An Estonia story- Summer Job

Ah, the wonders of summer break.  The warmth of the sun, tanning on the beach, hanging out with friends.  I had been looking forward to it for so long (try since January.)  Then, out of nowhere, my mom announced I need to get a job since I turned sixteen this year.

Why, cruel world, why?!

She got me a job at the local convenience store next to the dirty Fill 'er Up! gas station down the road from our house.  She took my resume I made during ninth grade for a project for school and submitted it, even down to the letter of recommendation from my eighth grade English teacher.  She said the man who accepted the application was "thrilled to have me at their store."   Then she handed over an aqua-colored T-shirt that said the company's name and a nametag that said "Hayley" on it.  

I am now officially stuck at this place for forty hours a week all summer.

Today was my first day of work, starting at a bright eight a.m.  Wasn't summer break made so students could sleep in?  I dragged myself out of bed at 6:30, staring at the tangle of brunette hair in the mirror.  I brushed and straightened my hair, pulling it back into a ponytail required of all employees with long hair.  I applied no makeup besides some eyeliner and mascara.  

I had a quick fantasy of working at the cash register.  In it, a built brunette guy who looked like the reincarnation of Ryan Reynolds walked up and began purchasing items and flirting with me as my mortal enemy, Cece, glared from the background. Ha, Cece, sucks to be you.

"If only," I murmured to myself as I pulled the work's T-shirt over my head, pinning my nametag to it.  I pulled on my pair of dark skinny jeans and tennis shoes.  I grabbed my phone, ten bucks for lunch, and my driver's license as I headed out of my room.

As I trudged down the stairs, my heart stopped.  My mom was waiting for me with a camera gripped in her hands.  

"Hayley!  We need to get pictures of you on your first big day of work!" she chided as I tried to slip out the front door.  I groaned but positioned for a few grueling photos.  After, my mom disappeared to put the camera away.  I fled out the front door.

I jammed my keys into the ignition of my red pickup truck and pulled out of the driveway.  I was at work in a matter of minutes, pulling into a spot behind the convenience store as I was instructed too.  The parking lot was deserted besides one other car.  

I clambered from my car, approaching the front door with much hesitation.  I entered the building the chime of two bells.  The store appeared deserted; not a soul was in sight and the lights were still partially off.  I glanced around, calling out.

"Hello?  It's Hayley.  Hayley Price.  I was employed here a few days ago.  It's my first day," I called out across the store.

"Oh, Hayley, over here!" a voice called from behind the row of chips and candy.  I followed the voice to find a young man crouched over the rack, restocking it.  
He stood up after he was finished.  He stood roughly three or four inches taller than me, with dark blonde hair, emerald eyes, and glasses.  He smiled and held his hand out.

"I'm Eduard.  I'll be your coworker."  I couldn't comprehend his bright white smile and genuine kindness.  Most people our age would shove me off if I didn't know them well.

"Nice to meet you, Eduard," I answered robotically.  I shook his hand.  

He continued talking.  I couldn't help but admire his beautiful accent.  In the middle of him explaining how to reset the slushy machine, I blurted out "Where are you from?"

He stopped talking and looked at me quizzically.  "Excuse me?"

"Your accent.  It's beautiful.  Where are you from?" I repeated, watching him intently.

He laughed.  I liked his laugh; it was a deep, hearty laugh that was honest and not faked.   His eyes would close and his head would roll back.  He looked at me again, shaking his head.  "Estonia.  I was born there.  I only moved here last year.  This was my job last summer."

"Oh!  That is so cool!" I answered.  I silently thanked by Geography teacher for making me learn and study the three Baltic countries.  "Where did you grow up in Estonia?"

"Close to the Russian border," he answered, staring into my eyes.  "Did you grow up around here?"  

"Yeah.  Born and raised," I giggled. I covered my mouth with my hands.  Clumsily, I knocked over a bag of chips from the shelf.  I reached down to pick it up.  Some of my bangs managed to dislodge themselves from my neat ponytail.  When I had replaced the chips and stood up, Eduard was watching me.  His gaze was gentle.  He reached out and brushed the displaced hair behind my ear.  

"Come on," he said.  "I'll finish explaining the store, and I can tell you all about Estonia.  But on one condition!"

"What would that be?" I asked.

He smiled again.  "You have to give me your phone number."

I laughed at him this time.  "Of course."

At the end of the day, as we were both leaving our shifts so the next people could take over, Eduard smiled at me one more time.  "Nice truck.  I'll see you tomorrow, right?" he asked.

"Yeah!  Definitely!" I replied.  He laughed again, climbing into his car.  He drove off.  I got a text five minutes later from him.  

U r supr cool.  Cant wait 4 this summer.  <3

I have a feeling I might enjoy this job after all.