AN: Sorry to anyone who hates Hollister, but that's where I got my inspiration. Because when I was at this Hollister out of town, these girls were like having a cat fight as they rang up people's things. It was really annoying and it took forever for five people to check out. My dad was mad and so was I. But then I realized I could make it a story, oddly. And then I thought of Bella and Edward... Yeah... Anyway, I hope you like. And by the way, I know Jacob's mentioned in this chapter, but he won't be a big part of the story after this. A minor character, just popping in and out of the story briefly. Nothing big, no rivalry between Edward and Jacob. ExB all the way. Also, the whole story is in Bella point of view.
Disclaimer: I don't own the people or text from Twilight. Which is kind of good, because then I can make up crazy stories about them! Hurray!
As I walked in my apartment door, I heard a loud beep come from my answering machine. After the beep, a man started to talk. I listened intently, wondering why a guy would be leaving me a message.
"Hello, Bella. This is Jacob from Hollister. You sent in an application and met with us last week, and I wanted to get back to you about the job..."
Oh. So that's who that was. That made sense.
"I've decided that you seem pretty well made for the Manager position, so if you still want the job, get back to me as soon as possible. I'm quitting after today, and we really need someone. Thanks." He then rattled off a number that I was supposed to call back as soon as possible.
I sighed. My one and only friend Angela had encouraged me to quit my job at the restaurant I was working at and apply for Hollister. Angela worked there and said she loved it. She was obviously able to get me a job there... But the manager? Whoa. I guess it was a good time to apply.
I carefully dialed the number that Jacob had said to call. I didn't want to dial the wrong number-how embarrassing. It rang a couple of times until someone picked up the phone. "Hello?"
"Uhm, hi. I'm Bella Swan, the one you called about the Manager position a little while ago. I was just calling to tell you I'd love to take the job."
"Perfect!" Jacob exclaimed. "Can you come to the store around fourish tonight? Your official shift doesn't start until five, but I want to show you around the place and tell you a little about things around here."
"Yeah, that's perfect. I'll see you around four. Thank you so much," I stuttered.
"Sure thing. See you soon."
I hung up and glanced at my watch. Three fifteen. I'd have to start getting ready right away, since the trip to Hollister was about ten minutes away and I still needed to shower.
I hopped into the shower, grimacing. I was happy I got the job, but I was going to miss my old job also. I cooked at the restraunt, but I dropped plates often while I was sending them off to tables. I wanted to quit before I got fired, since that would look bad on my future applications. I was always trying to think about the future. I was going to college after the summer was over, and I was a little worried about paying for it. My father, Charlie, was going to help out some but college was expensive, as I was starting to learn.
I turned off the water, and hopped back out of the shower. I dried off and padded over to my closet. I had bought a couple shirts from Hollister, which was unlike me. I was more of a plain t-shirt type girl. But I figured if I got the job I would need to get something from Hollister.
I picked out a long sleeved shirt that buttoned. It had a collar and everything. I frowned.
I pulled out my best pair of jeans and a pair of blue ballet flats. Simple. I also put a large white headband in my hair, trying to make a good first impression. I'd definitely need it with my clumsiness.
I looked at myself in the mirror, and knew it was almost silly to try and make myself prettier. I had always been plain and pale, nothing special. I sighed, grabbed my purse and walked out the door.
As I climbed into my old red truck, I took a look at my life. No boyfriend in forever, one friend, hardly any money for college... I really needed to figure something out, but I tried not to dwell on these facts much. It was almost better to pretend I had a great life. Not that I wasn't grateful-I was- but I needed to get a life of some sort.
After five more minutes of driving, I pulled into a spot near the main doors and got out of the truck. I took a deep breath and walked on in. I constantly looked at my feet to make sure I didn't trip. Nothing would be worse, in my opinion.
As I neared the store, I glanced at my watch. Three fifty-five. Perfect, I'd be a few minutes early.
The sudden smell of perfume pulled me out of my thoughts. I looked up and saw Hollister one store down from where I was walking. I sped up and climbed the steps into the store.
"Bella!" a man that looked to be about twenty five stopped me. He was grinning and I instantly relaxed. "I'm so glad that you could make it! I'm Jacob."
"Nice to meet you," I grinned.
