The Bookstore

Chapter Two

        The walk to Bailey's Books was quiet. The roads that were usually a bit busy, were hardly at all. I listened to my footsteps slapping against the sidewalk as I walked. My messenger bag rubbed up against my leg, holding only a book and some homework.
         "Good afternoon, Jane," the elderly man at the register greeted with a smile after the bell jingled when I entered. I returned the favor.
         "Good afternoon, Dave," I said happily. He went back to reading the newspaper and I went to the very back of the bookstore. My book of the week was carefully placed next to my spot. The smell of new books helped me relax as I settled down into the worn, brown love seat.
          I slid my headphones in. I usually preferred the comforts of music while reading, especially if the song matched the mood of the story. It helped bring it to life. Heavy Feet by Local Natives soothed me even more. Everything about the bookstore was comforting. It was like a back massage for a book junkie. Dave made hot cups of green tea for us sometimes. We'd lounge around the counters, sipping our drinks, and reading or working on store finances.
          I was so into the book, I hadn't noticed someone had come into the bookstore. Heavy footsteps thudded against the ground. Finally making me notice someone was here. It was unusual for a costumer to come in.
          "-and I wanted to know if you were interested," a deep male voice was saying to Dave. I quietly set my book down and tiptoed to the book shelves closest to the counter. Chris Hammons stood tall as if he were the star of the book store. I snorted in laughter at his ridiculous egotistical stance. He turned around quickly as if he'd been caught stealing. I ducked back down and snuck to the history section as quickly as I could. No one goes to the history section, especially not Chris.
         "Sure just let me get you an application," Dave replied cheerfully. An application? "Jane! Could you come help me?"
          My face twisted in distaste. I hesitantly stepped out into the aisle.
          "With what?" I asked politely, avoiding looking at Chris. Dave pointed to the stack of books in frustration.
          "I can't lift them. The applications are under them," he explained in exasperation. I slid the books off of the applications and stared down at them in confusion.
          "Job applications..?" I wondered allowed. Chris nodded his head slowly.
          "Yeah for you know, a job," he said sarcastically. I rolled my eyes. Obviously. "What, afraid I'm going to steal your position under boss's favorites?"
           I laughed and eyed him up and down.
           "Hardly," I replied. "Besides, I don't even work here." Chris' eyebrows furrowed up in confusion.
           "Why are you here then?" he asked.
           "None of your business," I retorted, turning around. I walked away swiftly. My book sat in the center of the love seat. I picked it up and continued reading, not putting headphones in this time.
           "Okay then. Ah, can I fill this out right now?" Chris asked Dave hopefully. I could here the clipboard snap as Dave put the paper in it. "Thanks." There were some footsteps, then I could see some of his blonde hair peaking around the corner. I inwardly groaned.
           "Do you mind if I sit here?" he asked, pointing at the seat next to me with his pen. I didn't look up from my book as I slid my legs off of the seat and sat straight. "Uh, thanks."
           He plopped down next to me, making the cushion bounce up. I glared at the side of his head. Chris continued filling out the form, oblivious to my glare.
           "Why work here? Why not work anywhere else in town?" I whispered angrily to him. He looked up in surprise.
           "My parents are making me get a job and no one important comes here so I figured I'd be safe. If my friends found out I had to get a job they'll make fun of me for it. Gotta keep my rep up, know what I mean?" he said easily with a smile. I continued glaring.
           "No, I don't know what you mean." I sighed and continued reading.
           "You seem like you hate me," Chris mumbled, staring down at the paper he was still writing on. I shrugged. "Why?"
           "Why what?"
           "Why do you hate me? Did I like do something?" He asked. I set my book down again. I turned and gave him an angry smile.
           "Look," I took a deep breath,"I don't hate you. Really, I'm sure that we'll be fine if you stick to your application and I stick to my book. Got it?" This time he looked up at me with surprise.
           Chris didn't answer. He stood up and shuffled away awkwardly. Strange, I thought he'd have something stupid to say to that. Nonetheless, I was glad he'd finally left. Dave took the paper and read it over.
            "Start tomorrow," he told Chris. I felt dread build up in my stomach. The bell jingled as he left.                   "You alright, Jane?"
            I put my book back in its place for me to pick up tomorrow. Dave studied me as I approached the counter.
             "I'm fine," I muttered. He gave me a soft smile and shifted his feet.
             "I think this'll be good for you," he told me. My eyes shot up to meet his.
             "How?" I exclaimed. Dave chuckled.
             "You need to expand your social circle."
             "I have friends," I scoffed. My finger traced a circle on the smooth counters surface. "I'm fine how I am now."
             "Name one friend you talk to outside of school." I watched my finger continue it's motions.                        "Exactly. I don't want you to end up an alone little hermit like me."
             I sighed and looked up again. Dave meant well. He always did. He slid a mug of warm tea over to me and pulled out a file.
              "Let's get started on these bills," he said, taking a gulp out of his cup. I did the same.