Teenagers

9 | Meet & Greets

****HAYLEY POV****

"NOBODY LIKES YOU WHEN YOURE TWENTY THREE!" I sang as I jumped around the music store. It was a Saturday and usually people came but today was somehow different. I grabbed some drumsticks and played along with the song, not caring how loud I was.

"Whoa! Hey! Hayley try to keep it down!" My boss, Mr.Green said, coming out of his back office.

I gave an apologetic smile and put the drumsticks down, "sorry." I whispered going to the stereo and turning down the music a bit.

He just chuckled and shook his head at me, "my oh my what a creature you are Hayley." He said.

"what do you mean?" I asked

"Not in a bad way, Hayley. Just... You're something special. I don't know how such a small body like yours can have and keep so much passion inside. You should let it out more often." Mr. Green said.

I gave him a smile, "thanks... How exactly can I do that?"

"Well.." He reached into his back pocket and pulled out the keys to the music store, "tell you what. You can close up shop from now on... You can close it whenever you want. As long as it ends up being closed. I'll still leave at my hour but if you want to.. Ya know, stick around and fool around like just now," He tossed the keys to me as i clumsily caught them,"then it's all yours after closing hours." He winked.

I looked down at the keys in awe, "thank you, sir!" I said almost going to hug him.
"No problem. Just try to keep that passion inside for the customers."
"Yes sir."
"Good."
"Sir?"
"Yes Hayley?"

I looked down at the keys and bit my lip, remembering about the offer with Taylor.

"I.. Can't close the store tonight." I said. I really did want to more than anything. Since I didn't have money to buy and instrument myself I always liked to use these instruments. I wouldn't get to use them long because of the costumers but it was something. Now I had the power for it to be longer. Dammit Taylor.

"Nonsense! Really, Hayley, I trust you." He gave me that kind smile as always.

I smiled back and scratched my neck," well it's just.. I sort of have a compromise made for tonight at 6." I said.

Mr.Green chuckled, "alright. I'll make a copy of the key for you later. Hand me back that one."
I did as I was told and began tidying things in the store.

*text alert!* my phone buzzed. I popped a strawberry into my mouth as I looked down at it.

Jeremy: we still meeting up @ waterfall?
Me: yup! Guess who else is coming.
Jeremy: Josh?
Me: no. Remember he's still in summer camp!
Jeremy: true true. Or should I call him James? We have another Josh we know remember? The DUN DUN DUN.

I laughed and replied
Me: yeah. Taylor's coming. 6pm, tell the gang to be there!
Jeremy: ugh! Why taylor?! Can't stand that guy :/
Me: haha he's not too bad. See you!
Jeremy: :| peace HOMIES

I let out a sigh and put my phone back realizing it was closing time. I put my apron away and name tag under the cash register and replaced it with my hoodie. I let my hair down and grabbed my mini backpack, heading out the door.

I got on my bike and pedaled towards my house. It was only around 5:20 and I could at least see my dad.

"Hey dad!" I said coming into the house and closing the door.

I looked around to find the house to be completely quiet.
"Dad?" I called once more coming into the kitchen. Out of the corner of my eye I spotted a note on the desk. I frowned and picked it up.