The Bibliophile (The Librarian Chronicles Book 3)

by Christy Sloat

  “Watch the leg, my dear. It seems your old father has fought a losing battle with a rattlesnake.”

  I wiped the tears from my eyes as I took in the sight of the two of them. One horse loaded with goods and pulling my father, who’s sled was also filled. My mother had walked all this way, as she led the horse through the wilderness. This was what a true woman looked like, and I took it for granted every day of my life.

  “What happened? I thought… I thought the very worst.”

  Father smiled and cocked his head. “I told you I would be home, my dear. And even though I’ve lost my leg,” he said, pulling the blanket aside to show me. “Your mother, the fighter she is, saved my life. If she hadn’t come, I’d never had made it. But here we are, home. And where are you off to?”

  I looked at Hammond, who was looking at me and said, “I was going to town, to trade for goods.”

  “No need,” Mother said, “We trade already. We have all we need.”

  She couldn’t be more correct. We did have all we needed.

  Twenty-Four

  Adam 2019

  Sitting in my once lonely apartment waiting for Angela to finish dressing me for the next visit with Rose, I looked around at the stuff I had collected over the years. A guitar I’d never learn to play, more clothes than I would ever wear in a year, more mugs than I’d ever need to drink coffee, and all my precious books.

  Something about seeing all my stuff sitting in this apartment struck something inside of me. Was it the part of me that knew I felt like I wouldn’t need these items any longer? Did I intentionally look at these things, because I knew I didn’t want to use them?

  “I have to tell you something,” I said, surprising Angela.

  “Kid, I almost stuck you with a pin,” she said, giving me the side eye. At this point I let her call me kid, and just let it all go. “Go on, tell me, but I’m sure I already know what you’re going to say.”

  However she knew, she knew. Telling this to her would solidify my decision.

  “I don’t think I want to come back for a little while,” I said, with eyes closed. “I found someone who I can trust to run the shop. I actually took the afternoon and gave all my account numbers to my friend, Roger. He agreed to pay the bills and to keep the lights on in my apartment. I just need you, if you can, just check in from time-to-time and make sure the new girl is okay. Maybe make a few excuses for me, until I come back.”

  When my eyes opened up, her face wasn’t what I thought it would be. Instead, a smile began to grow, where once there was a scowl.

  “I was right, you do got it bad for her, huh?”

  All I could do was shrug. “I guess.”

  “Kid, I promise to check in on the new girl. And if you give me your keys, I’ll even stay in your apartment on the weekends to make sure no one jacks your stuff. Besides, it could use a good cleaning. But one thing you have to understand about time travel is you could be gone, three years on the other side, and only months can pass here. It’s never the same, so don’t worry about what we’re all doing, just go live your life. But whatever you do, don’t lose your tether, or you won’t come back, ever.” She patted the inside pocket of my jacket, where she stitched my mom’s brooch a nice little hiding place. I understood what she meant by supplies when she showed up with an outfit for me to wear and needles and thread. “And when you’re ready to come home, just pull it out and hold it. The longer you’re away from it, the longer you can stay. But remember as you live your life out there, your actions will become alive on the page using Rose’s book. The blank pages fill themselves in as you spend time with her, revealing her true history. Which is why our work is so precious. It’s complete truth, and un-fabricated.”

  “Aren’t I changing her story by doing this? You told me not to mess with it.”

  She bit her lip but then said, “You may be, or maybe you’re just adding to it. Just don’t change history in anyway. She will still become someone, as long as you come back. You won’t alter her life by getting to know her a bit. Plenty of Librarians do it for the experience.”

  I nodded in understanding, and still could not believe I was actually going to do this. It was well beyond the realm of sanity, but I wanted to know Rose more than I already did. To know her world and where she came from took time, and time was what I had. She was all alone on that mountain now that her friends were gone. Who was I kidding? I was falling for this girl, hard. One kiss and she had me wrapped around her little finger. I hadn’t thought of Elise once since meeting Rose.

  “I had a girlfriend,” I began. “She left me in the middle of the night, never giving me any answers. Totally ghosted me, you know? But now, all this time later, I’m thankful that she left, because if she hadn’t, I’d never have learned about The Librarians and what they’ve given me. I truly think I’m meant to go back and be with Rose. Something feels like—”

  “Like destiny?” she said filling in the blank.

  “Yeah, is that crazy?”

  She bit her lip, and then said, “The crazy thing would be you staying in this city, wasting the talent you have hurting over some girl who left you like a coward. Adam, your mom raised a wonderful boy, and don’t think she didn’t tell me all about who you were when she did this. You’ve had a craving for history your whole life. I can see it in you, shoot I saw it the first day I met you. Go live out there a while, just don’t risk your heart. You don’t know this girl too well, and falling in love this fast can lead to one of two things: heartbreak or bliss”

  What I was about to do was a risk, but it was my risk. And I was ready. So many people condemn people who jumped headfirst into things like this, but I was young and had nothing tying me down. What else was I to do with life but live it?

