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Abby had heard of this quirky bookstore a while back, one that was full of trinkets and toys and where you could get lost just poking around. The young girl, soon to be an official teenager, had never gotten around to visiting the store, even if it intrigued her but finally there was time. A weekend after all the homework was done and where her father had his own projects to tend to, his class, was a perfect time to spend the afternoon in a bookstore. Maybe she could even find a new cookbook or something.
Pulling out her phone she sent a quick text to her friend, ’Nearly there. Bus was late.’, just as the bus came to a stop. She still had a bit of a walk, about three blocks or so, but it was the closest she could get using public transportation. It wasn’t like the weather was disagreeable, in fact for it being nearly February it was down right spring like. The sun was shining and it was warm, high 50s, only a intermittent chilly breeze made the jacket and jeans necessary. If it hadn’t been for that one could be easily tricked into thinking it was spring, that the flowers should be blooming while the trees bud and the grass becomes green and lush rather than the ratty brown it was now. Today would have been a perfect day to walk Sherlock but he was likely snoring away on her bed where he had taken possession of the spot she had vacated that morning. Ah well, there was always tomorrow.
Pulling out her phone she sent a quick text to her friend, ’Nearly there. Bus was late.’, just as the bus came to a stop. She still had a bit of a walk, about three blocks or so, but it was the closest she could get using public transportation. It wasn’t like the weather was disagreeable, in fact for it being nearly February it was down right spring like. The sun was shining and it was warm, high 50s, only a intermittent chilly breeze made the jacket and jeans necessary. If it hadn’t been for that one could be easily tricked into thinking it was spring, that the flowers should be blooming while the trees bud and the grass becomes green and lush rather than the ratty brown it was now. Today would have been a perfect day to walk Sherlock but he was likely snoring away on her bed where he had taken possession of the spot she had vacated that morning. Ah well, there was always tomorrow.
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Leah was loving the weather because it meant she didn’t have to wear a bulky coat and could instead opt for a peacoat with nice hat and scarf. She grinned at her mother as Dee pulled up to the curb, “Abby, said she was a couple blocks away … I swear I don’t know why she didn’t asked to be picked up.” Leah shook her head and smiled at her mother.
“You two behave, don’t forget to get the Whimpy Kid book for your brother and let Abby know that I will take her home when you are both done. Or she could even come to the salon if she like. You two can get facials.”
Leah grinned and nodded hopping out of the car, “Okay mom. I’ll let her know. I bet she’ll want to get a facial, who would want to get a free facial. I call you when we are ready. Bye mom.”
She shivered slightly despite the warm with weather and turned to wait for her friend to make her way down the street.
“You two behave, don’t forget to get the Whimpy Kid book for your brother and let Abby know that I will take her home when you are both done. Or she could even come to the salon if she like. You two can get facials.”
Leah grinned and nodded hopping out of the car, “Okay mom. I’ll let her know. I bet she’ll want to get a facial, who would want to get a free facial. I call you when we are ready. Bye mom.”
She shivered slightly despite the warm with weather and turned to wait for her friend to make her way down the street.
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Abby waved to the older girl as she rounded the last block. Leah was waiting for her in front of the pathway to the bright victorian that housed the bookstore. The young lady took care not to get her jacket caught on the boxwood bushes fencing in the front of the property as she strode closer to her companion. “I hope you weren’t waiting too long,” She said as she came to a stop, joining Leah on the sidewalk in front of the store. She eyed the simple building rather surprised that this was a store. It was a large house with a wraparound porch, containers of plants scattered on it, flowers would lined the pathway up to the door come true spring, right now it was just winter hardy small shrubs and what appeared to be a gnome… with a book? Abby stared at the little figurine that was half hidden under some green bushy plant. It looked like the small creature was reading, there really was no other explanation. She didn’t even know they made gnomes like that.
The young girl wondered just what other secrets the garden she could see spreading out from the side of the house would hold. It was a shame it wasn’t really spring. She had a feeling the whole area would be a riot of color from flowers. “After you.” Ever the polite lady Abby indicated that Leah should precede her up the walk, besides she wanted to look around a little bit more.
