Everyone Has A Story...

Everyone has a story. The story that defines them, gives who they are at this very moment meaning. Mine is just the same as everyone else’s, only with a little more heartbreak, a few secrets and a lot of shame. Naturally it starts with a boy.

2006

Running late for work was somewhat normal for Riley, always having way too many things going on in her life to keep to a schedule. Running through the busy shopping center almost at work she was rummaging into her bright green over sized handbag for a hair tie. Her straight chocolate brown hair was all over the place this afternoon and she needed to get it out of her eyes. Pulling her back into a messy ponytail she made eye contact with Sharon, the door greeter, who gave her a disapproving look only a mother type can.

“Late again I see young lady” she called as Riley went tearing past her at a brisk jog.

“Keeps life interesting for you though doesn’t it,” she laughed turning her head back at the disapproving Sharon. Never watching where she was going Riley ran smack into a very hard someone. Almost face planting into the lino floor she was caught under the arms by the hard somebody who she nearly took down with her.

As she was helped back to her feet she took in the character before her. Two men standing next to each other, one with styled orange hair with blonde streaks gelled into place in messy tufts. He was taller than the second boy and rake thin, peering at Riley over the rims of his glasses. The second guy was shorter, more toned, short brown hair with highlights and blue eyes that sunk right into her soul. Something inside her woke up, in that instant she didn’t quite care that her manager was paging her to her station, already ten full minutes late for work.

“You ok?” the shorter guys asked her, arm still supporting her.

“Yeah fine, sorry completely my fault I’m running late, as always.” She smiled her signature smile and flicked the remaining hair out of her face. “I’m Riley by the way. You guys must be new I haven’t seen you working here before.”

“I’m Ben and this is Sean.” The red head informed her holding out his hand. Riley smiled and shook it gingerly, all the while her eyes locked with Sean. He was staring just as intensely at her as she was at him.

“I have to get running before they threaten to fire me again, it was nice meeting you both.” She said as she began to walk away.

“Hey wait up a second,” Sean yelled after her as she half ran to clock on, “What area are you working in tonight??” He asked.

“The fitting rooms, come find me later.” She answered with a wink, continuing to run into the back offices to drop off her bag.