Chapter 12. Distractions.

I didn't let Hyde's bullshit stop me from enjoying my Sunday. That afternoon, my dad let me take his car out because I told him that I was going to seek employment somewhere. I had three options that were in a biking radius from where I lived: Bargain Bob's, Fatso Burger, and the Photo Hut. If I worked at the Photo Hut, I could probably get free developed pictures but if there was someone else besides the pothead working there, then I wouldn't get hired. Fatso Burger was an easy fallback from the Photo Hut, considering I had all the qualifications of a typical Fatso employee. Bargain Bob's made me kind of nervous because Donna said that it was her father's shop and I didn't feel like acquainting myself with her father again anytime soon.

The first place I parked my father's car was, of course, the Photo Hut. I walked to the back and knocked on the small door, however I received no answer. I tried opening the door and to my surprise it opened.

"Hello?" I called as I walked inside.

"Yeah, man," A voice mumbled. "In here."

I followed the voice to the dark room where the guy who I met last time I came was developing pictures.

"I was wondering if you were hiring," I stated, shifting my weight between my two feet to balance myself in the dark.

"Um, well let me see," He paused for a minute. "Yeah, man, why not? I'd love to have some help around here."

I was shocked, "Wait, really? You don't need a resume or anything?"

"No, that's silly, man," He chuckled.

"Wicked!" I exclaimed. "When do I start?"

"Um…. Right now?" He laughed.

"Sure, man. But do you have a phone anywhere? I need to call my dad."

The week that proceeded was uneventful for the most part. Leo, my new boss, gave me a schedule that consisted of Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays afterschool until seven – which gave me twelve hours during the week to make money – as well as Sunday afternoons from one to seven; I was thankful that he let me create it for the most part so that I'd have breathing room in between. I liked keeping busy, but I also liked my time for solitude and partying as well.

I figured that for the most part, I'd spend Saturdays with the group and get the other days I was off to do whatever I wanted. It felt kind of nice to actually have a paying job and it seemed simple enough to do

Eric was the only one that was actively interested in hearing about my job, which I didn't mind – I enjoyed conversing with him and Donna more than the others most of the time, since they seemed to be the only ones with good heads on their shoulders. The weeks that followed he had told me that I inspired him to get his own job at Fatso Burger; I was honestly really proud of him, since the others didn't have the initiative that he possessed.

The weeks that proceeded were honestly pretty uneventful. I became closer with Eric, Donna, and Fez while distancing myself from Kelso, Jackie, and Hyde – besides when I'd catch them starting the circle, then I'd temporarily let my guard down. I focused on my work and my music; I was getting pretty good at guitar and my singing had improved a bit, since I had more time to work on it.

It felt almost kind of weird distancing myself more from the group. As much as I loved the income that flowed in, I felt like I should cut back my hours some. I also felt that I was the reason I was losing touch with the group since I completely cut Hyde off – excluding when I was high. I realized how immature I was being one day last week when I had seen him – alone – looking depressed. It was now Saturday and I figured that I should start being an active member of the group again.

I woke up around noon that day and took my time getting ready. Leo had told me that I could have Sunday off since he had to close early attend some dance in Kenosha, which meant I had the whole weekend to myself. Before immersing myself in a weekend of solitude, I decided to finally go back over to Foreman's; it was the first time in three weeks that I went on my own accord, without being persuaded by clouds of smoke.

The basement door was locked, so I went over to the sliding glass door at the side of the house. Nobody was in the kitchen, so I walked into the living room. Upon entering, I found Kitty dancing to disco music with Hyde.

"Um, did I interrupt?" I held back a chuckle. "I can go, I mean, I can leave you two alone."

I started to walk towards the basement door when Kitty spoke.

"Oh, I'm just teaching Steven how to dance!" She gave me a signature Kitty laugh. "There's a dance in Kenosha tomorrow night and the boys are going with Donna and Jackie. Did nobody tell you about it?"

"Maybe if she had been around we would have," Hyde muttered.

"Oh, Steven, play nice," Kitty scolded lightly. Something lit up in her eyes. "Oh, Steven! You and Saige should go together now that you know how to dance!"

"No, that's okay, Mrs. Foreman," I smiled politely. "I don't dance."

She pushed Hyde in front of her and said, "Steven, teach her, then."

She then excused herself so that she could go make lunch for Red and Eric.

"You're not actually going to teach me, right?" I smirked. "I doubt you even learned shit, man. I mean, I don't doubt Kitty's abilities, but you don't seem like a good student in any manner, man."

He chuckled, "Really? You want to see what I can do?"

"Sure," I said.

He held out his hand, "Then you're going to have to be my dance partner. I can't dance alone."

I sighed. What was the worst that could come of this?

"Fine," I agreed and took his hand.

He turned the music back on and guided me swiftly to disco. I really hated disco music, but his moves were actually pretty stable. I stumbled on my feet a few times, but he managed to catch me before I fell on my ass.

By the time the song was over, we stopped. Our faces were close to each other; he had an arm securely held around my waist.

"I really hate disco music," He breathed.

"Agreed."

"So, um, I know a lot of shit has happened, but would you like to go to the disco with me tomorrow night?" He asked.

I nodded, "Sure."

I wasn't sure if I was making a mistake, but being so close to him made it impossible for me to utilize rational judgment in that moment so I didn't care. So much for having a quiet weekend to myself.