The young girl wondered just what other secrets the garden she could see spreading out from the side of the house would hold. It was a shame it wasn’t really spring. She had a feeling the whole area would be a riot of color from flowers. “After you.” Ever the polite lady Abby indicated that Leah should precede her up the walk, besides she wanted to look around a little bit more.
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Leah shook her head, “no I just got here. My mom just dropped me off.” She turned as she spoke and headed up the stairs to the porch, “.. you know we could have picked you up. No need to catch the bus. Mom says she’ll take you home when we’re done, but she also said we can go to the salon and get facials if you want. Nothing like a facial after a fun day right?”
Leah opened the door to the house, turned bookshop and held it open for Abby missing completely the small gnome, but grinning excitedly as she entered the shop, pocket full of money and ready to get a few new books. She hoped the YA and teen sections were well stocked. She still didn't have the last Hunger Games book and she wanted to check of the Maze Runner series.
“What are you going to get today? I have to remember to get my brother the new Whimpy Kid book, but otherwise I got some allowance to grab up a few new books with. I also have a book report so I need to find a new book to read. Ah school projects, hate em, can’t pass if you dont do them.” She giggled and made her way further into the bookstore.
Leah opened the door to the house, turned bookshop and held it open for Abby missing completely the small gnome, but grinning excitedly as she entered the shop, pocket full of money and ready to get a few new books. She hoped the YA and teen sections were well stocked. She still didn't have the last Hunger Games book and she wanted to check of the Maze Runner series.
“What are you going to get today? I have to remember to get my brother the new Whimpy Kid book, but otherwise I got some allowance to grab up a few new books with. I also have a book report so I need to find a new book to read. Ah school projects, hate em, can’t pass if you dont do them.” She giggled and made her way further into the bookstore.
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“I don't mind the bus really. Its interesting to watch others.” Abby normally spent her time on the bus reading or watching people, it was interesting to see what they did as well. Besides, she liked to imagine where they were going and what their life was like. The guy sitting in the back with earbuds in, staring out the window mindlessly, could be heading to work or home from it, likely some menial job that saps the body and mind of all life like a fast food worker. He was likely dreaming of the day that he would win the lottery or maybe something more attainable… the day he got a job where he could afford a car. A job that made him happy and fulfilled. Or the lady who sat in the very front, watching the streets as they came up, glancing at her watch every so often. She was late, but late for what? Abby liked to think that she was late for a date. Not a normal date since she wasn’t dressed all fancy like but a date with a old friend, someone she didn’t have to dress up for. Maybe they were going to the movies or for lunch, it was too early for dinner, or possibly shopping, anything really but obviously she was late and she truly hated being that way.
It was fun to weave those types of stories for the other riders just as it was amusing to create a story for the kind of family that would have lived in this victorian turned bookstore. A happy family, a whimsical one if the dragon sleeping in the potted plant was any indication, full of laughter and light. A mother and father and their daughter, their little princess… Abby stopped the ‘story’ right there. She squashed it like a bug beneath her cute shoes. Unwilling to let such an idyllic, and way too close to home, tale unfurl. Instead she focused on Leah, “That would be rather nice although it does depend on how long we here. Sherlock should be taken for a walk before dinner.” Abby was going to say more, invite her friend over for dinner, but she lost her train of thought when the bell over the door tinkled, greeting the two girls with the wonder that was The Bookwyrm.
Books. So many books. And… hearts? Abby stared in surprise at all the red and white heart garlands strung up, the cupid cut outs hanging from the ceiling, and other ‘love’ type objects here and there. A bright smile bloomed on her face as she realized that the store was decorated for Valentine's day. “Oh, I was going to look at their cookbooks but maybe I’ll search for something for Dad, after all… It will be Valentine’s day soon.” She giggled and pointed at a particularly cheeky cherub that was winking as it preparing to shoot it's bow. This place was fantastic.
