34 Holiday Shift

[Wednesday, Evening]

In just a few days it will be Christmas, this is a very important and difficult time for many. For us people working, it's extremely difficult. The Christmas rush was here and I, the great Ethan, am stuck working with Kaylee behind the counters as we deal with tons of customers that are shopping last minute for their grandkids who they didn't know existed until yesterday.

After the Christmas Performance, things have been very awkward for us. We haven't spoken about anything unless it's work-related, but I am now a changed man.

After several hours of silent crying and my sister threatening to kill Kaylee, I am now a new man who will take initiative for once and not let anything get me down, I'm going to do my best to fight for the girl I love!

"Ethan, can you go into the back and get this for me?" Kaylee asked.

"Sure thing!" I said, filled with glee. However...

I have no idea where to begin, I'm so anxious. My mind is a mess, not only did she just speak to me but after my amazing speech inside my head, I'm starting to want to bail. Who knew talking to girls was so difficult? How do people do it?

"Here you are…" After returning with the item, I placed it down and noticed that there were only a few customers left, I was happy that I'd finally be able to rest but quickly realised that as soon as the last customer left I'm going to be trapped with Kaylee.

I felt as if I had just blinked and suddenly everyone in the shop had left, I looked around to see if any customers could save me from the awkward encounter that was about to happen. You can tell I'm a changed man.

"Good work today." She said to me as we were finishing for the day.

"T-thanks." I wasn't expecting Kaylee to initiate the conversation, but I guess she is just trying to confront the awkwardness, I shall do my best to return the serve.

"I think we managed to survive the worst part," Kaylee added. "we only have a few minutes till we close so we should be fine."

"R-right." I thought that she seemed distant because we were working all night, but I guess even now she feels awkward. She hasn't looked at me at all tonight, but it's ok. Don't let it get you down, Ethan. Mum says you're a lovely boy.

Kaylee was checking stock in the back whilst I took care of any last-minute customers that decided to show up. I was waiting behind the till with the cold air blowing throughout the store, I was extremely worried about Kaylee but didn't know what to do. Please. Someone tell me what to do. Anyone will do!

"Hey, Ethan!" With my face planted on the store counter, I heard a familiar overly cheerful voice, I looked up to see Sean in front of the counter in his football gear. I know I asked for anyone but what can he do? Can I return him?

"What are you doing here?" I asked.

"I need to buy some last-minute things."

"Right." I was suspicious at first, but he doesn't seem like the type of person to get involved. Owen didn't call him here, did he?

"Hey, Ethan?" Kaylee's voice called out from the back of the store.

"Is that Kaylee?" Sean asks. "I understand. Owen told me not to get involved in this so I shall be taking my leave."

Without even getting his stuff, Sean was already leaving.

"WAIT, DON'T GO!" I grabbed him by the neck, pulling him down heavily. It was easily a foul but the referee didn't see it.

I needed someone to be here to make it less awkward.

"What about the things you needed to buy?" I said awkwardly hoping he wouldn't catch on to my desperation.

"Hmmm. It's ok. Looks like my brother will have to make do without a present this year. Goodbye!"

He really has some commitment to his promises. I can't fault him for that.

"Ethan? You there?" Kaylee called again.

I have no choice, I have to beg him to stay.

"Please, Sean! I'll buy you a drink at school when we go back. I'll even do all your homework for you?"

"All my homework?" Sean was interested. He wanted to spend as little time as possible studying. With this, I can get him to stay.

"Fine. I'll stay.."

"Are you even list- oh, Sean's here." Kaylee returned with a pile of boxes, just able to see past them as they seemed as if they would fall any moment.

"Hi, there! Long time no talk!"

Sean better not be trying to flirt with her. Since when did those two talk? This has to be the first line they've said to each other.

"I'm just here to buy some gifts for family. I'll be gone soon so you can go home"

"Oh no. Take your time. It's fine. You can stay if you want." Kaylee said with a smile. She used to smile at me like that...

From what I see, it's just me that she is awkward around. She is back to her cheerful self when Sean is around. I guess I have messed this up.

"Anyway, Ethan. I need you to check something in the back for me."

Huh? She just looked me in the eye. Just what is going on? One minute no eye contact. Next minute eye contact. Is this what they call first base?

Well, no matter what is happening, I'm glad she looked at me again. That's a score in my book. And I even managed to look at her back without flinching away.

"Ah. Yeah, Sure!"

Even if her smile is because of Sean, I'm glad she is happy.

RIGHT! Time to restart my super manly training to become a better man.

I shall never again be worried about something or feel down, I am now a perfect person!

"Ah. My rides here." Kaylee said as a bullet shot through my heart. It was a good run, but sadly there is nothing I can do. God, please at least know that I tried.

"Simon?" I asked

"No. It's my dad." I feel like I just asked something I shouldn't have. This seems like the first step to self-improvement.

"Ah ok. I'll see you whenever." I said, going to the back to finish up the job she asked me to do.

"Yeah. I'll see you whenever."

Kaylee left just like that. we were only a few days into Christmas break but I felt like I would never see her again.

"Can I get my gifts now?" Sean asked, sitting on one of the waiting seats.

Oh, Sean is still here. I guess I'll walk home with him then. At least that'll be fun.