Angel wings

Chapter sixteen - You are not alone

Jordan's POV:

Something has happened to Melanie. I don't know what it is. I see the way it's reflecting on her. I could've insisted more and made her tell me, but I didn't do it. Telling someone is her choice. I can't pressure her. There is a chance that we are not that different. A few years ago, I did something with which I almost lost my life. That is the reason why I have the angel wing tattoo. People don't get it because it's fashionable or popular. There are deeper meanings behind this. I still don't think she should hide this. That's why there is nothing wrong with this. Since I got my tattoos, people started looking at me differently. I am the same person. Usually, in the movies, the people who have them are always the villains. I am not like them. I'm trying to be nice to everyone. It can't be that hard to notice. Also, neither a single customer had a bad review on me. I mean, no one has complained about me. That is a good sign. My choice was not to hide. I don't see a reason behind this. My parents weren't happy. It's not like I have asked them. Now, they don't care about this. They took it as a part of me. I'm not removing them. I have planned to get more, but I don't know for what reason. I can make my friends to get some, but I don't think they will do it. Let's say that they don't like it that much. At least, not as much as me. I don't care about this. It didn't stop us from being friends. I will try to talk with Melanie about this. Hiding is never the solution. Maybe it was better if I stayed away from her. Now, it's too late. I hope that things won't get complicated for her.

I don't know what to do. I feel like every day is the same. Well, things got a bit different since I met Melanie. She was the change I needed. It's not like we are together every minute. After all, she has to go to school. I haven't asked her what she will do later. I mean, after she graduates. I'm afraid that I might not like the answer. There is a chance that she will study in another town. I don't mind it, but this means I won't see her so often. We have many things to talk about.

I woke up and went to get ready for work. The shop was open during the holidays. That was on the days between Christmas and New Year. I spend some time with my friends. Well, on New Year, I wanted to be alone. It would've been better if Melanie was with me. I got her a Christmas present. Hopefully, I will see her today. When I was ready, I went to eat. Later, I went to work. Cassie was already there. I checked my phone to make sure I wasn't late.

- Hey. When did you come?

- Like an hour ago. I woke up early and had nothing to do at home.

- It sounds like me.

- Something like this. How are you today?

- I'm good, thanks. You?

- Same. The New Year was perfect.

- I believe you were with Mark.

- Yes, and his family. How about you?

- I was alone.

- Why? No one was available?

- No, I wanted this.

- Who wants to be alone on New Year?

- Me. I don't see a problem.

- There isn't, but weren't you lonely?

- No, I was good.

- If you say so.

- Can I help you with something? I see you have ordered everything.

- You can take care of the customers. I have nothing else to do.

- I see. I will do that, no problem.

- Thank you.

- Can I ask you something?

- Sure.

- For how long are you with Mark?

- A little bit more than two years. Why?

- I'm only asking.

- Come on. Tell me.

- Are you sure he is the one?

- Yes, I am.

- You never doubted him for anything.

- No, never. Why are all these questions?

- Sometimes, we can fool ourselves into thinking we like someone when it's not true.

- Is this dedicated to Melanie?

- What does she have to do with that?

- Because I think you like her, but you aren't sure.

- I don't know. It's a bit complicated.

- Jordan, I have seen the way you look at her. You are lucky that she is responding the same way.

- What do you mean?

- She likes you too.

- No way. I don't believe it.

- But you should. Let's work now. The first customer is for you. - Cassie said and left

Until lunchtime, we had around ten customers. I took care of most of them. Then I went for lunch. Cassie still brings some from home. She has offered me part of hers, but I denied it. I bought a sandwich and soda. We serve food in the shop, but it's sweet things. I can't eat that for lunch. I mean, it won't be enough. Cassie took care of the customers around lunchtime. Later, I went to the staff room to bring more products. We keep everything in freezers. It's better to keep them fresh.

- Knock, knock. Someone wants to see you.

- Who?

- Your future girlfriend.

- Very funny.

- Melanie wants to talk with you. Go there. I will finish your work.

- Thanks.

- Hey. How are you today? - Melanie asked

- I'm fine, thanks. You?

- Same. Can you make me a latte? Maybe you can replace the coffee with cocoa powder.

- No problem. Something to eat?

- No, thanks. I had lunch at school.

- Good. Here you go.

- Thanks. Before I forget, I want to give you this.

- What is it?

- I decided to be good this year. Open it.

- My favorite angel. It's a book.

- I don't know if you like to read, but when I saw it, I thought of you.

- I read, but not often. I don't have much time for this.

- At least give it a chance.

- I will, for sure. Thanks.

- This is your usual tip.

- I'm rich.

- Yes, you are. I will go now.

- Wait!

- Yes?

- I got you something, too.

- Really?

- Here. It's not much, but I liked it.

- Are these angel wings?

- Yes. I bought the charm separately from the bracelet.

- Thanks. I like it.

- I'm glad to hear it.

- I will wear it every day with me. It will be my lucky charm.

- If you say so.

