Longevity- the Wardens of Time

by Caleb Smith

  “Bingo.” He swiftly found the old sliding locks on the inside of the window, freeing it. He pushed up slowly, trying to minimize the loud squeaking that emanated from the rusted guide rails. This window had probably not been opened in thirty years or more.

  Luckily, there were no screens to contend with, and this made his climb out on the fire escape more accessible. The edge of the roof was five feet above, and the pitch was steep. Climbing would be challenging. Noah stepped up on the fire escape’s handrail, placing his chest flush with the edge of the roof. A vent pipe, jutting out above, was his best chance at hauling himself up, but he would have to jump to reach it.

  Imagining himself inside another book, he closed his eyes and took three deep breaths. He jumped up to grasp the pipe and used his upper body strength to hoist himself past it. Where copper met slate, there was a crease, a thick molding that ran the length of the roof.

  Noah was going to use the crease and the molding to his advantage to scale the side of the slippery roof. Before he knew it, he was sitting on the peak, sliding his way down the other side. As he slid to the bottom, his feet met the three-foot ledge that ran alongside the front of the library.

  Once his feet were planted, he crouched and looked at the traffic – cars coming and going and people walking up and down the sidewalks. He also looked at his motorized bike, alone in the rack. A golden sun warmed his thick hair, and he enjoyed the sensation for a minute. Moving closer to the object, one thing became certain: it was indeed some type of ancient-looking book; its gold cover kept its many pages bound beautifully.

  He picked it up in one hand (it was rather heavy) and had to hold it close while he used his other hand to scale the roof peak. He was more careful when he retreated down the back side. His descent now required the use of both hands, so he had to somehow get rid of the book. He knew the fire escape snaked down the back side of the building: he might be able to use that to catch the book if he slid it down gently. The only other option was to throw the book as far as he could and hope it landed somewhere undamaged. He went with his gut, and that was the first option.

  Noah tossed the book gingerly and heard it hit the fire escape. Now it was his turn. He inched down but then slipped, missing the vent pipe, and fell with a thud onto the fire escape. Lying still for a moment, he embraced the pain and the fear that flushed through his body. He then looked up to the bright sky and smiled. Nothing was as real as this moment here. He was happy to be alive. Noah hopped up with a grin and shuffled down the steep iron steps to the second-story platform. There the book was, glistening and sparkling as if alive. The singular identifying mark on its cover was an ancient Egyptian symbol, an Ankh, which looked much like a cross but which sported a loop at the top. Noah knew this from a past history class. The Ankh symbol was engraved flawlessly in the golden cover. Noah scooped the book up and clutched it close to his body. His spaghetti arms could barely reach around the front of it. Now taking his time, he descended to another level while holding his treasure tightly.

  There was a sliding ladder on the bottom level of the of the fire escape. He had to pull a handle to unlock it. Book held closely, he rode the ladder to the ground, and when he stepped off, the ladder recoiled back to its original position. Noah then trotted around to the front of the historic building where he found his bike waiting for him. He dropped the heavy book in the basket. Noah could nearly remove his combination lock with his eyes closed, and the crank start to the engine always took two pulls to get started.

  As early evening became night, he raced home. When he pulled into his front yard, he saw the car parked.

  “Here we go.” he said “What will she say now?”

  He wished his mother weren’t so concerned about him being out after she got home. But what he thought was going to be a disaster when he walked in the house turned out to be mere silence.

  He ran to his room and stashed the golden slice of literature in his closet and then came back out to find Evelyn sobbing at the dinner table.

  “Hey, Mom. Are you OK?”

  She just shook her head. “I’ll be fine.”

  “What’s wrong?” He asked in a sympathetic tone, taking a seat next to her while placing a gentle hand on top of hers.

  “I lost my job today, Noah. My good one at the doctor’s office. Too many people are moving; the plants and mills are shutting down, and half the town is leaving. Dr. Woods has to downsize and can no longer afford to pay me. I don’t know what I’m going to do. I counted on that job as my main source of income.”

