The Only Difference Between Love and Envy is Press Coverage

New Beginnings

"We're going to miss you here so much." Brendon was pulled into a tight hug by the elderly woman standing in front of him.

He blushed lightly as she let him go. Not being used to such out right affection from the woman. "I'm going to miss working here, ma'am."

"Honey, after all these years, you still won't call me Barbra?"

"He still won't call me. Period." The teenager girl beside her joked.

Brendon laughed and pulled her into a hug too. "I'm going to miss you too, kid."

She pulled away from him. "I keep telling you, I'm not a kid anymore, Brendon. I'm sixteen."

"Still a kid to me." He ruffled her long, dark hair. She huffed in frustration.

Brendon felt a wave of sadness wash through him. He wasn't sure when he'd ever see the pair again. He'd worked in this convenient store since he was fifteen years old. The Middleton's were like a second family to him.

Mr. and Mrs. Middleton gave him a job in their store when he was too young to even be working. They understood that he needed the extra money. Their granddaughter, Sarah had become like the sister he always wanted. They'd even helped his parents buy his car when he started college.

But now, four years later, he was leaving. All his hard work finally paid off. After a year in that pathetic excuse for a college, he was granted a scholarship to one of the top schools on the west coast. Not just any scholarship, a full scholarship! He'd never been more excited about something in his life.

It was like all his dreams were coming true. There were so many opportunities he could be awarded just from attending that school. To keep the scholarship all he had to do was maintain a C average and not get arrested. Which was simple because Brendon hadn't scored lower than an A since he started high school. And of course he wouldn't get arrested. That was just ridiculous.

"Well, son." Mr. Middleton patted him on the shoulder. "It's been nice working with you."

The man took out his wallet and flipped it opened. Pulling a folded check from it. He placed it in Brendon's hand. Brendon smiled gratefully and unfolded it.

He gasped. "A thousand dollars? Sir, I think your handed me the wrong check."

He chuckled deeply. "No, Brendon. That's your money."

"But-"

"No buts. We've been waiting for the day you'd get to go out into the world and shine. You've worked hard for years. The least we can do is give you a little going away bonus."

Tears prickled at the corner of Brendon's eyes but he blinked them back quickly. He wasn't going to cry. This was supposed to be a Happy moment. It wasn't like he was saying goodbye forever. He'd try to see them when he visited on breaks.

"T-Thank you, sir."

"You're welcome, son." He hugged him quickly. Awkwardly. "Well, we'd better let you get going."

"That's right." Mrs. Middleton hugged him tightly again. "Stay safe okay?"

"Okay." Brendon nodded.

Mrs. Middleton nodded after him. Her brown eyes shining with unshed tears. Her husband wrapped his arm around her and they headed back inside the store. Sarah stayed behind.

"I'm really gonna miss you, Brendon."

"I'm going to miss you too, kid-"

"Cut the act." She frowned. "We're alone."