I’m Paul Matthews – well, not that Paul. I’m one of the clones of Paul that CCRP made. I found out on accident, truth be told. Just stumbled out one day and saw another me (the real one) and nearly got ḋ̴̢ẹ̶̈́s̸̮̃t̵̝̀r̷̜͘o̴̰͠ý̴͓é̵͍d̷͉̊ ̴̝̾ destroyed in the process. Thankfully, P.E.I.P saved me. General MacNamara had located the particular cloning facility I was in, with the aim to shut it down. They allowed me to live, as long as I took on a simple job and just lived my simple life without bothering anyone. I have the freedom to talk to the other Pauls, of course, along with common civilians, but I just have to be careful.
Within that facility below CCRP there was a strange... time portal. And I got affected by it. So sometimes I get these visions of a spider thing that exists in a field of white? Strange, I know, but I’m still working out what it means.
In the meantime, I work for P.E.I.P. in Hatchetfield’s town library. Though I have access to P.E.I.P’s library as well, I have restricted clearance for some things.
Maybe we’ll find something interesting!
I, like my counterpart, like learning new things and would frequently research on the web. Now I can do just that along with using physical materials. Well, and chat with people, which is rather fun!
Please, I’d love to get out of my little self-made book nook from time to time, so I hope to interact! I get a bit... socially awkward though, so apologies if I make errors. I’m happy to also provide book recommendations, library questions, or perhaps m̶͓͝o̷͚͂r̸̻͂e̴̲͗ more, if nothing goes too wrong with me using these strange visions.
Oh, and apparently I’ve noticed some people seem to have pictures of themselves, so here’s what I look like:
[OOC and context below the cut]
── ⋆⋅𖤓⋅⋆ ── ⏱ ⋅˚₊‧ 📖 ‧₊˚ ⋅ ⏱ ── ⋆⋅𖤓⋅⋆ ──
[I know there are several Paul accounts, so I tried to make my own. He’s almost an OC at this point, but that’s the fun of it! He’ll still going to generally act like Paul, but with a few q̶̯͌u̷̩̽i̵̓͜r̸͙͝ķ̴̀s̴̜͌ quirks on occasions. Mostly, he glitches and can receive messages from Webby. This could be fun to mess with!]
[Paul has scaring on his left side from his rescue from the cloning facility under CCRP that left him with visions in his left eye that is mostly blind otherwise.]
[I do truly work in a library, so I can field those questions to the best of my ability, which is why I went with that. Paul can have some references this way that are nerdy and such, while still being shy and quiet.]
[I personally adore ChaiCoffee (Paul/Ted) as a ship, but I like CoffeePot (Paul/Emma) as well. Curious to explore any ships as long as both parties agree. Maybe Bill/Paul? Idk, we’ll see. It's fine if Richie is Paul's nephew]
[I am not a minor, so we can go a little NSFW but nothing too explicit for Tumblr, if you please.]
[I’ll speak with “quotations” when needed, act/post otherwise, and use OOC in brackets like these. Paul’s text will also be blue with white when he glitches or gets something from Webby.]
[Other questions, comments, thoughts? My ask box is open.]
My Tags for ease of location and understanding:
Librarian Paul Matthews RP - all posts have this!
Chatting with Librarian Paul - RP responses
Beyond the Page with Paul Matthews - in character posting
Ask Your Local Librarian Paul Matthews - ask box answers
Librarian Paul Matthews Author Notes - OOC
LibraTea - Paul/Ted interactions
LibraryGrounds - Paul/Emma interactions
Librarian Visions of the Web - Paul/Webby interactions
(more will get added if need be or if I think of other clever ones lmao)
Admittedly, that's a load of worry off of my shoulders. I feared having to painfully explain myself. Though I suppose my appearance is different enough.
Though Ted didn't seem to notice...
All the same, I'm glad you found what you needed. It's quite pleasant to have someone to talk to that understands and that I recall from my previous time before... well, before I knew I was a clone.
