I trace my fingers across the books, until my finger slips off of one, giving me a paper cut. I wince and stuff my finger in my mouth. I don't know why this is my first reaction when I get a cut, or when I hit my finger off of something. I guess it is a comfort thing.
I look at the book that I cut my finger on: Becoming by Michelle Obama. I am a fan of her and I have been looking for something new to read.
I know that I am in a book store. I usually just hang out here. I sit in the corner and read, or just socialise. You see, the world's best, best friend that I could ask for, John Laurens, works here. He lets me stay here.
I put the book away and walk up to the front. I go behind the counter and sit on it. John looks over at me, then back at the computer.
"Tell me why I bring you here before the store opens" John says.
"Because you are an idiot" I say.
"That's why" John looks up at me and smiles.
"Wait," I jump off the counter and tighten John's tie. "There you go. W-why are you even wearing a tie?"
"I have to go to my sisters after work. She wants me to watch her kid."
"Why are you wearing a tie then?"
"I want to make a good impression for her new boyfriend."
"Okay, but why don't you put on the tie later?"
"I am leaving early today."
Soon enough, the store opens. People crowd in and I stay behind the counter with John. I look around and see Laf and Herc walk in.
I run around the counter and run over to them. I jump into Herc's arms.
"You guys are here!" I exclaim.
Laf wraps me in a hug too. "I can't believe you had to go to South Carolina for two weeks!"
I jump from Herc's arms and straighten my shirt out. We walk over to John and we go into a group hug.
"So, how was South Carolina?" Herc asks.
"Boring" John says.
"Come on," I say, pushing him a little. "It was fun." I look over at Herc and Laf. "He is only saying that because his parents told me embarrassing childhood stories."
"Of course they had to tell you about me" John mumbles.
"Hey, who's the new guy?" Laf asks, pointing behind us. John and I turn around and we look down near the manga.
There is a man with puffy, curly, brown hair, which surrounds his head like a hallow. He has dark, thick rimmed glasses, which look incredibly hot. He is wearing a hoodie with the sleeves cut off, and a tight, long-sleeved black shirt.
"That's just Thomas," John says, putting his thumbs into is small jean pockets. "He started working here last week. James told me about it. I forgot to tell you, Alex."
"T-that's fine," I say. "C-can you introduce me to him?"
"Sure thing" John says.
John leads the way, and Herc, Laf, and I follow.
John taps Thomas on the shoulder. "Hey, Thomas. We just met, like, yesterday."
"John, right?" He says. He has a slight Virginian accent.
"Yeah, uh, these are my friends Herc, Laf, and Alex," John points to each of us as saying our names. "They hang out here a lot, so I am just telling you that they do not work here."
"Cool," Thomas rubs the back of his neck. "Uh, how old are you guys?"
"We are all seventeen, and in senior year of high school" Herc says.
"Well, when school starts next week," Laf says. "How old are you?"
"Seventeen," Thomas says. "I just moved here, so it is going to be nice to know at least a couple people."
"Have you met James yet?" John asks.
"No, can you introduce me to him?"
John and Thomas walk off. I exhale a breath I didn't even know I was holding. I hold my chest and lean against the manga.
"Hey, what's wrong?" Herc asks.
"Was it just me, or was that guy hot?" I ask.
Right as Laf says, "no", Herc says, "hell yeah." They both turn to each other, then start talking. I move and walk over to the door. I look back and see Thomas and John laughing with James Madison.
I smile and walk out of the store.