STITCHES - S. HARRINGTON

01

suzie, do you copy?

♛

To Scarlett Sinclair, summer was the best season. The freedom, warmth, and being able to wake up late and nap whenever she pleased. It was currently 5:30 PM, and Scarlett had just woken up after what she felt was the best slumber of her life. Wait.

It was 5:30?

Shit.

Scarlett blinked back into reality, realizing she had a job, and was late for the third time that week. Shooting up out of her bed, she rushed to get ready. Throwing on her gray 'Hot Dog on a Stick' uniform shirt and running her hands through her curly hair, she was set and already rushing out of the house.

Driving through Hawkins, she observed her surroundings. The shops in the small town were on the verge of closing, some already closed. It made her sad, because she was working at the cause. The brand new Starcourt Mall.

As the mall came into view, she took in the extravagance of the brand new building, all of the people walking in and out, and the amount of cars in the parking lot. She didn't even realize there were that many people in Hawkins. But then again, a brand new mall opening up meant people could be coming from everywhere.

She parked and rushed into the mall, pushing past people with urgency. She entered from the staff door, throwing her hair into a quick bun. "So sorry I'm late, I forgot to wake up."

"Do you just.. not have an alarm?" A girl named Valarie, who worked the shift with Scar joked, letting out a laugh as she replaced her gloves. "Seems like it must have been a really good nap though."

Ben joined her in laughter, "She probably forgot to set it. Just like every day this week. You know, I'm starting to think it's on purpose."

Scarlett waved her hands in front of her face, "Yeah, it is. I hate waking up and having to come see your face every day. Against my will."

Ben grinned, "I'm so touched."

"Remind me why you bring a gallon of milk here every day?" Val's face morphed into one of disgust as she was rummaging through the mini fridge under the counter. "I just wanted lemonade and your dairy item is taking up more than half of the fridge!"

"It makes my bones stronger. I look even more jacked than I already am." He joked, flexing his arm muscles while unbeknownst to him, a group of girls came up to the register.

Scarlett and Valarie exchanged a look. "Ben..." Scarlett stifled her laugh, pointing to the register.

"Wha— Oh." He slowly spun around, letting out a quick nervous laugh but soon regaining his usual confidence. "Hello, ladies. What can I get you today?" He grinned, leaning on the table.

The girls giggled to one another, impressed by his charm. "Three hot dogs, please." One of them said, smiling at Ben.

"Coming right up, it won't be long. I won't keep you lovely ladies waiting." Ben winked, turning away and handing the register to Scarlett with a smile. She kicked the back of his leg, shaking her head as she watched him stumble.

"That'll be four-fifty." Scarlett put on her happy employee face while she waited for the money. The girl flashed her a strange look before dropping the cash on the table. "Th-"