mcrlucy

Today has been such a strain. It's Monday, so I am already lethargic after a hectic weekend and after my last lecture at 2:00pm, I literally have to get home, have a shower, grab something quick to eat and then head out to work at Central Library for 5:30pm, so I've really got to get a move on. Knowing I have to work until 10:30pm really fills me with unprecedented joy.......... NOT!

I finished my lecture at 3:45pm and got home just after 4:10pm. I practically wolfed my dinner down before having the quickest shower ever. I decided to wear my black corduroy flares and white skinny t-shirt. I pulled my dark brown/auburn shoulder length hair into a messy ponytail and put the minimum of make up on; a light covering of foundation, black eyeliner and a touch of lip gloss on my lips before popping my thick, black rimmed specs on. There, all done by 5:00pm. All I needed to do now was walk to work. That's the beauty of working in a library that's just down the road. I also work some weekend shifts now and again at my local pub, The Gargoyle but luckily I got this weekend off. Shifts there can be sporadic, but I am grateful of any work that comes my way.

That's the one and only problem with living on your own - you need all the money you can get to keep your small roof over your head. I of course know that my parents are only a phone call or short walk away, so if it ever got too much for me I know I'll always have a home with them, but I love my independence. My Sister, Alexandra, still lives at home with my parents. She is studying to become a Sports & Physical Education Teacher. The money she gets from her part time job/work experience at the local swimming pool gets spend on her passion for shopping. Sometimes, I wish life was still that easy for me but ultimately I am happy to live the life that I have.

I arrived at Central Library at precisely 5:24pm which gave me enough time to pop to the ladies to give myself the once over and use the toilet. I was out at reception at bang on 5:30pm to take over from Amelia, my colleague and fellow student at college. She's also my very best friend. Amelia and I have been great friends since we were both 12 years old. She's younger than me by just under a month. She's always there for me and is as much a Sister to me as Alexandra, who is also a great friend. Amelia is far prettier than me although she doesn't ever make any kind of deal out of it. She is very slightly taller than me and has a fantastic figure. She has perfect teeth and rosy cheeks and deep brown, glossy, chin length hair. I could go on about how amazing she is until the stars fall from the sky, but she hates it and can never see it for herself.

"Hey honey, I'm Superwoman and I've come to free you of this ball and chain that is Central Library!" I exclaimed exaggeratedly and hugged like only a best friend could.

"Christ Molly, you scared the crap out of me. I was in a world of my own for a while there." She replied after her shock.

"Come on," I said as I grabbed her hoodie and backpack from under the reception desk, "Time for you to get home and relax."

"Actually, would it be ok for me to come and stay with you for a while?" She asked quietly.

"Of course it is honey, but do you really not want to go home?" I asked, knowing that I would if I had the chance.

"I can't wait to go home," she replied, "but I wanted to have a quick chat with you about something when it's quiet. Oh, and also, I want to keep an eye on you; make sure your shift goes ok?"

This conversation was a) very intriguing and b) also a little unnerving, so I asked what any other slightly freaked out girl would ask, "Why do you want to keep an eye on me? I can assure you I'm big enough to take care of myself."

"I know that," Amelia said as she looked at me like I was stupid, "Anyway, the first thing I wanted to talk to you about is to see if you wouldn't mind having me as a lodger? My Mom's met a new guy that I really cannot stand and I want out!" She practically shouted at me.

"Shhhh; just think where we are?" I reminded her, "Of course you can come live with me. Christ knows it'll help out with the rent and bills. Look, why don't you get your stuff tonight, well as much as you can, and I'll help you get your room sorted when I get back. We'll get the rest of your stuff tomorrow after college."

"Awwww, Molly, you are a life saver! What would I do without you eh?" She jumped up and wrapped her legs around my waist and her arms around my neck and almost squeezed the life out of me.

"Yes, I know I'm a life saver and no, I don't know what you'd do without me." I agreed, "Anyhow, back to the other thing; why do you want to keep an eye on me?"

"It might be me just being paranoid," she started, "but there's this strange old lady that's been here all day asking when you start work. I played dumb and said I wasn't sure, you know, to try and get rid of her, but man, she's so persistent. She's been here since 10:00am and she's showing no signs of budging."

"Where is this weird lady then Amelia? Point her out to me." I urged

Amelia didn't have to raise her pointed finger very far for me to look straight at the old lady. She was standing in the middle aisle of the poetry section and she was staring intently straight back at me.