Best of Me (Sum 41 fanfic)

Chapter 6

Charlie's POV

The next day, I got up and decided to go running because I hadn't done it in a while. But then I realized that I left my running shoes at my old house and I had no intentions of getting them. I guess I would just have to ask someone if they could bring me to the shoe store and get me a pair.

When I walked down, Cone was sitting there, eating breakfast, as usual. He greeted me, "Morning Charlie"

I replied, "good morning. Can we go to the shoe store anytime soon? I left my running shoes at my old house and I am not going back there. Also, I don't want to run in Chuck Taylor high tops."

"Yeah, sure. Once we're both ready we'll leave." He told me and we both finished our breakfasts and got ready. About 45 minutes later, we were on the road.

The store was about a half hour away, so Cone popped in London Calling into the CD player and we drove to the store in silence, just enjoying the music, me humming along, and him tapping the steering wheel to the beat. Once we got there, I went straight over to the asics section. They weren't the most modern looking shoes, in fact they looked like lawn mowing shoes, but they were the best shoe for distance running, which is what I did. They were also really cheap because most people didn't like how they looked and didn't really buy them. After searching for a while, I found the pair I wanted. They were red and black and looked really cool in my opinion. I wanted them the last time, but they didn't have my size. Cone and I then proceeded to checkout.

"That'll be $50." The clerk, John said to me before recognizing who I was. "Hey Charlie! I didn't realize it was you! I haven't seen you in a while! How's it going? It's $15 now. Who's the dude?" He asked, noticing Cone for the first time.

"Oh hey John! Not much. Oh and this man" I explained, motioning towards Cone, "is Cone McCaslin, my real dad." Cone walked a bit closer and awkwardly waved.

"That's so rad that you found your dad! Wait... isn't he that dude from that band you're obsessed with? Sum 41?" He pretended to ask nonchalantly, but I knew he was dying on the inside. Sum 41 was his favorite band! That's how we became friends. We both loved distance running and had the same taste in music.

Before Cone could respond, I lightly punched John on the shoulder. "Oh don't pretend like you're not hardcore fangirling right now. Sum 41 is your favorite band."

He responded, "well, I didn't want to seem over the top"

"Fair enough"

Cone responded, "look man, it's cool. I'm just glad you're a fan. That's all that matters to me. It's good that you're a calm person. Anyway, are you sure the shoes are $15? I can pay the full $50 if you want." he said, pulling out his wallet.

"No man, it's cool. $15 is fine. No one really buys that brand anyway, so we do whatever we need to do to sell them to be completely honest. Also, I know Charlie has wanted that pair for a long time, but they were never in her size." He responded, winking at me.

"Well, $15 it is then, if you insist." We paid and then left.

Once we got in the car, Cone asked me, "So. You and John. Are you like..." he trailed off.

"No, we're just friends. I do like him though." I admitted. "He always gives me a discount. He lied about the thing with giving discounts to every costumer who buys that brand. It's probably because I could never afford them for $50. He probably didn't want to seem like an asshole, so he kept the discount. I'm sure that's all it was." He didn't like me like that... right?

"Well if you say so. I just think he likes you" Cone said, with a small, sly smile on his face. He probably thinks I don't notice it.

"Well play matchmaker if you really want to, I'm sure he considers me a friend too. Nothing more and nothing less" I said, my face growing increasingly redder and redder.