Note: I do not own Georgia Rule or It's Time by Imagine Dragons
Chapter Four
It's time to begin, isn't it?
I get a little bit bigger, but then, I'll admit
I'm just the same as I was
Oh, don't you understand?
I'm never changing who I am
Lee walked up to Ashley's Boutique early on Tuesday morning, ready for work.
They had called her the day before to let her know she got the job. She'd be working the morning shift every day, nine a.m. to three p.m. Saturday and Sunday she had off. Jessica would arrive around noon to help around the shop until they closed at six.
Today, since it was Lee's first day and she needed to be shown the ropes, Jessica came in early to help.
"Morning," Jessica smiled. She walked up to Lee who stood outside the store, five minutes before nine.
"Morning," Lee returned her smile.
Jessica unlocked the door and they both walked in. "Sorry my aunt couldn't be here. She's out of town and has me looking over the store until she gets back tomorrow."
"So…your aunt owns the store?"
Jessica nodded. "Yep. It's just her and I."
"That's pretty cool. You guys have great taste in clothes," Lee complimented.
Everything they had in the shop, Lee would wear. It wasn't too girly, and it had an "Urban Outfitters" sort of feel to it, only a little more subtle and modest. The jewelry they had went with pretty much everything. She was glad she'd get her fifteen-percent employee discount.
"Thanks," Jessica beamed, "Pretty much all of my clothes are from here."
"Well, I can see why. I really like them."
Jessica smiled at Lee's comment and walked behind the counter, Lee following. "So, you're gonna use the computer in the back to clock in, which we'll do in a second." Jessica looked around the desk. "I wrote down the code you'll use on a sticky note….which is…" Jessica lifted up some papers and held it up when she found it. "Ah, hah!"
They walked into the back where there was a coat rack for purses and jackets next to a couch, which was across the way from another desk. A computer sat on it as well as various picture frames and folders that were neatly stacked.
"My aunt doesn't come in very much. She just pops in to say hello a couple times, or if she has a lot to do, like handle deliveries and things, she's here in the back all day."
Lee nodded as she explained and took the sticky note that Jessica handed to her. A login and password were written on it.
"Just try and remember to clock in every morning, or if you forget, you can let my aunt know and she'll fix it for you."
Lee nodded. "Cool…what's your aunt's name?"
"Crystal," Jessica said leaning over to the computer to clock in. Once she was done, Lee did the same.
They walked back into the front of the store. "You get a thirty-five minute break, too. Just make sure to take it at the four-hour and forty-five minute mark, since you work more than five hours."
"Sounds good."
"I'll give you a set of keys since you'll be opening every day. And we usually open at ten."
Lee followed Jessica around the store and watched her tidy up the clothes. She taught Lee how to fold them, and where they would put anything merchandise that were ripped or returned.
She then showed her how to work the register. Jessica showed her how to ring-up things that were on sale, and how to do a return.
"It's pretty easy," Jessica smiled, standing behind the counter with Lee after turning the "Closed" sign to "Open."
"I've worked in retail before, so, I'd say so."
"Yeah, this is the only job I've ever had."
"How old are you?" Lee asked.
"Sixteen."
"So when did you start working here?"
"Officially on my sixteenth birthday, but I've helped out with the store since it opened."
Lee nodded slightly with a small smile. "Cool."
"It can get boring though. Not a lot of people come in."
"Well, it's a small town."
Jessica nodded. "Yeah. I just sit and draw sometimes. Or I pick out clothes and try them on." She chuckled and Lee smiled.
She looked down at her clothes. "I wasn't sure what to wear…so I just kept it casual." She wore jeans, blue Vans, and a worn vintage-looking Led Zeppelin t-shirt. Her hair was down, falling over her shoulders and back.
"Yeah, we don't really have a uniform, just as long as your jeans or shoes aren't ripped, and you're not showing too much skin."
"Keepin' it modest," Lee smiled.
"Basically….that reminds me. I need to go make you a name tag." Jessica started for the back of the store. "Oh, and if you wanna just wear something for the day and put it back after your shift, you can."