  Noah instantaneously felt her pain. “Well, you still have the grocery store and the diner.”

  “Those are just part-time shifts, evenings and weekends. It won’t be enough.”

  “Can’t you talk to your managers and see if you can pick up some extra shifts?”

  “I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to try,” she replied with a sniffle.

  “Mom, we’re going to be fine.” He left his seat and put his arms around her, hugging her meaningfully.

  “There has to be other secretary jobs out there,” Noah’s muffled voice vibrated against her shoulder.

  “I sure hope so, kiddo. I sure hope so.”

  He thought about his birthday, still one week away, and replied: “I don’t need anything for my birthday this year, Mom. I have everything I need, and I’m finally happy living here. Just don’t make me move again.”

  She stared at him with dried tears. “I know you’re happy. I’ve never seen you this full of life before, and I’m going to do whatever I can to make sure we don’t have to move again. OK, sweetie?”

  “OK, Mom.”

  “As far as your birthday goes, we will be celebrating it at least with your favorite cake and ice cream. I thought we could invite Wendy and her family over. It would be a nice gesture for all that they have done for you. I’ll even make your favorite dinner: baked mac ‘n’ cheese with meat loaf.”

  “You don’t have to do all that, Mom.”

  “It’s already done; I’ll call Earl tomorrow.”

  “Well, tell them no gifts; they have done enough for me.”

  “OK.” She smiled and put her hand on top of his head, rubbing his hair gently. I don’t know what I would do without you, Noah.”

  Chapter 24

  It was really more of a gathering than party, with just Wendy, her father, Evelyn, and the birthday boy in attendance. They feasted on baked mac’n’cheese and meatloaf, with white cake and white frosting and chocolate ice cream for dessert. Noah was happy to share this time with his closest friend, and they giggled and chuckled in a playful manner while the adults sipped coffee and conducted grownup conversations. Wendy’s older brother had been invited too, but he had stayed back to man the ranch. Evelyn fixed him a care package.

  Noah didn’t expect much in terms of gifts, he understood the financial situation of late and knew his mother was strapped. Wendy and Earl had given him enough in the summer job, a motorized bicycle to get around on, and a solid, supportive friendship that he cherished most of all. He was a little apprehensive when Wendy handed him a birthday card.

  “Go ahead; open it.”

  She seemed more excited than anyone. Noah took his time peeling back the front of the envelope to reveal the card. As he pulled it out and opened it up, a gift card fell out on the kitchen table. It was a twenty five dollar gas card. The birthday card was simple: “Happy Birthday to a great friend and wishing you many more to come.”

  “Now you have all the gas you need for the rest of the summer. And here.” She pulled out a paper bag. “This is for you, too.” He looked inside the bag and saw six small containers of motor oil. “Those little containers mix perfectly with your one-gallon container.”

  He smiled and thanked Wendy and Earl, feeling very touched. It was funny to him that Wendy had the heart of a mother in a world of men. But whereas mothers might say, “Don’t forget your lunch; I packed it nicely for you,” Wendy said; “Don’t forget your motor oil, and make
sure you have plenty of gas before you take your bike out.”

  It made him smile to know that he had a good friend looking out for him, even if her best intention was to keep him stocked in motor oil.

  He had not initially noticed, but now his mother entered the kitchen holding a medium-sized box. Noah didn’t know what to say. He didn’t like the attention and all eyes on him. She handed him the gift, and he slowly unwrapped it, which drove Wendy nuts.

  “Just rip it; rip it open. Tear it open!”

  “Wendy!” Earl chided. “Enough.”

