Grolier's [Cambridge]

by Aileen Ma

Grolier’s are the magic words she whispers when life runs out of poetry. And when she steps into the store. Wavy auburn hair and calm green eyes betraying the relaxation and peace its aura brings to her.

Today, Grolier’s was desperately needed. She heaves a sigh of relief as she steps inside. Rush to the bookshelves. Runs her fingers like across a piano of rain drops as she looks through the new and old selections, resting her fingers more than once on a few favorites. Dotes upon the chapbooks of soul mates. Revisits the works of strictly rhyming poetry just for the kick of it. Attempts to find found poetry in Dr. Seuss.

But nothing really seems to help. No rituals, no favorite poems, not even Langston Hughes has been of help at all.

No, because no one could capture the feeling of meeting someone special and longing to be with them but yet chickening out because of a few knicks and scars that had once settled on your heart. No, no one could capture that feeling except herself, but she didn’t want to open that cut again.

It was funny how dangerous everyday living could be.

And yes alright, maybe she just wasn’t looking in all the right places. Maybe the shopkeeper would know.
***

He didn’t even know what drew him to Grolier’s that day, but now he knew. The shop was far too small for him to hide. And it would hurt him too much to snub her.

But maybe he could just stay in the corner a while longer.

Maybe he could find the right words to say from something by Byron, or better yet, the Beatles. Maybe the right words would give him the courage.

He looks down from the book and puts it back on the shelf. Feels like pulling his golden-brown hair out from the roots.

Then remembers something important.

Walks, slowly but resolutely, to the corner of the shop where she stands. Taps her on the shoulder, and smiles. More of a question than an expression.

She answers, gushing a smile and flushes a rosy pink. Takes his hand in hers and leads him out onto the street. Fall into a pattern of smiles and walking, saving the talking for later.