"So Andi, how was your first day?" Emma's dad asked as we ate pizza at Emma's dining table. "It was ok ..." I said picking at my pizza . I was starving, but for some reason I couldn't eat. "What's the matter Andi?" Emma asked from across the table. "What oh nothing" I said, looking back down at my plate. The truth was , I missed my mother, and I hoped she was okay. Having to apply for a job today brought back bad memories. Like the time I had to take a job bagging groceries when I was nine. (A.N don't ask me how she was able to get a job at nine XD ) or the time I had almost bottom kidnapped walking home from my job at the pet shop when I was ten. Luckily Daniel and his dad had been playing baseball in their front lawn and had chased him away. "I think I'm just gonna go home" I said forcing myself to finish the last two bites of my pizza. I got up, grabbing my hoodie and my keys. "Is everything ok Andi?" Emma asked, concern in her voice. "What? Yeah everything's fine" I said a bit dazed. " see you tomorrow Emma." I said, but before she had a chance to respond I was out the door.
One week later I had gotten used to working at the 7 until 6o clock and doing homework until 12 in the morning. It was Wednesday and for some reason the place was slow. Due to my lack of sleep, I had fallen asleep at the counter. I really hoped Diego wouldn't come out of the kitchen and see me sleeping. I really needed it. "Andi wake up" I heard a voice saying. A hand gripped my shoulder and shook while another prodded my cheek. I jolted awake. "Welcome to the 7, how can I help you?" I asked, half asleep. "Umm Andi are you ok?" The costumers asked. I finally looked at thier face. It was just Jax. "Oh hi Jax" I said tiredly "what would you like?" "One slice and a coke" he said, looking at me weirdly. I slowly got a slice from the oven behind me and put it on a plate, then got a soda from the refrigerator. I punched in the prices on the cash register. "That'll be 2.50." He handed me the money and took his food, but for some reason he stood there looking at me for another minute. "What?" I said annoyed. "When do you get off your shift?" He asked, cocking his head to the side (which made him look really adorable by the way ) "six why?" I answered, curious. " I have something to show you, I'll pick you up at seven thirty." He said, a statement rather than a question. "I don't know..." I started, but he cut me off. "Come on Andi, you gotta have some fun! Live a little!" I thought for a minute. "Fine " I said finally. " great, see you then" he said, flashing me his perfectly white smile. I gave him a little wave, then got back to work.
By the time 6:30 rolled around , I found myself wide awake. Ever other minute I checked my hair and outfit in the full length mirror behind my bedroom door. I don't know why I was so nervous. After all it was JUST Jax . He arrived at 7:30 on the dot. When I heard the rumbling of his engine I sprinted down the stairs towards the door, but stopped short before turning the knob. I straightened my shirt and ran a hand through my hair, taking a deep breath before pulling the door open. He was sitting on his bike at the end of my driveway. He smiled, patted the back of his bike for me to sit and handed me his helmet. I put on the helmet and got on the back of his bike, wrapping my arms around his waist as he revved the engine. He drove out of my driveway and down the street. The wind whipped my face and blew my hair back. I buried my face into Jaxs jacket, which smelled like worn leather and strangely, peppermint. I smiled. He was really warm. "Enjoying yourself back there?" He asked, amused. I stiffened. "Relax love, I know, it can get pretty windy on this thing" I relaxed a little, but didn't rest my head on his shoulder again. Two minutes later we arrived in front of his house. " it's in the backyard" he said, walking me down the driveway. He lead me through the house. It was a nice house with furniture and freshly painted walls, but no pictures. I guess they hadn't hung them up yet. He opened the screen door that led to the backyard , and I gaped in awe. There was a small pond surrounded by small blue flowers that almost glowed in the moonlight. "This is...amazing" I said in awe, reaching out to touch one of the blue flowers. "My dad and I made it, to honor my mother. She loved to garden" he replied sadly. I turned to give him my condolences, but he walked past. E and sat at the edge of the pond. At first, I held back, but then I joined him at the, sitting next to him and staring into the dark depths of the pond. We sat in silence for a few minutes until I finally said. "My dad left when I was little, and my mom is never home. She shows up every few months drops off some money, then leaves again. I just want to spend some time with her." I sigh. "Why am I even telling you this?" I shrug "maybe it's because I need someone to talk to, it's not easy having both of your parents abandon you." I finally look at him. He's staring at me and nodding. "What?" I ask. He just gives me a sad smile "I've never found someone who...understands so perfectly." I smile at him and he sighs. "Come on, I'll take you home"
