Chapter 2

Bella woke up early the next morning to find she had fallen asleep in a chair while sorting thru boxes. Her neck and back were stiff but she was happy to wake up in her own place. She pretty much had figured out most of what she needed to get by and surprisingly it wasn't as bad as she thought. Almost everything she needed was in the boxes that had been stored there. She had stacked piles of things out in the hallway already to go down to the basement. She couldn't move the heavier furniture alone though so she knew would have to wait for help with it.

The thought made her skin creep but she couldn't be afraid of everything her whole life. She went downstairs to the apt that was supposed to belong to the man that was helping to move the things out of her apt doorway to the basement. After ringing the bell a few times, the neighboring apt door opened and the woman told me that the man who lived there stayed up all night drinking, drugging, and playing on his guitar and slept all day long. she asked her where the grocery store was then and left figuring she would try him again later on.

Bella found the grocery store but noticed the little book store next to it had a help wanted sign in the window. Walking in she immediately loved the feel of the place. It felt like a home should with couches scattered about and candles burning here and there. The smell of the candles was like something baking in the oven.

When she glanced toward the back it was impossible to not notice a tiny young woman with long black hair in a flowing silky sundress that hit her ankles above her bare feet. She looked even younger than Bella did. Somehow, the girls' presence made her smile it was as if she had met a long lost sister. Crossing the floor Bella fell over a little dog that decided to wind itself around her ankles.

"Heidi, No"! The girl said as she bounced over and grabbed her arm to catch her. "Sorry about that but she usually doesn't care much for strangers and stays to the back. I am Alice by the way. I'm the manager".

"It is so not a problem" I replied bending down to pet the dog. "This is such a calming place you are lucky to work here".

"I kinda run the place since the owner went on vacation to France and met his dream girl. I haven't seen him in a month. He calls in to check on me every day but that's about it. As long as this place is running smoothly he is happy."

"You seem so young to run a place like this.'

"Well I'm 17. I have been on my own for a year and I sometimes forget how old I really am. I can't believe I just told you that. Anyway, the owner lets me stay above the shop as part of my pay so it works out really well. Everyone here thinks I am older and just look young. Mitch, the other person who worked here just quit this morning though so I am trying to get by on my own."

"That's why I came in I noticed the sign in the window".

"Do you have any experience working in a bookstore"? Alice asked

"No, but I love to read and I worked in a sporting goods store for a few years so I have sales experience". Bella replied.

"I tell you what. I will try you out today and if you work out you got the job. By the way, we have a little sandwich and coffee area around the back of the store and you get free rein of it. We only do one type of sandwich a day. Come up with the sandwich of the day and write it on the board outside. However, make sure you make one for us. We can't sell what we haven't tried. We have the eating area open from 11-2 Monday through Friday. You can also help me here in the bookstore a few hours a day if you want. We are closed on Sunday's but Saturday's we can take turns with. Are those hours okay with you?"

"That is perfect. I can arrange my school schedule around that. I attend Daytona State Colleges Dual enrollment program. I will be done with high school and get my associates degree this summer."

"Besides lunch shift whatever times you can be here I can get the stock and bills taken care of. I can pay you Eight dollars an hour, that's what the idiot, who quit, was making so I don't think the boss will mind. You can also keep any tips you get from the sandwich counter, good luck. Oh! and the bread is delivered in the morning. I will take care of that. You can just pick up the ingredients you need and give me the receipt"

"Thanks I will go next door right now and get started. I am thinking Ham, avocado and tomato sandwich. We could call it the Bloody Havocado ".

"Sounds good to me, write the name and what's in it on the sign on the way out". "Oh and by the way at 3:00 every day if you walk out back ,there will be a homeless man named Max in the alley. We have a deal I give him one of our sandwiches everyday and he doesn't tell other people I'm a softy".

Bella couldn't believe her luck. In two days, she had found a place to stay and a new job.

Customers were already waiting when she got back. The rush was on to get started preparing the sandwiches. Everyone seemed to love them and some people had asked for them with no ham. They said it was hard to find good veggie lunch options and the tomato and avocado worked well together. By the time, Bella got cleaned up and counted the tips she had made $25 that wasn't bad for Three hours on top of the $8 an hour wages.

It was then that she glanced over at the clock and noticed it was 3:15. Somehow, she had forgotten about Max. She shook her head, grabbed one of the extra sandwiches, and ran out the back.

When she got there, Max was pacing and scowling. He limped toward her and as he got near, she backed up until her back slammed against the wall. Petrified Bella stopped breathing. Max laughed and said "what you think I'm going to do to ya little girl?"

He went to grab the sandwich and a golden light sparked between them. He yelped then grabbed her arm and she could've sworn that his eyes all clouded with cataracts cleared. He looked around a second then said "thanks' sweet thing" and took off.

What could I say stunned I said "sure mister anytime"

Max turned back and said, "See ya tomorrow then? I sure could use some more of whatever that was."Then he ambled down the alley as she went to her knees.

After calming down some Bella headed back in on shaky legs but none the worse for wear. She decided to try working in the store for a few hours then get some groceries and head back to her apt. The time went by fast and she noticed none of the odd looks men usually gave her. At the end of the day, she got ready to leave. Alice assured her she was hired and said the paperwork needed filled out by the end of the week.

By the time Bella walked in the front door, it was dark. She took her groceries upstairs and noticed the stuff piled in the hallway still. After the groceries were put up, she dropped a Bloody Havacado sandwich outside Opa's door and headed down to find the wayward tenant to get some help moving the mess.

Happy with the way the day was going she skipped down the stairs. Besides the weird man in the alley, her day had gone great. Maybe life had just been waiting for her to reach out and grab it before it got better. Who knew?

AN-I desperately need a beta.

Song for the chapter

Dixie Chicks- Ready To Run

Look it up, let me know your choices.

How was the story so far? We meet Drugward or drunkward next chapter. Are you ready? Let me know hit the button marked Review this Chapter.