Oh, are you alright there, Bill? Is your ey̴̹͚̻͔͋̄̀ë̶̻́ ̵̹̼̬͚̇̋̐̓͗o̷̡̢̬̜͇͋̈́̍̎̃k̷̇͒͜͠a̸̧̛̠͂͂y̴͚̽͛́͗ (eye okay). Paul clutches his own scarred left side, his own eye panging dully. Ow.
Goodness, seems to be going around or something. I assure you though, I haven't read once too many sci-fi novels, Bill. How else would there be two of me?
Apologies, it's more than that truly. I just mean two that you know as Paul, anyway. There's also thirty three and El that I've met. They're really quite friendly.
And I'm sure there are others I just haven't met yet.
Malakai peeks cautiously into the library before stepping inside. He is trying to be subtle, quiet almost. Whether he is planning something bad or is just afraid of being noticed is unclear. However, when he catches your eye, he jumps just enough for the latter to probably be more likely.
“Oh, uh, hi. Do you work here?”
( @mkai-gilbert )
Paul peeks up from his computer and adjusts his rounded spectacles, "Why yes I do indeed work here. How may I help you?"
He's chipper and polite as always, ready to assist.
Robin walks through the library before finally spotting the librarian. They giggle and jog to catch up with him.
Howdy! Got any books about buggies? I like bugs. Oh, and cool scar!
They grin and look up at the man.
(- @hatchetfield-time-birdie)
Why thank you little one. I certainly do have plenty of books about bugs. Would you prefer ones with lots of pictures or not? I like to check because some people don't like pictures and others only want those.
He offers a friendly smile. He's not sure the age of this person, nor does he know them personally.
Either way, they'd be in the Non-fiction section under 595.79. do you need help finding them?
They seem to think for a moment before smiling and nodding
Pictures... yes I do like pictures. I love seeing the little crawlers... And I would love help finding them, yes!! It's a pleasure to meet you, by the way! I'm Robin.
They hold out their hand to shake, though it is practically vibrating with energy.
Paul does the same polite smile. He avoids the hand. Never been one for physical touch, less so if he doesn't know the person. It's just a Paul thing, but he's found it's something that's his thing too.
I'll find you some with pictures then, Robin.
He leaves and returns with a few different kinds of books on bugs. One seems to be an encyclopedia of them, another is a compendium built for children, and the last is a photography book that specifies in bugs.
Besides being visibly confused if not concerned, Paul leaves Robin to their devices and returns to his normal duties.
He glances over from time to time to check in, but mostly he keeps his distance. While he's unsure what it is, there is an underlying sense of something wrong with Robin. Like a presence Paul can't put his finger on.
One that makes his left eye ache fiercely, as if in warning.
Admittedly, that's a load of worry off of my shoulders. I feared having to painfully explain myself. Though I suppose my appearance is different enough.
Though Ted didn't seem to notice...
All the same, I'm glad you found what you needed. It's quite pleasant to have someone to talk to that understands and that I recall from my previous time before... well, before I knew I was a clone.
Oh, are you alright there, Bill? Is your ey̴̹͚̻͔͋̄̀ë̶̻́ ̵̹̼̬͚̇̋̐̓͗o̷̡̢̬̜͇͋̈́̍̎̃k̷̇͒͜͠a̸̧̛̠͂͂y̴͚̽͛́͗ (eye okay). Paul clutches his own scarred left side, his own eye panging dully. Ow.
Goodness, seems to be going around or something. I assure you though, I haven't read once too many sci-fi novels, Bill. How else would there be two of me?
Apologies, it's more than that truly. I just mean two that you know as Paul, anyway. There's also thirty three and El that I've met. They're really quite friendly.
And I'm sure there are others I just haven't met yet.
Robin walks through the library before finally spotting the librarian. They giggle and jog to catch up with him.
Howdy! Got any books about buggies? I like bugs. Oh, and cool scar!
They grin and look up at the man.
(- @hatchetfield-time-birdie)
Why thank you little one. I certainly do have plenty of books about bugs. Would you prefer ones with lots of pictures or not? I like to check because some people don't like pictures and others only want those.
He offers a friendly smile. He's not sure the age of this person, nor does he know them personally.
