I looked out at the thrashing rain that fell like an endless curtain over the trees, the buildings and a few unlucky vehicles. My truck crawled along, almost as if it was enjoying the wash that I'd forgotten to give it. I checked my watch.

"Darn", I muttered. I was already late for my shift at the Newtons' store.

It was the rain and rumbling thunder that greeted me this morning. There wasn't a trace of the sunshine that had lasted for a few days this week. The scene outside matched my mood. The rain drained the color out of everything. I'd debated whether to stay at home, settle into the warm sheets and read a book, or to drag myself to the store through the downpour. My strict, responsible side told me that I shouldn't miss work. And I listened. I needed the money.

After a few more minutes of torture, I killed the engine, grabbed my umbrella and got out of the truck. The wind blew the icy rain into my face, making me shiver. By the time I reached the glass doors that led to the store, I was drenched, despite the umbrella.

I opened the door, and my eyes closed as the heat hit me. I was deeply thankful for the heater that was installed last month, only because the violent shivers the cold gave me frightened Mrs. Newton.

Mike Newton looked up from a box that he was unpacking. A tall boy, or man, maybe, sat next to him, helping him sort polyester jackets according to color.

"Hey, Bella." He smiled.

"Hey". I greeted, closed my umbrella and gathered my hair in a ponytail, slipping a rubber band into it.

"Dull day, huh? You didn't have to come today, you know. There aren't any customers today. I mean, how can there be, right?" He looked beyond me into the angry rain.

"It's okay, I don't mind." I lied. "Now that I'm here, well, is there anything you want me to help you with?" I enquired. I didn't want to go back into the cold hell just yet.

"Uh, yes, actually." He smiled, his blue eyes lighting up. " I have this big essay to write that I've been putting off, and if I don't get it done today, I'll be in trouble. But mom wanted this stuff unpacked first." He sighed.

"Yeah, I know the one." I recalled, having already finished it a week ago.

"You've finished it, haven't you?" He grinned.

"I got bored." I laughed.

"Well, okay then." He got up, and stretched.

That was when I really saw the man who sat next to Mike. He was stooping over the boxes, his posture unhealthy, stacking the different colored jackets onto the growing piles quickly.

"Oh." Mike followed my gaze. " Oh, yeah. How rude of me. This is Edward Masen, Bella." He gestured.

Edward Masen looked up. Something tugged at my stomach. It was his face. It was pale, and sallow. He looked thoroughly sleep-deprived and his mouth was set in a straight line. His eyes were green, the shadow beneath his eyes making the bright irises stand out. His hair was reddish brown, and was very messy. His clothes were too big for his lanky frame, and they were deeply frayed with constant use. I'd never seen such an unhealthy face, and it bothered me more, that whatever anguish he was going through, was written all over his face.

"He works at a repair shop, and he's here to help me. We've known each other for quite some time. He's a good guy."

He smiled weakly at Edward. But I could tell that he didn't mean what he just said.

Edward stood up and walked over to me, extending his hand. I managed to look up at his face, and shake hands. I flinched inwardly when his cold hand touched mine. His eyes were tired and strangely deserted.

"So, you guys get to work, see you later." Mike opened the door and got out.

I remained standing, but Edward went back to his seat and began to cut through a cellophane-wrapped box with a penknife.

I took the seat next to him, and began unpacking. The only sounds that I could hear was the ruffle of synthetic fabric, crinkling of plastic and the wind that whistled through the rain outside.

My hands began to shake, the presence of this man was deeply bothering me. He never looked up from his work. And we never talked.

Time ticked by, and finally, Edward got up from his chair. He walked over to the counter, and grabbed a yellow envelope from the tabletop.

Then he turned to look at me. "Actually, I'm here for the money." He held up the yellow envelope. "That's why I agreed to work here every Thursday."

His sudden, bizarre revelation surprised me. "Oh. Well… me too." I stammered. I didn't know what else to say.

"You're Chief Swan's kid, right?" He asked, flapping his envelope.

"Yes, I am." I replied.

"And Newton was lying. He doesn't really like me. He's scared of me….

…. Everyone's scared of me." He looked down at his feet, his expression forlorn.

"You don't even know me, but I know you're scared of me too." He looked up then, smiling a smile of pure contempt.

Then, without another word, he turned around, and walked into the rain, without bothering to pull his hood on.

I was shocked beyond words. They was something deeply wrong with him, no, something that was deeply bothering him. And what he said was true, I was a little frightened of him, his dark words and sallow face inspired a subtle dislike in me.

I didn't want him here every Thursday. My irrational dislike decided. I looked out into the dark rain, entirely baffled and confused.

I had lived all my life in the same monotonous routine. For the first time, I felt the signs of change. The innermost part of my mind told me that this person, whom I disliked instantly, would be the source of that change.

I cringed at the thought.