be smooth so prepare yourself for every challenge and face it like a champion"
"Aislinn!" snapping back to reality I answered her "Yes ma'am, just a second". Mrs. Hampson hasn't really been the best employer to me but deep down I know she cares about me.
The sound of books falling caught my attention only to see a tall blondie clad in a blue corporate dress and thick black shades
"Pardon me, I could be so clumsy" she said with mischief dancing around her features. Slowly picking them up she turned back to me with a not-so friendly.
"Secrets hidden, lies told, truth unveiled, hearts broken, tears shed. But you are beautiful" walking close to me, she studied my features. Hesitating, she added "she has her father's eyes but the last time I remember she also had his hair" she smirked twirling a strand of my loose hair from it's bun.
"Who are you and what are you talking about?" I questioned in confusion and trace of fear of anyone finding out the truth. "Don't worry my dear, soon time will tell. But before I leave, your past is a shadow of the truth" Turning on her heels she left and everywhere became so quite like nothing ever happened.
Confused. Totally and utterly confused.
.
.
The busy street and natural breeze welcomed me as I walked outside packing the newly arrived books into the library. Lifting my fourth box to the pusher, I heard someone call me from behind.
"Aislinn?"
"Yes, the one and only" I replied turning to the source. There stood the blue eyed stranger from the bakery beaming from ear to ear at me. "Hi?" I questioningly replied in uncertainty. The cringe flirty line he made making it's way back to my memory.
"You work here too?" he asked genuinely surprised. "No, walking past the road I decided to stop by and help the old lady carry this boxes inside" my voice dripped with sarcasm. Hopefully he understood.
"Really?" Amusement flashing his features. Huffing I replied "No sir. I work here" too tired to point out his poor sarcastic sense I replied.
"I know, and I'm sorry for the other day, I just saw a pretty lady and wanted to make her feel like one". He defended his actions.
"That's not the right way to make a lady feel pretty you know".
"Yes I do, and I'm sorry about it. Let's start over shall we?" he finished off stretching forth his hand for a handshake
"Damien. Damien Walton"
"Aislinn. Aislinn Caddel"
Laughing slightly at my intention to copy him he helped me carry the remaining boxes inside.
"Thank you. You can drop them over there. So what brings you to this side of the city and this place". Offering him a sit, I inquired curiously.
"Well, This is one of my sister's best spot in the city so I stop over at times to see her, pick her up or drop her off". Answering, he took off his blazer , loosened his tie and made himself comfortable on the chair".
"What made you-" getting interrupted by a call. "one second please" picking his call his voice softened. "Hey princess, yes I'm at the circulation desk now. Okay. Okay Bye"
Silence filled the room as he stared at me for few seconds making me arch my brows and then he broke into a smile. His life must really be going well cause he smiles a lot.
"Would you like to hang out with me sometime?".
"No. I can't cause I'm very busy". Picking up the cartons I decided to get back to work before Mrs. Hampson gets back.
"I have a job offer for you. I would have given you one at my company but I'm afraid there's no vacancy for now" . On hearing that I stopped and turned back to him.
"CEO's personal assistant." He stated looking at me expectantly. "With a very good pay I can assure you"
"Take this card. That's my friend and business partner's company, D Reynolds incorporated. Apply for it, I know you'll get it.
"Damien I'm ready let's go. I know it took so much time but I had to quickly finish up my assignments before leaving" came a teenage voice from behind us.
" Daniella, say hi to Aislinn. Aislinn, Daniella my sister". Short of words on the occurrence since this morning I managed to smile politely to her
"Hey, yeah I see you working around here. It was nice to meet you Aislinn, see you some other time".
Standing up, Damien came close to me "Don't miss this opportunity and I'll come back for my date" he winked and left.