"Well, let me show you around the store. He turned around and I followed him through the tables of clothing. He led me to the cash register and showed me how it worked. It was pretty simple, and I knew I'd get the hang of it easily. During the little learning session I also learned a lot about Jacob. He was leaving this store to go to Abercrombie and Fitch, on the other wing of the mall. He was going to be the manager there instead. "I really liked it here," he paused. "But I like Abercrombie's clothes better." He chuckled and I smiled at him.
"Oh, and before your co-workers arrive, I'll tell you a little about them. There's five of them, and they're all around your age and two of them just got hired- Their names are Alice and Edward. Edward is the Assistant Manager. It was between you and him, and we picked you. Mostly because you've worked before. This is Edward's first job." Jacob winked. "The three others names are Jasper, Rosalie, and Emmett. Emmett is the huge one, with black hair. Jasper has blond hair. Rosalie has blond hair and looks like a model. But don't worry, she's nice," he added, seeing my expression. "They're all very lovely to work with and are excited to meet you."
As soon as he said "you," A tiny, black haired girl my age danced into the store gracefully. "Jacob!" she called in a high, soprano voice. "Bella! You must be the new Manager Jacob was talking about," she hugged me tightly and I stiffened.
"Don't worry," Jacob laughed. "Alice gets a little excited sometimes."
Alice humphed and jumped up and down. "Bella, we are going to be great friends. I just know it!"
I blushed and grinned at the same time. I was excited deep down. Usually I had a hard time making friends, but Alice seemed willing enough to welcome me. "Thank you," I said gratefully.
"Sure!" she chirped. "Oh, look! There's Edward!"
I turned around to face a pair of emerald green eyes, bronze hair, and an extremely gorgeous face. I gasped in surprise, and Edward glared at me. He looked down at my name tag, which read "Bella, Manager." He must be angry I got picked for the Manager job instead of him.
Alice made a hissing noise under her breath. "Oh, relax, Edward." She turned to me. "I'm sorry, Edward's a little sour about the Manager thing...But don't worry, he's usually very nice."
I frowned as I thought about that. It didn't seem like that big of a deal to me. Manager, Assistant Manager... Just about the same thing. Edward spoke, probably trying to lessen the tension in the air.
"Hello, Jacob," Edward said stiffly. "I'll be sorry to see you go. We had some good times," Edward finally grinned. He had a beautiful smile.
"Hello, everyone," A gruff voice said. We all turned around to face the most muscular guy I'd ever seen, with the prettiest girl I'd ever seen on his arm. The guy had dark curly hair and the girl had blond hair. This must be Emmett and Rosalie. Jacob had been right- She looked like a supermodel.
She saw me staring and gave me a wide smile. "Hello, you must be Bella. Nice to meet you," we shook hands and smiled at each other. I hoped we would become friends.
"Hey, Bella!" Emmett said to me as he gave me a giant bear hug. Even though I had met him less then a minute ago, I couldn't help but be pleased. Everyone was very welcoming. Except for Edward, I reminded myself.
"Wheres Jasper?" Alice wondered.
"Right here," a new voice said. I looked over and saw a cute guy with honey blond hair make his way toward our little gathering. "Hello. Are you Bella?" Jasper asked me.
"Yup," I tried to make my voice sound confident.
"Welcome," he smiled politely at me. It was hard to be awkward around Jasper.
Jacob glanced at his watch and sighed. "I'm sorry everyone, I've got to go. I loved working here and hope you guys have fun working together," Jacob smiled sadly as he hugged us all goodbye. I felt a pang of sadness. Jacob had been really nice.
"Well, let's get to work!" Emmett boomed. "Customers are waiting!" I looked over at the line at the checkout. It was growing rapidly. People were looking at their watches and glancing over at our little huddle.
"Whoops," I blushed. This was not starting very well. "Um, where do you guys usually work at?"
Alice answered. "I work in the front, helping people shop and greeting. Rosalie does the middle and back section, also opening the dressing rooms. Jasper and Emmett get all of the guys section. Edward works at the checkout. Usually that's busy, so you two can both do that."
Edward glared at Alice, and she grinned at him playfully. "Have fun!" she yelled as she gracefully walked to the front of the store. I groaned softly. I didn't want to work with Edward and his death looks. I just wanted to do good and get used to my Manager position. Not that I had much idea how to do that. I had no experience at this type of thing. Why they just didn't promote one of the three that have worked here for a while, I had no idea. I quickly locked up all my emotions and moved my feet towards the checkout. This was sure to be lovely.