Either way, they'd be in the Non-fiction section under 595.79. do you need help finding them?
They seem to think for a moment before smiling and nodding
Pictures... yes I do like pictures. I love seeing the little crawlers... And I would love help finding them, yes!! It's a pleasure to meet you, by the way! I'm Robin.
They hold out their hand to shake, though it is practically vibrating with energy.
Paul does the same polite smile. He avoids the hand. Never been one for physical touch, less so if he doesn't know the person. It's just a Paul thing, but he's found it's something that's his thing too.
I'll find you some with pictures then, Robin.
He leaves and returns with a few different kinds of books on bugs. One seems to be an encyclopedia of them, another is a compendium built for children, and the last is a photography book that specifies in bugs.
Robin walks through the library before finally spotting the librarian. They giggle and jog to catch up with him.
Howdy! Got any books about buggies? I like bugs. Oh, and cool scar!
They grin and look up at the man.
(- @hatchetfield-time-birdie)
Why thank you little one. I certainly do have plenty of books about bugs. Would you prefer ones with lots of pictures or not? I like to check because some people don't like pictures and others only want those.
He offers a friendly smile. He's not sure the age of this person, nor does he know them personally.
Either way, they'd be in the Non-fiction section under 595.79. do you need help finding them?
Admittedly, that's a load of worry off of my shoulders. I feared having to painfully explain myself. Though I suppose my appearance is different enough.
Though Ted didn't seem to notice...
All the same, I'm glad you found what you needed. It's quite pleasant to have someone to talk to that understands and that I recall from my previous time before... well, before I knew I was a clone.
Oh, are you alright there, Bill? Is your ey̴̹͚̻͔͋̄̀ë̶̻́ ̵̹̼̬͚̇̋̐̓͗o̷̡̢̬̜͇͋̈́̍̎̃k̷̇͒͜͠a̸̧̛̠͂͂y̴͚̽͛́͗ (eye okay). Paul clutches his own scarred left side, his own eye panging dully. Ow.
Goodness, seems to be going around or something. I assure you though, I haven't read once too many sci-fi novels, Bill. How else would there be two of me?
Admittedly, that's a load of worry off of my shoulders. I feared having to painfully explain myself. Though I suppose my appearance is different enough.
Though Ted didn't seem to notice...
All the same, I'm glad you found what you needed. It's quite pleasant to have someone to talk to that understands and that I recall from my previous time before... well, before I knew I was a clone.
Everybody has a favorite song. Usually it’s something that makes you feel seen, or perhaps it’s a catchy tune that gets stuck in your head. My favorite is Lonesome Town, the Ricky Nelson version. I like to hum it on quiet nights (even though it annoys my daughter!).
Do you have any books on connecting with your teenage daughter?
( @billwoodwardishavingfun )
Oh. Bill!
What a pleasure to have you in the library. I certainly do have books on that. Why there should be some around 649.125. I can't personally recommend any of course, as I haven't read them, but I do hope they help!
He forgets how uncommon it is for him to know people without truly knowing them. How strange it feels, to have once been part of their world and yet it was a facsimile of a life.
Paul smiles politely and waves at Bill as he retreats. Someday he'll have to explain that he's a clone.
For now, he can look in as if from a window, and watch...
Do you have any books on connecting with your teenage daughter?
( @billwoodwardishavingfun )
Oh. Bill!
What a pleasure to have you in the library. I certainly do have books on that. Why there should be some around 649.125. I can't personally recommend any of course, as I haven't read them, but I do hope they help!
His mouth twitches momentarily, but he obliges and picks up the book anyway. Paul just wants the moment to be over, because a. The social anxiety is real and b. It's far too cold here - what are they under an AC vent?
To take it out, yes. I do promise our sign up isn't a long process at all. I just need a photo idea and printed proof of your address here in Hatchetfield, or even a reciprocal card from Clivesdale.
Though you're welcome to look at it here, of course.
That's quite alright, air. We have plenty of comfortable chairs to sit on.
Paul hands him the book easily over. Or, he tries to anyway. Given how it's a ghost he's handing something to, it just slides through and flutters to the floor.
