Being a bookstore staff is an easy job, that's what people said. All you have to do is keep an eye of the store and the goods, greet the customers, check all the books, and you'll get a chance to meet someone new.
Andy had been working in Paper Stacks for 2 years. He worked there along with his two same-shift friends, Jane and Lionel. Some female customers agreed that Andy was "the geek looking, 22 years old guy you eager to date with". Not only because he had a worth-seeing image, he also had a nice attitude and broad general knowledge. Maybe that's the benefit of working in a bookstore.
But there was someone who really took his attention. Her name was Sarah. She was a new customer in Paper Stacks. She first went there to buy a comic book. It's still fresh in Andy's memory. She entered the store in one afternoon.
"Good afternoon," Lionel greeted from novel section. Sarah smiled and nodded politely. She wandered to comic book section right away. After checking all the books, she picked one and brought it to counter.
She handed the book to Andy. "The Killing Joke, huh? Nice," he commented.
She smiled again. "Yeah, well... it's a birthday gift for my friend. She loves Batman too much."
Andy laughed while hovering barcode scanner. "Well, everyone will fall for Batman. I mean, who won't fall for the charismatic caped crusader?" He checked on the screen and said, "It's $13.15."
Sarah gave him $20 and took her book. After she received her change, she didn't immediately leave. "Hey, this store sells CDs too, am I right?"
"Yes, yes indeed. From Pink Floyd to Taylor Swift, we've got everything you're looking for."
"Great! I'm looking for Daphne Loves Derby's Good Night, Witness Light."
"Err, I'm so sorry, Miss. I don't think we have it at the moment, but we can put it in our waiting list if you want to." Andy pulled out a notebook and a pen from a drawer under the counter. "Here, write down your name, your phone number, and the CD you request."
And Sarah did so.
"Alright, Sarah. We'll inform you as soon as we get it in stock."
"Awesome, thanks!"
"You're welcome. Thank you for coming."
Sarah let a small wave from her hand and left. Andy stared at the door as the store began to be empty again.
"What a lovely girl, isn't she? Too bad she's out of your league," Jane teased him as she got into counter table.
"Do you think I can't hit on that?" Andy raised an eyebrow.
"Well, it might be a little rough for you. But hey, what kind of girl who wouldn't fall for Andrew Gray—" she hovered her hand all over Andy, "—right?"
Andy chuckled. "You are the kind of girl who wouldn't fall for Andrew Gray."
"Oh, knock it off!" Jane playfully smacked his shoulder with her scarf. "I've known you for 2 years, so I know what's ACTUALLY inside of you. So that doesn't count."
"You and your over high confidence!" said Andy, as Jane walked towards Lionel who was checking on lomography cabinet. She just responded with a smile.
"Why don't you give her a call?" Lionel asked.
Andy shook his head. "Nahh, we've just met like, what, 15 minutes ago? I don't want to rush everything, you know. Just keep it cool and smooth."
"You know what's cool and smooth? Strawberry cheesecake," Jane teased again. "I'm going to Cheesecake Factory after works, anyone want some?"
Of course, the boys raised their hands together.
Three weeks passed. Sarah went back in one sunny day. "You told me yesterday that the album had been finally in stock."
"That's right. In fact, I'm keeping one for you." Andy took a CD from under the counter and handed to Sarah. There's a label with her name on it.
Sarah smiled widely as she took her order. "That is so sweet, thank you Andy."
"You're welcome. And that will be $10.56."
She handed him a ten and a buck. "You may keep the change," she said, almost whispering, to Andy. And when she was about to open the front door, suddenly he called her. Sarah turned her head to Andy.
"If you don't mind... would you grab a cup of coffee with me some times?"
"Well..." Sarah stared at him meaningfully. "You have my number, call me anytime."
Sarah left Andy stunned. He was just standing behind counter table with a blank expression. Jane and Lionel, who were watching them earlier from magazine section, couldn't help but went towards Andy and made fun of him.
"Did I just see two lovebirds on the making?" said Jane in a cutesy tone.
Andy glanced at her. "Ah, now you're so sure. Few weeks ago you told me she was out of my league."