  Noah stopped and looked up at her briefly, delaying the process. It was like fuel to her fire and strength to his. His patience would serve him well down the road. He continued to gently unfold the creased paper in uniform fashion until it was completely pulled apart from the box and flattened out in one big original sheet. One by one, he affixed the pieces of scotch tape to the edge of the table before turning his focus to the box. Even before he opened it, he felt great thanks. Noah slid open the cardboard arms and saw two objects wrapped in tissue paper. He pulled the tissue paper out from around the objects one by one, and placed them out on top. Wendy sighed out loud. She was going to have a talk with him later about this. When the thin, tinsel paper was free and clear, two leather work boots could be seen. His inner gut told him that they were more than just boots, though. They were a symbol of much work to come, and he knew, too, that much would be expected of him in order to achieve his dreams.

  “I figured you could use them out in the yard when you’re over at the Shermans’s. Earl suggested that it would be nice for you to have a proper pair of steel-toed work boots.”

  She was waiting for an answer or reaction, but Noah sat still and gazed at the wonderful gift, deep in thought. When he snapped out of his reverie, he quietly stood and walked over to his mother, hugging her for several moments. Next he next went to Earl and hugged him. Earl hugged back with a smile. And finally, Noah made his way to Wendy, hugging her too. She was squirrely but settled in. When Noah let go, he said in a low tone, “These are the best presents I’ve ever had.” The boy’s heartfelt comments drew smiles all around.

  “Cake and ice cream anyone?” Evelyn said.

  “I’ll have some.” Wendy blurted out.

  “OK, well, I’ll be back shortly.” She slipped in the kitchen and Earl filled the silent air.

  “Well, look at these boots here, Noah.” He picked one up for inspection. It was darkened leather, brownish-red, and weather-proofed for work action. The boot neck came up to mid-ankle. The sole and stitching were of the finest craftsmanship and rugged material, and a small emblem, “Redwing Shoes” was stamped on the outside ankle.

  “These boots are top of the line,” Earl finished before Wendy stepped in.

  “Nice boots, dude! Look! They are just like mine.” She pulled up her jeans pant leg.

  Noah was grateful for the gift. He knew the expense associated with boots of this caliber – likely more than $150. He also knew of his mother’s current job situation, but before he could put too much more thought into it, Earl pulled out a soft, small, pillow-like package from under the table. Noah was caught off guard by the surprise gesture.

  “I almost forgot. We have this for you too, kiddo.”

  Unprepared to receive yet another gift, he thought the Wendy approach might work better now. He ripped the gift open like a ravenous wolf and pulled out the contents. It was a package of wool socks.

  “Well there. Now, make sure you wear those socks to break in your boots. It will help protect your feet against blisters.”

  He sensed they had all conspired together about these gifts, which amused him. And then his cake arrived, dressed in fourteen burning candles. “Happy Birthday” was sung; he made a wish and blew the candles out, enjoying every second. The boy was slowly freeing himself of insecurities and hang-ups, but how free could he truly be with no one knowing his big secret?

  Chapter 25

  “Mom. Please tell me you didn’t pay an arm and a leg for those boots, because if so, I’d like to return them for the money back.”

  A half-eaten cake was now sitting on the table, and the Shermans had gone home.

  Evelyn went about cleaning up the dishes and wrapping paper left from the celebratory carnage. She spoke while she worked.

  “Well, I wasn’t going to tell you this, honey, because it truely doesn’t matter, but to rest your busy mind at ease, the Shermans pitched in. It was Earl’s idea. It really couldn’t have worked out any better, Noah. We just want you to be happy on your birthday.”

  “I am happy, Mom. I’m very happy.” He said this while going in for an embrace. “I think I’m gonna do some reading in my room for a while.”

  “OK, dear. I’m just going to finish picking up, and I think I’ll take a hot shower and get into my PJ’s.”

  Noah was excited. The party had been but an appetizer. The main course awaited him in his room.

  “Sounds good, Mom. I’ll be in my room – and Mom?”

  “Yes, Noah,” she replied in exasperation.

  “You’re not gonna barge in my room, are you?”

  She chuckled and said, “Maybe next time.”

  Noah took that as a good enough answer to get moving.

