It started as another day at my job. The store I work in doesn't matter, retail is retail. It was in 2003, I was 19, working as a cashier. I usually work alone, it makes me feel better. Other people make me extremely anxious.

Then it changed.

My manager brought a new employee to me. "Lavender, can you show our new associate around?"

I look at the new employee. He seemed a few years older than me, not too old. He looked like a normal, tall man, except for a few things.

For one, he seemed to have dyed his hair blue. it wasn't too weird for me, I'm always coloring my hair different colors.

Then I saw his smile. His two front teeth were missing. Must not have a good dentist, even though the rest of his teeth seem decent.

Then I saw his eyes. They...were all black. I couldn't help but stare at his eyes.

"Lavender!"

I snapped out of it after my manager called my name.

"I thought you'd be a good choice to mentor Stuart, being one of our better employees. Also, yoou really need to work with other people."

I nodded slowly.

"Good. I'll check in on you two in an hour."

We stood there after the manager left. We just awkwardly looked at each other.

He was the first to speak.

"I like yer hair."

He had such an adorable voice for an older guy.

I quietly said, "thanks."

Silence again.

"So..." he said.

I looked up. "Right, let me show you around my department."

I worked in the home department. I mostly had to fold towels, straighten pillows, and count candles. I awkwardly taught Stuart how we fold towels for display. He fumbled a bit. I guess he wasn't used to folding.

"Here, watch again, slowly."

I folded the towel in half short-ways, then in half short-ways again, then folded it long-ways. It took a few more attempts, but he got the hang of it.

Afterwards, I taught him how to use the cash register.

"Oh, I've used one of these befo'!" he said.

I nodded my head, "really?"

"Yeah!" Stuart said. "I used ta work in an organ shop. When I was a teenager."

'When I was a teenager'. The guy's old enough to use that phrase without people questioning their age.

"Ok..." I said, "...how about a refresher?"

Stuart went from being slightly chipper back to his awkward self. "Ok," he said.

I opened the cash drawer and showed him how the coins and bills were organized. I was guessing he was British due to his heavy accent, so I taught him how the American Dollar worked.

I have no idea whether or not he understood.

After showing him everything I could think of, we were just standing across from each other, just staring. I was not in the mood for small talk, and he seems a little too dim-witted to start a deep conversation, himself. He just rubbed his neck, probably waiting for my next move.

It sort of turned into a little game. Whoever grew tired first and left their spot would lose. I refused to lose, same with Stuart. Thankfully, nobody wanted to buy candles or curtains today.

But the game had to end after Stuart clutched his head in pain. I slowly stepped forward. "Are...you okay?"

"Me 'ead!" he cried out. "Where are me pills!"

"We're not allowed to have pills on the floor."

"I need me painkillers!"

I sighed. "I'll call the manager."

Stuart ended up leaving early. Finally, I was alone again. But he'll probably be back tomorrow. And, lucky me, I'm stuck with him shadowing my every movement.