Story Hour

[Catherine Novella]

Cat was super excited about getting to do this. When she had first approached the public library she wasn't sure if they would let her but it had all worked out, especially when she was able to give references from four different librarians and English professors. She looked quite pleased with herself as she set up the juice and cookies.

It was five minutes until it was story time and Cat was really excited. She had chosen the story of Tom Thumb for story hour today and was effectively dressed up like Merlin without the beard. The starry cloak hung all the way to her feet, and though she wore a pair of jeans and a tee-shirt underneath, she was trying to come across as something magical.

In the front of the room Cat had set up a costume chest, for each of the kids. Some wanted to be pirates, some wanted to be fairies, princesses, knights, the list went on and on. After the first few times of running story hour the kids had grown accustomed to her wearing a costume and she realized that they wanted in on the fun. Thus the costume chest.

Now she just had to wait. Cat adjusted a few more pillows and stuffed animals before glancing at the clock. The kids would start to drift in soon, or at least she hoped they would. She had worked hard and wanted the kids to enjoy what she was going to do. Why else would she be in a Merlin costume?

[Jackson Haynes]

Jackson had been pretty excited to hear about story hour at the library. It would be a nice way to spend time with Gabe, who really enjoyed stories despite not being able to speak a whole lot. Gabe was at the pointing stage of life, and knew only a few key words, like ‘mine’, ‘more’, and ‘daddy’.

The day was beautiful, and Jackson decided to walk to the library, allowing Gabe to walk with him until the tyke got tired and begged to be put back into the stroller. Jackson went about his day with ease, content with being a father and student, and ignored the fact that he was single. There were ladies looking, but he was only interested in one.

Walking into the library with Gabe in tow, Jackson found a spot near the back of all the other families, sitting with Gabe on his lap for now. Gabe looked up at his dad expectantly, pointing at the juice and cookies. “Mine?” Jackson smirked and got up again, helping Gabe get a cookie and a third of a cup of juice, taking a cookie for himself as well.

It was Jackson’s first time here and it took him a while to notice all the other kids wearing costumes. After looking around, he found the chest and brought Gabe over once the snack was done. The little guy chose a small cape and was playing with it rather than wearing it. Jackson didn’t really care, Gabe was happy and giggling.

Going back to sit, Jackson pointed out who he assumed would be the story to Gabe. “Look, say hi to Merlin, he’s going to be telling us a story.” Gabe smiled, clapping with the blanket still in his hand. “Hi,” he said brightly. Everything was going just fine.