Never The End

Part 3

The bright lights of the convenience store shine out onto the sidewalk as I approach the automatic doors. Posters are strewn about, plastered on the windows of the corner store. One sign reads, Hiring. I enter the building, my mouth dry and begging for a drink. I place my right hand into my coat pocket as I take my other, sliding my hood off my head.

Another sigh slips past my lips as I blink tiredly, my green eyes lazily dragging themselves along the shelves of the convenience store. It's been three days since the meeting with Samual. I've had a few things here and there that Nick has asked me to do but other than that, it's been slow. Nick is most likely too busy trying to work out Samuals shipment to even bother setting up more meetings. Although Nick should be contacting me today about another job soon. It has something to do with a client not paying their full amount. I close my eyes, not wanting to think about the stress of work anymore.
   
The sharp sound of a bell rings as the doors to the store opens, signaling that another customer has entered the building. My mind spaces out as I begin to stare blankly at the shelf in front of me. It's been a long day. I'm hungry, but I don't want to wait until I get home to eat.
   
My body has fully recovered since my last physically demanding job. And for that, I'm thankful. My body no longer aches with every movement, and my head isn't pounding. Even after my physical recovery, one thing still remains,

my sleepless nights.

I can't seem to shake the restlessness and regret that plagues my mind most nights.
   
A few minutes pass as I temporarily forget why I'm here. Snapping out of my thoughts I make my way towards the back of the store. Brightly colored drinks line the interior of the small refrigerator.

Glancing to my left, I acknowledge the blue cans of beer and other alcohol. My eyes linger for a moment before I turn away. I run my fingers through my hair, ruffling it as I do so.

Reaching out, I grab the cold handle of the refrigerator door, taking out a sweet iced tea. I hesitate as I begin to close the door before reaching in and grabbing a bottle of water as well.
   
Once satisfied with my decision I make my way to the front of the store, passing by the snack aisle. Reaching out on impulse, I grab a candy bar from the shelf. The sweet treat is one of my guilty pleasures.
   
As I step into line, I hold my breath, my eyes widening slightly. The smell of vanilla and strawberries float through the air. It's her. Long platinum blonde hair is placed loosely into a bun on the top of her head, strands that escaped from the updo fall down around her.

A navy blue sweatshirt is wrapped around her frame, keeping her warm from the progressively cooling temperatures outside. The dark color of her clothing contrasts greatly with her complexion.
   
I stand behind her, perplexed that we have somehow run into each other again. I look to the side, wondering as to why her presence brings such a pleasant atmosphere.
   
"That'll be four, seventy-five." The cashier says in a low voice, he coughs into his sleeve before looking back at the girl in front of me.

"Okay." She says softly before reaching into her purse. For a second she freezes before looking back up to the man. I can't see her face but by her body language I can imagine she doesn't have her wallet. "Oh," She pauses, her voice barely audible.

My eyes glance to the man behind the counter as he looks at her impatiently.

"I'm so sorry." She starts, looking up to the older man, her voice shaking. "I don't have my wallet, I-I must have left it at home." She begins to ramble, her words becoming slurred as she tilts her head down in embarrassment. "I-I'll just put these back, I'm sorry."

As she begins to pick up the drink from the counter I find myself placing my hand over top of it, holding the can in place. I'm surprised by my own actions. The girl looks up at me, slightly startled by my sudden presence.

"I'll pay for it, no need to put it back."

"Oh no! You don't have to do that." She sputters out, flustered. Her soft voice is quiet and sweet. Shaking my head slightly I take my card out of my wallet before responding to her

"I don't mind." I say honestly, as I hand the cashier the card.

Embarrassment dusts her cheeks as she looks up at me. Her hands are clenched nervously across her chest as she takes a step to the side to allow me space to place my own things onto the narrow counter.

I stand tall beside her as the cashier finishes the transaction. The board expression on his face is clear as he hands me my receipt. Stealing a glance, I look at her as I take my things, her head hangs low as she stares at her feet. She twirls a strand of long hair between her fingers anxiously.

I thank the man behind the counter. Grabbing the plastic bag in one hand, I extend it out to her, her bright eyes meet mine.

"This is yours." I say gently, trying to sound less intimidating than I normally would. She reaches out, taking the item from me. Based on the way she holds the handle of the plastic bag tightly I can assume she is nervous.

I've spent the last few years avoiding conversation with most anyone. Speaking with strangers has always felt like a chore. So why do I feel differently about her?

