Chapter 9 Late Night

Aaron leaned against the door, the glass cool against his cheek as he fumbled to get the key in the lock in the relative darkness- even on the rich side of town, street lamps couldn't illuminate under the overhang that protected tables and chairs from possible rain. He was struggling to keep his eyes open; a late night before, followed by school and then working late again had exhausted him.

Aaron finally managed to lock up the store, cursing half-heartedly when the key tried to stick in the lock. He buried the key in his pocket, trading it for the iPod Kris had forced upon him. It wasn't new, but it was in good condition and contained almost every song Aaron would ever want to listen to. He put the headphones in his ears and hit shuffled, turning the volume up high in hopes that the blaring music would keep him awake.