He doesn't put two and two together. Or if he does, it's a realization he's pushing into the back of his mind in favor of what must be reality - the man simply dropped it and has trouble holding things. Heck, with all those cold maybe he's shivering too.
Here, follow me. He offers and directs the man to a set of chairs. Paul helpfully puts the book on a reading stand meant for children or the elderly - one that holds a book for you.
All situated. If you need anything else, don't hesitate to ask.
In truth, he'd rather say DO hesitate to ask, but that's not professional at all. He's just still cold. And there's something off about this entire experience.
He doesn't acknowledge the book falling through his hand, partially spacey and partially hiding something.
The stranger is thrilled by the hospitality that persists despite the strangeness of the situation. You're a real good man, mister. Mhm.
He sits at the chair, and - when left alone to his own devices - spends the rest of the evening reading.
If one were to look back in his direction, they would notice the stranger is completely gone. No sign that he left the building, after all the chair and stand are untouched. The book itself is opened up to Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 26 - "Les Adieux." And the chill has finally left the room.
In all honesty, Paul had tried to push the interaction to the back of his mind, and had successfully done so. At most, he had checked their book sale for a musical sheet selection but by the time he brought it back, the patron was gone.
Paul frowned to himself, reshelved the book and moved on.
But he did keep the sheets he'd found, tucked beneath his desk, for if that man ever returned...
[In walks a young man, almost exactly like one of the few Hatchetfield High students who frequent the library, but with heterochromia and a slightly more menacing air to him. He doesn't appear to be all that interested in you, though. Wait, how does he know your name?]
"I'm looking for The Yellow Wallpaper? Nowhere else I've been today has it... I guess it's hard to find on its own."
[He seems friendly enough for the moment, at least. He makes it sound like he's been a LOT of places today, which is strange. The sentiment of looking everywhere for something is universally understood, though.]
@hatchetfield-high-stage-manager
Paul seems confused about this person knowing his name, but not too badly. Mostly, he assumes they know either normal Paul or have spoken with his other coworkers to know it.
Oh, why that would be in fiction underneath the last name Jackson. I'll help you find it!
Paul's ever so helpful, so he directs this student - he assumes - and shows them just where the book would be.
It's a very good short story, so it's small, but still enjoyable. If you like it, I can certainly suggest other stories like it that you may enjoy.
[He lets out a sigh of relief. One story should NOT be this hard to find.]
"I think I'm alright, thank you. I know where everything else I'm looking for should be, it's just hard to track down that one in particular... which is dumb, but there's nothing I can do about it."
[He pulls a list out of his pocket and glances at it, probably just making sure he remembers everything he wanted. The Lottery, The Machine Stops, Examination Day, Cooking Time... it looks like most of it it either dystopian or horror, but they're all short stories.]
Paul glances at the list and offers a small smile. You may also enjoy Junji Ito's Amigara Fault possibly, Haunting of Hill House, or I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream, just as recommendations.
I understand the difficulty in finding Yellow Wallpaper though, mostly because they don't tend to publish it on its own and instead publish it in collections.
"That's my fault for having specific tastes, I suppose."
[He nods at the recommendations.]
"I've heard of the first two and read the last. It was certainly interesting..."
[He remembers something and looks like he wants to facepalm.]
"Oh. I think I've only seen that 1999 movie... maybe I will pick up The Haunting of Hill House today. I keep watching things without reading the source material..."
Glad to be of help, then. You know, I've never seen the movie only the series done by Mike Flanagan, and I quite enjoyed that.
Never feel guilty about watching something before reading it! Why, I find many books or media that way myself. I find we shouldn't restrict ourselves at all.
Sure, the book may be better or have more content, but film is a much different thing and portraying something on page is much different than on screen - certainly can't translate it all the same way.
Why even different publications of books could contain mistranslations or previously unreleased edits or additions that change the story too.
"I suppose you're right, but some things are regarded as better for good reason. The majority can be correct about many things, and preferences change."
