Nowhere Kids

Work Plan

*Brent's POV*

I wanted to call my parents and tell them Jamie needed a place to stay, but I was scared. They didn't even know she was pregnant, and I'm sure they weren't going to be happy. Maybe I should wait until we have enough money saved away from an apartment, but that might take a while. I don't know what to do.

The school day ended and it was time for work. I brought Jamie back to my house first so I could change into my work uniform and she could grab Beau. She waited outside with Beau while I changed. My parents weren't home yet so they never noticed Beau's been here all day.

Once I was dressed and ready, I tied back my hair and headed out.
"Ready?" I asked Jamie. She nodded and got Beau in the car. We both got in and headed to the mall so we could both begin our shifts.
"See you later?" Jamie asked me.
"Of course" I said. I kissed her before letting her go to the pet shop. I headed to the diner to start my shift.

I clocked into work and grabbed my apron to get started. Courtney was also working, so I had to do my best to avoid her. Barry was also working, but he's in the kitchen while I'm walking around the whole diner, serving customers.

The shift was going well for a while. That was, until Courtney started acting up. So far she's left me alone, but I heard my name come from her mouth as she talked to our coworkers a couple time. I tried to ignore her, but I started worrying about what she could be talking about. I just can't wait for my break so I can get out of here.

My manager finally let me go on break just as I started to really stress. I took off my apron and clocked out before stepping out of the diner. Maybe Jamie's also on break. I decided to head towards her shop to find out.

I entered the quiet shop and looked around. It was so peaceful compared to the busy diner. I walked towards the counter to see if J was there. Instead I was greeted by Beau jumping up and putting his paws on the counter. I quietly patted him before looking around the shop for Jamie. If he's here, she must be too.

I found Jamie in the back of the shop, feeding one of the snakes.
"Creepy" I said as I approached her, making her jump. She put the snake down before turning to face me. Her nervous face quickly turned to a smile when she realized it was just me.
"You scared me" she said. I smiled and pulled her into my arms.
"How's work treating you?" I asked.
"It's been a slow day, but I like it that way. Let's me spend more time with the animals" she said. "How's your day been?"
"Working with Courtney is hell, but so far I'm managing. Barry is keeping me sane" I said with a chuckle.
"Is she bothering you?" Jamie asked, looking up at me sweetly. 
"She's talking about me to others, but I haven't payed attention enough to know what she's telling them. I just hear my name every once in a while" I explained.
"I hope she's not talking about us, you know..." She said as she looked down. I gently grabbed her chin, lifting her head so she was looking at me again. 
"I don't think so babe. They would've approached me asking if it was true. She's probably lying and pretending we're still together or something" I told her softly. She kept her eyes on mine while giving a weak smile. 
"I wish she'd leave you alone" She said after a long pause.
"Me too" I sighed. 

I hung out with Jamie until my break was over. After kissing her goodbye, I headed back to the diner and clocked back in. After putting my apron back on, I got right back to work. Things were going well, and I was keeping busy, until Courtney suddenly grabbed my arm and dragged me to the supply closet. 
"What are you doing?" I asked, pulling myself away from her.
"I need you to do me a favor" 
"Why? I don't owe you anything"
"Maybe, but if you don't do this for me I'll tell your girlfriend you've been sleeping with me"
"She'd know that's a lie"
"Okay, I'll tell her how you really feel about her"
At first that didn't scare me but then I realized what she meant. Courtney knows how to manipulate people and could earn Jamie's trust and make me out to be the bad guy. 
"Fine, what do you want?" I asked.
"I think Dave likes me"
"You mean the dishwasher?"
"Yes, and I want to make him jealous to see how much he actually wants me"
"Oh no"
Oh yes Brent. You're going to help me make him jealous" 
"Fine, but I'm telling Jamie"
"That's fine, it's only Dave that doesn't have to know it's fake"
"And you'll leave me alone after this?"
"Of course"

I can't believe I agreed to help Courtney. I only did trusting she'd really leave me alone if she got a new boyfriend. We both laughed and giggled as we got back to work, pretending we just had a nice chat as a couple. Dave did notice but said nothing. I just hope this works. 
"Dude, what just happened?" Barry asked as I walked past him. 
"I'll tell you later" I said. He just nodded and I got back to work. 

I was so happy when my shift ended. I could finally go home and figure out a plan with Jamie. After clocking out, I started walking out with Barry. 
"Oh Brent, aren't you forgetting something?" Courtney asked. I sighed and turned around, seeing her walking up to me. Dave was nearby watching her. 
"Oh, right. I'll see you tomorrow, love" I said, making myself feel sick calling her that. Courtney giggled and suddenly pulled me in for a kiss. Knowing Dave was watching, I kissed back to make it look real. 

I opened one eye to see Dave leaving the diner. Once he left, I pushed Courtney away. 
"Thanks" she said warmly. I rolled my eyes and turned around to leave. Jamie was standing by the door, looking ready to cry. 
"Jamie, it's not what it looks like" I said. 
"He's right, It's my fault" Courtney said. Jamie's eyes became full of tears before she ran off. Good going Brent.