It surprised Charlie how fast Monday had arrived, and even more so the fact she wasn't as nervous as she'd expected herself to be. What little butterflies in her stomach she'd had were chased away while preparing for her first day. Her hair tied up in a messy bun, new tennis shoes, and a light jacket as she joined John in the car.

He'd insisted that she'd be able to ride with him and he could still get to class on time. Something that Charlie was holding him too.

The rainstorm had long since passed but the cold it had brought along stuck around. Bringing an almost winter chill to Brookhaven, which ultimately was why Charlie had relented to John's offer to drive her. Better to ride in a warm car then show up to work with her teeth chattering.

She sunk down into her seat, enjoying the heater while she could as John drove silently. Both of them mentally taking note of the route as they went. However the silence began to get a bit shifting to Charlie, and she looked up at John.

"So, penny for your thoughts?"

"My thoughts need coffee, not money when it's this early." John covered his mouth as he yawned.

"But If I give you enough pennies we can buy coffee." Charlie lightly giggled before yawning as well and then she pouted.

"Oh no, you've infected me and now I'm yawning too." She reached out and lightly shoved John's shoulder.

"Look at what you've done, now everyone will think I didn't sleep well."

"Given what you've told me about the owner I doubt they'll notice." John smiled as Charlie huffed.

"Just because he needs coffee doesn't mean I want to look like I do too."

"Well, I think you look as great as you always do, regardless of how much sleep you've had." John finished the sentence with a smile while they both blushed. Charlie placed a hand to her face and laughed before looking back at John.

"Thanks." She said while John gave her a reassuring smile.

"It's never a problem," he glanced upwards towards the large sign indicating the entrance to the Saver Saviors parking lot. "And here we are." John turned into the parking lot and drew close to the very front of the store, so Charlie wouldn't have to walk too far in the cold. She smiled at him while unbuckling her seatbelt.

"Thank you, you'll be here at five right?"

"I might be a little late if there's traffic or if the lectures run long, I hope that's okay."

"Of course, just don't leave me out in the cold for too long." She double-checked herself before opening her door but was stopped by John gently touching her shoulder.

"Hey before you go, can I give you something for luck on your first day?" He asked with a warm smile. Though she was confused, Charlie nodded but then found John's lips meeting hers. While she'd been startled at first Charlie leaned into and enjoyed it before they both pulled away. Charlie felt herself blushing and placed a hand to her cheek before asking.

"Can I have another one, I think I'll need it."

John happily granted her wish, and their lips met for just a little while longer before Charlie exited the car and waved to John one last time.

"Love you." she softly called to him, and John echoed it back before pulling the car away from the storefront and out of the parking lot. Charlie silently watched the blue honda vanish into the distance as she drew in a few deep breaths, trying to make herself relaxed. Despite her attempts though her face remained a very bright red.

'Well, at least you don't look tired anymore.' She took a final deep breath and walked into the store, deciding to simply tell anyone who asked that she was blushing from the cold. Passing through the doors, she was greeted by Rebecca, calling out her name.

"Hey Charlie, good to see that you made it on time." She called Charlie over to the cash register and handed her a little punch card.

"Jeremy's tied up so I'll teach you how to clock in." She stepped out from behind the counter and led Charlie to a side room which served as the employee break room. Much like the store itself and Jeremy's office, it was a rather basic place. With a couple of rows of tables with folding chairs, some vending machines, and another coffee maker.

Only two other employees were seated at the tables as Rebecca taught Charlie how to clock in. One was a goth looking girl who also had the same vests as everyone else and was around the same age as Arty. The nametag on her vest read 'Millie' and she looked miserable as she ate her breakfast and tried to ignore whatever Arty was saying.

He also had a small breakfast before him, though he seemed more intent on talking off Millie's ears before he spotted Charlie clocking in. His eyes became wide with excitement when he realized that she'd been hired.

Feeling uncomfortable because of his stare, Charlie attempted to ignore him as she turned her attention back to Rebecca.

"Now Jeremy should be around soon with your vest and name tag so just hang tight till he gets here." All that Charlie could think to do was nod and watch Rebecca turn away and head out of the breakroom. She was hoping that Rebecca was right and Mr. Fitzgerald wouldn't take too long.

But it was Arty who approached her first clearing his throat and sticking a hand out towards her with a wide smile.

"Congratulations on getting hired!" Charlie winced as Arty nearly shouted at her. The excitement would have been contagious if he hadn't made himself off-putting to her. He kept his hand raised upwards, expecting her to give it a shake.

But Charlie's hands stayed at her sides, the only response she gave him was a slightly forced "thanks." When he realized she wasn't going to shake back Arty put his hand down and laughed.

"Hopefully we'll get to do a lot of work together."

'I hope that we don't' Charlie thought about saying that out loud but instead, she kept it rather quiet. Nothing good would come from starting drama on her first day.

Luckily for her, she was spared anymore awkwardness as Jeremy walked into the breakroom. In his hand was his cup of coffee, and under his arm was a black vest like the ones everyone else wore. He held it out to Charlie who took it.

"Sorry for getting here late, had a truck drop off more stock than needed."

"I understand sir and it's okay." Charlie unfolded then slipped on the vest and noticed that her name tag read ' Charlie.' It was a little detail that made her slightly happier. But her mood was dragged down as Arty spoke up once again.

"Mr. Fitzgerald, can I be the one to teach Charolette how things work around here?" Charlie scowled at the use of her full name and was about to tell Arty off for using it when Jeremy cut in for her.

"Charlie is going to be trained today by Brain and Kevin, and you've only been employed for two months so you don't know quite enough yet to be a trainer yourself." Arty's face scrunched at Jeremy's remark but he held his tongue.

Once Charlie finished buttoning up her vest and checking to make sure it was on properly, Jeremy gave her a thumbs up and motioned towards the door before walking out with Charlie following. She took one last look over her shoulder at Arty. He was turned away but it was clear he was still unhappy with Jeeremry's decision she listened to him.

So while Jeremy talked and led her to the back to meet Kevin and Brain, she decided to keep Arty's behavior in the back of her mind. For now it wasn't too concerning, but left unchecked it might go out of control.

Which was something she was very keen on avoiding.