"Thank you. You really didn't need to do that." Her soft voice comes out stronger than before. She must be feeling less anxious now. "I wish I could repay you." A frown pulls at the corner of her lip. Somehow I find the saddened expression endearing.

"It's no problem, don't worry about it." I assure her, a faint smile threatening to show on my face. Beginning to make my way toward the exit, I place my wallet back into my pocket. As I step pass the short girl she turns and follows me through the automatic doors.

Stepping out into the cold I instinctively slide my hood over my head. The sun has long past set, allowing dusk to settle across the city resulting in the street lights along the road to come to life. The familiar dark setting causes a cold feeling to wash over me, as thoughts of my frequent nights out seep into my mind. The feeling is off putting, resulting in my body tensing up slightly.

Beside me stands the blonde haired girl, she looks to the right. I assume she is waiting for the bus at the stop just down the street. Perhaps this'll be the last time we see each other, the thought causes a frown to tug at my lip. Having no more reason to stay and talk, I turn to leave but she stops me, a gentle look on her face.

"Thanks again for getting this for me." She says lifting the bag that she holds tightly in her hands. Looking down to her I nod my head, soaking in the sight of her piercing blue eyes.

"You're welcome." Glancing past her to the bus stop, I add. "Be safe walking home. It's getting late." Her eyes widen for a moment before she responds, her lips curling up into a gentle smile.

"I will, thank you." For a moment she turns to leave but pauses. I open my mouth to say something but she speaks first. "My bus will be here soon, I should go." I slip my free hand into my coat pocket, eyeing the bus stop briefly.

"Yeah, you wouldn't want to miss the last bus." I agree, a soft smile seeps onto her face as she begins to make her way down the street. I watch for a moment, before turning to start my walk home, the scent of vanilla still lingering in the air.

A weight seems to make itself heavier with every step I take in the opposite direction. I push the feeling away, trying desperately to ignore the nagging thought that I won't be able to find rest in her presence again.

The sound of the street lights buzzing fills the city as I walk along the concrete path which lines the asphalt road. My eyes drift closed in thought for a moment as I wonder what I'm going to do with the rest of my night. My internal clock is royally messed up thanks to my late night adventures.

Maybe I could go to the gym?

I sigh, running my hand through my hair and then down my face. The action pushes my hood off my head, allowing the cool breeze to rustle through my hair. The cold night air causes a chill to creep up my spine.

My eyes snap open to the soft sound of someone running down the street causing my body to tense as the sound grows closer to me.

"Excuse me! Sir!" The soft angelic voice of a somewhat familiar person pierces my ears. I turn quickly, my eyes meeting crystal blue ones. A somewhat panicked look is on her face. As she approaches me, slightly out of breath, the look on her face melts into relief.

"Are you okay?" I question, a bit of alarm seeping into my voice. My eyes glance behind her to check for any threats, unsure as to why she would run over here to me so suddenly. She takes in a deep breath before letting it out slowly, slightly winded from her short run. She nods her head reaching her hand into her plastic bag.

"Yeah, I'm okay." Pulling her hand from the bag, I notice a small candy bar held delicately between her fingers. "I think the cashier put this in the wrong bag. I saw it when I got to my bus stop." She explains, holding the sweet treat out to me. The action causes her sleeve to slide up her arm revealing a cream colored beaded bracelet that is wrapped around her thin wrist.

"Oh," my eyes widen slightly as I take the bar from her hands. I'm surprised she would run all the way over to me just to hand me a simple candy. It wouldn't have been a big deal to just keep it. "Thanks." I say, realizing how much I actually craved the chocolate treat.

Running my hand through my hair, she smiles up at me. The pleasant expression on her face softens her features. Once again her calming presence allows my tense muscles to relax. The sound of a bus passing by causes her eyes to widen in surprise.

"I'm sorry to keep bothering you—" She pauses, turning away to look at the bus stop behind her. The taillights of the large vehicle reflect a red glow onto the pavement. "I need to go now." She rushes out, her soft voice raising in volume slightly. Beginning to quickly run in the opposite direction she glances back "Goodnight!" She calls behind her, the hood she had pulled over her head falls down.

Her icy blonde locks that were previously tied into a loose bun, slowly slides down before undoing the hairstyle completely. The long strands of her hair blow elegantly in the cool breeze.

"Goodnight." I say distantly, knowing she is unable to hear me.

The weight I felt previously seems to lighten, perhaps this won't be the last time we meet.