Peppermint Breath

Chapter Five

Chapter Five

               Jan walked down the side walk with loose gray sweats and a black beater. He didn’t care if he looked like shit and he didn’t care about the weary gazes old couples passing were giving him. Ever since Thursday, Jan was out of it. He began to feel irritated a lot and he was unbelievably confused. What was he feeling? He didn’t know himself, but he knew it was bad if he felt like this on a Saturday. He felt the need for some candy; peppermint candy and maybe chocolate covered strawberries. Even though it may sound girly as hell, Jan didn’t care, those fuckers were good. 

               The street was busy, much more than on weekdays, so Jan made sure he crossed the street safely before he entered the candy shop. A girl by the name of Nancy who he had known since they were in diapers came up to the counter with her bright, clean smile.

               “Hey, Janey!” She called, waving her arms around all over the place like a crazy person. Her hair was light blond with coconut brown streaks that all went up in a messy bun that poked out of her maroon cap that she was required to wear with her uniform, also maroon.

               “God, why does everyone keep calling me that? It’s bad enough my sister’s name sounds almost like mine. Completely JJ!”

               Nancy snorted out a few giggles which made Jan frown and cock up a brow.

               “Like Jay-J the jet plane!”

               “Fuck Nancy!” Jan covered his face, plainly irritated to anyone who could see him in clear view. “Don’t even go there, that show fucking scared me as a kid, I thought the plane was ganna eat me.”

               “Or molest you.” Nancy winked making Jan roll his eyes, but had successfully managed to make him crack a loose grin.

               Compared to Chad, Nancy was next in line as Jan’s best friend. She was a bit clumsy and silly to be around, but she knew Jan like a map across town, he couldn’t hide anything from her.

               “So…” Nancy started, letting the “o” elongate a bit. “What’s up? You look like you just fell out of a tornado full of strippers.”

               Nancy obviously knew something was up because she was wearing that devious smirk of hers, she just wanted to hear details. Jan shifted uncomfortably, there was no way in hell he was telling Nancy that he had a dream about James and came all over himself.

               “I had a wet dream.” He deadpanned.

               Nancy made a straight face and as seconds passed by she let out one of those grins of hers that were her knowing smiles as she laughed out loud getting a few wondering eyes from most of the customers. She didn’t seem surprised though.

               “That’s not funny.” Jan stated, crossing his arms roughly, his lips turning into a pout.

               “Yes it is… hold on.” Nancy went around back and then came out without her uniform, but snuf mini jean shorts and a flowery t-shirt that was red. She hooked her arm through Jan’s and giggled like a six year old who get their first bike.

               “Don’t you have work?”

               “I asked to have my break early, it’s a long break, an hour and a half, so I can take you out to lunch and you can tell me all about your little…mess.”