Ding!
The bell rang through Ealdor High School. The day was finally over.
In Class 2 of the second year, Mr. Wain stopped writing on the board and turned to his students.
"All right, that's it for today."
Golden sunset light streamed through the classroom windows. William, sitting in the last row by the window, quietly packed his notebook and books. Around him, chatter filled the room as students discussed their after-school plans.
Ed walked up to William's desk. "Let's go."
William stood up, slinging his bag over his shoulder. "Yeah."
As they walked out of the class Bella and her two friends who were sitting in the class talking to each other looked at them.
Bella said." Don't you think Ed is becoming more Handsome." Eva nodded her head seriously.
"yes I think so."
Cera looked at Bella and Eva and shook her head." you two seriously need to shut it up."
Eva said, " Can't help it. he is like the most handsome guy in the entire school. he is tall too. like 186 cm. and is intelligent. how can any girl not fall for him?"
" Wait. how do you know his height ?" Bella asked.
"from last month's Physical Examination." Eva replied.
" Hey! a girl from first Year proposed him last week, didn't she?" a new girl, Sepha was listening to their conversation asked.
" she got rejected." Eva replied.
" How do you know that ?" Bella looked at her and asked.
Eva shrugged.
Sepha was listening to them asked quietly." Hey, do you know William's Height ?"
Eva, Cera and Bella looked at Sepha with a mischievous smile in their faces." Ho! And why are you asking that ?"
Sepha blushed and said, " I was Just curious."
Eva and Bella Started smiling.
" He is 187 cm." Cera replied.
After talking for a while they too got out of the class.
As they walked out together, Ed asked, "You going to your part-time job?"
"Yeah," William nodded.
"What about you?"
"I'll probably just head home and do my homework," Ed replied with a shrug.
When they reached the school gate, both boys stopped and waited. Moments later, a girl stepped out of the building. She had long black hair and deep, dark eyes. She was chatting with her friends, but when she noticed William, she smiled apologetically at them.
"Sorry, my brother's here. We'll talk tomorrow," she said.
Her friends nodded and waved goodbye.
She walked up to William and Ed. "Hey, Ed. How are you?"
"I'm good, Kiara," Ed replied politely.
Turning to William, she asked, "What's going on?"
William scratched the back of his head. "Sis, I found a new job that I will be going to starting today. I won't be home until nine tonight."
Kiara frowned slightly. "You don't need to do this, you know."
"I know," William said softly. "But I don't want to be a burden."
She sighed, her expression softening. "you are not a burden."
The three of them began walking home together, the orange sky fading slowly into dusk.
After walking togather for a while William said." all right sis. I have to go to the shop." Kiara looked at him and ruffled his hair." good bye. come home safely."
Ed stood by his side as Kiara walked towards their home." Man I wish I too had a older sister."
William looked at him." shut up Ed. go back to your Home."
William walked down the quiet street toward the convenience store. The sun had almost disappeared, leaving behind streaks of crimson and gold across the sky.
Soon, he reached the familiar glass doors of Gast's Mart. The warm light spilling from inside contrasted with the cool evening air.
Mr. Gast, the store owner, looked up as William entered.
"Ah, William! You're here. Please take care of the store, all right? After nine, close up and lock the door."
Mr. Gast was a chubby man in his late forties, with short brown hair and a round, kind face. He was the one who had given William this part-time job just a week ago.
"Yes, sir," William replied.
Mr. Gast smiled, waving as he left. "Good boy. Don't overwork yourself."
After saying goodbye, William put on the blue store vest with the Gast's Mart logo stitched on the chest. He sat down behind the cashier counter, glancing at the shelves lined with snacks, drinks, and magazines.
The quiet hum of the refrigerator and the occasional sound of passing cars filled the stillness.