[...You get the feeling he's not talking about explicitly books anymore, but he lets his trail of thought pause there and goes to pick up the stories he wants before returning. He does indeed take The Haunting of Hill House, and he also finds Armada by Ernest Cline.]
You've got an excellent point, Paul agrees with the man.
Oh, Ernest Cline. I haven't read that one yet, but I did enjoy Ready Player One by him. I hope you enjoy both your reads and return here again. You've got a three week check out period.
He scans the man's library card, the books, then hands them all back with a receipt that shows the due date on it.
His mouth twitches momentarily, but he obliges and picks up the book anyway. Paul just wants the moment to be over, because a. The social anxiety is real and b. It's far too cold here - what are they under an AC vent?
To take it out, yes. I do promise our sign up isn't a long process at all. I just need a photo idea and printed proof of your address here in Hatchetfield, or even a reciprocal card from Clivesdale.
Though you're welcome to look at it here, of course.
That's quite alright, air. We have plenty of comfortable chairs to sit on.
Paul hands him the book easily over. Or, he tries to anyway. Given how it's a ghost he's handing something to, it just slides through and flutters to the floor.
He doesn't put two and two together. Or if he does, it's a realization he's pushing into the back of his mind in favor of what must be reality - the man simply dropped it and has trouble holding things. Heck, with all those cold maybe he's shivering too.
Here, follow me. He offers and directs the man to a set of chairs. Paul helpfully puts the book on a reading stand meant for children or the elderly - one that holds a book for you.
All situated. If you need anything else, don't hesitate to ask.
In truth, he'd rather say DO hesitate to ask, but that's not professional at all. He's just still cold. And there's something off about this entire experience.
[In walks a young man, almost exactly like one of the few Hatchetfield High students who frequent the library, but with heterochromia and a slightly more menacing air to him. He doesn't appear to be all that interested in you, though. Wait, how does he know your name?]
"I'm looking for The Yellow Wallpaper? Nowhere else I've been today has it... I guess it's hard to find on its own."
[He seems friendly enough for the moment, at least. He makes it sound like he's been a LOT of places today, which is strange. The sentiment of looking everywhere for something is universally understood, though.]
@hatchetfield-high-stage-manager
Paul seems confused about this person knowing his name, but not too badly. Mostly, he assumes they know either normal Paul or have spoken with his other coworkers to know it.
Oh, why that would be in fiction underneath the last name Jackson. I'll help you find it!
Paul's ever so helpful, so he directs this student - he assumes - and shows them just where the book would be.
It's a very good short story, so it's small, but still enjoyable. If you like it, I can certainly suggest other stories like it that you may enjoy.
[He lets out a sigh of relief. One story should NOT be this hard to find.]
"I think I'm alright, thank you. I know where everything else I'm looking for should be, it's just hard to track down that one in particular... which is dumb, but there's nothing I can do about it."
[He pulls a list out of his pocket and glances at it, probably just making sure he remembers everything he wanted. The Lottery, The Machine Stops, Examination Day, Cooking Time... it looks like most of it it either dystopian or horror, but they're all short stories.]
Paul glances at the list and offers a small smile. You may also enjoy Junji Ito's Amigara Fault possibly, Haunting of Hill House, or I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream, just as recommendations.
I understand the difficulty in finding Yellow Wallpaper though, mostly because they don't tend to publish it on its own and instead publish it in collections.
"That's my fault for having specific tastes, I suppose."
[He nods at the recommendations.]
"I've heard of the first two and read the last. It was certainly interesting..."
[He remembers something and looks like he wants to facepalm.]
"Oh. I think I've only seen that 1999 movie... maybe I will pick up The Haunting of Hill House today. I keep watching things without reading the source material..."
Glad to be of help, then. You know, I've never seen the movie only the series done by Mike Flanagan, and I quite enjoyed that.
Never feel guilty about watching something before reading it! Why, I find many books or media that way myself. I find we shouldn't restrict ourselves at all.
Sure, the book may be better or have more content, but film is a much different thing and portraying something on page is much different than on screen - certainly can't translate it all the same way.
Why even different publications of books could contain mistranslations or previously unreleased edits or additions that change the story too.