It was fun to weave those types of stories for the other riders just as it was amusing to create a story for the kind of family that would have lived in this victorian turned bookstore. A happy family, a whimsical one if the dragon sleeping in the potted plant was any indication, full of laughter and light. A mother and father and their daughter, their little princess… Abby stopped the ‘story’ right there. She squashed it like a bug beneath her cute shoes. Unwilling to let such an idyllic, and way too close to home, tale unfurl. Instead she focused on Leah, “That would be rather nice although it does depend on how long we here. Sherlock should be taken for a walk before dinner.” Abby was going to say more, invite her friend over for dinner, but she lost her train of thought when the bell over the door tinkled, greeting the two girls with the wonder that was The Bookwyrm.
Books. So many books. And… hearts? Abby stared in surprise at all the red and white heart garlands strung up, the cupid cut outs hanging from the ceiling, and other ‘love’ type objects here and there. A bright smile bloomed on her face as she realized that the store was decorated for Valentine's day. “Oh, I was going to look at their cookbooks but maybe I’ll search for something for Dad, after all… It will be Valentine’s day soon.” She giggled and pointed at a particularly cheeky cherub that was winking as it preparing to shoot it's bow. This place was fantastic.
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Leah was just as shocked to see the bookstore all done up for valentine's day, holiday she had hardly thought about despite it being barely over two weeks away. She giggled herself when Abby pointed out a cherub. She waggled her finger at it and grinned, “don't go shooting me now Mr. Cupid … I don't think my momma would appreciate it. I'm too young for that she says.”
She gave Abby a smirk, “I bet you can find him something great. I haven't gotten anything either, but I think I'm going to get my mom some bath oils. She likes those and Dad well dad likes pretty much anything. I think I'm going to get him a chocolate tie if I can find one. It will be hilarious.”
She moved into the bookstore and wondered where everyone was, it was early still, but she expected to see someone. She shrugged and grabbed Abby handed dragging her down the first section them came through, mostly just browsing and looking at the decoration and little trinkets until they got to a section they liked.
“This place is pretty amusing … it's got a hidden Mickey sort of feel to it, yeah?”
She gave Abby a smirk, “I bet you can find him something great. I haven't gotten anything either, but I think I'm going to get my mom some bath oils. She likes those and Dad well dad likes pretty much anything. I think I'm going to get him a chocolate tie if I can find one. It will be hilarious.”
She moved into the bookstore and wondered where everyone was, it was early still, but she expected to see someone. She shrugged and grabbed Abby handed dragging her down the first section them came through, mostly just browsing and looking at the decoration and little trinkets until they got to a section they liked.
“This place is pretty amusing … it's got a hidden Mickey sort of feel to it, yeah?”
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“I think they will love them. It might take a bit of looking for the tie but I’m sure you can find it online if all else fails.” Abby said absently as she took in the whole store. It didn’t take her long to realize that everything had a theme, each section’s trinkets and toys were placed to indicate what kind of books lined the shelves. As Leah pulled her through the stacks the younger girl spotted actual section placards on the end of the bookcases but personally loved the ‘item’ way of differentiating everything. She was so entranced she didn’t even notice when an older lady popped up behind the duo.
“Oh, thank you! I did try to make it very entertaining and even mysterious.” The brunette said cheerfully, startling a gasp from Abby as she spun around at the voice. “I’m Jessie, the proprietor. Is there anything in particular you are looking for?”
It took a little bit for Abby’s mind to kick in and get over the surprise of the introduction once that had passed through her good manners required a tit for tat. “Your store is wonderful Ma’am. My Name is Abigail Miller, this is my friend Ashley. This is actually my first time here and I am just enjoying myself although it would be shortsighted of me not to ask about your cookbooks. Also if you have any ideas for something for a theater teacher, I would be very appreciative.” Abby was more then happy to wander the store all day, just poking into every nook and cranny but time would not permit that today. Especially not if they wanted to get facials after their book hunt. Turning to her friend Abby asked, “Leah other than the Whimpy Kid what kind of book did you need? Was there a particular topic you needed for your report?” She might not have seen like she was paying attention earlier but Abby didn’t miss a tick, at least not normally.
