Books and dust [D-rank Mission]

[Catherina]

Sliding her finger over the edges of the bookshelves Cat looked for something that might appear of any interest to her. Alex had already found more than one book that she had decided to take with her. Considering their stay in Mangolia for the next couple of days, Catherina was really happy that Alex liked to read. It was reassuring to know that the girl would be reading instead of wandering the streets while Catherina took care of her business. One of the things aside from the mission that was still two days away, was finding some tasks to do. Extra money was something she always welcomed.

Unable to take her mind off the practical sides of their trip, Cat sighed before walking around the last shelve. Alexandra was already at the counter, the brown haired woman behind it was helping the girl out. Catherina nodded politely before scanning the side of the desk, noticing a paper that got all of her attention during the next seconds that it took Cat to read it.

They were looking for staff.
Well, not really. Just for some help.
It did say that you would get reimbursed for the work done.

“Hello, I see that you're looking for a temporal librarian?”

As the woman's eyes got torn from Alex' books she smiled and nodded.

“Yes I do, it's only for a day, but I would really appreciate some help. Are you perhaps interested?”

Being a librarian for a day didn't seem a really dangerous job. Besides, she could use the money, and have Alexandra around reading seemed like a good deal as well. Agreeing on arriving early the next day, Catherina and Alexandra took their leave with the latter having her books clutched under her right arm.


Words: 294 / 500

[Catherina]

Early wasn't a problem for Cat, she had gotten used to rise before most others to make sure that the shop was looking clean and ready before opening it. Walking down the road she had to smile to herself, knowing Alex wouldn't show up at the library before noon. She could still remember how much she loved to sleep at that age. Thirteen and carefree, hopefully that would last for a good while.

“Good morning!”

“Oh Catherina, you're here. That's good! The shipment with the new books is arriving soon, you'll need to label them and place them on the shelves, going by author and so forth, you can imagine it, right?”

“Yes, not a problem at all. Are there papers to be signed?”

“No, no, everything has already been discussed. All you need to do is take them on. I'll be back in a bit, got to fill in some papers before we open up.”

Disappearing out of sight Andrea left Cat waiting for the shipment that appeared there only a few minutes later. They were certainly starting out early around here. She respected that no matter what. Cracking her knuckles Catherina soon found herself opening the boxed with books and starting out by putting them aside by the author's family name. It would be easier to sort the piles with the same letter after going through all the boxed instead of walking back and forth after every one.

It took her the bigger part of the morning to get the boxes sorter out, and after that came the tedious job of placing them on the right spot. Andrea had passed by a few times, asking how things were going and if everything was allright. Catherina had simply laughed and given her a polite reply that there were no problems at all. Placing books on shelves wouldn't kill her any time soon.

During the lunch break her sister popped up, handing her a box with some rice and sashimi. They shared the food with Cat not feeling all that hungry and Alex scooping down all that she could find before Catherina had to go back to work. Checking out a few books, placing some of the ones that were brought back on the right spot and making sure that there was nothing wrong with the shelves or the alleys in-between.

Alexandra had curled up on one of the seats, legs hidden beneath herself while reading some adventure novel. The noon stretched on and soon the clock pointers were nearing the closing time. With a yawn Cat lazily strolled down the fairly empty library before seeing a woman who was deeply sunk away in her thriller.

“Excuse me, but I'll have to remind you that we'll be closing in about fifteen minutes, you're welcome to return tomorrow once we're open.”

Giving the older woman a smile she received one back before heading to the counter. Alexandra was already lingering around the area, waiting for Cat to 'be done with it'. Soon she got what she wanted, after getting her 'salary' she exited the library together with the little brat while Andrea closed the door behind them.


Words: 526 → 820/500 Mission done