Just Friends...

Chapter 1

I had graduated high school about two weeks ago, and I was still waiting for a paycheck. I was currently still living with my parents, but as soon as I got that last bit of money, I could buy a plane ticket to get out of here. Earlier this week, I was excepted into the University of London, so I was set with school. Just because Josh had dropped out didn't mean that I didn't want to complete my education. I still needed a place to live though.

I guess I could stay in the dorms until I got enough money to buy myself a flat, but I feel that I would be losing more money than saving because of paying for the dorms. But I could figure that out later. Summer had just begun, so I decided I would spend the rest of my time her with my parents. But first, I had to see if I had gotten paid.

I drove myself to Hot Topic, an emo-ish clothing store, which is where I worked. The pay was alright, minimum wage, but I guess that is to be expected from a small store like that. I parked my car and began to walk through the mall to get to the shop. I was easily distracted by other clothing stores, because I knew that I would end up finding something that I liked. I knew I couldn't buy anything, but I wished I could. But inside, I knew that I needed to save the money I had. I walked down to the Hot Topic and made my way to the counter.

"Hey boss. So I came to pick up my paycheck..." The look he gave me wasn't so reassuring. He handed me an envelope. I snatched it out of his hand and began walking out of the store. I opened the letter, super excited to see that I had made the money I needed, but that wasn't the case. I pulled out a check that said '$159.52' and was instantly disappointed. I turned on my heels and power walked back into the store.

"What the hell? I worked enough to get at least $200!" I was absolutely furious. with this paycheck I should've had enough to get out of here, but apparently, he only counted the full days I worked, which made no sense to me. On days when we wouldn't have that much business, he would send me home because it wasn't worth staying. And he would tell me I was getting full pay for them. But I guess you can't trust what anyone says.

"Well, some of those weren't full days, so I deducted a bit." He was trying to act so innocent, but I wasn't about to take anymore shit from him.

"But you sent me home! And you said I would get full pay for those days!"

"Well, things change. What can I say? I know that you hoped to leave after this, but I can't just give you the money. You have to WORK for it."

I gave him, what I call, the 'Death Stare'. I turned around and stormed out of the mall. I needed to work more, but a place that would get me the money I needed and that I earned. A guy working at a kiosk noticed that I was upset and stopped me.

"Hey, you alright?"

"No, I was just given the worst paycheck, and I really needed the money this month." I was on the verge of tears, I was so upset. Although I wasn't prepared to what he would say next.

"Well you could work here. I'll pay you a dollar more per hour than your boss did. And you can work here until you get the money you need." I stared him in the eyes and he watched as a smile formed on my face. I hugged him without thinking. It was a bit awkward, given that we had just met, but I was alright with it.

"When can I start?" I couldn't have been more ecstatic.

"Would tomorrow work?" I nodded my head and waved goodbye as I walked off out of the mall. Once upset, soon happier than ever.

When I got home, I counted up the money I had, and knew that I only had to work a couple of hours, so this wasn't going to be a problem. But with the amount he was offering, I decided that I would continue working there to get a bit of extra cash. I also got onto my laptop, first to look at social media, but then to plan. I looked into flights, costs, college payments, etc.

While searching for a flight, I got a phone call from Josh. I picked up the phone and told him about what had happened today.

"Wow, what a jerk. But at least you got another job"

"Yeah, that's the good. Plus, I'm getting better pay."

"Okay so I had to ask you, when are you planning on getting here?"

"Well, I need to stay like a week or two to finish collecting my money, but I will be over there before you know it."

"Okay, well I talked to my friends, and we have an extra room at the house..."

"Josh, I cannot invade you guys like that. Really."

"No it's cool. They all agreed to it, and I don't want you to have to spend your money for the dorms there. They are quite horrific."

"Josh, I don't know..."

"Okay, you shall be staying here with us. It will be kind of fun, I think. A brother and sister, back together again. Reliving our past memories. Also, I think you'll get along just fine with the guys!

"Okay fine. I'll do it. But just until I can get a place of my own."

"Will do." With that, we ended the call. I couldn't imagine what I had just gotten myself into. Living with four guys. Sure one was my brother, and I was used to him, but three strangers? But I guess it would only be for a while, until I could get out on my own.

A house with four guys. Yikes.

Hey guys, hope you enjoyed this chapter! I am going to try to do at least one chapter a week, but we will se how that goes to plan! Thank you all so much!