Life's Unexpected Surprises - 11. Chapter 4.1 - Starting New - Freaks Like Me

I got out of bed incredibly early today because I'm super excited! I get to start working in Uncle Antoine's shop today! This is gonna be so cool! I get to share my knowledge about all my nerd stuff with the world!

When I say the world I mean it. People legit come to town just to visit the shop. We have some one of a kind Blades items which makes it very much a tourist attraction. Antoine has given me some pointers on what to expect.

I was up and ready before Uncle Antoine was even done with his coffee. “You're excited about work, aren't you?” I nodded my head furiously. “That's good, glad you're looking forward to it.”

“It's gonna be so good! I'm gonna get to share my inner nerd with the world.” I stretched my arms to their utmost extreme. “I'm so hyped!”

Uncle Antoine smiled and shook his head. “It's mostly cleaning that you'll be doing.” I shrugged and jumped up in my seat. Laughing Uncle Antoine continued to shake his head. “Okay, I'll finish up quickly.”

Surprisingly he actually quickened his pace, and we were out the door in no time. We got to the shop, and it was about half an hour before opening, which is 10. The hours are 10am till 7pm. That's enough time for a full eight-hour shift with an hour break in the middle.

There are five employees in total, not including Uncle Antoine. Two full-time employees Josiah and Kimberly are their names. Then there is a part-time employee by the name of Zelda. Yes, it's super cool. That just leaves the two student workers Regal and myself.

Today Zelda and Regal were going to be on shift. Regal wasn't expected until noon; Zelda was scheduled to start at 10am. She arrived with coffee in hand for all three of us. I opened the door for her. “I have coffee for Antoine and me, and hot chocolate for the young one.” She handed me the sleeved container.

“Thank you, but I'm not so young. You're only 23.”

“Which is eight years older than you little guy.” I scowled at her as she went into the employee's room. She came out shortly after with just her coffee in hand. “Antoine is going to be busy all day with month end counts, so I am going to be training you.”

And from there on it was Zelda and I. Like Uncle said, I was mostly doing cleaning and little tasks around the place. When the first customer came in, I watched Zelda run the register and help the customer. I was basically her shadow for the day.

When Regal came in, he came in with his boyfriend, Addison. Not gonna lie they were both really cute. They are lucky to have each other. They gave each other a quick kiss before Addison headed off.

Regal didn't as much as look at me as he came in. I turned to Zelda, “Is he always like that?”

She shrugged nodding her head back and forth. “At the beginning of his shifts ya. He's got great customer service skills, though. Just wait until none of them are around, though!”

Just then Arroh came flying into the store. “Is Regal here yet?”

“Just walked in sweetie.” Zelda quickly replied. “Want me to go get him for ya?”

“Yes please!” He was in such a hurry that he didn't even notice me. Even if I was standing right beside him staring at his face. When he did see me, he jumped. “Oh, hey Tax, when did you start here?”

“It's my first day on the job.” Arroh seemed pleasantly surprised to see me. I'm glad that we've become friends. “It's been fun so far.”

“That’s good! It wouldn't be good to work at a job you hate.”

It was then that Regal came out of the staff room. “What do you want?” Regal asked his brother blandly.

“You didn't come home, so mom was worried about you.” He handed over a bagged lunch of sorts. “She said she wants you home after work today.”

Regal rolled his eyes. “Whatever, I'll see you when I'm done.” He snatched the bag and went back into the staff room.

Arroh glared at his brother as he walked away. There was almost a pout to his face. It wasn't really an angry glare, more of a... wanting glare. I can't explain it, but it didn't look like Arroh was angry.

“I gotta go Tax. I'll see you later.” He left just as quickly as he came in. I guess Regal and him really don't get along well. I'm glad Dash and I get along for the most part.

The rest of the day went by pretty slowly. Regal did his own thing, once in a while joining in with a word or two in the conversation between Zelda and me. It was actually a fun morning overall.

I was only scheduled to work a six-hour shift with a half hour break. So I was out the door of the shop at 4. Uncle Antoine had some more work to do, so I just made my way to the mall across the road until he was done.

Most of my time I spent window shopping. It's not like some of this stuff isn't going to come home with me eventually. I do have a way to bring money into my pocket now.

Right in the middle of chapters, while I was looking at some books I heard a person gasp. “I need that one!” I looked up from my book to see this kid. “Is there any more?”

I had the fourth Harry Potter book in my hand, an old book, but still a good book. Great book series, I was just reading some of my favorite parts. “Ummm.” I looked at the shelf full of books. “Doesn't look like it.”

“Damn. It's the only one I'm missing too.” He looked so defeated because of it. So adorable, honestly. His brown hair went perfectly with his green eyes. Like they were meant just to pop out to people.

I closed the book and handed it to him. “I was just reading it for the good parts. The complete set is waiting for me at home. I'm Taxon by the way.” I put out my hand for a shake.

“Quinn Bayes.” He had a firm grip in his shake. “Are you going to be going to the high school?”

“Ya, I'm entering grade 10. I'll be 15 in November. Is your name short of Quinton?”

He shook his head. “Nope, just Quinn. It's not so weird to me.” First time I have ever met a male Quinn, I'm honestly kind of hyped about it. “I'm going to be in grade 10 too!”

Wait... not only is he named what is typically a girls name, but he's also a grade 10. He looks so young, like barely 13 young. How is this kid older than me? “Seriously? You're 15 already, how?”

Quinn giggled. “I know I look really young; guess puberty hasn't done its job yet.” His giggle is pretty cute sounding. It has this sweet sound to it. “Are you sure I can have the book though?”

“Oh ya, I'm just buying time here. It's yours.”

“Thanks! I have to go, but I hope we have some classes together or something. See you around Tax!” I gave him a wave as he ran off. I laughed to myself as I searched for another book to read.

I ended up still not buying anything, but it was a good look around in the store. I mean with nothing else to do might as well take a looksies. By the time I was done Uncle Antoine text me saying he was done too.

Time to go home I guess.

Chapter end.