Lee grinned, making her way around the counter. "Awesome."
She looked through the racks of clothes and picked out a light jean vest.
"Ooh, good choice," Jessica smiled, watching Lee walk behind the counter.
"I like this a lot," Lee smiled, pulling it tight with both hands.
"Here." Jessica handed Lee her name tag and she pinned it onto the vest's pocket.
"Now I'm official-looking."
"Yay!" Jessica grinned. "Finally someone to talk to when I'm bored."
Lee chuckled. "I won't have anyone for three hours. This'll be fun."
"It'll pick up around August, when everyone goes back to school."
Lee nodded. "You're gonna be a…junior?"
Jessica smiled. "Yep. I've heard it's the hardest year."
"Yeah…it kind of is."
"Great," Jessica said sarcastically.
"You'll do great if you just stay in school, and do all the work."
"Which I'm planning on doing."
"Good."
"You graduated right?"
"Yep," Lee smiled, "Last year."
"Do you know what you wanna do? Like college-wise or anything?" Jessica wondered.
Lee shook her head slightly. "Nah, I'm just kind of.…" Lee shrugged. "Wandering about."
"Working and saving money?"
"Yeah…you could say that." Lee chuckled and so did Jessica.
Jessica opened her mouth to say something before her eyes moved to the door behind Lee.
Lee heard it open and close and turned to glance in that direction. She did a double-take before landing her eyes on Harlan, who walked toward the counter.
"Hi," he greeted with a grin.
"Hey," Lee smiled.
His eyes turned to Jessica and gave her a polite smile. "Hey, Jessica."
Jessica returned his smile, giving him a small wave. "Hey, Harlan."
Lee was a little surprised and looked between both of them. "How do you guys know each other?"
Jessica smiled. "We grew up together."
Harlan nodded. "Used to babysit her, too."
Lee laughed softly. "That must've been fun."
Jessica laughed. "Oh, it was."
"Hey, I was a good babysitter," Harlan defended, a smile spreading across his lips a second later.
"I never said you weren't," Jessica replied.
"Better not," Harlan grinned.
Lee smiled, listening to their banter.
Harlan's eyes landed on Lee. "Hey," he smiled, grabbing her attention, "When do you get off?"
"Uh…three. Why?" Lee asked with a curious smile.
Jessica smiled and made her way around the counter, leaving them to talk alone. She started straightening up things and refolding clothes through the shop.
"I wanted to go down to the lake again. It's a perfect day for swimming."
Lee glanced outside and his grin forced a smile out of her. "So, you're asking me to go with you?"
Harlan nodded. "Yes, ma'am."
Lee chewed on her lip, not really wanting to deny his invitation. Although playing hard-to-get was fun too. He might just be playing nice; he probably didn't even like her. She didn't want to get her hopes up. It had only be the fourth time they'd seen each other.
But Sunday night was a date right?
"Sure," Lee blurted out. "Why not?"
"Awesome," Harlan grinned. "I'll meet you at your house around…three-forty-five?"
Lee nodded, giving him a small wave and smile as he walked backward toward the door. "See you then."
Harlan winked at her and turned to face the door. He put up his hand for a wave. "Bye, Jessica."
"See ya!" Jessica called as he walked out.
Lee smiled to herself.
"You like him, don't you?" Jessica smiled.
Lee shook her head slightly. "Don't encourage me."
"Why?" Jessica laughed.
"Because, what if he doesn't like me?"
"Maybe he does."
"And maybe he doesn't."
Jessica smiled. "Well, wait it out then. You never know."
Lee let out a soft sigh, trying not to let Harlan get to her head.
…
Lee changed into her red bikini, throwing on a tank top and shorts to cover up; there was a slight chance her mom might get home before she went out, and see her bathing suit. She grabbed her towel and bag when she heard a knock at her door.
She hurried downstairs, running a hand through her hair before opening the door.
Harlan grinned. "Ready?" He wore an old t-shirt and swim trunks.