  “Did anyone you know bring someone back with them?” I asked, curious.

  “Yeah, there were a few. But those she brought back were not the main focus on travelling. I’ve never met anyone who stayed forever.”

  I tried to picture bringing Rose here to the city and instantly knew it would never work. A girl like her lived and breathed country life. She knew her routine and the city would frighten her, hell it scared me often enough. Those who weren’t used to it after the first year usually moved back to their original home.

  “I just gotta make a quick phone call,” I told Angela. She pulled out the pins and put in her final stitches on my pants and I took my phone into my bedroom with me. Calling my dad was long overdue and I really should have made it more of a priority. He answered right away with a quick, “Hello, son.” He seemed eager to talk to me, or perhaps it was surprise at the fact that I was actually calling him.

  “Hey, dad. Uh, I just wanted to call and see how you were doing.” Awkward was what this was. Dad and I did not do the small-talk thing.

  “Things are well. I am glad you called actually, I wanted to see how you were handling your bookstore and check in on you. Are you about ready to go back to school?”

  The infamous question. Didn’t take him long to ask but I wasn’t surprised.

  “About that Dad, I don’t plan on going back. I may do online classes someday but I was never a college guy. I think you knew that though,” I said honestly. “My store is going well. I am actually getting ready to go on a trip.”

  “Oh, where to?”

  “Georgia. I have a friend out there who needs some help. So, if you need to get ahold of me just call Roger, you remember him, right?” Roger had agreed to help me with anything I needed. He was a good friend.

  “Oh yeah, I do. Nice kid,” Dad said. “Well, have a good trip son. Listen, I have to get going but glad you called. Maybe reconsider college, while you’re in the country.”

  One thing can be said about my dad, he never gave up. “Sure thing, Dad.”

  After I hung up with my dad, I felt better. I at least told him
my intentions for the future and even if he didn’t accept it, I put it out there. I returned to the room and Angela patted me on the shoulder. She knew what I did but didn’t have to say anything. Handing me Rose’s book with a smile she said, “You’re ready, kid! Be careful.”

  I opened the book knowing everything in this life would be waiting here when I was ready to come back.

  ***

  Adam 1765

  My eyes saw everything clearer than before. The snow had melted away from her cabin but still dusted the ground. It wasn’t all gone but instead just lessened. The bitter cold I have felt previously was gone, leaving a briskness that was comfortable; just like NYC, but the sun was shining through the trees. I breathed the cold air in through my lungs, filling them to the brim with the freshness. It was unlike anything in the city, and I loved it.

  It was quiet on the mountain. All I heard was the crackling of a fire and the slight wind through the trees.

  Giving up my life in the future was temporary and I had done it for her. Her smile. The fire that burned inside her so deeply that it called to me from so far away. I came running to her, it felt like, and now that I was here, I was frozen to my spot. Unable to move for fear of rejection. What if she tells me to go back? That she’s not ready to be with me, someone she hardly knows? What if she is already married to the man her mother had chosen for her?

  I had no idea how much time passed since our last time together; since our kiss.

  “Are you planning something?”

  I swung around and faced a man on a horse looking down upon me with concern on his face. His hat sat low on his head as he peered at me. No doubt he was wondering who this stranger was, as I wondered the same about him.

  “I… I am looking for a friend,” I began, trying not to sound too out of place.

  “Ah, is that right? Who would this friend be?” The horse turned, growing anxious and showed that the man was missing a leg. I wondered if he lost it in a war.

  “Miss Rose,” I said, hoping that it made me sound polite and not rude.

  He took my face in and then gave a nod toward the cabin.

  “I think you’re in the right place then, for that’s her cabin no doubt. But you know that don’t ya’?”

  Indeed I did.

  “I do, yes sir. Are you her father?”

  It didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that the man was her dad. Even though his skin was lighter than hers, she looked just like him. His protectiveness was admirable.

  “I am sir. And you are?”

  This part Angela had prepared me for. She quizzed me for an hour to get my story straight in case I ran across anyone other than Rose. If I encountered any problems with my story, I was to abandon the mission all together.

  “My name is Adam Giordano, sir. I’ve come from New York to do trade in these parts. I’ve traded with Rose once before, and thought since I was passing through, I’d check in on her. Looking to settle down upon a nice piece of land north of here. You might know the area.”

  Her father looked quite interested and looked at the map that I pulled out for him. He tapped the small town that Angela had circled, and nodded.

  “Of course, that’s Indian territory, sir. Didn’t know that, did you?”

  I did, and so did Angela, which was all part of our plan. She knew that if I presented a map to a stranger, whomever that would be, they’d caste me off as a fool and be done with me. Anyone in these parts knew that one didn’t set foot in territory owned by the Native Americans. And they’d leave me be. As with her father, I had no idea I would come across him. The last Rose told me was that they were likely dead; gone for months. Looking at his leg and his gaunt complexion, I knew it must have been a rough trip for him.

  I bet Rose was happy to have her family back.

