TWO GHOSTS

Chapter Two / I'd Like to Make Your Days More Fulfilling and Risky

It was raining again. You grabbed your coat and slipped into some high boots. As soon as you stepped out, the rain fell over you. Before you could catch a cold, you held your umbrella over your body to shield yourself. As you made your way down the sidewalk, you can hear the faint gossip of strangers. Each of them had their own story to tell, their own secrets and emotions. You wonder if someone you pass on the street was happier than you. You wonder if that stranger across the street has a plan they want to follow through, evidently making a successful life.

You stopped by the small convenient store, folding your umbrella. The abrupt clap of thunder startled you pass the doors, making a complete fool of yourself in front of your co-worker. Her bright green eyes gleamed as her laughter roared, "Wimp." She teased, making your face burn with embarrassment.

You set your coat aside, draping it over your arm. You walk behind the desk and stood in front of your register, "How are sales?"

"Slow." She replied, her eyes still looking at you. Her name was Ruth. She'd been your co-worker for a while, but you two were never close. Ruth was known for her boyfriend who was rowdy and obnoxious. No one understood why she was with him, but she'd gladly choose him over any other guy who showed her what a real partner could be. Although she was kind and light hearted, there was something wicked about her. It made her interesting in the most dangerous way.

Ruth playfully bumped shoulders with you, "Ya still thinking about Harry?" Before you could answer, she quickly added in, "Of course you are. It's been about a month now and you're still head over heels, yeah?"

"Head over heels?" You questioned. You never would admit you liked Harry in that way, but you could see why others would assume. The both of you were always together whether it was making music or making a fool of yourselves.

Ruth held back her statement, "I mean, whatever relationship you both had--it looked like you two were dating."

"Nope." You say calmly and quickly.

There wasn't much else to say. During your shift, there was nothing much to do except text Harry. Tyler was busy studying, so you couldn't bother him until he texted first. But Harry at the moment was making you smile down at your phone from stupid messages. 

The chime of the automatic door caught your attention. You look up, finding Tyler grinning at you as he entered one of the small aisles. As you tucked away your phone into your back pocket, Tyler walks up to the counter with a candy bar. His long hair is in a bun, his green eyes locks with yours as he reached inside his black trench coat for his wallet. Tyler smiles, "When do you get off work?"

"Not until 5."

"I'll pick you up. Its said there's going to be a thunderstorm." 

You nod, taking in his money for the register.

You couldn't read his expression, but there was a hint of charm and mischief. Tyler left, leaving for Ruth to talk about the way he looked at you your entire shift. 

5 came around quicker than you had thought.

You wave goodbye to Ruth, walking outside. For some reason you thought Tyler would show up late. But he was already parked against the curb, staring down at his phone. You hesitate, reminding yourself it was a nice friendly gesture. You sit on the passenger seat, hearing the clap of thunder from inside the car. Tyler smiled at you, "How was work?"

"Boring." You say, turning up the heater. You can still feel his eyes on you.

An abrupt knock made you jump. Ruth's knuckles met the car window. He words muffled, "Can I get a ride too?"

The car ride was quiet. It was awkward having a third wheel. Ruth sat in the middle in the back seat, her mouth shut. Tyler and you would glance at each other, as if you were speaking words without moving your lips. A small smirk escaped him, he held back his laughter. You bit the inside of you cheek, avoiding eye contact.

"Right here." Ruth says, signaling Tyler to pull over. Ruth looks at the both of you before mumbling, "Thanks, bye." She exited the car, entering her home.

You look at Tyler, who's already smiling. You both burst into laughter, your chest tightening from the wild smile on your face. Tyler's fingers met his lips as his laughter fades into a chuckle, "That was incredibly awkward."

"I've never been so quiet." You grin.

Tyler looks at you, a small smile appearing on his face.

The rain drops outside the car can be heard, the lightning from the distance was ignored. Tyler says quietly, "I've never been so close to someone. And I've only been hanging out with you for a month."

You don't reply.

You noticed Tyler leaned in a bit, but you don't move. He says, "I want you to fall in love with me."

You look at him, "Why?"

"Why not?"

"Tyler--"

"I know you're incredibly close with Harry but...I'd like to make your days more fulfilling and risky. I want to show you my world, just so you can enjoy living in it every day." Tyler leans in more, but doesn't kiss your lips. Instead, his lips met your cheek. You felt an odd tingle, a pleasurable moment. Tyler whispered, "You mean a lot to me, (Y/N)."