Page 81 of The Way We Win


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We’ll figure it out, but we’ve got to announce it this week, otherwise, we’re losing business

Dylan

I’ll tell everyone. Six months…

Bell rang—more soon!

We all sign off, and I slide my phone into the pocket of my dress. Today I’m wearing a forest green-and-navy-plaid dress, and my hair is up in space buns. It might not be classic librarian, but with my glasses and red lipstick, I’m feeling sassy.

I notice Sadie and two of her friends from the cheer squad surveying the poetry graffiti wall. I hung a large sheet over the bulletin board across from theblind date with a bookshelves. Then I added Sharpies on strings, and I have poetry prompts all over it.

I’ve been happily surprised by all the additions to the “wall.” Most are variations on well-known verses mixed with Taylor Swift lyrics and some nursery rhymes. I don’t judge. I know they have to feel free to be silly if they’re going to open up and be deep.

“Hey, ladies!” I walk over, smiling. “Looking for something in particular?”

“Oh, Hi, Miss Allie!” Sadie turns to me, smiling. “We need a poem about love.”

Lifting my chin, I try to think. None of the English teachers alerted me they’re starting poetry units. Usually they give me the heads up.

“Senior-level poetry?” I walk to the donated books I arranged on the shelves near the wall. “I’ve got Langston Hughes, Nikki Giovanni… Or the classic Shakespeare’s Sonnet 18, ‘Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?’”

The girls’ noses all wrinkle at once—as if on cue.

“Shakespeare is…” Sadie shakes her head. “No.”

“I can’t understand any of it,” her brunette friend adds.

“How about Nikki Giovanni?” the other girl asks. “What did he write?”

“Nikki Giovanni is a woman, and she’s famous for the phrase ‘We love because it’s the only true adventure.’”

“I like that!” Sadie brightens, and I hand her the slim volume.

“You should reconsider Shakespeare.” We walk to the front center of the room where the circulation desk is located. “It’s easier than you think.”

“Can I ask you something?” Sadie leans on the desk as I scan her card.

“Of course!” I smile. “That’s what I’m here for.”

“You had Austin when you were sixteen?”

My back straightens, and I hand her the book. “I was eighteen, which isn’t much better.”

“It’s better than sixteen,” she laughs. “At least you’d finished high school.”

The three girls stand around my desk, and my brow furrows. “Is there a particular reason you’re asking about this?”

My heart is in my throat. Sadie and Austin have been spending time together, and I’ve worked so hard to help him be safe and careful.

“You’re like Lorelei Gilmore!” She smiles, but I’m not sure if I should be relieved.

“I never watched that show.”

“She got pregnant at sixteen, and she moved to this small town to raise her daughter, and it’s all quirky and fun. Just like you!”

“First of all, that was a fictional show, and second, looks can be deceiving.”

“I think you look great, and you’re so young and cool.” Sadie smiles, lifting her chin. “I’d like to be like you.”