The Mentor – Part 1

Allyson gasped in horror as a wave of muddy water from a nearby puddle drenched her.  She looked up just in time to see Tori Eggleston and her friends laughing as they drove away. 

            “You did that on purpose!”  Allyson screamed after the retreating Mustang.

            “Are you alright?” 

            Allyson turned.  A young woman wearing a blue sweater and jeans and holding a large black umbrella stood before her. 

            “I saw what those girls did.  It’s warm and dry in my bookstore; come and get out of the rain

            “I don’t want to be a bother.”

            “No bother.  I’ll make tea.  I’m Mackenzie.  Call me Mac, everyone does.”  She opened the door to Petersen’s Rare Books and Curiosities.

            “I’m Allyson Richards.  I don’t remember seeing this store before.”

            “I opened last week.  Do you like books?”

            “I love them.  My mom says I’m a bookworm.  She keeps wanting me to try out for cheerleader.  But I would rather read.

            “Is that a wool sweater?”  Mac looked at the muddy garment.  “Let it dry naturally?  I have a brush to get rid of the mud.

            “I hope it comes out.  Mom will kill me if it doesn’t.”

            “It will be fine.  Besides it wasn’t your fault.  That car headed straight for the puddle.

            “That won’t matter.  I missed the bus; I walked too close to the street.  No matter what you say Mac, it will still be my fault.

            “Well, don’t worry about that right now.  I have Chamomile, Earl Grey and English Breakfast; which tea do you want?”

            “Chamomile, I need to relax.”

            “Chamomile it is then.  Why don’t you have a look around while the water’s heating?”

            Allyson wandered through the stacks.  Names of famous writers lined the shelves.  She pulled a volume of Huckleberry Finn from the shelf and opened it.  The copyright read 1884.  A first edition.  Inside the price read $15.95.  Wow that is cheap for a first edition.  I wish I had some money.  She put it back on the shelf and looked farther. 

            “Tea’s ready Allyson; is your sweater dry yet?”

            “Yes, but it’s still got mud on it.”

            “No problem.”  Mac handed the girl a small brush.  “This will take care of your cleaning issues.  Just hold it over the spot and press the red button.  If there is any left, I have spot remover, guaranteed to take the dots off a Dalmatian.  Mom will never know.”