  He entered his den, a welcoming space, and secured the door and tossed his book bag on the bed. He then sat down and gingerly extracted the book, holding the treasure before his gleaming eyes. It looked as if it was leather-bound but infused with bright gold plating, the plating serving as a lock. Noah glanced again at the book’s stamp – the Ankh. The symbol was partially covered up by the metal strips that crossed over one another, tying to the frame on all ends. Noah studied the book from all angles, and it was then that he discovered in the center of stacked pages a keyhole lock.

  “Aha! There is a key to this,” he mumbled out loud.

  Thinking he saw a mirrored image of a flame on the metal that reached out at him, he abruptly tossed the tome on the bed with both hands. It sank slightly into the soft mattress. What was going on? He ran his hands through his hair and circled the bed, eventually walking over and picking the piece back up, holding it close to his face for scrutiny. Sure enough, a blueish-red flame danced in the metal. It was not affecting his hands. He felt no pain or burn from the flame that slowly came to sight around the rest of the metal framing. Bizarre! I have to find the key to that lock!

  Just then, a paper clip upon his small desk caught his vision. Should he try it? Was it worth a shot? He snatched it up and began to straighten the malleable bit of metal. He was dying to get inside that book. Not once did he think about the way the book was found, but its whole delivery screamed, “Don’t open me!”

  As the curved clip became a straightened piece of wire, Noah bent it back and forth at the center until it broke. He then took the first piece and inserted it in the bottom end of the lock hole. The other piece of broken metal was next placed into the top portion of the lock and gently wiggled. No luck. He tried again. And again. Clearly, this was not going to happen.

  He quickly became exasperated, resolving to return to the library the following day to search for a key. Had he seen anything on the library roof? He couldn’t remember, but he dreaded the thought of scaling the roof one more time. He wasn’t even sure if he would be able to get up in the attic again. He even considered bringing the book to the twins at the bookshop but ultimately decided against the idea.

  Then it struck him. He would take the works to a locksmith!

  It was another sleepless night of tossing and turning and mental chatter. His productive thoughts simply would not let the book go. It was bad enough he was a book junkie in general, but the fact that he could not get into this book was driving him mad. He had no idea what the pages held, but he’d be damned if he wouldn’t find out!

  Noah was already dressed when he heard the door shut at 7:30 a.m. His mother had been fortunate enough to pick up a few extra shifts for breakfast at the diner. This certa
inly helped supplement the monetary loss of her recent layoff at the doctor’s office. As the car pulled away, Noah sprang into action with backpack and helmet on and bike out the door. Two pull cranks and the small engine fired with a quick pop until he dialed the choke back. He hopped on the motorized bike and hammered the thumb throttle. He was unsure how the day was going to pan out, but he knew he first needed to get a key to fit the lock on the tome.

  His first stop would be to the library to scour the grounds there for an existing key. He wanted to get there early before anyone walking around might think he was crazy for searching the grass lawn around the library. He was also expected to be at the Shermans’s for work by nine. But no worries; he fully expected to meet all of his goals.

  Clocking out by three would give him two-and-a-half hours before his mother got home. His backup plan would be a long shot, but he wouldn’t lend another thought to the idea until he had exhausted all options at the library. He really hoped the key to that book was not on the roof.

  The library was due to open by eight – that would give him fifteen to twenty minutes to search the grounds before the doors opened. With any luck, he would stay invisible to staff while doing so.

  Noah’s bike zipped him there in seven minutes, and he had used both sidewalks and streets to his advantage. When he pulled up, he noticed only two cars in the back parking lot and, cautiously, he made his way to the fire escape. He killed the throttle and parked the bike, leaning it against a pole and locking it. Though he had not planned it, he soon found himself climbing the fire escape like a mountain cat. Suddenly, he was on the roof.

  He scaled the roof crest and slid straight into the nook where the treasure was found, searching frantically for a sign of anything. Nothing caught his eye. He shuffled down the length of the roof, looking everywhere he could. He next went to the other side of the roof spread, but still saw nothing, so he descended the fire escape until his feet kissed the ground.