Love Me on Valentine's Day || ✔️

0.6 // kevin's corner store

0 . 5  / / k e v i n ' s c o r n e r s t o r e

Grade Eight // Age 14

THE SEARING July sun beat down on Alexandria Benson as she made her way down the sidewalk and to the corner store she spotted. She would get some shade and a cool water bottle to tide her over as she waits for her sister to come pick her up. Titania was supposed to be here thirty minutes ago, as her gym session ended then, but the girl was probably too caught up in talking to her boyfriend.

Whatever happened to hoes before bros?

Alex hurried into the store, her eyes taking a moment to adjust to the change of light. The bell over her head jingled when she opened the door, capturing the attention of the person working the cash register. "Welcome to—" the words died abruptly as the speaker looked up and saw Alex. She recognized him instantly. Kevin Banks, the guy who played basketball. He was by far the tallest guy in their grade, and by towering over all the other players, he scored basket after basket during games. If it wasn't for him, the team would have never made it to the finals and won.

Kevin was popular, and hung out with the cool kids. She would have never guessed he would be spending his summer working at a store instead of going to parties and getting a foot into the high school social life.

"Hi," he sounded nervous. Why would he be nervous?

Alex smiled, "Hi," and went to the fridges to find a cold water bottle. Her phone buzzed in her short's back pocket and she took it out.

TITANIA: Sorry! I'm on my way.

Alex rolled her eyes and typed her response.

ALEX: I'm at the corner store, you know it?

TITANIA: Yeah, I'll be there in ten minutes.

Alex put her phone back and took out a water bottle. The cold blast of air hitting her from the fridge was heavenly, cooling her face and neck. But she eventually had to close it, reluctantly saying goodbye to the cold. She walked back to the counter, and placed the bottle on it.

"Just this for today?" Kevin asked and Alex nodded. She took out a five dollar bill and handed it to him, getting a bunch of change in return. "Have a good day," he said. His smile looked pained, and she smiled bemusedly at him. What did she do to him?

"You too," she said. She walked towards the door, but just before she opened it, he spoke.

"You won't . . . uh, you won't," she turned to look at him, brow furrowed.

"I won't, what?" she asked.

"You won't tell anyone that I work here, right? It's my parents' and they're making me work here this summer . . ." he trailed off. Alexandria suspected he was lying, that there was more to the store than what he was telling her, but it was not her place to know. She had barely said two words to him before today.

"No, I won't tell anyone. Don't worry," he looked relieved, his smile less force now. Alex smiled again but hesitated before opening the door. She sighed and walked back so she was closer. "But why?"

He looked startled. "Why?"

Alex nodded. "Why don't you want me to say anything? I don't see anything wrong here. You're working, that's cool."

Kevin rubbed the back of his neck. "It's just . . . well, I'm supposed to be cool, right? Cool kids have money, they don't have to work their parents' store because they can't afford help and still need the store to be open while they run other errands."

"Oh, I see," she said, pausing to collect her thoughts. "I don't think you should be ashamed, though. It's really cool your family has this store, sort of like a legacy you know? A family business is a nice thing. You get to know the behind the scene, and that's always fun," she shook her head. "Anyways, that's just what I think. But don't worry, your secret is safe with me."

Kevin had confided in Alexandria that day because he didn't really know her. After what she said, he found himself wanting to get to know her. He didn't think girls—people—like her, someone who is sweet and kind, existed. He was pressured, people expected certain things from him, but not this girl. This girl saw the good side of things.

He loved that.

"Thank you!" he called, and she shot him a smile before leaving.

After that encounter, Kevin tried to talk to Alexandria more often. He did, but again he was swept with the popular crowd, and she was content with her own friends. He talked to her a few weeks before the Invites were sent out. That conversation rekindled his old feelings and what he thought of her. He wanted to feel that good all the time, and she seemed to make him feel it. But they were from very different groups, and their paths rarely intersected. He was ready to give up on her, on the thought of them establishing a relationship. But before giving up on her entirely, he had to try one more time. He sent her an Invite, hoping with all his might that she would say yes.

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Hi everyone and I hope you enjoyed this chapter!

What do you think of Kevin? Do you think Alexandria will accept his invitation? I personally wouldn't but who knows what she'll say 🤷‍♀️

See you next chapter,
Sage