Tangled

16 Ava: Settling In (II)

Thunk.

That’s it. That’s the last book, tossed onto a pile of mystery novels. Fifteen boxes are now empty, and while it might appear that my apartment is little more than a haphazard pile of empty boxes and organized book piles, my heart breathes with the room I’ve created by tackling the monster that is everything Mrs. Elkins stored in this apartment for the last who knows how long.

The couch is soft and springy as I flop onto it, taking a well–deserved break. Selene’s ears perk up at my sudden display of enthusiasm, but she doesn’t move, content to rest by the front door, which happens to be one of the few places in the living room not covered in something.

“We did it, Selene! We’ve tackled the monster and unpacked it all!”

Well, everything that was in the living room. The kitchen still has a few boxes, and let’s not even talk about the bedroom. But the living room? The living

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16 Ava: Settling in (11)

room is done, and that’s what matters.

I survey the piles of books scattered around the room, separated by genre. There’s a stack of classics, a pile of contemporary fiction, a few biographies, and even a small collection of poetry. The biggest pile by far, though, is near and dear to my heart. Romance. Tantalizing little bodice–rippers with bare male chests whispering to me, enticing me to flip them open and be drawn into a world of magical, mystical, perfect

men.

I used to read them whenever I had a chance. The

White Peak library was full of them, and I was desperate for any happy ever after I could get my hands on.

They’re a lot less appealing these days.

I rub my chest, frustrated by the ache that likes to poke its head out in my weak moments, and snap a quick photo of the piles to send to Mrs. Elkins.

[AVA: What should I do with all these books?]

Selene seems to realize that I’m done moving for a while and slinks over on her silent paws, jumping beside me. She circles once, twice, then settles down,

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16 Ava: Sottling In (1)

her head resting on my thigh. I scratch behind her soft ears as I wait for Mrs. Elkins‘ response.

My phone buzzes.

Keep them, dear. Start your own library. They’ve already been up there for

the Blackwood Pack, books were a luxury. Books were unnecessary, and Mom and Dad weren’t interested in feeding my addiction to fantasy worlds and lives that could take me away from my own,

surrounded by the musty

seem

I realize I’ve stopped petting her. “What do you think, Selene? Should we keep them all?”

option to get rid of them. Who

a contented sigh, which I choose to interpret as

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<

Ava Settling in (1)

are smooth, others ridged, a few even cracked with age. Each one holds a story,

to read, mine to

But where?

critical eye. The walls are bare, save for

hold my new

lower shelf, maybe under the window. And the romance novels? They deserve a

that could

in not

inat

14

had a

Settling

waiting to be read. And maybe, just maybe, I could squeeze a small shelf into the bathroom. For

only by the space I have and the strength of the shelves. But I’m determined. These books have waited long

blue eyes curious. “What do you

tilts her head, considering, then lets out a

bark.

shopping, of crisp white bookshelves and the colorful book spines that would enliven

books by color. It would be impractical, yes, but fun.

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Ava: Settling In

with a jerk and a dip in my belly as reality sets in. Bookshelves cost money. Money that I don’t have in abundance,

gone, and regular Ava is back. Selene senses my

comfort.

Eating and saving for

a car, once I’m settled in classes, things will change.”

thought of these books, these precious stories, languishing in piles on the floor is almost painful.

those popular DIY videos I’ve watched while dreaming of building a better life. People turning old crates into rustic shelves, repurposing ladders into quirky bookcases, even building shelves, from scratch with nothing but a few planks of

on Gøøglᴇ to access

679

Settling in

staring at my walls. It can’t

up at the excitement in my voice.