Chapter Thirteen: Volunteer Work:

The next day, I started my work as a volunteer in the library’s summer reading program. I got up and got dressed. Mom straightened down my hair. I shoved her hand away.

“Stop,” I said.

“Have a good day, sweetie,” she said.

“You too,” I said. She kissed me on the cheek. I headed out the door. I wasn’t going to dive. Why would I need since the library was nearby? I shoved my hands into my pockets as I walked down the street. It felt good to be interacting with kids over books. Plus, I would get to see Heather.

The library was just opening for the day. An old man was outside planting some flowers in a flower pot. His straw hat held his face. I walked up to the garden on the property.

“Good morning!” I said, waving. The man didn’t look up. He grunted as he pushed the plant into the hole.

“Nice day, isn’t it?” I asked. He didn’t answer. Instead, the man planted another flower into the ground. I shrugged to myself. Oh well. I made it into the building.

“Good morning!” I shouted. Mrs. Washburn looked up from behind the desk.

“Morning,” she said.

“I am ready to get started,” I said. Mrs. Washburn handed me the clipboard.

“Sign here,” she said. I picked up the pen and wrote down my name and the time I checked in.

“Where should I start?” I asked.

“Just go to the auditorium and help Heather and Ronald set up,” she said.

“On it,” I said. I turned and walked towards the old auditorium. Wow, this is taking me back. I haven’t been there in ages.

I made it to the large metal doors. My heart pounded against me chest. Ready to do this? I took in a breath and pushed open the doors. The color green was the first time to greet me. Paper grass covered the ground. The backdrop of the sky and city on the stage had to be hand-painted. I wondered how long it took. My eyes moved up to the ceiling. Little storiform stars hung from the ceiling. They looked so cute in a strange way. I was tempted to reach up and play with one.

“Wow,” I said. “These are amazing.”

“You like them?” I heard a teenage boy’s voice. I turned my head. At first, I thought I was talking to a real life stick figure. His hair was dyed like pink. The black belt around his waist was the only thing holding up his camo shorts. His head came up to my chin. I looked him up and down.

“You Ronald?” I asked.

“Yeah,” he said. I smiled and held out my hand.

“I’m Nathan. It’s nice to meet you,” I said. He stared at me for a long moment.

“Okay…” he said. I lowered my hand. Heh, doesn’t talk much, does he?

“Nathan?” I heard up ahead. I looked up see Heather walking towards me. She held a paintbrush in her hand.

“Hello,” I said with a smile on my face. I could see a splash of paint on her right cheek. I brushed my finger on my cheek to let her know.

“Oh,” Heather said. She reached into her pocket and pulled out a rag. She rubbed the paint off.

“Did I get it?” Heather asked.

“Yeah,” I said. I took a look around the room.

“You painted all of this?” I asked.

“No, Ronald helped me out over the weekend,” she said. “He’s a really good artist.”

“Is that right?” I asked. Ronald nodded. He really doesn’t talk much, does he? That might change when the kids come in.

“When do the children come in?” I asked.

“Eight,” Heather said.

“I see,” I said. “What can I help you with?”

“Sure,” she said. “Help up set up the puppet booth and put the rest of these sunflowers around the room.”

“Alright,” I said. I followed Heather towards the stage. Already, I felt my spirits lifting. I couldn’t wait for the children to come in for the first day. This summer might be looking up.