Lifeline || ongoing

[4]

I check in back into The Rhythm after school the next day. Instead of plugging in my own iPod, I plugged in Declan's and put his playlist on. I wondered when he would drop by today, since he didn't actually state when. I was curious of his reaction, even though I was sure he would like what I've selected for him. Well, more or less.

I busied myself with store duties and tried to ease through my shift without peeking at the clock or the door too much. It wasn't everyday that I had something cool to look forward to at work like today. Walking through the store, I flipped through a few random records, occasionally taking note of new songs I could play in store. 

Pleased with the selected songs, I open up my notebook to place the post it note of songs, but my whole body goes into shock. There was a blank spot on today's page. It wasn't supposed to be blank. My heart rate increases to its maximum straight away. I wrote in today. I know I did. 

I whirled around, immediately searching every single corner of the store, even places I didn't enter.

I lost a green note.

Green.

My assignments.

All my assignments.

I can't lose that note.

I can't lose a single bit of this book.

I searched over and over, even flipping my bag inside out. Was it at school? No, I had it just now before entering the store. It has to be in the store. I go for another round of hunting.

The wind chimes on the door sounded, and in came Declan's head with a bright smile. I glanced over from where I was and wished I could return the smile, but I signalled a moment to continue searching. 

"You alright there?" Declan called, fully entering the store now.

I looked over the area again, scanning carefully.

"Yea, I just..." I dipped my head down to a low shelf. 

"Kinda lost something important." I said, realising that my sentence was hanging.

"What did you lose?" 

"A green post it note."

"What? I saw one-" 

My head snaps straight up to catch Declan rushing back out of the store, then coming back just as quick with post it note in hand.

My post it note.

"It's right outside the store, stuck in front of the window floor." 

I rushed towards him and in a mess I uttered possibly ten thank you-s in a breath. Instant relief crashes through. I gently pluck the note from his hand and place it back neatly into my book.

"Woah, that's a whole lot of post it notes there."

"I'm really forgetful." I explained, safely putting away the book in my bag. 

"I see. Is that all school stuff? It looks thick!"

I looked away, feeling somewhat queasy. No one has questioned my book before. They've only given it short glances.

"They're a little detailed. I don't like forgetting stuff," I finished in a firm tone, putting an end to the topic. Before Declan continues, I cut in with a new topic.

"So. Your playlist. It's playing now." I offered a small smile, anticipating his response.

"Nice. I already like it." Declan steps forward and raises the bag he has been holding on to the whole time.