“Oh, thank you! I did try to make it very entertaining and even mysterious.” The brunette said cheerfully, startling a gasp from Abby as she spun around at the voice. “I’m Jessie, the proprietor. Is there anything in particular you are looking for?”
It took a little bit for Abby’s mind to kick in and get over the surprise of the introduction once that had passed through her good manners required a tit for tat. “Your store is wonderful Ma’am. My Name is Abigail Miller, this is my friend Ashley. This is actually my first time here and I am just enjoying myself although it would be shortsighted of me not to ask about your cookbooks. Also if you have any ideas for something for a theater teacher, I would be very appreciative.” Abby was more then happy to wander the store all day, just poking into every nook and cranny but time would not permit that today. Especially not if they wanted to get facials after their book hunt. Turning to her friend Abby asked, “Leah other than the Whimpy Kid what kind of book did you need? Was there a particular topic you needed for your report?” She might not have seen like she was paying attention earlier but Abby didn’t miss a tick, at least not normally.
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Ashleigh jumped with when the woman thanked her, not expecting for the woman to pop up like that. Her hand flew to her chest, pressing lightly as though she could still her rapidly beating heart. Years as a chibi senshi did not do good things for one's nerves, so while she ought to expect the unexpected, she still a bit jumpy. He gave a weak chuckled, “It’s nice to meet you ma’am.”
She looked to Abby and shook her head, “no not really. It's just a general book report. I can read whatever I want and then I have to do a report on it. I am looking to get, Mockingjay, the last Hunger Game book, as well as the Maze Runner. I didn’t at all just mind looking for them, but I suppose if you could point me in the right direction we will have more time for facials later, yes?”
The latter end of the question was posed to Abby, with an excited grin, because what preteen girl was against getting facials. Honestly she liked her nice smooth skin and getting a facial everyone in a while probably helped. She loved that her family owned salon and spa. She looked back to Jessie and smiled her most award winning smile, “maybe you have a suggestion for a good book, one maybe I could do my report with.”
She enjoyed reading, it was something she had in common with Abby. Not to the same extent, but they had many afternoons where all they did was read with Sherlock tucked between them.
She looked to Abby and shook her head, “no not really. It's just a general book report. I can read whatever I want and then I have to do a report on it. I am looking to get, Mockingjay, the last Hunger Game book, as well as the Maze Runner. I didn’t at all just mind looking for them, but I suppose if you could point me in the right direction we will have more time for facials later, yes?”
The latter end of the question was posed to Abby, with an excited grin, because what preteen girl was against getting facials. Honestly she liked her nice smooth skin and getting a facial everyone in a while probably helped. She loved that her family owned salon and spa. She looked back to Jessie and smiled her most award winning smile, “maybe you have a suggestion for a good book, one maybe I could do my report with.”
She enjoyed reading, it was something she had in common with Abby. Not to the same extent, but they had many afternoons where all they did was read with Sherlock tucked between them.
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Abby was curious as well, just what type of book would this proprietess suggest for her young audience? The young girl was surprised when the brunette smiled brightly and quickly pulled them into a section in the back of the store that had been formed into a sort of a room by the cases. A ‘room’ full of color and whimsy since the ceiling was a painted mural of cloud filled sky, a rainbow arching across the space. There were dragons hanging from the ceiling and fairies dangling from a mobile by the window. Everything was fantasy themed, even down to the stuffed dolls in the window seat.
“The books you are looking for are here,” Jessie gestured to the selves, “The Diary of a Wimpy kid should be here.” A hand that was smudged with newsprint taped one of the low cases bordering the bright rug by the window. “The others here,” she indicated a much taller case, one of the ‘wall’ cases that created this grotto of color and wonder. “We have many a good tale. Is there anything in particular you truly enjoy. Mockingjay and Maze Runner are dystopian novels. Other good stories in the same vain are Divergent, The Selection, The Lunar Chronicles…” Abby tuned her out as she wandered over to one of the other tall ‘wall’ shelves. One filled with princess’ and unicorns, knights and kings. Shelves filled with fluffy fantasy.
