Lookism: What Am I Even Doing?

Chapter Thirty

What on earth was Vasco doing here? Uncle gave me a look as he started taking the chairs. He was dressed up more than he usually was too. Black pants, white shirt, and a black leather jacket. On the back there was a large white logo that looked like an upside brass knuckle with 'B.N.C' written underneath.

Technically seeing Vasco here wasn't the issue. He comes over every now and then since I give them a special discount. And before anyone gets any ideas, I give all my friends special discounts. My uncle isn't too happy about it but as long as I pay back the hanging value with my own money, it was fine.

What was so weird about it was that he was here before we even opened. Was he that hungry? Or was he in the area and decided to stop by not knowing we opened a bit late? He does work out in the morning, even on the weekends, so I guess that makes sense. I wonder if Little Daniel already made his way home seeing how they work out together.

"It's that delinquent."

I rolled my eyes, "Please. I'm ten times worse."

My Uncle looked me dead in the eye, "And I show my obvious contempt for you everyday."

We both smiled at each other. Old fool. Well let me see what this other fool wants from me. As long as I'm not fighting anyone. I'm still on thin ice with Uncle. And even though my grounding period is over, I don't want to go back to the dog house. Being trapped in this damn shop was driving me insane.

Vasco fidgeted nervously from the other side of the street. I can't tell if he couldn't see us or he was too nervous to come over here. It might be that he can't see us through the dark. Uncle and I like preparing with the lights off. There was something comfortable about working in the dark. The dark clouds hanging around the sun didn't make it any better.

We were supposed to get some heavy winter rain tomorrow night. I'm not looking forward to that. Call me a wuss but I'm deathly afraid of lightning. Uncle is too so both of us will be sheltered in the basement today watching his shows on the projector I set up a couple days ago.

"I'll be back."

"Hmm."

Damn, it's a bit chilly outside. Right now I was wearing a long sleeved T-shirt and a pair of jeans. This shirt was doing absolutely nothing to keep the cold wind away from my skin. Hopefully this won't take long.

Vasco nearly jumped when I came out of the shop. I'm guessing he really couldn't see us in the dark. The street was pretty empty except for some cars parked a little bit downward and the average street signs from some of the smaller stalls in the area. Which is why it was made so obvious that someone was watching us.

There was this eerie feeling at the back of my neck. I glanced at the large window from the shop behind Vasco. Exactly like I thought. Jace was there, crouching behind a car. Oh god, this better not be some bullshit they're about to pull. It's way too early in the morning for me not to start cursing at a mother trucker. And I don't want to curse Vasco, what if he starts crying or something?

"Uh, hey."

"Hi."

"So...what's up? Or did you just come here this early for fun?"

He shook his head rather passionately, "I wanted to ask if you'd like to walk with me to school on Monday!"

Eh? Why was he screaming? More importantly, did he come all the way here just to tell me that? Was his phone broken or something? And why was Jace looking so pumped up for this? Yes, I was still watching him from the reflection. They were acting as if they were asking me for a left kidney.

"Vasco, you do know you could've texted me right? Or called?"

"I-I know. I just wanted to tell you in person."