The Unexpected

29 || The Return

With my parents back home and everything worked out between Michael and I, things are finally normal again. I'm still not entirely sure what normal is, but I think I'm getting there. Standing around at work, it feels like I've been gone for ages.

The boys have been constantly calling in for me and getting me days off. Beth adores the boys, so she allows it, but I feel like it's not a very good work ethic to have. Other girls are giving me annoyed looks, and I find Charlotte giving them the finger in response.

"You alright, S?" Charlotte asks as she folds some shirts next to me.

I stare at the clothing rack in front of me, looking for any items that might be shuffled around, and reply, "I'm not sure..."

"Wanna talk about it?" She prods.

"Nope. Thanks though," I smile at her appreciatively.

Quickly, I move the shirts around so they're sorted by size. It always bugged me when I went to a store and found a small between the mediums and larges. Once that rack is finished, I move onto the next with Charlotte following closely behind to fold more clothes.

"You missed the last shipment shopping spree... I saved some things for you if you want them," Charlotte says as she once again tries to create conversation.

"Oh my god I'm literally never here!" I shout in frustration at no one in particular. "This gap year is supposed to help me grow up and gain some life experience, and all I do is skip work to run around with a band!"

I spin on my heel and rush towards the back room where we take our breaks. Luckily, it's empty. Reaching for my wallet, I pull a few bills out and insert them into the vending machine. Once I get my cream soda, I stand with my back against the wall and slowly slide down to sit.

I've let this year become exactly what I didn't want it to be. When I first met the boys, I told myself to stay independent; to not rely on them. They've bought me more than I could ever pay them back for, they got me this job, and they found me the apartment I'm living in. Everything in my life right now is thanks to them, and it sucks.

I'm not my own person anymore.

The doors cracks open and I hear Charlotte ask, "what's going on? You're going to tell me right now."

She sits down in front of me, and waits patiently for me to speak. I begin to spew information and thoughts and stories that are all somehow connected, and I probably sound insane. Charlotte listens intently, occasionally nodding to let me know she's paying attention. We've easily been sitting on the floor of the break room for thirty minutes, but I'm finally finished.

"You're right," she states.

"I'm right?" I ask, slightly confused. I hadn't realized there was a right and wrong in this.

"You came here to grow up, and all you did was find a new set of parents. Just tell them to give you some space."

I think for a minute then stutter, "h-how?"

"Be honest. There's no sense in tip-toeing around it. Tell them what you just told me, and you'll be fine," she concludes.

"Well... I'm going out with Mikey tonight, so I'll just tell him then?" I say like a question. Charlotte nods at me assuredly, then stands up. She reaches for my hand to help me up, then we head back to work.

"Thanks," I say as we walk back to the clothes we'd been arranging.

_______________

"You almost ready?" Michael shouts from the living room.