Lee nodded with a small smile. "Yep."
They walked to the truck and Harlan opened the passenger door for her.
"Thank you, sir," Lee smiled, getting into the cab.
"You're welcome, Madame."
Harlan got into the driver's side and they were off.
There was silence for a moment, and Lee listened to the same country station she had heard a couple days earlier.
"So how was your first day of work?"
Lee nodded. "Good. I caught on quick."
Harlan smiled. "I'm glad."
"When do you get off work?" Lee wondered.
"Three."
"When do you start?"
"Six."
"That's a long day," Lee chuckled. Her eyes watched the road.
Harlan glanced at her and shrugged. "Yeah. But I don't really mind."
"Where do you work?"
"The Smith's ranch, about a mile or two from town."
"So out in the middle of nowhere," Lee smiled.
"Basically. But it's peaceful." Harlan pulled into the parking lot near the lake and killed the engine. "I like it."
"Sure is quiet around here," Lee commented.
They got out and met next to the truck, walking down the small hill and onto the sand.
"You don't like quiet?"
Lee shrugged. "I like the city."
Harlan laid out his towel and took off his shirt. "Doesn't it get annoying sometimes? All the 'hustle-and-bustle'?"
Lee tried not to stare. "Not really," she smiled. She took off her shirt and threw it onto her towel, which she laid out as well. "Guess I'm just a little more patient with it."
Harlan's eyes wandered over her when she wasn't looking; taking off her shorts and placing them on her towel. He turned his gaze to the water when she looked up at him with a smile. "I give you credit for that," Harlan grinned.
Lee's smile turned into a grin and she started toward the water. Harlan walked beside her.
Lee dipped her feet in and Harlan walked in until the water reached his waist.
"Ooh," Harlan grinned, "The water feels so good."
Lee walked in a little deeper, until the water reached her knees.
"Oh come on," Harlan pried.
"Shut up," Lee laughed, "I'm gonna take my time."
Harlan splashed her and laughed as Lee flinched, closing her eyes.
"Damn you!" she shouted with a laugh.
"Hey! Language!" Harlan laughed, pointing at her.
"Then don't splash me."
Harlan laughed again. "Just get in."
Lee walked into the water deeper until it reached her waist.
"Good girl."
"I ain't a dog." Lee splashed Harlan before falling into the water, coming up a moment later.
Harlan gave her a smirk and she laughed, smoothing back her hair. "Yeah. Real funny."
Lee gave him a curtsy and a smile. "You started it, remember?"
Harlan walked in a little deeper and dunked under water, coming back up and smoothing back his hair. "I remember."
Lee walked out deeper until the water reached her neck. "You're right, it is nice."
Harlan smiled and nodded. "Told you."
Lee was silent as she looked around the lake. Was there really no one else who enjoyed swimming? They were the only ones there.
"Hey, there's a rope swing over there," Harlan pointed, "Wanna try?"
Lee smiled. "Sure."
They swam to another part of shore where they found a long rope swing, hanging from a large branch above them. It had a large knot tied at the bottom.
Harlan grabbed it and walked up the small hill where Lee was waiting. "Used to swing on this as a kid."
"It's that old, huh?" Lee chuckled.
"Hey, I'm only twenty-one."
"I'm just kidding."
Harlan chuckled then jumped onto the rope and swung into the water. He came up a moment later to find Lee on the hill above him, hanging onto the rope. "Go on then," he beamed.
"Don't tell me what to do," she sassed.
Harlan laughed. "I think I just aged about ten years."
"You look it," Lee laughed.
Harlan smirked.
Lee took a deep breath to calm her nerves. She jumped onto the rope and screamed before falling into the water. Harlan laughed.
Lee heard him clapping when she came up to the surface. "Shut up."
"What? You did well."
Lee splashed him and laughed, turning her head when he splashed back.
"I have a question," Lee smiled, smoothing out the water with her hands.
"Yeah?"
"Why'd you ask me to hangout with you?"
"…Because I wanted to," Harlan shrugged.
"Why?"