The young lady gently ran her fingers over the spines of the various books, pulling one out every so often to look at the cover and read the synopsis before sliding it back among its brethren. “You seem like you might like this author.” Abby nearly screamed when Jessie spoke from behind, holding out a selection of thin books. Geeze did this lady make any noise when walking?
With a racing heart Abby took the books and quickly forgot her mild irritation at the surprise when she started to read the book’s synopsis. It was maybe a bit more fantasy then she particularly liked but it seemed like the princess was a true ‘no nonsense’ kind of female. Just her kind of heroine. They were also small stories so they wouldn’t be hard to take along with her while she ran around to her various classes. A smile quickly spread across her face as she thanked Jessie, “These are perfect. Thank you.” The older lady returned her smile and nodded before adding, “Our cookbooks are three shelves to the right and one shelf in off the door. I’ll go see if I can find a good book for a Theater teacher. I just might have something that will be a real treat for him.” She winked and quickly disappeared into the stacks of books, off on her book hunt.
With a half giggle and half sigh Abby shook her head and looked over at her friend. “No wonder people said that there was no way you could forget this place after you’ve been here. I feel a little like Alice after she ended up in Wonderland.”
“The books you are looking for are here,” Jessie gestured to the selves, “The Diary of a Wimpy kid should be here.” A hand that was smudged with newsprint taped one of the low cases bordering the bright rug by the window. “The others here,” she indicated a much taller case, one of the ‘wall’ cases that created this grotto of color and wonder. “We have many a good tale. Is there anything in particular you truly enjoy. Mockingjay and Maze Runner are dystopian novels. Other good stories in the same vain are Divergent, The Selection, The Lunar Chronicles…” Abby tuned her out as she wandered over to one of the other tall ‘wall’ shelves. One filled with princess’ and unicorns, knights and kings. Shelves filled with fluffy fantasy.
The young lady gently ran her fingers over the spines of the various books, pulling one out every so often to look at the cover and read the synopsis before sliding it back among its brethren. “You seem like you might like this author.” Abby nearly screamed when Jessie spoke from behind, holding out a selection of thin books. Geeze did this lady make any noise when walking?
With a racing heart Abby took the books and quickly forgot her mild irritation at the surprise when she started to read the book’s synopsis. It was maybe a bit more fantasy then she particularly liked but it seemed like the princess was a true ‘no nonsense’ kind of female. Just her kind of heroine. They were also small stories so they wouldn’t be hard to take along with her while she ran around to her various classes. A smile quickly spread across her face as she thanked Jessie, “These are perfect. Thank you.” The older lady returned her smile and nodded before adding, “Our cookbooks are three shelves to the right and one shelf in off the door. I’ll go see if I can find a good book for a Theater teacher. I just might have something that will be a real treat for him.” She winked and quickly disappeared into the stacks of books, off on her book hunt.
With a half giggle and half sigh Abby shook her head and looked over at her friend. “No wonder people said that there was no way you could forget this place after you’ve been here. I feel a little like Alice after she ended up in Wonderland.”
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Leah quickly bent can grabbed up the latest Wimpy Kid before before turning to Jessie and looking to the the books she pointed out. The title the selection caught her interest and she wondered what it was about. It seemed mysterious so to speak. She barely noticed when Jessie moved away lost in her own pile of books, that she came for and the first book in the three series she suggested.
She sat down crossed legged on the floor and started to read the covers, depositing the other book on the floor beside her. She looked up when Abby gave a giggle and laughed herself, “yes its really awesome.” She held up the books to Abby, “I can’t decide which … I really want them all, but I don’t think I have enough today.”
She looked to the books in Abby’s hands and tilted her head to the side, “what did you get?”
She sat down crossed legged on the floor and started to read the covers, depositing the other book on the floor beside her. She looked up when Abby gave a giggle and laughed herself, “yes its really awesome.” She held up the books to Abby, “I can’t decide which … I really want them all, but I don’t think I have enough today.”
She looked to the books in Abby’s hands and tilted her head to the side, “what did you get?”