  “Well, that sure throws a wrench in my plans,” I said, not realizing what I said at first.

  “That’s an odd expression. What is a wrench? Is that something in New York?”

  Recovering fast I said, “It’s a tool. And yes, we New Yorkers tend to have strange sayings.” I laughed it off and he laughed with me. So far, I liked her father, he was helpful and kind. A rarity in New York.

  “You’re a strange fellow, but I can tell you mean no harm. Why don’t you come visit Rose and have a warm meal, then we can discuss your future travel. Can’t send you up north to die.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Bennett,” I said, kindly.

  “Oh, it’s just William young man. Now come along.

  Twenty-Five

  Rose 1765

  Father made his way into the cabin as I prepared dinner for the three of us. I had shot the deer myself just yesterday, and Father helped me skin it. Mother had taken the day to smoke most of the meat but with the rest I made a stew. The potatoes had come in nicely and I had carrots left still. It smelled heavenly but as Father closed the door, I smelled something familiar. Turning around slowly I knew who it was that was standing at the door with my father just by his scent. What did that say about who I was? I knew my heart’s desire just by the smell that came off of his skin. He smiled at me and I fought the urge to jump from my stool at the hearth. Wanting nothing more than to run into his arms, I stayed put. My cheeks burned brightly as Father ushered himself and Adam into the cabin.

  “I picked up a stranger on the road, Helen. Make a plate for him at our table tonight.”

  My mother nodded and smiled at Adam.

  “Where are you from?” she asked him, taking his coat. “Not from here. Too handsome.”

  Adam smiled at her and said, “I’m from New York, ma’am.”

  She nodded and tapped his face. “I knew you were not from our mountain. This mountain makes a face harder. Your face is too pretty.”

  Father laughed and said, “He was looking to trade and to settle on land up north. Good thing I found him when I did. If he went through with it, his face wouldn’t be pretty much longer.”

  That’s the story Adam told my father but I knew better. He came to see me, not to trade, but only the two of us knew that. Suddenly our kiss came to memory and I stood up from my stool, unable to stop myself. Before I knew it, I was standing before him.

  “Rose, it’s good to see you,” he said, staring into my eyes. “You look like you’re doing well. I see your parents made it home.”

  I nodded. “Yes, thank you. Are you staying long? Or is this a quick visit?”

  He knew my meaning as the corners of his lips curled up into a sly smile. It took so much out of me emotionally just to look at him. A slow ache began inside me, one that found me late at night, waking me from dreams.

  If my parents weren’t here, I couldn’t promise I would remain a well-behaved young woman.

  “I was planning on staying as long as needed, if that’s all right with your family. I don’t want to overstay my welcome.”

  “Oh, surely you can stay as long as you need. You can sleep in the smokehouse, and in the morning, I will make meals. Father will guide you on fishing and trapping since I know you have little experience there. If you’re to stay here on this mountain, you have to learn our ways.”

  My father’s face was stone as I turned to him. I hadn’t asked permission and I realized my mistake immediately. To be fair I had been left alone for months, and this became my home. I was the master of the house in my mind.

  My mother spoke up first. “Yes, you stay here,” she said pulling Adam to the fire. “Warm yourself. You stay dry, and you stay warm. If not, you get sick.”

  “As long as it’s okay with your father,” Adam said, looking toward my father. “I don’t want to intrude.”

  Father nodded and nothing more. He was speechless or perhaps he knew what I did, that I was falling in love with Adam. Surely it was pouring off of me.

  ***
<
br />   Adam 1765

  After our meal William asked me outside. My hands began to sweat but I fought the urge to rub them on my pant legs and just followed him out the door into the cool night air.

  “Fancy a smoke?” he asked, as he began stuffing his pipe. I’d never taken to smoking anything even though my friend’s chain smoked at the bar. Watching them puff away never made me want to partake, but as William lit up the pipe and puffed his cheeks, I realized I couldn’t say no if I was to remain in his good graces. The fact was I had to impress him if I wanted to court his daughter. I mean, that was why I was here in the first place. Easing down from his wooden crutches, he sat in the chair on the porch.

  “I’ve never done this before,” I said taking the pipe from his fingers.

  “It’s easy, son. Just take a breath in and hold it for a moment. Give the smoke a chance to fill you up. Then blow out.”

  He made it look easy, and when he did it his eyes didn’t water, and he didn’t choke to death. I, on the other hand, began tearing up like a baby and almost puked. Smoking wasn’t for me, and I was okay with that.

  William found this hilarious. It seemed to make him happy to see me in pain on his porch and I couldn’t really blame him. I had come here unannounced wanting to meet up with his only daughter. He probably hated me and wished he told me to get going.

  “Sorry, son. Didn’t realize the smoke would do that to you,” he said, laughing some more.

  Sure.

  “Would a drink be better?” he asked, holding up a glass bottle full of an amber liquid. Now that, I could handle.

  Thanking him, I took it and drank. Swishing the liquid around, I rinsed the tobacco from my mouth.