For You [Completed]

Chapter 4: For Those Developing Crushes

"In every girl's life, there's a boy she'll never forget and a summer where it all began."

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For the life of me, I could not explain why I started developing a crush for him. I mean, he's not as handsome or cute as the guys in New York City. Even the ordinary guys that go to my school in Manhattan are dressed better than him, but crushes develop in the most mysterious ways. I've never had a serious crush before and this was the experience I would never forget.

When we first met, it was like all I could see was his easygoing and helpful personality. He wasn't afraid to work harder than necessary. If anyone needed help, he'd be the first one to volunteer himself. On my first day of training, I had been a bit scared to try making any wraps after he demonstrated a few times how to wrap food inside a tortilla... just the thought of having to wrap close so many ingredients and not having it explode on me kept me in his shadows that day he helped train me. But, at that time, it was all I needed - someone to helped me when I was confused, someone who took over whenever there was an extra large wrap, someone who smiled and cleared the doubt forming in my mind, and someone who wasn't afraid to start a conversation with the only other girl at work besides my aunt.

I think it had something to do with the little conversations we had in the beginning... that slowly turned into teasing and joking. It all started with us getting to know each other and soon enough, he was teasing me about my height and wrapping and I was joking around with all the guys, creating funny one-liners and rhyming poems to lighten everyone's mood. I would tease him about his skills and he would boost about his amazing skills, calling himself names I don't want to repeat for cheesiness's sake. That will also be explained later, but until then, thank you for being there for me.

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Tap... tap. I turn to my left and then, quickly to my right when I discover the source of the tapping nonexistent. Is someone playing a joke on me? Surely enough, there Sean stood on the opposite side of me. I raise my eyebrows, quirking one up to imply a questioning impression.

"What are you doing?" I ask, right before he cut me off.

"Got you! Haha, I get everyone who starts here at Wrap House. You're so easy," Sean exclaims.

"You've actually tapped every single person who's worked here and you've gotten them to look at the wrong side before realizing you're on their other side?" I asked as if questioning a child.

Sean eagerly nods, adding, "Yeah, even Annie got fooled! She literally turned 360 degrees, trying to figure out who was tapping her shoulder."

Unable to contain my laughter, I burst out laughing for a few seconds.

"Then, I guess I'll give you that one, Sean."

"Okay, so all fooling aside, is this your first job, Elena?"

I shook my head before replying, "Nope. I've worked at my dad's restaurant before, but only as a cashier. I didn't know that working at Wrap House would imply working cashier and front line. I figured it was like McDonald's or other fast food places where there's people at the cashier and people cooking the food in the back."

"Well, you're in for a roller coaster ride. This place is pretty slow and steady most weekdays, but weekends... man, be prepared. And if you think Saturdays are busy, think again. Sunday is our busiest day out of the whole week. The line feels like it's Chipotle line long and it's never-ending. Once a rush ends, it starts up all over again."

My face must've shown the terror I was beginning to feel from Sean's description because he quickly states, "I didn't mean to push that information all onto you, but I was just trying to make conversation. Don't worry, though. I'll be here. I'm basically the manager's assistant. I've been here for around ten months more or less and I've gotten a hang of the ropes around here and I'm more than happy to show you how to wrap like a boss."

"Sure.... if you insist. You sure sound like you're the king of wrapping food in tortillas, although it doesn't really seem like much," I say.

Sean shakes his head.

"Oh, no. You don't know what you're getting yourself into. You might think it's all fun and games and wrapping will be easy, but when the line is super long, you don't have time to mess up. That's why it's great that Kenneth is having you two train here today. You'll have a few days to brush up your skills before the weekend rushes. I'm what they call the Wrap King... or Wrap God... whichever you prefer," Sean boasts.

I roll my eyes internally and fake gag, exclaiming, "I don't think I'd ever call you any of that."

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"Sean!" I call from inside the kitchen the next day.

"Yes, Elena? What's up?" he answered back.

I could basically hear his footsteps coming closer into the kitchen to exactly where I was standing. Currently, it is Friday and you could say it's a bit of a nice practice for a weekend rush...

"Uhm, Sean. Haha, well, remember how you said I would probably need your help and I just brushed it off? Here's the thing --" I start before I'm cut off quickly.

"Yes, as a matter of fact, I've been here for quite a while. I remember tell you that, Elena. I've seen new trainees come and go and trust me when I tell you that you'll be needing a few pair of helping hands around here on a weekend. You're lucky I'm here today. In a week or so, I'm going for vacation and I won't be back until a week after the day I leave."

I nod quickly, "I accept defeat. For once, I will admit that you're right. I will be needing your help, but hopefully, by the time you come back, I won't be needing your help as much anymore. I'm gonna be Miss Independent over here!"

"That's what the previous guys said, but hey, be my guest! I'd like to see you try," Sean proposes, spurring the challenger in me.

"I'm gonna aim for your manager's assistant spot before I leave, Sean. That's your fair warning," I playfully glare at him, secretly admiring the way his eyes seem to spark a brighter brown color.

"And here's your fair warning, sweetheart. It won't be easy, but I'll enjoy watching you try," Sean smiles, a slight dimple appearing in one side of his cheek.

We shake on it and walk back into the front line where a few customers are starting to appear again.

"First things first. I'm not going to go easy on you now that you've declared war against my manager's assistant position here at Wrap House," Sean warns again.

I grin widely and exclaim, "Bring it on! And also, stop calling me that."

"Calling you what?" Sean asks as he stands next to my station.

"Sweetheart," I say. "I don't like hearing guys call me that."

"Why not... doll?"

I groan.

"This is going to be a long summer, isn't it, Sean?" I question before letting him wrap the customer's order up.

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One day, you'll come across someone who decides to give your stomach a couple (hundred) butterflies and makes your heart skip beat(s). Especially if it's the beginning of your first real crush... you might start to wonder if you actually like this person. What about him makes you see things in a new way? Is it the way he smiles or is it the way he makes everything that's difficult seem so simple? Is it the way he's not afraid to help out when it's needed? How he's not afraid to work more than his job requires... how he looks out for you even though you might not need it? The gaze in his eyes whenever he engages in a deep conversation with you? The way his hands feel as he rests it softly on your lower back to direct you to the right place at the right time? You'll discover more about this person's personality as you two have conversations below the superficial 'how's the weather?' and admire the way he is inside and out. When that happens, you're ready for what's about to come... a series of stalking techniques, giggly conversations with your best friend, personality changes, and unstoppable blushing whenever he says something remotely funny. All I can say is: brace yourself. Are you ready for this ride, because I sure am!

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