1 chapter 1

The bell rings and i practically jump from my seat. The relief washes over me as it does every single school day. I run out the back doors and start sprinting to the antique store. Well, I didn't actually sprint but I did run. I go to the antique store every day after school. Downtown isn't very far from the high school. I live in a small town in the middle of nowhere with nothing around. In my town there's a convenient store, a grocery store, a couple of cafe's and some other random stores. Jack, my best friend, owns the antique store. He was a teenager in the 60's and 70's; he lived in California, so he's pretty cool, and he has a lot of stories to tell.

As I'm speed walking there I see that group of kids my age walking on the sidewalk, heading my way. I put my head down and quickly walk through the doors of the store. I'm immediately greeted by Jack, his wife, Willow, and the sharp smell of dust. He hands me a can of coke and pats my back. I don't like coke, but its all he ever has, so its all I ever drink, therefore, he thinks I love it. Willow puts her hands on the sides of my face and plants a kiss on my forehead. I smile at her shyly as she asks " how was school, dear?" I roll my eyes and they both give me a look. "It was fine, nothing out of the ordinary." Jack, as he does every day, asks me what record I want him to put on. And I say, as I do every day, that I don't care. Predictably, he puts on The Beatles.

I sit down on the floor in front of Willow so she can play with my hair. I've had long, dark brown hair for as long as I can remember and Willow has always loved it. I open my coke and take a sip as she starts running her fingers through my hair and asks me "So how was school, really?" I shrug " it was fine." "Do you have a boyfriend yet?" What is it with everyone in my life wanting me to have a boyfriend. "no, I don't" I said after a long chug of my pop, I wanted to blow up on her. I have a crush on their grandson but I'd never tell. I know they want us to be together though. She sighs and I know she's shaking her head. Jack breaks the silence "It's ok Riley, you know I don't want you to have one." I smile at him, a real, genuine smile and he returns it in full.

Willow continues playing with my hair while 'Here comes the sun' plays in the background. I stare at the half-empty can in my hands as she hums along. I hear Jack cleaning and realize that it's about 4:00 so I need to get home. I stand up and lean down to give Willow a big hug. I tell her "I love you" and I can tell it catches her by surprise. It's not like it's the first time I say it, and of course, she knows I love her, I just don't say it a lot. She squeezes me a little too hard and returns the words of affection. Jack comes up behind us and puts his hand on my shoulder. "See you tonight?" I give him a confused look "tonight?" He reminds that there's a football game tonight and my parents always make me go to watch my brother. I heave my backpack on and walk out the door.