I rinsed my plate off and shoved it in the dishwasher, grabbing my work gear; a flashlight, keys, and an extra jacket. The day before, the manager okayed it and gave me a tour, teaching me everything about the place.

"Alright," Mom said as I was heading for the door. "Be safe. Be careful. And dont-"

"I know," I gasped anxiously, checking my watch. 11:43. "Just seventeen more minutes," I mumbled.

"Bye, love you," I said, giving my mom a hug. "Bye, Jayda!" I called.

"Bye, Sissy!" She called back.

Grinning, I opened the door and walked outside.

The summer heat smacked me lightly on the face. I breathed in deeply and calmly walked to my best friend's house with a soft smile on my face, excited to surprise her.

A cricket jumped across my foot as I kicked a small pebble.

A few moments later, Emee's house emerged, along with her black Honda CRV, and rapped on the door.

"Emee," I said. "It's Sora."

The door swung open, and a familiar face appeared from behind it. "Hey," she said cooly.

I grinned big. "What's up, co-worker?"

Confusion pulsed through her face. "What?" She glanced down at her held items then mine and gasped. "Why didn't you call me?"

"I wanted to surprise you." I shot a look at her car. "Mind if I have a ride?"

"Nope! I was actually getting ready to leave as you walked up here." She smiled. "Let me grab my keys."