youth's journal **SHORT VERSION**

day three.

I got a job at the music store just down the road.

it's a nice place.

though, seeing as I'm only 12 (soon to be 13) I'm not really supposed to be working. the owner (Mr. Muse) said that I'll be a "helper" there, meaning I'll get paid but I won't be actually employed.

also, I think I made a friend. her name is Amanda and she's 18, planning on taking over the shop when Mr. Muse retires.

she showed me how everything works, but what I found really cool is how they sort the C.D.'s, the most popular go at the front and the less bought items go in the middle and the ones almost no one buys go at the back.

cool right?

anyways, she also told me which section was which. and were each genre belongs.

and, at the end of my little "tour", just before 5:00 P.M., she gave me one of her old C.D. players, an album by Rachel Platten and some blue headphones that have skulls on them.

when I asked how much it was, she said; "take it as a welcome gift. such a motivated girl needs a break from the world once in a while. I can tell just by lookin' at ya' that though you're going to grow up to be a great woman and leader."

and for the first time in a while, i smiled. a real smile.

I left the little place just a little after 5:10 P.M.

when I got home, my smile dropped.

mom had smashed three plates, one mug and probably a couple glasses.

I found her in the living room, passed out on the couch.

anyways, I made dinner and got mom situated in her bed.

then I cleaned the mess she left.

and now I'm sitting in bed, headphones in and currently listening to... fight song.

hm, it's raining indoors... how funny...

-Sally Sokoto