Do some research on Victorian Jewelry for comparison w collection.
Buy more sticky notes (multicolor pack)
Maybe figure out how to do conversations without flashcards...
Ugg. A girl can dream.
I pause, tapping the pen against my chin. At least I’m trying, right? That’s all I can do.
My best.
Number 2. That’s the one. I just want to see what there is on the subject at the archives. Shouldn’t take too long.
Besides, I’d rather work than go home to my empty apartment anyhow. When I am working, I at least feel marginally normal.
My eyes drift to the basement door again. The pull I felt earlier seems to have faded. That’s kind of a relief. I think? I still feel a weird ... something. I shake my head. Nope. Stay on target, Olivia. You have your list, now stick to it. Just go down the line.
Right.
"The auxiliary library," I say aloud, nodding to myself. It’s Friday night. Place is probably hopping.
I chuckle at my own joke.
The walk downtown is pleasant enough, the cool evening air clearing my head. The library is housed in an imposing stone building that always reminds me of a Masonic lodge, though I know it's not. But like any good lodge, it’s got its own sort of seal, carved above the door.
I’ve been meaning to dig into its origins for ages now. It’s got nineteen century stylings, with its fine details. Some of its elements I can’t make out, but the central focus is a woman’s upper torso and head. And it’s her little half smile that has always captivated me. Like she has some sort of secret. And the little crystal ball in her hand is pretty cool too.
I make a mental note to add researching it to my to-do list.
Inside, I flash my special collections badge to the sleepy-looking student worker at the desk. "Evening, Jake," I call out softly.
He barely looks up from his textbook. "Hey, Olivia. Hot date with some old books?"
“Something like that,” I nod, heading to the back room. A little too close to the truth, actually.
The familiar smell of old books and dust soon envelops me like a comfortable blanket though and any anxiety fades. This is my element. This is where I shine.
I make my way down the worn stone steps, running my fingers along the cool, ornate walls. The craftsmanship is exquisite - probably pre-Civil War. I should really look into the history of this place sometime. Add it to the list, Liv.
The special collections area is deserted, just how I like it. I quickly locate the volumes on Victorian jewelry and settle in to take notes. But as I'm flipping through a particularly dusty tome, a peculiar breeze ruffles the pages.
"That's odd," I mutter, glancing around. No windows down here, and the AC definitely isn't that strong.
Before I can stop myself, I'm on my feet, following the mysterious draft. It leads me to a section I've never noticed before, filled with dilapidated boxes stuffed with what is probably just old files.