When it hurts (ongoing)

Chapter four

I see him everywhere.
Ever since I broke his phone, he's everywhere. My new classes, the place me and Jess go to get milkshakes that I thought we'd managed to keep secret, the bookstore I work, family social events.
Or maybe he's been all these places before and I was just blissfully unaware. Although, I don't see how that's possible, how I'd manage to not notice his captivating presence is impossible.
He walks into a room and everyone stops and stares. I would have noticed.
Wouldn't I?
Or maybe-
"Excuse me? Excuse me? HELLO?!"
I'm snapped out of my thoughts by a middle aged women snapping her fingers in my face.
I shake my head, as though to clear it. I walk with her to the checkout, apologising on the way.
"Forgive me, I can't seem to stop daydreaming today" I laugh, trying to lighten the tension passing between us.
The women does not look pleased. She slams two books on the counter, followed by a fifty dollar note.
"I'd like a bag please" her voice radiates confidence, a hint of annoyance in her tone.
I slide the books towards me, scanning them and calculating her change.
I turn behind me, grabbing a bag and placing her books inside.
I hand her the bag and her change, smiling politely "here you go, have a nice night".
She tugs the bag towards her, failing to return my smile, her face scrunches together in disapproval. She pivots sharply on her heel, walking out of the shop.
I sign, glancing at the clock I walk to the door, flipping the sign to say closed. I begin to pack up the store, desperate for my bed. I'm putting books away on shelves when the door bell rings, alerting me of someone's presence.
Can people not read?
"Sorry we're closed" when I don't hear a response I turn. I clamp my mouth shut when I see Austin standing there, silently begging my mouth not to say something stupid. I can't stop the shock I feel appearing on my face, surprised he's stepped into a bookstore, to buy books. He's wearing a white t-shirt with black sport shorts, his hair damp and messy on top of his head - an indication he's just taken a shower. We stare at each other for a few silent seconds.
It gives me déjà vu
He glances at the bookshelves to his left "I know what I want" he says, looking back at me and staring me in the eyes "I'll be quick"
I look at all the books I still have to put away before closing, deciding I have time I turn to him, giving him a gentle nod. He walks towards the bookshelves as the door rings again. Carter Salvatore walks through, when he sees me he stops, a look in his eyes I can't make out. He's also dressed casually, a grey t-shirt and black short shorts. His hair is also damp and ruffled and I realise they must have both just came washed up after basketball practice. He glances between me and Austin's retreating figure, a realisation dawning on him. He smiles at me then, a playful glint in his eyes. I return his smile as he follows Austin through the shelves lined with books. Carter Salvatore is another boy in my high school. He's Austin's best friend, also apart of the basketball team. Their friendship reminds me of me and Jess, their loyalty to each other so strong that you may mistaken them to be brothers - if it wasn't for their drastic differences in appearance. Austin's light features - blonde hair and blue eyes - contrast with carters. Carters dark, almost black hair and just as dark eyes mislead their personalities.
You'd expect Carter to be the darker, more closed off one, but it's the complete opposite.
Carter is like a sunshine character, one of the few I've seen make Austin loosen, open up, be more himself - less guarded. Austin however is more quiet, a grump - from what I've seen. Just then the bell rings.
Again
I sign.
When did people stop understanding what the word 'closed' means?
Jackson steps through, a bouquet of flowers in his hands.
He smiles, walking towards me "hey".
"Hey" I reply, surprised to see him.
His hair is also wet, but he's not dressed as casually as the other boys from basketball training. He's more put together, black jeans and a dark blue polo shirt. When he reaches me, he kisses my forehead, handing me a bouquet of lilies.
"The women at the shop said you'd like these the best, she said the tulips weren't as nice and that the roses were too basic and you wouldn't like them so she thought I'd have the best chance with these".
Roses are my favourite flowers
"Do you like them?" He asks, staring down at me hopefully.
I smile thankfully "I love them, thank you".
I don't want to tell him roses are my favourite flowers, he may feel bad. I love all flowers, including lilies and tulips. Although roses are my favourite I'm glad Jackson got me lilies, they smell amazing. I kiss his cheek, attempting to show my appreciation.
"I have a date planned for us" he says "to make up for the last one".
I glance at the clock "now?"
He smiles "yes. When you're finished work".
Truthfully, I'm very tired and would rather go to sleep and be well rested for school tomorrow. But Jackson looks excited and he'd promised me a surprise he had planned this morning at school.
So I plaster on a smile "I should be done in ten minutes or so".
He smiles "that's fine, take your time".
I hear movement behind me, Jackson backs away, sitting on the counter next to me. As Austin and Carter approach they share a nod of acknowledgment with Jackson. Austin places a book on the counter, taking out his wallet.
I scan the book "$12.99 please".
He hands me a twenty dollar note, picks up the book and turns to leave.
"You have change" I say before he walks away.
"Keep it" he says, looking at me before glancing at Jackson briefly.
He walks out, letting the door slam behind him.
Carter hurries after him, stopping suddenly and coming back. He smiles, says "thank you" and then turns again, casing Austin out the door.
Jackson pushes off the counter, standing "ready?"
I grab my purse "yes, let's go".