Chapter 2

“Yes! 3:50. Ten minutes to spare.” Makayla said to herself.

“My, my, my. Little Miss Makayla is on time, early in fact.” Amanda said.

It took everything Makayla had not to jump across the register and strangle Amanda.

“Told you it wouldn’t happen again.” She said.

“We’ll see how long that lasts. See ya.” Amanda said leaving the store.

Makayla took her usual position behind the register. Looking around to make sure no one had miraculously decided to come in the store today Makayla took her notebook.

“Do they pay you just to sit here and write in that notebook?” someone asked.

Makayla looked up and saw the boy she met yesterday.

“Do you have anything better to do than stalk mall employees?” she asked back.

“I’m not stalking. I’m here to shop.” He said.

Makayla looked at him suspiciously. “Here?”

“Yes, here.” He said.

“Okay, what exactly are you looking for?” she asked him.

“Umm…candles.” He said lamely.

“Thank you Captain Obvious.” Makayla said sarcastically. “Let’s try an easier question. Who are the candles for?”

“My mom.” He said quickly. “It’s her birthday.”

Makayla nodded. “Follow me.”

He walked with her to the front the store.

“These are brand new.” She said handing him a candle set. “They come in three different fragrance types: fresh fruit, spring garden, and coffee.”

He looked at the box. “Which one do you like?”

“Personally I like the fresh fruit, but spring garden seems to be the biggest seller.” She replied.

“This store has a big seller?” he asked looking around. “How many did you sell, two?”

Makayla laughed. “Something like that.”

“So what else do you have?” he asked.

“Walk this way.” She said leading him to the back of the store. “These are also pretty popular.”

He examined the candles she gave him. “I’m no candle expert, but what makes these any different from the other ones you showed me?”

“These have glitter on them.” Makayla replied.

“Oh of course, glitter. That’s why this set costs $26.00 and the others cost $20.00?” he asked.

“Exactly.” Makayla said.

He shook his head.

“What was that for?” she asked.

“It just amazes me what a little glitter can do.” He said.

“Indeed. So what looks good?” she asked.

“Hmmm…I think she’d like these better.” He said handing Makayla the glitter set.

“Nice choice. I’ll go ring you up.” Makayla said.

“So what do you write in that notebook of yours?” he asked.

“Nothing important. Just random thoughts.” Makayla replied scanning the price tag.

“Can I see?” he asked reaching for the book.

Makayla quickly grabbed his hand. “I said not important, I didn’t mean not private.”

“Sorry.” He replied.

“No, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to snap.” She replied.

“It’s okay. I write songs and I’m kinda picky about who reads them. I understand the privacy thing.” He told her.

“Well, here you go.” She said handing him the bag.

“Thanks for your help…umm…I didn’t catch your name.” he said.

“Makayla.” She replied. “And your…”

“Ashley.” He said. “Well, catch you later.”

“Oh wait!” she exclaimed running after him.

“What?” he asked curiously as he eyed the piece of paper in her hand.

“I keep forgetting to hand these to people. The store delivers special orders now. Here’s the card with the phone number, if you ever need it.” She said.

“Cool. Thanks.” He said.

“Bye.” She replied.

Chapter 3