Bad Reputation - Shawn Mendes

39 - Hired

Eleanor.

It's been a week since Shawn posted that photo of us and so much has happened. There were many news articles and videos about my identity and our relationship but it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be and its thanks to Chloe. She was the one who talked to the media and stood up for me, saying that the bad reputation of mine is all fake and that I am actually a nice person. And since then, Shawn has actually gained more fans and his album had sold out way more than his previous two albums.

"Are you ready to hit the road again?" My dad asks as he helps me pack my stuff. "Yeah, but I'm going to miss you so much Dad." I reply, feeling the tears pricking my eyes. "I know pumpkin, I'll miss you too." He reaches out and pulls me into a hug. "Before I leave, can you promise me one thing?" I ask, slowly pulling away. "Go ahead." My dad nods. "Please don't find another job. It's time for you to take a break and have a little more self-care." I sigh, knowing how hard my father has worked to raise me up to who I am today. "But pumpkin —" My dad tries to argue but I cut him off. "Please dad, mom would be happy seeing you have time for yourself. And besides, I'm a big girl now, I can handle it." I reassure him. "I'm so proud of you." He says as he zips up my bag.

We head downstairs with my bags and grab a quick bite before Shawn and Aaliyah drive over. While we were talking, the door bell rings. "I guess thats my cue to leave." I say, wiping off the crumbs. My dad opens the door to find Shawn and Aaliyah standing there. "Hi Adam." I hear Shawn greet. "Hello Shawn and Aaliyah. I'm gonna miss you both." My dad says and pulls them both in a hug. It's nice to see how close my dad has gotten to them, and I'm glad that the most important people in my life get along.

After Shawn pulls away from my dad, our eyes connect and his grin widens. "Ready to go?" He asks. "Yeah, let me just grab my bags." I walk further into the house and carry my things out. Shawn comes over and helps me put them into the trunk. I say goodbye to my dad one last time before hopping into the backseat this time round. The drive back to Toronto was nice and we talked about how much we were gonna miss Pickering and what a fun time we had. It's honestly kind of funny to think about how I used to dread being in Pickering after what I experienced in high school, but now these memories have been replaced by happy ones.

"Okay, we're here." Aaliyah announces as Shawn parks the car. "You guys go ahead first, I need to go to the cafe. Is there anything I can get y'all?" I ask. Aaliyah and Shawn look at each other and both shake their heads. "I think we're good, thanks babe." Shawn smiles. "Okay, meet you back in the dorm?" I check and Aaliyah nods her head. I head out to the cafe and pray for the best.

The bell rings as soon as I swing the cafe door open. I walk up to the counter nervously and smile at the cashier. "Hi, what can I get you?" She takes my order. "I'm good, thanks." I reply and she looks me up and down. "I'm actually here to ask about the part-time job, is it still available?" I bite the inside of my mouth. "Oh!" Her face instantly changes. "Yes! Please tell me you have some experience in working behind counters." She continues. "In a matter of fact, I do." I say, feeling more confident. "Well, in that case, you're hired. Thanks for helping me lift some weight off my shoulders." She laughs and I do too. "Will you be free to work starting tomorrow morning?" She asks and I nod.

Seems like things are looking up for me, and I can't believe how I finally have everything I've wanted.