"But she's just openly invited you to call her," this time Lionel commented while patting Andy's shoulder, "Dude, she's totally crushing on you. What are you waiting for?"
Andy said nothing to his two friends' commentaries. He just stared at Sarah's number that she wrote down earlier in the waiting list. Five seconds. Ten seconds. Until finally,
"Do you think I should give her a call?" he asked.
Lionel and Jane groaned in frustration. "YES!!" they yelled together.
"Alright, alright. I'm gonna call her... later, after work."
"Andy!" Jane snapped his back of his head.
"Aow! Dammit, woman, it hurts!" he rubbed his hair. "Just... give me some moment, okay? I'll call her, I'll call her today. I promise."
"Okay, fine. Take your time to chicken out, waiting for an eagle instead to snatch that one tasty little chick who listens to Daphne Loves Derby," said Lionel as he walked into staff room.
"Eww, Lionel."
The following night, Paper Stacks had been closed down and Lionel had already gone home. Andy was alone, sitting cross-legged at the corner of the store. He was staring at Sarah's number that was already in his own phone memory. All he had to do was press the dial button, but he was too hesitant.
Jane walked out from staff room, surprised him a little. "Still having the stupid staring contest with your phone? It's been all day," she asked.
Andy let out a small laugh. "Sort of... yeah. Jesus, this is gonna take forever."
Jane shook her head and laughed. "Of course not, you idiot." She then joined Andy in the corner.
"Jane, you've known me for 2 years," he started a conversation. Jane nodded. "Mm-hmm. And?"
"Am I kidding with this whole thing? I mean, am I really being a chicken right now?"
Jane glared at Andy for a while. She had never seen Andy like this for a girl before. Not in her entire years working in Paper Stacks. So she took a long sigh, looked straightly at his eyes, and just said, "Everyone will do the same whenever they meet someone who takes their world upside down."
Andy turned his head to Jane. "Will they?"
"Been there, done that. Believe me, I know."
"Huh, so you used to have someone in your mind?"
"Hahaha, well, he's a highschool mate, it's all in the past now. Unbelievable, right? Knowing I had a crush."
Andy glared straightly at Jane. "Yeah, it's weird a little. Haha, just kidding."
They both remained silent.
"Okay! It's getting late, time to go home," Jane smacked Andy's knee and immediately stood up and got ready to leave. Andy also stood up and stopped her right away. "Where are you going?" he asked.
She looked at him in confusion. "I'm… going to NASA where I must finish my secret mission on Mars. Of course I'm going home, Andy."
Andy laughed. "No… I mean, it's already dark out there and your apartment is like, blocks away from here."
Jane crossed her arms and stared at him. "And what's that supposed to mean?"
"I'm saying, I'm driving you home."
She smiled mockingly. "Driving? You mean, with that old small-framed turquoise vespa?"
"Hey, she may be old, but she's still in a pretty good shape," he defended his vespa as he walked towards staff room's door. "Hang on there, I'll grab my things."
"Uh, since you're 'driving' me home, I want to go somewhere. Do you mind…?" Jane looked hesitant.
"Oh! Okay. That's cool. I know a nice coffee shop not far from here. Now wait." And then Andy left Jane there.
The place was called Coffee Tree House. Andy and Jane were the only customers that night. They sat by the window.
"I'm gonna bring Sarah here."
Jane nodded in approval while sipping her peppermint mocha. "Good choice, Andy. I bet you've brought hundreds of girls here."
Andy almost choked on his javachip coffee and laughed out loud. "What made you say such things?"
Jane chuckled and stared at her coffee mug. "I don't know, it's just, you're Andy Gray! Get it?"
Andy smiled at her. "No, Jane. You're the first person I ever brought here."
"Ah, really? I'm flattered. Hahaha."
Andy kept his smile as Jane bit her scone. "And let me tell you one thing. If you feel 'something' to Sarah, perhaps she's the one for you. You have to keep her," she stated.
His smile slowly faded. "Yah… I guess you're right."
The next two days, it was late at night. Andy was checking the comic book section when Jane walked past him. "Later, buddy," she waved. Andy lifted his head to her. "Oh, okay. See you tomorrow."
Soon as she left, Sarah came in and walked directly to Andy. "Hi, Andy," she greeted.
