The Bookstore

Chapter Five

        I had fallen asleep the night before thinking about Bailey, Dave, and even Chris. Their stories and mine collided together. We were all brought together by that small bookstore that most people didn't even know existed. Maybe working alongside Chris wouldn't be so bad. I don't want to be anything but his coworker, though.
        I sat up and pushed my messy hair out of my face. Then, I instinctively put on my glasses. The dim room became clear. I turned on my phone and groaned. Four in the morning was way to early to be up. Even for a school day. School. My stomach turned. No, it's a Saturday.
        I snuggled back into bed, and attempted to get back to sleep. To my dismay, it never came back. I sat back up and glared at my phone. My bed was becoming increasingly comfortable. I groaned again and dragged myself out of bed. I might as well make breakfast if I'm up.
        I quickly put on clothes and brushed out my messy hair. When I opened the door, the smell of bacon floated up from downstairs. Someone beat me to it.
       "You're mother and I miss you," dad stated when I came in. He didn't turn around to give me an accusing stare like most parents would. He turned around to give me a plate of breakfast. He did, however, raise and eyebrow at me. "How's Dave doing?"
        I shrugged. "Barely making the bills on time," I muttered honestly. Dad rolled his eyes and set his plate across from mine. He stood and ate.
        "How are you doing?" He asked pointedly.
        "I'm fine," I muttered. I wasn't lying. I really was fine. Everything was working out for me, and I was finding my ground again. It was still a little harder to concentrate on reading with Chris trying to talk to me, and the guilt from yelling at him yesterday, but that wouldn't be a problem. Hardcore bookworms, like myself, always found ways to read. Dad sighed and set his fork down on his plate.
        "Jane, you don't go out with friends. We don't even know if you have friends," he stated, staring me down. I set my fork down, and stood up.
        "There is nothing wrong with that. I like things the way they are. I am happy." Frustration became apparent. I'd been set down for this talk multiple times. The outcome was always the same. Sometimes out of guilt, my parents would even give me some money for a new book. This time, dad didn't give me anything nor did he back down.
        "You might be what you think is happy because you've never been outside of that little world of yours! You're stuck in a fantasy world when you could be living in the real one! Not just socializing, but doing something with yourself," he yelled. I blinked, and backed down a bit.
        "I-I just want to be th-there, Dad," I stuttered, unsure of what I could argue against. His point was clear, and mine wasn't. Dad's argument held truth which was what terrified me. "There are bad things in the real world. In a world of fiction, I create what I want for myself." My argument became a bit stronger. He threw his hands up.
        "Honey, we love you, and we know you're happy. We're just worried that you aren't putting yourself out there and striving to be at your full potential like we know you can be," mom said quietly from the kitchen doorway. Dad and I relaxed a little, then looked over at her. She took a few steps in. "Jane, I want you to know that being out of your comfort zone is okay. You're such a wonderful young woman. We want you to be as happy as you're little heart can possibly muster."
        Dad kissed her cheek appreciatively. I softened up a little. Mom and dad were so in love, not only with each other, but our little family and the life we'd built for ourselves. I wasn't one for being stubborn. I knew it always resulted in regret, such as yesterday with Chris.
        "I know. I'll try," I promised. "I have to help Chris and Dave with the store today, though."
        "Chris?" Mom asked curiously.
        "A new employee," I answered simply. She nudged Dad and bit her lip. He cleared his throat.
        "How old is this new employee?"
        "My age," I muttered, rolling my eyes. Mom and Dad high fived.
        "Dave the match maker!" Mom exclaimed. I stuck a few bags of tea in my pocket and turned back to then before I arrived at the door.
        "You two are such children," I called to them. Dad ignored me, and kissed Mom full on the mouth. I groaned in disgust. I groaned even louder when I saw a sports car sitting in front of my house on the street. Chris rolled down the window.
        "Need a ride?" he called. I looked back into the side door that led to the kitchen. Mom and Dad were still enjoying the kiss. I popped the door open quickly.
        "Bye guys, I love you!" I called in. I let the door swing shut behind me as I hurried to Chris's car. "Why are you at my house?"
        "I was at the store, but Dave said you'd be heading over soon and told me I should give you a ride," he explained with a shrug. So Dave was trying to play matchmaker. At least I got a free ride out of it. I slid into the passengers seat. "You look very nice today."
        I gave him a sidelong glance. "Shut up," I joked, kind of. People made me nervous. Except Lily and Greg, but that's because they were just like me. I did promise mom and dad that I'd step out of my comfort zone, though. So, I turned to face Chris as I talked. "How has your morning been?" It sounded a bit forced and cracky, but it was a start.
        "My morning? Weird. Nichole came over at like 3 in the morning. Can you believe that?" He rambled, tapping his fingers on the steering wheel. I stared at him, taken aback by his talkativeness.
        "D-did you guys like-"
        "Oh god no." He laughed and looked over at me.
        "How about you," Chris asked. I gave a shy smile and looked down at my hands. Eye contact made me uncomfortable. Comfort zone! I reminded myself. I forced my eyes to look up at his again.
        "Well, my parents had a morning make out at breakfast," I tried. Success. Chris laughed, and cringed right after.
        "Dude, that blows. Parent make outs are gross. I mean, I'd imagine they were or whatever," his voice trailed off. My eyebrows scrunched together, then I cocked my head a bit. "My parents are divorced." He continued.
        "Oh, I'm sorry," I murmured, looking back at the road. A little too personal for me. I'd done my daily out of my comfort zone. Relief came next. Glad that's over.