Vices

I have a vice. Everyone does. Some people smoke a lot. Or are professional drinkers. Some do really terrible things. Or do really embarrassing things. Something that they do that can take away from their character, unless it is unusually endearing. Most of the time, it is a secret. If not a secret, then it is something that they don't openly talk about unless it was brought up. Yes, I have a vice. I buy books. A lot. Too many. I would like to say that I spend all of my money on great literary classics, but lo, I do not. I spend my money on ChickLit. I will not simply check the book out of the library where it is free, I must buy it. I like to own my witty, romantic novels. I like to hold it in my hands and gingerly flip each page knowing fully well that each word and every sentence belongs to me. I like to work my way through my book at my own pace, which is usually two or three a week. I like to place my favorite bookmark in my new favorite book after each wonderfully written page. I like to put my book on my bookshelf with the knowledge that it will always be in the protection of my room and that as long as it is standing there I will never be alone. The books are an escape that no one understands. I have no romance in my life; however the beautiful people in my books always have enough romance to get me through. I like to read these inspirational stories where the characters fight against all odds to be the with the one person they truly love. The idea that someone can love another so much that they will do anything to have them is so incredibly encouraging. Even when you think it can't happen, it will. These stories end happily. They are terribly predictable, dependable, and entertaining. The happily ever after always fills me with such optimism that makes me get up, go out, and buy another. They get me through. They give me hope. They are my vice.