Harlan smiled. "I like hanging out with you."
Lee smiled and shrugged. "Okay."
"And you're not really like everyone else, I guess."
"How do you mean?"
"I don't know." Harlan paused to collect his thoughts. "You just, do what you want. And you're independent. And you seem like you're just, stubborn and spontaneous, and interesting."
"Hmm," Lee smiled. He got all that after knowing her for a couple days?
"You also seem like you have a lot built up."
Lee looked over at Harlan who was floating on his back.
"Am I right?" he asked, standing up.
Lee chuckled softly. "I'm not about to go spilling out my feelings to you."
"You don't have to. That just proves my point."
Lee smiled faintly. "I'm fine."
"You might be fine now…but don't tell me you don't get sad when all of it starts to creep up on you when you're lying in bed at night."
Lee rolled her eyes with a smile. "Alright. You got me. Can we drop this now?"
Harlan smiled. "Like I said, I'm here if you need to talk."
"Thanks, but I don't need your sympathy." Lee started for the other part of shore where their towels were.
Harlan followed beside her. "I'm just saying, if you need someone to talk to, I don't mind listening."
"And you've made that clear, thank you."
Lee walked onto shore and picked up her towel, drying herself off. Harlan did the same.
"Sorry."
Lee shrugged. "You're just trying to help."
"I'm glad you know that."
"…How about, you get twenty questions. And I'll answer them honestly. Is that fair?"
Harlan nodded. "Same for you."
"Alright."
Lee put on her shorts and sat on the sand.
Harlan sat next to her.
"You know, you're probably the only one who's been interested enough to ask," Lee admitted. "My parents didn't even ask."
"Because you hide it well."
Now that she thought about it, she did. She avoided serious and deep conversations with her parents and had no one else to talk to, so she really did keep a lot of things to herself.
"And you could just see right through me, huh?" Lee mumbled.
"I read people well," Harlan admitted.
"I can tell."
"…I'm sorry, again. I just want to get to know you better. I guess I'm just doing it the wrong way."
Lee shrugged. "Yeah, well. I'm not really the type to unload my problems on people."
"There's nothing really wrong with that. It just kind of worries me sometimes."
"I'm not suicidal or anything."
At least, not anymore.
"It's not like you'd tell anyone if you were, though," Harlan argued.
"I promise. I'm not."
"As long as you promise."
Lee smiled. "Besides," she nudged Harlan, "I'd be missing out on these wonderful dates we've been having."
Harlan chuckled. "Right you are."
Lee grinned. "So you don't deny it?"
"Don't deny what?"
"Nothing," Lee chuckled.
"That these are dates?"
"Yeah," Lee muttered.
"Nah, I don't deny it."
Lee grinned and looked out at the lake.
"Thanks for coming swimming with me."
"Anytime."
"Sun's gonna go down soon. I should get you home for dinner."
They got up and picked up their things, heading back toward the truck. "Yeah, my mom might be wondering where I am."
"You didn't leave her a note or anything?"
Lee shook her head gently. "No. I just kind of went."
"Do you always do that?"
Lee shrugged. "I'm not used to someone always wanting to know where I'm going."
"So it was a lot different living with your dad, then?"
They got into the cab and Harlan started for Lee's house.
"Very different."
"What was it like?" He was genuinely curious.
Lee thought for a moment. "I'd make plans with friends or whatever, tell him I'd be back later if he was home, and if he wasn't then I'd just leave. He never really wondered where I was or who I was with. He would tell me to be careful, but that's pretty much it."
"Is he Mormon?"
Lee nodded. "He just doesn't go to church or practice it anymore."
"And you didn't go when you were living with him?"
"Let's just say, he wasn't very motivational."
Harlan parked. "I understand."
Lee smiled and he returned it. "Thank you for today. I had fun."
"Me too. See you soon?"
Lee nodded. "See you around." They hugged before she collected her things and got out of the cab.
"Have a good night," he called, giving her a wave.
"You too," she smiled.
Harlan disappeared down the street and Lee walked inside.