I pull open the door to the backroom of my work. the only place that would hire me is this big department store called "Everything under the Sun" It's an OK place to work I guess. the backroom is about as big as an average bedroom, with employee lockers to one side, a door leading to a small bathroom, and a set of vending machines chugging away loudly in the corner. "I'm here!" I call, walking into the storage section where I usually work. "Put your uniform on and grab an apron, we need another checker, Alicia's late!" My boss yells. He's always yelling, and Alicia's always running late. The only reason she hasn't been fired yet, is because she's the bosses' niece.

I walk around a spare stack of shelving to see him taking inventory of the new shipment we got yesterday. "Is there anyone else who can check? You know I only applied for a backroom job." I ask with a grimace. I hate working up front. All the guys leer at me, and the girls glare. so maybe I take after my mom, and maybe I look kinda pretty even without make up. It's no excuse to stare!

My boss yells again, "Nope, Danny's off and Kelse called in sick. So get to work!" Ugh

Even though I don't want to, I have to follow orders. I really need this job, I can't afford to get fired. I slide my earpiece in, get my slightly too big uniform from where is hangs in my locker, and pull on an apron. Our uniforms are a dark blue, and the aprons fade from peach and the top, to light blue at the bottom, with the stores name in curved leters at the top, and our name tags are on keychains around our necks. 

I hurry to the second counter. The only other person working is a soft spoken girl named Selene, who I haven't really talked to. She gives me a grateful smile when I turn on the "Open" light. People start lining up and I check them through, careful not to make a mistake. I hear the soft chime in my ear telling me that Alicia arrived.

I'm helping the second to last customer in my lane, and repeating the same lin for what feels like the thousandth time, when the voice that replies startles me into looking up. "Make this quick okay?" His voice is so appealing that I can't help but stop moving. The boy looks about my age, with dark hair that's almost red. He has a bandage around his face that covers one eye. He is easily the cutest boy I have ever seen. He puts his items on the counter and I ring him up.

"Seven-Fifty-Two" I say trying not to stammer, "and I'll need your ID for that." He shows me a laminated card that reads:

His voice is slow, but carries an edge, disappointment? Or maybe just anger at the slow checkout. As he leaves I feel my eyes welling up. I don't know why but I feel crushing sorrow at his tone. 

Just then Alicia taps my shoulder and takes the counter. As I turn to leave she asks, "Are you ok?" I feel a burst of gratitude at the question. "Yes thank you." I say smiling a little. She nods and starts helping the next person in line. 

I continue my work, moving slowly as if in a dream until my shift ends.