Men's Socks - Luke Hemmings

t e n [ p a r t o n e ]

Friday 9th November

No one was on till number 5: Luke's till. I widened my eyes, my face furrowing into a frown, my brows crumpling and my heart falling. A fluorescent yellow piece of paper stuck top of the counter catches my gaze. I pick it up, noticing a scribbled note:

I'm stacking the shelves. Come find me, I'm a lost boy.

Underneath was a picture of socks, which I presume were supposed to be men's socks. I laugh, what great art skills he has. I rush off to the aisles, wondering which one he'd be in. I go down the crisp aisle, the freezer aisle and the fruit and vegetable aisles.

Men's socks. Of course he's going to be there, isn't he? I slap myself, are you stupid, Giovanna?

Hm, probably. I'm in bottom maths set: that's got to account towards something.

"Luke. I found you." I poke his sides, as he turns to face me, an eyebrow raised. He points to his watch,

"Took you long enough."

"I didn't know you were going to be on this aisle!" I defend myself, putting my hands up infront of me in surrender, "I know it's obvious now."

"Wasn't the drawing good enough?" He pouts, pointing at the 'pair of men's socks'.

"I don't think drawing is your forte, Luke." I laugh, looking up at him, "wow you're tall." He's been sat down the whole time, serving me. And on Halloween it was dark so I do have an excuse for not realising.

"I think I'm about six foot."

"About six foot?" I laugh, "you're at least six foot four! I'm five foot three, Luke!" I complain.

He 'aw's and pats me head. I shake him off and stomp my feet, whilst trying not to burst into fits of giggles, "so I was wondering if you wanted to come round tonight and play FIFA with me?"

"Sure thing, although I've never actually played FIFA." I agree, "so please don't shout at me if I get the controls wrong!"

"I won't, Gee. It's okay, there's a first for everything." He places a hand on my shoulder and smiles down at me, "you're so small!"

"Shut up." I roll my eyes, "anyway," I pause, looking at my phone to check the time, "I have to go to school. See you tonight Luke. I assume it's the same place as where you were on Halloween?"

"Indeed it is, except Mike won't be there to grace our presence this time. Sorry, I know you're gutted." He laughs, waving me off as I walk out of the shop and to school.