Depthless: Under The Library

Chapter Five// Stella

Stella's POV  

 My day had kick-started off on a high note. Waking up to dim lights, cozy wooden-themed furniture in a small, enclosed den somewhere underground after a good long night's sleep had been the ultimate change I had to adjust to in about twenty-four hours since I left home. 

Propping myself up on my comfortable bed, I yawn, but it's a refreshing yawn. Somebody once told me that yawning washes our brain with a cool wave. Huh. I'm not sure about the scientific points but that is the very sensation I'm experiencing. 

One look around my new den would be enough to send me back into a cozy slumber--- the cave-like walls, tiny niches, orange flame-like lighting down the sides of the walls, the design reflects warm and welcoming memories. But I'm too wide awake and eager to explore my new home, sleeping seemed like the fool's option.

I get changed. I find a pair of dark jeans in a wardrobe-like space in the wall. I hesitate. Wearing something from the age of the cowboys might make me come off as old-fashioned. Besides, I doubt that librarians would wear anything so casual on their duty. That's because I'm on duty this morning--- or so it states on the papers Alex gave me. 

There is nothing much in my new wardrobe, and I begin to crave for my trendy clothing back at the Organization HQ... I reach into my backpack and pull out a dark purple pullover. I hold it close, breathing in its scent. If only--- 

But, no. I can't. 

I toss the pullover aside, tossing my cravings away. I hardened my heart. Hey---I'm Stella Stare, former agent, yes, but I'll have to leave my old life behind me now. At the moment, I'm living a new life, starting anew.

Which means I'll need a change. A refreshing change.

*****

Twenty minutes later, I'm in the Library. I wonder if I have to report for duty. I am in Group Nine. I have no idea if the groups are sorted by order of some kind, like the best group to the lowliest... all that I know is I have to find my group leader. 

A playful smile crept up on my face as I spot him dutifully carrying out his daily responsibilities. 

For a moment, I just watch from a distance. He looks so absorbed as he went about sorting out the books. He is wearing jeans, so I relax a little about mine. I smooth out my ruffled blouse,  fingering the white lace patterns. 

Well, it's time I made my presence know,

*****

"David!" 

Oops. Looks like I had distracted him at the wrong moment. At the mention of his name, he jumps up like a startled deer, and the book he is holding out falls from his grasp, hitting him on the head and bouncing onto the ground. 

"Ow!" He yells softly. 

"Oh... sorry." I cover my mouth, wincing. I'd never thought I'd say a book hit my head, as there are, well, no books from what I'd known. But I guess things are a little more conventional around here. So, a book fell off the shelf and hit my friend on the head. Owie.

"Morning Star!" He grins. I manage a small smile. He looks better than he did when I last saw him---which was yesterday. He had on a dark gray cotton t-shirt. His hair though, is no improvement. Messy as ever.

He rubs the side of his head where the book had hit him. I feel bad that I had startled him enough to cause him to slip up. 

I bend down to pick up the book. I shadow crossed my sight. I feel David by my side. Oops. Awkward situation as the both of us hovered over one measly book. At last, I pick it up.