Long Way Down

-Sammie

Skipping school isn’t ideal, but when you have a light bill that rings up to four hundred and some odd dollars- May I mention it’s due to kids leaving lights on until they fall asleep. You have no choice. At all.

Right now, I am pulling up to Bell’s Boutique to work extra hours for this damn bill. I only have about three-fifty so, I’m working from eight to three and getting a day check.

I clock in and check the store phone for any messages.
*You have one unread message.* I press the button and the recording starts. *Hey, it’s Emilee! Wanted to let whoever know, I will be coming in at two. Thanks and sorry this is on such short notice!*

I roll my eyes thinking she probably just has a hangover or something ridiculous. I start un-packing some boxes in the back. Since I’m the only person here right now, I turn Adele on.

She’s the best.

Who wants to be right as rain - It's better when something is wrong - You get excitement in your bones
And everything you do's a game - When night comes and you're on your own – You can say "I chose to be alone" - Who wants to be right as rain

The bell on the front door jingles, indicating someone has walked in. I leave the back and maneuver my way to the front of the pink themed shop.

“Hello! Can I help you find anything?” I look around for the mysterious person that I cannot seem to find.

Someone clears their throat and I turn, my long hair flowing back into my face. I move it away and before me, a tall man.

“I was looking for Emilee….” The man’s words trail off to nowhere. His hair was purple, like Emilee’s hair. He had dark black facial hair. Tattoos, running up and down his arms, over his neck and hands. He looked kind, surprisingly enough.

“Oh, she’s not here yet, she’ll come in around two today. Can I tell her you stopped by?” I felt bad, I didn’t know who he was to her, but he obviously needs her for something.

He carries himself to the door telling me thanks, but no thanks and whispering to himself -‘I cannot believe her, I thought she wouldn’t cheat this time.’ Shaking his head, he disappeared out the door and out of site.

Emilee was sweet, no doubt, but she was a slut. Hardcore. It looked like he thought they were going to work out-again… not. I could have told him that though-sadly enough.

I stand restocking the ‘Bows, Twirls, and More girls’ shirts. There was a ballet studio down the street and the dancers often bought theses pastel pink shirts.

After hours of boring work, I go on lunch break, texting Marc.

Me- Hey! At work, but on lunch break. Hbu?

He replied quickly, sending a smile to my face.

Marc- No School? Well do u want me 2 bring food?

Me- Sure- but as long as you don’t get into trouble or whatever.

He was going to bring me lunch! I felt giddy inside. No one’s ever treated me so
nicely to have met me only twice before.

Marc- Burgers? And where r u?

Me- That’s fine. Do you know where Belle’s Boutique is?

Marc- Sure do, be there in a little while.

I decided not to say anything back considering I wasn’t all too for sure where he was. Today was going slowly, but with him here, it’s sure to pass quickly.

Marc arrived not too late after our last text. We ate and talked in the back. Everything was going well until the bell went off.

“Someone’s here, come on.” I stuck my hand out for him to grab and we walked to the front. My eyes immediately saw long, wavy purple hair. Emilee, but that wasn’t all. My eyes caught special attention to someone’s hair, long chocolate curls.

It couldn’t be. Please no, they turn around. It’s the one and only. My day will not be ruined. I throw on a quick smile.

“Hey! Emilee, I’ve missed you!” We hugged each other, Marc and I still holding hands. I see Harry glaring at me from the corner of my eyes for no absolute reason.

We release each other and Marc looks to me, waiting for a proper introduction.

“Marc, this is Emilee, Emilee, Mark and th-“. I was so rudely interrupted be Harry, who was furious.

“Sammie!” His words vicious with me. “Who in the hell is this?!” He glared at Mark, but Marc never looked away, standing calm and collected.

“Marc. If you- uh- didn’t pick up on that already.” I was confused as to why he was so upset.

“Are you cheating on me? I come to drop my cousin off to work, and find you here with this boy!” His words, filthy lies. We weren’t dating. They weren’t cousins- they had fucked each other.

Lies.

Marc ripped his hand away from mine, not calm anymore. My eyes move from Marc to a smirking Harry.

“You lying son of a bitch!” I scream the words into his disgusting, revolting face. “We are NOT going out, and she is definitely NOT your cousin.” I emphasis ‘not’ as it being true.

Emilee stands to the side not knowing what to think, just as Marc, equally confused about the situation.

I look back at Harry. Give it all I’ve got, and knock the smirk straight off his face. I turn and walk to the back, leaving them all standing in my dust, bewildered, confused, and pissed.

Notes

thanks for reading!
l.b.