The Exception

Chapter 69: Hope For Something More

It had literally become my life's work this Saturday morning, to convince my mother that I can safely work at Candy Delight. I started by baking a cake...then cleaning the house, then cooking the meals, wash the dishes and even iron the clothes. Eventually my mom tilted her head at me.

"What do you want?"

I gave her an innocent smile. "I'd really like to go back to work..."

"Why didn't you just ask me in the first place before putting yourself through so much work? Yes, honey, if Mr Rogers will have you back...of course you can..."

My smile dropped. "Seriously?"

"Honey," my mom leaned on the kitchen counter. "I decided to do my research, and I found to my dismay that Evan wasn't exactly truthful about his accusations of a dodgy neighbourhood...so yes, I believe it is safe enough for you to work there..."

I glanced at the cake and shook my head. "All this hard work for nothing."

"Not for nothing, I sure am going to enjoy this," my mom sliced a piece and put it on her plate. It was late evening now, and I was exhausted. But also delighted. This wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. 

My mom smiled at me. "Besides, Keith is a good kid. His mother and I have been talking. Turns out he's been through a lot, and he's actually been a lot happier since you came along. Especially when you started working with him. That's why I feel so terrible that I called and convinced him to let you go..."

"Why didn't you try to talk me into quitting?" I asked crossing my arms in curiousity. "Why did you go to Keith?"

"Because I would have less of a fight convincing him than convincing you...which is exactly why I respect him so much. He respected my wishes so deeply to keep you safe, and even volunteered to be the one to let you know, in order for me not to look so bad... that kid is one of a kind..."

"Yeah he is..." I muttered.

"And also one little thing I may have also noticed..." My mom spoke and I raised my brow,

"Yes?"

"He didn't take advantage of you while you were at your weakest..." my mom take a bite of the cake and grinned. "Good job..." she turned around to sit and watch TV. I leaned against the counter and shook my head. She was pointing out things about Keith I had never even noticed, but they rang true. If he wanted to, he could have taken advantage of me. He could have manipulated me. But that was assuming that he liked me. Did he like me that much? I knew he cared about me deeply...but what if it was only as a friend? Considering I only treated him as one...

Monday afternoon came, and Keith only had a part-time shift in the afternoon. I had called Mr Rogers on Sunday, and he didn't hesitate to allow me to work there. I was thrilled. Now was waiting in the store, Mr Rogers working on the cash register. I was soooo nervous....but why?

I guess it was the thought of seeing Keith. How strange, how things changed so fast for me. Maybe it was because although I had a crush on Evan, I was still very cautious with my feelings for him. In the scurry and search for truth, I was shaken out of most of my feelings, but at the same time falling for the one guy who had been there for me all along. Question was, did he feel the same? Could something more happen between us? But I also knew I had to wait. he's been through so much. I couldn't just jump into this too soon, because of what had happened the previous week.

"Keith is lucky to have a good friend like you," Mr Rogers spoke before scratching his head. "And here he comes..."

The bell rang as Keith walked in. He looked up and smiled. "Hey Agnus, got some homework trouble?"

"Well," I glanced at Mr Rogers then back at Keith. "I have tons of it...so much so...that if I was going to spend so much time here, I might as well work here..."

Keith frowned. 'Wait...you're saying."

"She's hired again, my boy...now do me a favour, and don't go firing her again," Mr Rogers grabbed his suitcase and put on his hat. "See ya guys."

He walked out, and I was grinning at Keith who literally froze. "Your mom..."

"Is actually ok with it...considering she discovered her concerns were moot..." I responded.

"You are working here? For real?"

"Unless you don't want me...."

"No, no, no of course I do...erm, I um, I just didn't think it would ever...be...possible," Keith spoke slowly. A smile formed on his face. "Wow..."

I laughed. "What?"

"Nothing, it's just with everything going wrong, it's really hard to believe when something actually goes...right," Keith spoke. "Welcome back."

"It's good to be back..."

"Wait till Mr Guineas Book Record Dude comes again, then we'll see..."

"I don't know, gives me more time to spend with you..." As soon as I said that a blush formed on my face. Did that honestly just slip out? Arrrggg.

Keith just laughed. "I'm sure to drive you crazy soon." He placed his bags on the counter.

The bell rang and a customer walked in.

"I'll start cleaning..."

Keith grinned. "You go do that..."

I smiled and my heart beat faster. That was the most I've seen Keith smile for the entire week. But as my phone buzzed and checked my messages I swallowed hard.

Evan: I really miss you. Hoping to see you tonight at the Cafe?

I sighed and placed my phone back into my pocket. I guess it was time to end things with Evan. Once and for all.