"Own World"
March 25, 2002 0900 hrs Kendra Books Jordan sat on the wooden stool behind the counter. Today was the big day. Her bookstore would be open for the first time. During the past week or so, the five of them had worked like mad, opening all the boxes of book and stocking the shelves. Their hard work had paid off too. The store looked amazing, or so Jordan thought. The books were all neatly stacked in rows, by subject and author, all of which gave the store a new book smell. There were lamps hanging from the ceiling, combating the fluorescent light that had originally been there. Rugs were discretely placed about the floor, covering the ugly tile. Jordan had spent hours in the furniture store, finding the rugs. They were a mixture of greens, blues and browns, quite earthy. Equally as colorful were the various couches and beanbag chairs that were in the center of the store. That specific area was brightly lit, so one wouldn't ruin their eyes reading. Or at least that was what Jordan had always grown up hearing, `Turn that light on or you're going to ruin your eyes reading like that.' She smiled at the memory. There was a knock on the door and Jordan turned around to see who it was. She could see Alyssa's smiling face peeking through the window and waving. She rose off the stool and made her way over to the door, unlocking it and letting Alyssa in. "Hey Jordan, all ready for the big day?! You look great by the way." Jordan looked down; she was wearing a knee length red skirt with a white button up shirt. "Thanks Alyssa and yep, I'm all set." "Great! Here are the cookies you asked me to pick up. I'll just set them over here by the coffee." "Perfect. I don't think there is one last thing we have to do. Are you okay with running the till?" "Sure am. I think I've got it all, but we'll when I actually start ringing things up." Alyssa answered. Jordan smiled and nodded. She knew Alyssa would be able to handle it. She felt the familiar butterfly feeling in her stomach. She had been feeling it more frequently this past week, especially yesterday. Jordan sided with the idea that it was nerves over opening. She found it quite amusing that she was nervous about this. She could walk into a room full of strangers on a mission, holding her game, not a twinge of nervousness, perhaps some apprehensiveness, but never nervousness. It was probably due to the "you must obey" commands given in Section. She glanced at her watched and realized that it was a couple of minutes before 9:30, but Jordan decided that she would open anyhow. A few minutes wouldn't make much difference. "Here we go." she said to Alyssa who was standing by the counter. Jordan saw a few people standing outside, so she opened the door to them, welcoming them inside. Alyssa offered them coffee and cookies if they were so inclined. They came in with smiles, commenting on the chill in the air. Alyssa nodded to them, "I know, I don't remember last year being like this." Jordan simply shrugged, she had no idea what they weather was like here last year. Jordan listened to the conversation between the two ladies. "-and look at the furniture Beth, wouldn't that look darling in your apartment." "Sure would, I wonder where they got it from." Jordan smiled, should she say where and let them know she had been listening? She didn't have to make the decision because the lady named Beth approached her and asked. "I found in a furniture store in Perth Amboy, right on the main drag, however, I can't recall the name of it. I can get it if you like, you can stop by tomorrow." "Great! Thank you" Beth replied and continued browsing, cookie in hand. Both women left the store about an hour later, carrying bags. Jordan was pleased at how well things were going. The morning flew by and soon it was into the afternoon. Alyssa was going to be off soon and Ryan would be coming in. The store wasn't busy, but it was steady. There were a few times when things got a little hairy, such as when one of the customers complained that she could find the book she was buying for a cheaper price at the huge bookstore in New York. Alyssa handled it well and the lady left with the book. While Alyssa was taking her lunch break, Jordan manned the cash register. She was putting a few receipts in their respective places when she heard the bell tingle. Looking up to greet the person, Jordan was somewhat surprised. It was Gray. "Hi there." she said, unsure as to what to really say. Just act normal Jordan, follow his cue. "Afternoon. Nice place you have here. You sure have done a lot of work to it." Jordan nodded, "Yes, I have, but it wasn't me alone. My other staff members should take as much credit for all of this as I." Gray nodded. "Of course. I'll just look around a bit. I'm looking for a particular book, if I can't find it, I'll call you over." "Sure thing." replied Jordan, wondering what he was looking for. Jordan watched him move about the store, looking back and forth between the rows, nodding and smiling in places. She was a little uneasy with him being there, would he approve? She then realized that she had been so absorbed in her own life…that was a bit of a contradiction, own life, what a thought. Anyhow, she had been so absorbed, she hadn't really thought about Gray and Rebecca for the past week. Hell, she didn't even speak with them a great deal about the bookstore. It must've been what they had wanted; otherwise they would have contacted her earlier. Alyssa came back from her break and took over the till again. Jordan moved around the store, putting books back in place. Gray was now over at the counter purchasing his book. Jordan moved closer to see what he was getting, but she wasn't quick enough because it had already gotten into the bag. Jordan collected more books, and placed them on the shelf by the door where they belonged. Gray on his way out, leaned towards her, "I'll see you later." Jordan nodded slightly and went back to sorting. Jordan spent the remainder of the afternoon, until closing helping people who wandered in. She place a few orders for books they didn't have in stock, promising to phone each individual when their book(s) arrived. 