Jerma's Sins

Chapter 1

2 hours and no one has even stepped foot into the store. No wonder I'm paid minimum wage. Right now all I can do is read a discarded magazine I found under the counter and snack on some flaming hot Cheetos. Honestly I'm happy to be paid $60 to relax and eat free food for 8 hours but I somewhat know this won't last for long. I can't stay at my mom's house forever. All I need is a better job to stay on my feet by myself. But I might as well put my spare time to good use and get an extra nap in.

Just as the soft yellow light from above begins to guide me to sleep, the sound of the entrance doors sliding open alerts me and I immediately straighten my slouched body. I expectantly look to my left and see a young man staring at the giant rows of soft drinks in the refrigerator, contemplating what he should buy. Before I can look away, he notices me and gives a giant floppy wave while awkwardly smiling, his thin lips stretching as far as they could. He seems a little odd but I can't help returning the favour and beaming back.

Returning to my magazine, I pretend to read it while listening out what he's doing. 3 years of working here has taught me to know where customers are even without looking up. He takes his time surveying what we have and I listen to his footsteps as he starts from the back isle observing the frozen pizzas, to the front where his hands hover above the candy bars. 25 minutes pass and he finally slams down a pack of double cream oreos along with a bottle of mayonnaise and a big Diet Pepsi. He performs his giant grin again as I start scanning his items. Feeling the need to talk, I comment "So you like Oreo's as well huh?" He slightly nods. "Yeah yeah. You like pouring mayo over them too?" His reply makes me stop immediately. When I look up, his face seems dead serious but then he starts to snicker. I decide to chuckle along with him. "Nah, just messing with you.. [Y/N] is it?" For a second I'm startled again from him knowing my name but then I remember the store tag on my shirt.

"Yes. What's your name?" I ask politely. "Jeremy. My close friends like to call me Jerma." He stretches out his hand for me to shake and as I do, it already feels like we're pals. I almost forget that I'm working. "Would you like a bag Jeremy? Free of charge!" I pick one up and hand it to him but he shakes his head. "Nah. I care about environment. Save the turtles, right?" He smiles one last time and gathers his things into his arms, hugging them tightly to not let them slip. Jeremy tries to wave but his hands are occupied so he nods instead and saunters out.