Maggie never dreamed that she would ever see the gates of a university. Nonetheless, she spent countless hours in a small room that served as a library in her school. When she cleared high school, her mother organized for her to go and live with her aunt where she would work as a nanny. Maggie was happy to go even though she knew that she was destined for more than that.
“The city would be a good opportunity for me.” She thought. She believed that no one was jobless in the city and everyone earned good money. This excited her and gave her hope.
Her aunt came to pick her up and after a teary farewell, they were off to the big city. She had been there a few times before during her school holidays when she would go to help her aunt take care of her small cousins.
“How are Jaden and Sarah?” she asked as her aunt drove at a rather slow speed.
“They’re very fine, dear. They keep asking about you. I told them that you were studying for your exams but you would come to visit them when you finished.”
Maggie smiled. She was happy to know that she was going to a loving home where she would be treated like part of the family.
They finally arrived a few minutes after 6 pm. The journey had taken longer than expected and it was a bit dark but they were both grateful to arrive safely. Maggie said a short prayer and then got out of the car to unload her bags and the huge stem of bananas that her mother had gifted them. The kids came out shortly after to greet their mother and the visitor. They gave their mother a big, tight hug then turned to Maggie and stared at her for a minute as if trying to analyze her.
“You’ve lost a lot of weight,” Sarah said innocently.
“Yes, I was studying really hard,” Maggie replied. They then embraced her equally as tight and tried to carry her bags. Though they were pretty light, the young children couldn’t manage to carry them. Instead, they led her in and escorted her to her bedroom. She placed her bags down and immediately went to the kitchen where her aunt was waiting for her.
“You know how I like things done. I don’t have to teach you anything. You’re a smart girl.” She started. “You’ll be taking care of the kids. Help them with their homework, prepare them for school and make sure they’re doing well in school.”
Maggie liked taking care of her young cousins. They had so much personality and were always fun to be around. She was also happy because she didn’t have to cook or clean anything. She hated doing house chores.
“Maggie, come push us on the swing,” Jaden called to her as they played in the compound.
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A month had passed since she arrived at her aunt’s house. Results for her final high school exams were out and everyone was happily surprised by Maggie’s marks. She was indeed a bright student but no one expected her to score anything more than a B. She scored a B+ which guaranteed her a spot at the university to pursue her course of choice.
In fact, she got a letter of admission a few weeks later to her dream university. However, Maggie knew this was all a dream and she would probably take a diploma course instead. Her aunt was not able to take care of her expenses while she was on campus and since she didn’t get a straight A, it was difficult to find a scholarship. Once again, she gave up on going to university.
Her results had, however, motivated her to advance her education level. Since she was taking care of her young cousins, she decided to refresh her knowledge in early learning as well as read about how to tutor young children.
Her aunt introduced her to a local library where she spent most of her days when the children were in school. The first time she went to the library was like she had entered heaven. There were so many books that Maggie was confused.
“Can I help you find something?” a man asked her as she stood staring at the books. She was still mesmerized by the collection of books that she didn’t notice anyone talking to her. “Excuse me,” he said. She heard him that time and turned to face him. He was sharply dressed in a checked shirt, grey pants, and well-polished shoes. Maggie immediately took a liking to him.
“Hi, I’m looking for early learning books.” She said.
“Okay. They’re over there.” He answered pointing to another aisle.
“Thanks.”
He left without saying a word.
Maggie browsed the large collection of children’s books that ranged from educational to entertainment. She picked out an English book and then went to sit in a corner. There were two other people at the library going about their business.
The young man kept coming to check on Maggie to see whether she needed any help. After two hours, Maggie got up to leave.
“Are you leaving already?” he asked sweetly.
“Yes, I have to go and pick up my cousins from school.” She replied.
“Okay, welcome again.” she smiled and left the book on the counter but he handed it back to her.
“Now, you’ll have to come back.” He said.
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Maggie didn’t go back to the library for a few days but she couldn’t get it out of her mind. She felt like she was in a dream surrounded by so many books. That was the first time she had seen so many books. She wanted to ask the young many a lot of questions but she didn’t want to come off as a village girl. The young man was also on her mind. She smiled when she remembered their brief but sweet interaction. She went back the following day.
It was a short walking distance from her aunt’s house. When she got there, she found another person behind the counter – a lady. She tried to hide her disappointment but she was looking forward to seeing him.
“Where did the other guy go?” she asked the lady.
“Ben? He’s helping my parents get some books.” She answered.
“Oh. Okay. Say hi to him.” she answered and left as fast as she came.
Ben was there the next day when she went to the library. After trying and failing to play it cool, he joined her at her desk.
“Where have you been?” he asked.
“I was busy at home but I came yesterday and you weren’t here.” She answered.
“Yeah. My sister told me and I immediately knew it was you.” He said.
She smiled. “How did you know?” she asked.
“Well, she described you as a beautiful girl with shaved hair and a gap in your teeth.”
She was slightly embarrassed by the description. The gap was one of her biggest insecurities but she was happy to know that other people thought it was beautiful.
“I’m Maggie, by the way.” She finally introduced herself.
“Ben.”
The pair shook hands and after a brief conversation, exchanged numbers.
“I’ll call you tonight.” He said and she nodded in approval.
He kept his promise and called her at around 9 pm. Maggie had just finished helping her cousins with their homework and was getting ready for bed. The pair talked briefly and planned to meet the next day.
From then, they met regularly at the library. They bonded over their mutual love for books and Ben would constantly recommend books for her to read. Though their friendship blossomed into a crush, they brushed it off as juvenile emotions. However, the feelings didn’t go away. The more Ben saw her, the deeper he fell for her and Maggie fell for him as well.
Here’s what happens next – A Date At The Library Part 2: Can Young Love Survive Separation?
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