Page 26 of The Library of Second Chances
‘It’s all right,’ she reassured her.
Chloe shook out her trembling hands as she walked back to the library. A few people had stopped and stared while the boy was being taken away by the police, but now the street was quiet again. When Chloe pushed open the door of the library, Mrs Cook said cheerfully, ‘I didn’t know it took so long to make a latte.’
Chloe explained what had happened. She didn’t know how to tell her about the superhero coming to their rescue, so she adjusted the story slightly to make it sound like the police showed up in time to stop him.
Mrs Cook’s jovial smile turned to slack shock. ‘Oh no, you poor things. How horrible. That’s so unusual for this town as well.’
She gave Chloe a hug, one she hadn’t realised she needed. She melted into the librarian’s short yet surprisingly strong frame, shock keeping her numb as the superhero’s words echoed in her mind.‘It’s always best to do the right thing, even when you don’t want to.’
It made her think of Gwen. Chloe was the older sister. Of course, her dilemma wasn’t comparable to deciding whether to rob someone, but the hero’s words had resonated with her. She had to be the bigger person and do the right thing, even if it seemed difficult.
‘Would you like to go home?’ Mrs Cook asked.
‘I think I’m all right.’ Chloe felt safe here at the library, anyway. ‘Only an hour until the end of my shift.’
She thanked the librarian and went to put back the comic book, which of course wasn’t glowing any more. She thanked the superhero inside the pages as she carefully slid it back into place. She looked around the library’s rafters, the weak sunlight shining through the gothic windows. A warm, safe feeling enveloped her. The library was taking care of her.
Chloe got a text from Gwen the next morning on the way to work.
Can we hang out tonight? I feel bad just showing up at your door.
Chloe wondered who this person was and what she had done with her sister.
Sure. I don’t have any plans.
Thanks.
A pause, and Chloe watched the little grey bubble as Gwen typed.
I’ve missed you.
Chloe didn’t know how to respond honestly, so she left her sister on read. She hadn’t even seen Gwen the previous evening, both women ignoring each other and spending time in separate parts of the house.
Chloe fully expected Hannah to close up shop for the next few days, but on her way to work, the scent of coffee filled the street and there were the usual few customers inside. Supposing she’d better spend the money Mrs Cook had given her for its intended purpose, she went inside to order the caramel lattes.
‘Hi, Chloe.’ Hannah looked tired but managed a smile. ‘I’m just serving this customer, one second.’
The man in front of her accepted the two lattes she gave him, then he turned and nearly crashed into Chloe.
‘Oh good,’ said Harry, sounding only a little sarcastic. ‘You’re here.’
‘Oh. Hey.’ Chloe wasn’t in the mood to see Harry right now, but there was no sense in being rude. ‘Wait, why is it good that I’m here?’
He held up one of the coffees. ‘I had a business meeting in here the other day, and you’re right, the coffee here is delicious.’
Hannah looked thrilled.
‘I’m glad I bumped into you here. Saves me a trip to the library. I made the deal I was after, so take this as a thank-you.’ He held out the coffee.
It took a moment to process what he had said. ‘Oh. Hm. Are you sure?’
Last time they’d seen each other, they’d had an argument.An olive branch?
‘Don’t be making me drink two coffees, Chloe. I’ll be buzzing all day.’
He raised his eyebrows and she huffed a reluctant laugh, taking the coffee. ‘Well, thanks.’ She remembered Mrs Cook. ‘But I need two.’
‘Jeez.’ Harry rolled his eyes, handing her the other cup. ‘You’ll drink me out of house and home at this rate.’
