marked.

Worry Wart

My mother had asked me to do the favor and go get some snacks at the corner store for later this evening; we had plan for an all-brighter over corny, Netflix movies. Since it was seven o'clock, my mother had wished for me only to take the car on my trip. I nodded my head but that was as much as she was getting. There was no point taking the car where the closest corner store--Quinn's store, now owned by Emilio--was only down the street a couple blocks. Plus, parking is horrendous in my neighborhood.

I jogged over to Quinn's and immediately hopped in. Emilio was standing by the counter, sweeping the floor as the bell to the door dinged. He gave me a reassuring smile and greeted me.

"Hey! How you doing, Dani? Haven't seen you here in a bit."

I walked over and side-kissed him on the cheek. "It's movie night at my house. Mom wants some rations," I joked.

Practically on cue, Emilio chuckled and pointed to the back part of the store. "You got it, Dani. They're in the back."

I followed his directions and grabbed what I needed. My mother was quite open to her options as long as it was "fattening." I took bags of Lays potato chips, some candy, jellybeans, two bags of chocolate and a mountainous pack of Pepsi. Of course, in order to stay awake, me and my mother would have to increase our caffeine doses.

I put all the stuff on top of the counter and walked around towards Emilio.

"Mind if I ring up my own stuff?" I ask. He shrugs.

"You know what to do."

And I do. I calculate all my so-called "groceries" and cashed in my part for the total of the junk. Before I grab my three bags and walk out, Emilio starts yelling annoyingly to another strange voice in the back area of the store, near the back entrance.

"I told you, there has to be enough to line the shelf!" Emilio screamed.

"And I told you, THERE ISN'T ENOUGH TO LINE UP THE SHELVES." The now familiar voice contorted angrily.

"Look, I'm your father, and when I tell you to do it, YOU DO IT RIGHT."

"You haven't even BEEN in my life and NOW you want to place orders? No, fuck it!" I hear what seems like a can fall to the floor. The soft but meaningful thump, and the dangerous sizzle of bubbles whispering its explosion.

"Look, Se-"

"I don't know what it's gonna take for your thick, mindless skull to get it but..."

I recognized the voice.

The voice recognized I hadn't left the store yet.

The first thing I see is one boot take a step forward. Once both feet were moving chromatically, I found the face I was looking for.

"Hello Dani." He said.

I looked directly into Sean's eyes. And I walked out.

As I sped walked out of the store, I hear in the distance the bell of the door ring, signifying someone just left the store.

"Yo, Dani!" I hear Sean scream as I begin to speed walk. If these bags weren't cutting my circulation, I would have been faster.

Next thing you know, I feel a strong hand tug onto the plastic bag with the pack of soda. I turn around a little quickly, almost wincing as he tugged. I glared at him through the now setting sun. He looked at me with serious eyes and took all the bags. My hands were now free and blood was pumping rigorously through my wrists.

"So," I begin. "When were you going to fill me in that Emilio's your father?" I ask, already knowing the answer.

Sean rolls his eyes. "Well, I didn't think we were THAT close."