Down But Not Out

Chapter 16

Note: Okay I just want to thank you all for your amazing comments. I was feeling a little down yesterday when I was writing the sequel and couldn't find any inspiration to carry on writing, but now I have such an urge that I'm uploading two more chapters as well as going off to write again, because that's how much I love you all. Oh and I finally managed to find a place to edit photos, so what do you all think of the cover? Anyway, hope you enjoy the next two chapters =)

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"As tired as I am again today, at least I'm getting paid for it now" I sighed, finally sitting down after standing on my feet all day. Josh smiled at me and I heard Matthew and David gasp.

"You mean, Josh had you working here for free?" Matthew asked and I nodded.

"Yup, he said I was free labour-" I giggled and Josh lightly kicked my foot. I shook my head, "-naah I was doing him a favour. He offered me a job helping him for free because I was moaning about not having a job. I didn't like the idea of being a charity case but accepted anyway because I thought it would be fun. I was right I've definitely had fun, and now I get paid to do something that I enjoy getting up for in the morning" I shrugged and Matthew nodded.

"So, how long have you two known Josh?" I asked and they all exchanged a glance, which I couldn't read the meaning behind.

"About six years really since we lived near each other. I share an apartment with Josh while Matt lives near us with his girlfriend" David explained and I nodded just as the door opened and Marie skipped in. She slid to a halt when she saw the extra guys before walking over and placing a coffee cup in front of Josh and a chocolate ice-cream milkshake in front of me.

"Sorry I didn't realise you had company I would've brought more coffee with me" she said, smiling apologetically.

"It's fine" Matt said waving a hand to dismiss her apology before Marie smiled at me and tapped the cup holding my drink.

"I thought you should try a different flavour. Take a sip and tell me what you think" she instructed and I nodded before sucking the liquid up through the straw and nodding. It wasn't as sweet as the vanilla one I usually have, but it still tasted great.

"It's great Marie. Looks like I'm going to be ordering a different flavour from now on" I smiled and she nodded back just as she frowned to herself while I tapped my foot along to the song playing.

"Since when did you play music in here?-" she asked before shaking her head, "-and since when was the music so awesome?" I smiled at her.

"Since the music is my iPod and I have a great taste" I grinned at her and she nodded back.

"You certainly do" she replied and I smiled at her just as Avril Lavigne's 'Wish You Were Here' changed and I squealed when I recognised one of my all time favourite songs from my favourite band. Marie squealed with me and we smiled at each other while I jumped up and down on my stool in excitement.

"I love this band" she said and I nodded. I knew what she meant. I was totally obsessed with You Me At Six. Just then Josh Franceschi started singing the chorus.

"Stay with me" Marie and I sung along before I jumped out of my seat and skipped around to the other side of the counter before Marie took my hands in hers. I caught a quick glimpse of Josh and his friends, and saw that they were shifting in their seats uncomfortably before Marie and I spun around the shop, weaving in and out of the Unisex clothes racks while singing along to the song.

We were out of breath, but managing to giggle as it changed to an Evanescence song. I skipped back over to the counter, before pulling out the clothes that I'd set aside for Marie and placing them on top of the counter so that I could set about ringing them up. Marie followed me and stood in front of me, a smile on her face while I scanned the tags on her purchases. I told her how much so owed me and she dug around in her purse while I bagged up her items and placed the receipt into her bag. She handed me the money and I gave her the change before she took the bag off the counter.