Forks

by A.E. Davis

Much later, after I took a shower and finished my paper on Beowulf, I still had most of the day free. The sun was out and even though it was chilly, it looked like a good day to go for a drive and check out the area. I wanted to get more acquainted with the town. I also wanted to stop by the library and see if any of the books I had written down yesterday were there.

  After I dressed, and got ready, I headed downstairs to ask Mom if she minded if I used the car.

  When I got downstairs, she was curled up on the couch reading. “Hey Mom,” I said.

  She looked up from her book. “Hi, honey. What’s up?”

  “It’s a nice day,” I said. “Do you mind if I borrow the car?”

  “Why?”

  “I thought I would drive to the library and get some books to read.”

  “Oh, that sounds like fun” She pulled off her glasses, looking interested. “Do you want some company?”

  I didn’t want to be mean, but I kind of wanted to be alone. “I would love company but isn’t Ken supposed to come over soon?” I asked making stuff up. I had no idea if Ken was supposed to come over.

  “Oh…” She chewed her lip. “What time is it?”

  “Almost four but I bet it will be at least seven before we get home…you know how I am around books.”

  “Me too,” she said and frowned. “It is a really nice day though and we haven’t had much time to hang out.”

  “Yeah, it is.” I almost caved. “Wait, isn’t Ken off his shift early tonight?” I asked, remembering he got off early on Sunday’s. “It’s Sunday,” I added, reminding her.

  “Oh, shoot!” She fell back against the cushions and crossed her arms. She looked like a little disgruntled kid.

  “I can get you something if you like.”

  “Would you?” she asked, perking up.

  “Sure.”

  “I’m almost finished the fifth book in the Outlander series and am dying to know what Claire has up her sleeve next.”

  I looked down at her book that looked like it was a thousand pages long. “You already finished that?” I pointed at the book on her lap.

  “Yes,” she exhaled. “It’s really good.” She lifted the book and hugged it to her chest.

  “I should say so.” I glanced out the window as a black bird flew past. “Didn’t you just start reading that last week?”

  “No, I started this one about three days ago.”

  That was the thing about my mom, when she liked a book she would stay up half the night reading. Me, on the other hand, I always read a lot slower. I liked to linger over the pages and really get into the minds of the characters. Besides, I kind of hated when a good book ended. Once I was done I immediately missed the characters and it took me a while to get interested in another book. That’s why I loved series books, even the ones with cliffhangers…it gave me something to look forward to. “Well, I guess, I better get going.”

  “Okay,” she sighed and I could tell she was bummed not to be going with me. “Try to get me book six, it’s called,” she paused and flipped open her book. “I need, A Breath of Snow and Ashes.”

  “Got it.” I said making a mental note. “See you later.”

  “See you.” She put back on her glasses and reopened her book, immediately engrossed.