Andy turned his head. "Oh hey, Sarah!" he replied cheerfully.
Meanwhile, not far from the store, Jane was checking her bag. She realized she left her wallet in staff room, so she decided to go back to Paper Stacks.
As she walked back, she saw Andy and Sarah through the glass wall. They saw her, and she immediately left.
"Jane, wait!" Andy rushed to chase Jane who was in front of him. She turned to him, looking confused.
"Andy? What are you doing here?"
"Um…" Andy was confused, too. What was he doing there?
"I… I thought you were mad back then, when you saw me with Sarah. So I came out and looked for you," he tried to explain.
Jane smiled in confusion. "Why do you think I'm mad? I'm not mad. I just thought you needed some private time. So I left."
"...oh. Hahahaha. Okay. You want me to be alone with Sarah. You've got the point. Right."
"Then why are you still here?"
Andy didn't answer. He still had no idea why he chased Jane down while Sarah was still inside. He slowly shook his head. "I—I don't know."
Jane shook her head, still smiling. "You're an idiot," said she as she prepared to left.
"Maybe you're right," Andy stopped her again. And Jane turned again to him.
"What? That you're an idiot?"
"Yeah! And I'd rather be an idiot and still be with you, rather than being normal but with anyone else."
Jane wrinkled her eyebrows and crossed her arms. "I still don't get it."
Andy walked towards Jane and grabbed her arms. "Remember when you said about the feeling thing at the coffee shop?"
"Yeah?"
"Honestly, I'm feeling it towards you."
Jane laughed slightly. "Well, excuse me? Hello, are you alright, Andy? You're probably the biggest idiot I've ever seen!"
Andy shrugged and smiled at her. "Well, maybe I'm an idiot. And if it's true, I want you to take care of me. Do you want to take care of me?"
Hearing that, Jane couldn't help but smiled widely. She raised her one eybrow and looked straight to his eyes. "Umm… I also think you need some sort of a treatment."
"So… it's a yes?"
Jane rolled her eyeballs playfully and shrugged.
"I don't know... what do you think?"
"We'll never feel so safe again, but love always remains." - MGMT
Andy had been working in Paper Stacks for 2 years. He worked there along with his two same-shift friends, Jane and Lionel. Some female customers agreed that Andy was "the geek looking, 22 years old guy you eager to date with". Not only because he had a worth-seeing image, he also had a nice attitude and broad general knowledge. Maybe that's the benefit of working in a bookstore.
But there was someone who really took his attention. Her name was Sarah. She was a new customer in Paper Stacks. She first went there to buy a comic book. It's still fresh in Andy's memory. She entered the store in one afternoon.
"Good afternoon," Lionel greeted from novel section. Sarah smiled and nodded politely. She wandered to comic book section right away. After checking all the books, she picked one and brought it to counter.
She handed the book to Andy. "The Killing Joke, huh? Nice," he commented.
She smiled again. "Yeah, well... it's a birthday gift for my friend. She loves Batman too much."
Andy laughed while hovering barcode scanner. "Well, everyone will fall for Batman. I mean, who won't fall for the charismatic caped crusader?" He checked on the screen and said, "It's $13.15."
Sarah gave him $20 and took her book. After she received her change, she didn't immediately leave. "Hey, this store sells CDs too, am I right?"
"Yes, yes indeed. From Pink Floyd to Taylor Swift, we've got everything you're looking for."
"Great! I'm looking for Daphne Loves Derby's Good Night, Witness Light."
"Err, I'm so sorry, Miss. I don't think we have it at the moment, but we can put it in our waiting list if you want to." Andy pulled out a notebook and a pen from a drawer under the counter. "Here, write down your name, your phone number, and the CD you request."
And Sarah did so.
"Alright, Sarah. We'll inform you as soon as we get it in stock."
"Awesome, thanks!"
"You're welcome. Thank you for coming."
Sarah let a small wave from her hand and left. Andy stared at the door as the store began to be empty again.
"What a lovely girl, isn't she? Too bad she's out of your league," Jane teased him as she got into counter table.
"Do you think I can't hit on that?" Andy raised an eyebrow.