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It was tempting to join Leah on the carpet and start perusing the small stack of books she was given to read but even though Abby was dressed in pants she didn’t particularly want to dirty her outfit, not that she saw any dirt… quite the contrary. The store was surprisingly clean for it being full of books, trinkets, knick knacks, and apparently one employee. Keeping everything dust free would be a job all in itself. “You can always make note of them and just save them for later. It's not like we won't be back.” Abby wasn’t sure about Leah but she was definitely coming back.
“Oh. She gave me these four.” The young lady held out the four small books, all brightly colored, the first featuring a dragon prominently on the cover. “The Enchanted Forest Chronicles by Patricia Wrede.” It took a bit of juggling but she flipped over the first book and quickly read the back cover, “‘Cimorene is everything a princess is not supposed to be: headstrong, tomboyish, smart - and bored. So bored that she runs away to live with a dragon - and finds the family and excitement she's been looking for.’ It seems really cute and fluffy. Something perfect to just take one’s mind off of school and classes.” She didn’t have to add the extra bit about being a senshi, Leah knew about that as well. “While you're deciding on that I really do want to look at the cookbooks. Maybe I’ll pick up a baking book this time since my collection of normal recipes is rather extensive.” She didn’t bake nearly as much as she cooked so it would be interesting to see just what kind of ‘sweets’ book this strange store stocked.
“Oh. She gave me these four.” The young lady held out the four small books, all brightly colored, the first featuring a dragon prominently on the cover. “The Enchanted Forest Chronicles by Patricia Wrede.” It took a bit of juggling but she flipped over the first book and quickly read the back cover, “‘Cimorene is everything a princess is not supposed to be: headstrong, tomboyish, smart - and bored. So bored that she runs away to live with a dragon - and finds the family and excitement she's been looking for.’ It seems really cute and fluffy. Something perfect to just take one’s mind off of school and classes.” She didn’t have to add the extra bit about being a senshi, Leah knew about that as well. “While you're deciding on that I really do want to look at the cookbooks. Maybe I’ll pick up a baking book this time since my collection of normal recipes is rather extensive.” She didn’t bake nearly as much as she cooked so it would be interesting to see just what kind of ‘sweets’ book this strange store stocked.
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Leah nodded pulling out her phone as Abby read the book synopsis she had and she grinned her a friend. “Sounds cool, let me know how they are. I might have to borrow them from you.” She looked back to her own books and decided to get the first two books from the selection series and save the rest for another visit. She snapped pictures of each of the other’s nodding again when Abby said she would be going to look over the cooking book.
“I’ll be done in a minute, meet you at the front, yeah?”
She moved to put the extra book neatly back where she had plucked them from and gathered the other’s up and headed for the front of the store. She had her phone in her hand and she quickly shot a text to her mother to let her mother know she and Abby were ready. She let her know they would be coming to the salon and definitely wanted facials.
She waited for Abby, up by the counter, hoping her friend didn't take to long, but not really minding if she did. Hopefully the next time Leah was over Abby would bake something fun with her.
“I’ll be done in a minute, meet you at the front, yeah?”
She moved to put the extra book neatly back where she had plucked them from and gathered the other’s up and headed for the front of the store. She had her phone in her hand and she quickly shot a text to her mother to let her mother know she and Abby were ready. She let her know they would be coming to the salon and definitely wanted facials.
She waited for Abby, up by the counter, hoping her friend didn't take to long, but not really minding if she did. Hopefully the next time Leah was over Abby would bake something fun with her.
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“Sure. Meet you there.” Abby waved and slipped into the stacks herself, quickly making her way to the cooking section. It had to be the cooking/food section since all the trinkets were food, there was even a butler statue with a cookbook open. So many to go through. Abby winced as she thought of how much she wanted to take her time searching for the right book to get but knew that Leah was waiting for her. Sighing the younger girl kept her search to the baking, quickly bypassing the few books she already had. Surprisingly it didn’t take her long to find a book that caught her interest. It was more about decoration but it was just so cute, she really wanted to try them. With her selections in hand, or arms really, she quickly headed to the front counter and Leah.
She really would need to come back later when she could spend all day just exploring.
She really would need to come back later when she could spend all day just exploring.