1900hrs - Home Jordan sank into her couch, balancing a place of chili in her hands. The store had been locked up for the evening and now it was time to relax. Jordan was surprised at how smoothly things went today. There were a few problems, like the computer freezing a few times, but other than that it went well. However well they went though, she was tired. A full day of acting extremely cheerful and polite had taken its toll. After quickly eating her dinner, Jordan considered going cycling, but the weather outside wasn't exactly cooperating. Last thing she needed was a broken arm from the slippery roads. So she instead decided that she would head out to Edison, to the training facility. She knew full well that she was not required to log on any hours until the following month, but she wanted a gym and frankly she was curious to see the place. It didn't take her too long to drive there and warehouse it was. Jordan was a little surprised at the size of it, but since it housed so many different training activities, it did make sense. Jordan met a few people, those who appeared to work there. The few she spoke to were a little surprised at her presence there, but she told them about her wanting to cycle and the roads weren't exactly cooperating. One smiled and nodded, directing her over to the bikes. Jordan happily climbed on and set off. She biked for a good 30 minutes before she could feel her muscles burning from the exhuresion. It was a nice feeling, to feel ones own body stretching its limits. Jordan got off the bike, her legs protesting a small amount from their change in activity and headed over to punching bag. She punched away at it, leaving the memory of her cheerfulness and perkiness of the day. If she didn't hear the question, "How are you?" in response to her asking, she would be just fine. One can only answer that question so many times in a day before they start losing it and telling everyone what a crappy day they are having, and just *how* tired they are of hearing the same damn question. She finally stopped. Jordan was breathing hard, but enjoyed every moment of the past 2 hours. She had alternated between the bike and punching bag. She felt sweat trickle down her back as she walked around a bit, cooling off and slowing down her breathing. When she was breathing close to normal again, she headed into the shower. No one was there either, but Jordan hasn't expected anyone to be working out. As she stripped off her clothes and stepped under the stream of hot water, her thoughts turned to Paige and Saf (Sara). She wondered what they were up to. She had been so wrapped up in her store business she hadn't really called them. She had been invited over to Saf's (Sara's) place for dinner on the 29th. She wondered what she would bring. Sure she had been instructed to bring some wine, preferably white, but it was a housewarming party/dinner. What to get her… March 29, 2002 1730hrs Jordan, toting the wine and the gift she had picked out for her friend, walked up the stairs to Saf's place. Paige who claimed Saf was slaving away in the kitchen greeted her. Slaving away she was, Jordan could smell all the good food. She couldn't wait, but she would apparently have to because Baz was late. Wonder if that was his style, to be late, Jordan thought, but he was doing something. Dinner was awesome as Jordan expected it to be. Chicken Alfredo was always good. Then came the drinks. However, before Jordan had completely lost her mind, she handed Saf her present. She hoped she had picked right; she had never given her anything before. Saf unwrapped the box, which was wrapped in solid blue paper. After undoing the box, Saf pulled out some silver and pale blue wind chimes, clanging as they moved in her hand. The chimes were seashell themed, something Jordan had picked up in a store near Saf's place. Jordan did well with the picking, as Saf appeared to love them (or so she hoped). The rest of the evening was spent with good times, drinking, hot tub, stories that make you laugh so much tears stream out of your eyes, and your sides and cheeks hurt. It was the best time Jordan had in a long time. March 30, 2002 1630 hrs Jordan jumped at the doorbell ringing. It was a new sound she had yet to hear. It actually took her a moment to realize it was the doorbell. She rose and answered it. It was Gray. "Hi Gray" Jordan greeted in a neutral tone. "Hey Jordan, how is everything?" "Just fine. No work today, the store is closed." "Good." Gray answered as he walked past Jordan who had held the door open for him, indicating he should come in. "Would you like some tea?" Jordan asked, aware of his tea fixation. Too her surprise, he declined, "Sorry Jordan, but I only have a few minutes. I just wanted to stop by and tell you that Rebecca and I are impressed with the work you have done with Kendra books." Jordan nodded, pleased with the compliment, but at the same time found it rather odd. Why would the compliment her, there had to be a reason, some ulterior motive. No no Jordan, that is Section. It couldn't possibly be here and now. She had enough of the mind games. "We knew you could do it Jordan, that is why we gave you this certain identity. I'll send one of the people over from accounting to help you with the paperwork. But other than that, it's all good. As a heads up, we are working on a certain case file at the moment, which will need your attention soon. When the details become available you will be notified. So, you should prepare to go on a book find." Jordan nodded, "Thanks for letting me know." "You're welcome. Take care," Gray replied as he walked down the pathway to his car. Jordan closed the door, her mind already thinking. After a month of no action (so to speak) she was ready to get started again. Perhaps this was the life for her and not the life she dreamed of. Return