"Well, it might be a little rough for you. But hey, what kind of girl who wouldn't fall for Andrew Gray—" she hovered her hand all over Andy, "—right?"
Andy chuckled. "You are the kind of girl who wouldn't fall for Andrew Gray."
"Oh, knock it off!" Jane playfully smacked his shoulder with her scarf. "I've known you for 2 years, so I know what's ACTUALLY inside of you. So that doesn't count."
"You and your over high confidence!" said Andy, as Jane walked towards Lionel who was checking on lomography cabinet. She just responded with a smile.
"Why don't you give her a call?" Lionel asked.
Andy shook his head. "Nahh, we've just met like, what, 15 minutes ago? I don't want to rush everything, you know. Just keep it cool and smooth."
"You know what's cool and smooth? Strawberry cheesecake," Jane teased again. "I'm going to Cheesecake Factory after works, anyone want some?"
Of course, the boys raised their hands together.
* * *
Three weeks passed. Sarah went back in one sunny day. "You told me yesterday that the album had been finally in stock."
"That's right. In fact, I'm keeping one for you." Andy took a CD from under the counter and handed to Sarah. There's a label with her name on it.
Sarah smiled widely as she took her order. "That is so sweet, thank you Andy."
"You're welcome. And that will be $10.56."
She handed him a ten and a buck. "You may keep the change," she said, almost whispering, to Andy. And when she was about to open the front door, suddenly he called her. Sarah turned her head to Andy.
"If you don't mind... would you grab a cup of coffee with me some times?"
"Well..." Sarah stared at him meaningfully. "You have my number, call me anytime."
Sarah left Andy stunned. He was just standing behind counter table with a blank expression. Jane and Lionel, who were watching them earlier from magazine section, couldn't help but went towards Andy and made fun of him.
"Did I just see two lovebirds on the making?" said Jane in a cutesy tone.
Andy glanced at her. "Ah, now you're so sure. Few weeks ago you told me she was out of my league."
"But she's just openly invited you to call her," this time Lionel commented while patting Andy's shoulder, "Dude, she's totally crushing on you. What are you waiting for?"
Andy said nothing to his two friends' commentaries. He just stared at Sarah's number that she wrote down earlier in the waiting list. Five seconds. Ten seconds. Until finally,
"Do you think I should give her a call?" he asked.
Lionel and Jane groaned in frustration. "YES!!" they yelled together.
"Alright, alright. I'm gonna call her... later, after work."
"Andy!" Jane snapped his back of his head.
"Aow! Dammit, woman, it hurts!" he rubbed his hair. "Just... give me some moment, okay? I'll call her, I'll call her today. I promise."
"Okay, fine. Take your time to chicken out, waiting for an eagle instead to snatch that one tasty little chick who listens to Daphne Loves Derby," said Lionel as he walked into staff room.
"Eww, Lionel."
* * *
The following night, Paper Stacks had been closed down and Lionel had already gone home. Andy was alone, sitting cross-legged at the corner of the store. He was staring at Sarah's number that was already in his own phone memory. All he had to do was press the dial button, but he was too hesitant.
Jane walked out from staff room, surprised him a little. "Still having the stupid staring contest with your phone? It's been all day," she asked.
Andy let out a small laugh. "Sort of... yeah. Jesus, this is gonna take forever."
Jane shook her head and laughed. "Of course not, you idiot." She then joined Andy in the corner.
"Jane, you've known me for 2 years," he started a conversation. Jane nodded. "Mm-hmm. And?"
"Am I kidding with this whole thing? I mean, am I really being a chicken right now?"
Jane glared at Andy for a while. She had never seen Andy like this for a girl before. Not in her entire years working in Paper Stacks. So she took a long sigh, looked straightly at his eyes, and just said, "Everyone will do the same whenever they meet someone who takes their world upside down."
Andy turned his head to Jane. "Will they?"
"Been there, done that. Believe me, I know."
"Huh, so you used to have someone in your mind?"
"Hahaha, well, he's a highschool mate, it's all in the past now. Unbelievable, right? Knowing I had a crush."
Andy glared straightly at Jane. "Yeah, it's weird a little. Haha, just kidding."
They both remained silent.
