Unconditionally yours

1. Jennifer

Her eyes glanced around the shop where she was to spend most part of her day from now. The shoddy place with dusty shelves and the messed up stack of DVDs created the most unwelcoming atmosphere for Jennifer. It did not bother her much though. The idea of spending her days amongst DVDs, talking about them, appreciating the good work, criticising the short comings made her elated beyond limits. There was something about movies which made her happy. Which made her forget about the endless problems in her life. They helped her more than anyone.

She was looking at the collection of blu-ray and boxsets with awe. Taking in the beauty of the sight in front of her. Gazing around, her eyes fell on a DVD of 'The Sixth Sense'. She had just picked it out when she heard the door open. She craned her neck to see who it was. Her eyes met the brown of the stranger's. His face was familiar to her though she did not quite recognize him. He was of her age, that Jennifer understood. He wore black denims with a white t-shirt, over which was a brown leather jacket. His features were blunt, attractive and there was a strange depth in his eyes. His hair was unkempt but looked well on him.

"Hey," the boy said with his raspy voice.

"Hi," Jennifer replied. Their eyes met again and no one spoke for a while. She should say something, Jennifer thought, but she knew she was terrible at small talk. Realizing she was still looking at the boy Jennifer looked away hurriedly. Not wanting to further bear the awkwardness she asked, "Do you know anyone here? I mean it's my first day at work and I really don't know how things work."

"So you're the girl Felix was talking about," he said.

Jennifer was a little surprised. "You know Felix?"

"I believe so. Considering he is my brother."

"You're Felix's brother? I am sorry I didn't know. I am Jennifer. You can call me Jen," she said.

"Dawson. Nice to meet you Jen." Jennifer smiled. "So, Felix will be unable to show up today so let me just show you around," Dawson continued.

"Sure," Jennifer said and followed him. He showed her the counter and taught her all the money work. Jennifer listened intently as Dawson taught her the workings of the computer. He taught her how to maintain the records. Dawson then proceeded to show her the backroom behind the counter where the extra sets were kept and then he showed her around the store. Jennifer couldn't hide her admiration. Marvel was evident on her face.

"That is such a brilliant collection," she said after Dawson was done. "There is literally everything."

Dawson smiled. "Yeah. Felix started this store when he was 19. It means so much to him. This collection just became a part of us." Jennifer noticed the change in Dawson's expression. It was of genuine pride. He looked around the store with great gratification. With respect. "Anyway now," he continued, "Felix and I will not be around at certain times. The main reason why we were hiring. So, will you be okay with managing the store alone?"

"Yeah," Jennifer said promptly. "No problem at all."

"Good then," Dawson smiled. Jennifer perceived at once that his smile was beautiful. It was honest. Immaculate. "By the way, have we ever met before?"

"I believe not," Jennifer said. "I moved in some days back. Still pretty new around here."

"Where did you move from?"

"Kansas. This was my parent's hometown actually. We moved to Kansas when I was 8. We decided to come back here just some time back."

"Kansas?" Dawson said with evident surprise. "That's so far."