The Library

They had crossed paths that afternoon, she as she entered the library and he as he was on the way out. The sight of him brought one of the many problems straight to the forefront of her mind.

"Professor Bradley!"

He had already noticed her, but waved a hand in acknowledgement as they drew near each other and paused next to one of the low shelves showcasing the new releases.

"How's it going?" He looked like he was in a good mood. Not that Autumn had ever seen him in a bad one, but he seemed to be happy about something. She drew a breath.

"Ah, rather hectic actually. In fact, I was hoping I could ask you something?"

"Yeah?"

"On the paper," she fought the urge to fidget with her hair. "I'm kinda running behind and wondered if I could turn it in a day late? Or if I could just e-mail it to you instead? I don't need much time, just a little," she absent-mindedly detangled her fingers from her hair.

"That perfectly fine. I'll have to knock off a few points, but that hardly matters to my better writers," she smiled at the indirect compliment. "As long as you do get it in, you'll be fine."

"Thank you, sir," she did that half-bowing thing again before parting. He was used to students with their quirks, but that one was new to him. That compulsive politeness was rather endearing really. He chuckled internally to himself as he pulled the library door open, but then remembered –

"Autumn!" He spun back around in time to see her stop and throw a glance over her shoulder. He let the door go and padded over the thick carpet of the library.

"Yesterday, you were chatting with Smith about some books. Which one was it you were looking for?"

"Several actually, but I've been looking for a copy of The Dying Storms lately though, by Dunning Moore."

He pushed his glasses up a touch. "I happen to have a copy if you're interested in borrowing it."

She practically beamed at him. "It would save me the trouble of ordering it on Amazon," the grin faltered a little bit. "Would you mind if I read it over winter break?"

"Shoot me an e-mail and I'll remember to bring it on Monday for you," and he actually did chuckle this time when she bobbed her head. "And you know, you don't have to do that all time. No one will be mortally offended. Besides," his blue eyes sparked with laughter. "Aren't ladies supposed to curtsy?"

The look on her face was awkward, but she wasn't embarrassed enough to cut the snark. "I don't wear dresses often enough to do pick up that habit."

"Where on earth did you pick up this habit in the first place?"

"High school. Where else?" She rolled her eyes.

"Yes, that does explain everything." He checked his watch.

"There's a clock on the wall," she jabbed a thumb over her shoulder and was rewarded with the thump of papers on her head.

"And where did you pick up the talent for sarcasm?"  He had stopped bothering to hide his amusement and shuffled his papers back under his arm.

"I was born with that one, sir."

"I don't doubt it," he turned toward the door, tossing a parting word over his shoulder. "Don't let me forget that book for you."

She tossed one back. "Don't let me forget that paper."

He smiled, shaking his head fondly as he pulled the door open and exited the library.