"Okay! It's getting late, time to go home," Jane smacked Andy's knee and immediately stood up and got ready to leave. Andy also stood up and stopped her right away. "Where are you going?" he asked.
She looked at him in confusion. "I'm… going to NASA where I must finish my secret mission on Mars. Of course I'm going home, Andy."
Andy laughed. "No… I mean, it's already dark out there and your apartment is like, blocks away from here."
Jane crossed her arms and stared at him. "And what's that supposed to mean?"
"I'm saying, I'm driving you home."
She smiled mockingly. "Driving? You mean, with that old small-framed turquoise vespa?"
"Hey, she may be old, but she's still in a pretty good shape," he defended his vespa as he walked towards staff room's door. "Hang on there, I'll grab my things."
"Uh, since you're 'driving' me home, I want to go somewhere. Do you mind…?" Jane looked hesitant.
"Oh! Okay. That's cool. I know a nice coffee shop not far from here. Now wait." And then Andy left Jane there.
* * *
The place was called Coffee Tree House. Andy and Jane were the only customers that night. They sat by the window.
"I'm gonna bring Sarah here."
Jane nodded in approval while sipping her peppermint mocha. "Good choice, Andy. I bet you've brought hundreds of girls here."
Andy almost choked on his javachip coffee and laughed out loud. "What made you say such things?"
Jane chuckled and stared at her coffee mug. "I don't know, it's just, you're Andy Gray! Get it?"
Andy smiled at her. "No, Jane. You're the first person I ever brought here."
"Ah, really? I'm flattered. Hahaha."
Andy kept his smile as Jane bit her scone. "And let me tell you one thing. If you feel 'something' to Sarah, perhaps she's the one for you. You have to keep her," she stated.
His smile slowly faded. "Yah… I guess you're right."
* * *
The next two days, it was late at night. Andy was checking the comic book section when Jane walked past him. "Later, buddy," she waved. Andy lifted his head to her. "Oh, okay. See you tomorrow."
Soon as she left, Sarah came in and walked directly to Andy. "Hi, Andy," she greeted.
Andy turned his head. "Oh hey, Sarah!" he replied cheerfully.
Meanwhile, not far from the store, Jane was checking her bag. She realized she left her wallet in staff room, so she decided to go back to Paper Stacks.
As she walked back, she saw Andy and Sarah through the glass wall. They saw her, and she immediately left.
* * *
"Jane, wait!" Andy rushed to chase Jane who was in front of him. She turned to him, looking confused.
"Andy? What are you doing here?"
"Um…" Andy was confused, too. What was he doing there?
"I… I thought you were mad back then, when you saw me with Sarah. So I came out and looked for you," he tried to explain.
Jane smiled in confusion. "Why do you think I'm mad? I'm not mad. I just thought you needed some private time. So I left."
"...oh. Hahahaha. Okay. You want me to be alone with Sarah. You've got the point. Right."
"Then why are you still here?"
Andy didn't answer. He still had no idea why he chased Jane down while Sarah was still inside. He slowly shook his head. "I—I don't know."
Jane shook her head, still smiling. "You're an idiot," said she as she prepared to left.
"Maybe you're right," Andy stopped her again. And Jane turned again to him.
"What? That you're an idiot?"
"Yeah! And I'd rather be an idiot and still be with you, rather than being normal but with anyone else."
Jane wrinkled her eyebrows and crossed her arms. "I still don't get it."
Andy walked towards Jane and grabbed her arms. "Remember when you said about the feeling thing at the coffee shop?"
"Yeah?"
"Honestly, I'm feeling it towards you."
Jane laughed slightly. "Well, excuse me? Hello, are you alright, Andy? You're probably the biggest idiot I've ever seen!"
Andy shrugged and smiled at her. "Well, maybe I'm an idiot. And if it's true, I want you to take care of me. Do you want to take care of me?"
Hearing that, Jane couldn't help but smiled widely. She raised her one eybrow and looked straight to his eyes. "Umm… I also think you need some sort of a treatment."
"So… it's a yes?"
Jane rolled her eyeballs playfully and shrugged.
"I don't know... what do you think?"
"We'll never feel so safe again, but love always remains." - MGMT
