The Bookcase

My mouth fell open at Holly's words. Everyday? How did I not hear her before? I fervently searched my memory for the sound of her beautiful voice that I'd heard before. I remembered nothing. I had walked by that old room everyday of my life multiple times; how had I not seen her? Impossible. No one was that good. Again, she seemed to read my thoughts.

 

"Oh, please," she said,"Don't look so surprised. Who did you expect to find here? A goody two shoes who goes to all her classes? In the boys' wing?" She raised her eyebrows at me. "I thought you were smarter than that." Her words should have stung a little, but I had heard worse. By now, I automatically ignored it.

 

"No...But how?" I spluttered hopelessly, words now unable to come to my lips, "Your teachers..? How...? I-"

 

This time she stopped me from stumbling again. She held up her right hand, her slender palm facing me. "They don't care. They've given up." She grinned, "Besides, I know all I need to know anyways, and they know it." At that I grew silent. What more could I say? I was speechless that she never went to her classes. She didn't realize what she was missing. Atleast she had classes to go to. I, however, was stuck as what could be best described as a servant. Helping throughout Igai because they couldn't place me as a carpenter, sculpter, seer, singer, caretaker...anything. Wasn't I dropped here to become something? And yet, years later, I was still nothing. I would never be anything. Foolish of me to hope, to dream, to wish for something more. I can't be fitted for anything but a lowly servant boy. How else did I find her today?

 

My thoughts bitter, I turned back to the window. The sun had now set, leaving behind traces of navy blue and small iridescent stars. A frail moon was begining to glint at the edge of the pines. The warm spring breeze grew cold, bringing with it a crisp scent not unfamiliar to winter. Then I heard it...footsteps. Growing closer outside the door. It had gotten a little too late, Holly had stayed a little too long. The Professors and Presenti were making their rounds. I turned my face towards hers, and saw my panic mirrored in her eyes. She had heard it too. Just as the footsteps reached the door, her eyes seemed to change. Instead of panic, they gleamed with determination. Quick as a mouse fleeing from a hawk, she turned and ran towards the decrepit bookcase. She tugged on the side furiously, obviously stronger than her tiny frame appeared. The bookcase crept open, just in time. She slipped behind it with not a moment to spare.

 

An elderly man walking along with the aid of a small cane entered the room. "Professor Gilmann," I said politely,"What can I do for you sir?"

 

"Nothing right now, Timothy," His went up an uncanny octave as he talked, "I actually thought I overheard someone singing not long ago. I came to see if they were still here..." The old man trailed off, tugging at his over grown beard with his free hand.

 

"Sir?" I prompted, gently.

 

"Hmm?" Again, he was off in his own thoughts.

 

"You were saying?"

 

He startled, shaking his head. Or rather, his whole body. "Oh, yes," He cleared his throat breifly, "Is that person still here?" He eyed Timothy suspiciously, "I'm assuming that wasn't you...?"

 

"No, sir." Professor Gilmann's eyes began shifting around the room in suspicion. I was never a very good liar. I knew he could tell I was lieing, but the real question was: Would he find her? That was more what I was afraid of. And if he did? Well that would be the end of it. I'd never be placed, Holly could be thrown out...I knew the rules. However, perhaps if I took the blame...would he reconsider Holly? She had more of a future here than I did. Better off me than her. That settled it then. If she got caught, I would take the blame. That way she still had a chance. Finally, Professor Gilmann's eyes came back from their trip around the room to me. I met his gaze steadily, challenging him openly.

 

"Well, if you ever hear anything, let me know," His stare didn't slacken as he went on, "We need some good Singers again."

 

"Yes, sir." And with that he went on his way, shutting the heavy rosewood door behind him. I let out a breath I realized I had been holding the whole time he was here. I watched the door for a few more minutes, extending my hearing the best I could before calling out to Holly in what was just barely a whisper, "Coast is clear."

 

I heard the creaking of the bookcase and saw a small foot emmerge; kicking the side of the bookcase to move it forward, accompanied by some grunting. Aparently it was a very heavy old bookcase. I would have laughed at the sight of what appeared to be a floating foot, had I not just had a close run-in with a Professor. After much grunting and foot thrashing, Holly emmerged fully from behind the bookcase, looking somewhat worn out. "Some help you are," she said sourly. I smiled at her kindly, tempted to laugh at her tone of voice. She walked back accross the room to stand next to me. "That was close," she whispered.