- Can I know why? You didn't have to do this.

- I know, but I wanted to get you something. Friends do things like that.

- True. What are your plans for the night?

- I don't have any. I got invited to hang out with my friends, but I can deny it.

- No, don't do it. We can go out tomorrow.

- You can come with me if you want.

- What? I appreciate it, but I will deny it. They need your attention, not mine.

- I will like it if you come with me. Please.

- I will think about this.

- If you say so. Please don't take forever to respond.

- I won't. I promise.

- Thanks.

- Look, I have to go. I have some things to do. I'll see you later. Maybe.

- No problem. I'll wait for your response.

- Bye, and thanks for the present.

- Bye. - I said, and she left

- A present, huh?

- Not now, Cassie.

- Can I see it?

- Sure.

- You will love this book.

- Have you read it?

- Three times. I love it. Well, this doesn't mean you will like it, too. It's based on preferences.

- I will give it a chance.

- I think she chose it for a reason.

- Do you think she has read it?

- No, but something got her. There are many books of this type, but she chose this one.

- I'm confused, but ok.

- I will say it shortly. You might like the book.

- We'll see about that.

- Are you sure you don't like her? There is nothing wrong with that.

- I don't know. I don't want to give her high hopes.

- I don't think you will. Mark and I have been dating for more than two years. I still look at him the same way. I mean, compared to the first time I saw him. You are doing the same.

- I will think about this.

The afternoon I spent reading the book. That was when there weren't customers. Now I see why she chose it. The story is about two people who try to find what they want from life. The boy is a horrible person. Technically, his choices are. He never knows what to do with his life. His number one rule is never to let girls in his life. That was until he met one. He saw her from far away, but it was enough for him. She quickly caught his eye. I read around a hundred and fifty pages. I better stop. Otherwise, I will read the whole thing in a day.

When we closed the shop, I walked home. Mom called me and said she wanted us to have dinner at my house. Usually, I go to their house. Maybe she wanted to tell me something. I stopped by a grocery store to pick up some things. Later, I went home and started cooking. After an hour, my parents were at home.

- Hey, honey. How are you today? Anything interesting? - my mom asked

- No, not really.

- What is this book? My favorite angel.

- Oh, I got it as a gift.

- From Cassie? It looks like a girl will buy this.

- No, it's not from her.

- Then?

- It doesn't matter.

- I think it does. I'm sure the book has something to do with you. Please tell me that you finally have a girlfriend.

- Mom, I don't.

- Why?

- Because I don't want to.

- But you are already twenty-three.

- So? It's my decision.

- Leave him alone. He is not a little kid.

- Thanks, dad.

- Ok, but tell me about this book. Does it have something to do with your tattoo?

- Why do you want to know?

- Because I am your mom, and I'm curious. After all, I'm a woman.

- Fine. One girl gave it to me. That is enough for you.

- Do I know her?

- No.

- Are you two friends?

- Yes.

- Do you like her?

- That is not your business.

- You avoided the question. I will say yes.

- Mom!

- I am your mom, yes.

- Why do you have to be like that? - I asked, chuckling

- Because I love you. Also, you deserve it. You can't be alone all the time.

- I met her a few months ago. She came into the store.

- I'm sure you have things in common.

- Let's say that there were too many coincidences.

- What do you mean?

- I can't tell you.

- Why?

- Because I promised to keep her secret.

- But I don't know her. I won't tell anyone.

- Don't insist.

- I'm sure you can show her some things.

- Mom, she is eighteen.

- Oh, ok. There is no problem.

- If you say so.

My parents and I had a peaceful dinner. Mom was curious to know more about this girl. Finally, I showed her a picture. I took it from Melanie's social media. I don't have any of her. Maybe that was a mistake. Mom liked her, but she didn't stop talking about it. This was a bit annoying.

- Like a teenager, I will say that I'm shipping you two. - my mom said

- Dad, how are you dealing with her?

- Hard. - he said, chuckling

- Hey! I'm here. - my mom said

- We know.

- If you like her, go for it. Age shouldn't matter. It's about what you feel. I think you shouldn't care what people say.

- I don't.

- Are you sure?

- Yes, I am. Their opinions don't matter.

- Good. Can I read the book when you finish with it?

- Yes, sure.

- I want to know why she gave it to you.

- I think it's because of the title.

- No, it's not that. I'm sure that when you finish it, you will understand.

- So far, I like it.

- I saw the way she looked. The girl has a good taste.

- Not when it comes to me.

- Yes, it is when it comes to you.

I know my mom wants me to be happy. The thing is that I'm not sure if Melanie is the one. I like her, but this isn't enough. I have talked to many girls. Nothing happened before. That's why I don't expect something now. Of course, I didn't tell her about the matching tattoos. I promised to keep the secret, and I will do it. Everything will be revealed one day, but I don't know when. I don't mind waiting. I didn't expect Melanie to give me a present, but I liked it. So far, the book is good. I can't wait to finish it. She gave me this on purpose. I hope that she likes my present, too.