Amethyst in Snow

© 2021 by Ireland Rea. All rights reserved.

Cut.

Unpack.

Scan.

Shelve.

Those were the steps that I had been repeating in my head for the past hour. I was currently doing inventory, stacking brand new books on the shelves. Fanning a few pages in my face ever so often so I can thoroughly enjoy the new book smell.

This is one of the reasons I love this job. Reading is one of my favorite hobbies and books and I have an understanding. They stay the same as long as I remember to read and appreciate them. Lowkey the complete better versions of humans.

Stacking the last of the "O's", going alphabetically by title. Using a box cutter I cut open the next package revealing a book on photography which is one of the classes I signed up to take. As well as, Painting I-IV and Visual Storytelling and Reporting.

Olivia was still a great help surprisingly even after the dean's whole fiasco. She suggested classes that would have events soon that the district has for students to show off their talents. There's one at the end of the semester to be able to have a section in a famous art exhibit.

That was something that I knew I had to try to be a part of. I knew it was wrong to think of it as a way to prove to my mom that this is something serious, but I couldn't help it. For some reason no matter what I brought forth there was always something else she was looking for within me.

I feel growing up that may have put me in a space of over pleasing, but sometimes when it's just in those moments, the arguments or just amid sadness. I sometimes wouldn't care knowing I was doing things solely to keep her happy only.

Remembering all of my canvases and projects back home that took me countless hours and sleepless nights to finish. Art is something deeper for me more than just a picture more than a photo but a capture of life itself. And I'm gonna be a part of that in every way.

I exited the college with two folders, one with a packet and fliers as a student, and one with information as a staff member. It's crazy you don't hear of this often so I was definitely beyond grateful. So much so that I already scheduled lunch with Dr. Lionette on Wednesday.

When I arrived at work the staff was pretty full so it made my day pretty easy. There were three other people here Dylan who was one of our bilingual employees. Being half black half Latino. He was an 18 year old in his senior year of high school.

Asia was a 23-year college student studying African studies. Her afro was voluminous and magical and stood as strong as our ancestors. She was a force to be reckoned with especially in debates. I steered clear from disagreements about certain things knowing I was always going to be schooled on something.

Then of course we had Niles. In my honest opinion. He was a nice-looking man. Brown-skinned white teeth. The classic package of you can tell he takes care of his hygiene.

He was currently in school for Computer Science. Already having his Bachelor's about to earn his master's. How you might ask? He graduated at 16. I'm working with a genius and sometimes it trips me out. When we first met I didn't believe everything that he was saying not because I couldn't believe that he has a bachelor's but at 22?

He wasted his entire childhood in hardcore schooling. Which is exactly what I told him. All he replied was

"I can see how you would feel that way."

"13 x13".

I handed Niles a pen I had as he signed for a new shipment. We're currently standing outside the backdoor. It was propped open with a stick we found nearby. I was leaned up against the door frame. The sun was out shining brightly, hot against our skin.

All I got was a chuckle as he handed the clipboard back to the man that smelt like sweat and fries. The way he glanced at me on his way back to the truck made me grimace.

"169".

"Wrong!"

I immediately shouted trying to count it in my head. I kept having to start over after the first row. It's not fair.

"No, it's not." He casually replied.

I feel I've gotten to a point where I could admit he was pretty smart. I mean at least in math.

"How do you automatically know that though, that's crazy. "

"Na you just didn't study your time's tables."

He crossed his arms laughing, whatever maybe I didn't.

"110 x 80."

He lifted his hat slightly scratching his forehead glancing up as if seen a board over my head as he worked out the problem. The sun at golden hour reflected on his bronze skin. He had a tan polo cap, this was honestly a perfect photograph.

I zoned back into the conversation quieting the artist in me.

"8,800."

I squinted my eyes looking up, not being able to see it. It frustrated me a little and reminded me of school. I didn't like this at all.

" It's easy 8 times 1 twice adding two 0's at the end, which automatically makes it 8800."

He explained slowly but calmly as if he was explaining it to a kid. I excused his tone, but I did have to give it to him. It made sense.

This whole back and forth fiasco all started from us earlier being at the cash register. I was counting 23.82 out of change for a fifty-dollar bill. Having a kinda older cash register sometimes made us have to figure out the change ourselves. So let's just say it took me a little longer than I anticipated.

So after the customer had left.

SATISFIED I might add. Niles had many questions and comments, as he felt just cause he got this and that degree somebody always needed his assistance.

I got this.

I'm joking, of course, he's a very sweet guy to be honest sometimes too sweet like one day on his shift leaving it was pouring down raining and I had 1 more hour with no umbrella, he waited for me and drove me home after.

Anyway, after I made a joke on how I'd be tutoring him instead, it came to this back and forth quiz. I failed mine of course.

The men started bringing in more and more boxes when I heard a call of my name. I turned around to see Asia coming down the hallway.

"Hey Adanni, someone's here to see you."

I nodded confused about who can be showing up here.

Walking down the hall I went out the door onto the floor to see a man and a woman standing with their back towards me. They were talking to each other as I walked up closer.

The lady turned around revealing Ms. Irene. I instantly smiled, feeling instant Joy seeing her.

"Hey." I greeted her.

"What are you doing here?"

I stopped what I was saying when I was able to see the younger guy. A brown-skinned brother with skinny small single locs wrapped tightly and neatly in a bun in the back of his head. I studied his face slightly when I saw recognition.

The small boy in the picture frames on her walls instantly let me know this must be her son. A more adult version of course. The foreshadow confirmed his age. I noticed he had her eyes that were glancing around the store studying the books.

"This is my son, Soul the one I've been telling you about. "

© 2021 by Ireland Rea. All rights reserved.