KENNEDY

"Good morning boss." I greet cheerfully waving at Archer as I walk into Frosty Dream fifteen minutes before my shift is supposed to start.

I'm a morning person. Sue me. And I'm feeling even better now that I have something like a job to look forward to outside of my mundane life.

"Morning Kennedy. Get home alright last night?" He asks.

Archer was worried about me getting home safely since it was past ten when we closed but I took the bus and was home in ten minutes.

"Yes I did."

"Good, help me bring out the ice-cream from the freezer." He requests me.

"On it." I answer jumping into action.

I say hello to Oscar on my way to the back room and manage to snag a waffle. Isaiah was not lying when he said Oscar makes the best waffles in the state. They are delicious. I might have to watch my weight now that I'm working around all this sugary goodness.

My hair is already up in a tight bun so all I need to do is put my bag away in my locker and put on my apron.

I discover that Isaiah isn't here yet and I can't help but feel a bit disappointed. I am aware he's working today so I know he's coming.

Why I am so invested in him all of a sudden?

Five days ago I wanted nothing to do with him and now I cannot wait to see him. Maybe he's growing on me and I find myself not hating the idea of us becoming friends.

The ice-cream tubs are heavy so unlike Isaiah who could handle three at a time I only manage one. By the time I'm done hauling all of them from the back I've broken into a sweat but I'll make up for it when I get my two free scoops later.

I'm about to begin mopping when Isaiah walks in looking like a model on the runway. He's wearing a suit and he looks mighty fine in it.

Yesterday was my first day working at Frosty Dream and I enjoyed every minute of it. It was a shock at first when Isaiah introduced himself as the Khalil that was supposed to train me but we quickly got over that hurdle. More like we pretended that I hadn't been a bitch to him all week at school.

Turns out Isaiah Khalil Carter is a really nice guy and a patient teacher. By the end of the day I was a pro at serving ice-cream and making milkshakes. Not to toot my own horn of course but even Archer said that I'd proven him wrong.

I catch myself ogling Isaiah and quickly reel my hormones back in.

"Did you join Men In Black without inviting me?" I ask him feigning betrayal when I get over the initial shock of how good he looks.

"I'm sorry, it was an abrupt recruitment, maybe next year." He replies humoring me.

I smile because he would look good wearing suits all day and fighting off bad guys.

"Seriously what's with the suit?"

"Early mass."

"You go to church?!"

"Don't sound so surprised. My mom is a devout Catholic and she decided that her sons will be as well so yes I go to church." He explains.

"I'm sorry, my bad." I apologize.

"It's okay. I take it your family isn't religious?"

"Definitely not."

I've been to church a couple of times but only for weddings and baptisms, never for a service. My parents aren't really believers so I wasn't raised in a Christian home.

Archer calls Isaiah from the back cutting our conversation short. He leaves me to continue mopping while he answers our boss's call.

When Isaiah comes back out a few minutes later he's completely rolled up his sleeves and if it isn't the sexiest thing I've ever seen then I don't know what is.

Why am I behaving like a bunny in heat this morning? Am I ovulating or something because everything about Isaiah today is making my brain short circuit and my insides turn all mushy.

To avoid getting distracted by him any longer I make myself busy mopping the rest of the floor and wiping down the tables even though I already did so last night before we closed.

However, every once in a while I find myself staring at Isaiah for longer than is deemed polite. He doesn't seem to be aware of this as he continues with his shift as if everything is normal. I don't need much of his help today since I got a gist of how to do everything yesterday so we don't interact much.

My whole system is in shambles because anytime we make contact my body reacts. When our hands brush against each other as we reach for the till at the same time, I blush. Or each time he walks behind me while I'm serving a customer and he brushes against my back, my breath hitches. He even smells extra good today which does not help. Dear Lord have mercy.

By the time I sit down to eat my lunch I'm all twisted up and even more confused than ever. Yes I think Isaiah is cute because he absolutely is with those amber eyes and curly hair that I want to bury my fingers into. See... there I go again panting after a man who isn't even my friend.

"What are you drawing?" He asks sitting across from me.

I didn't see him coming so I sit up and hug my drawing book to my chest. A quick peep lets me know that I was absentmindedly drawing him. Again.

Kill me now.

"Something." I chirp and put my drawing book away.

"Are you one of those artists who doesn't like showing their work?" Isaiah teases.

"No you can absolutely see my work." I choke out.

"Then show me what you were drawing!" He challenges.

My drawing book is like a shrine to him so there is no way I am doing that. He will think that I am a creepy stalker which is not a rep I want to be associated with.

"Next time." I grin hoping to distract him and it works.

"Fine I won't push but I won't forget either." He says pushing a dessert cup with two scoops of cookies and cream towards me. He remembered my favorite flavor. Cue more swooning.

"Thank you." I blush bringing it closer.

"You're welcome." He grins at me enjoying his own ice-cream.

I don't want to sit in uncomfortable silence with him so I quickly think of something to ask him.

"How long have you, Wesley and Baron been best friends?" I ask him

For some reason his face turns sour as if his ice-cream has suddenly turned hot. Maybe I shouldn't have asked. I'm about to apologize when his face turns back to neutral just as fast.

"Since freshman year. We tried for the junior varsity team and all got accepted. It was smooth sailing after that." He explains.

"So you didn't go to the same middle school?"

He shakes his head and takes a bite of his ice-cream.

"Seeing you three together one would think you've been best friends your whole life." I comment wishfully.

I've never had a best friend. Not for a lack of trying. I've just never been lucky that way.

"Wesley and I became friends first and then one day he got into a fight with Baron. I tried breaking them apart and got sucked into it so we all got sent to detention. By the time we walked out of it a bond had been made." He expounds.

"Awe, it's the perfect meet cute. I see those two have been fighting from day one."

"It's how they express their love for each other. I'm just here to make sure they don't kill each other." He says making me laugh.

"Well I envy you three. I've never had a friendship like that." I express sadly.

"Sure you must have had friends in your old school?" Isaiah asks and I freeze up.

Maybe I shouldn't have tried to get to know him because friendship is a two way street. I can't ask him personal questions without expecting the same from him. I'm about to shut him down completely but he cuts me off first.

"You don't want to talk about it?" He questions.

He must have read the look on my face. I nod and look away in shame because he's being so open but I'm being the opposite.

"I'm sorry about whatever happened to you in your previous school. It must have been bad if you had to transfer to Pine View for senior year." He consoles and now I feel even more guilty for keeping the truth from him.

"It's not that, it's ..." I choke unable to say anymore.

"You don't have to tell me anything. Just know that I'm here for you if you ever want to talk about it. I was bullied in middle school and I was afraid that it would continue in high school. But then I became part of a great team, made some very good friends and now I'm okay. Your past experience doesn't have to determine your future. Not everyone is the same." He advises.

Isaiah was bullied in middle school? Why would anyone want to bully him? He's one of the one nicest people in Pine View.

"The rest of the school doesn't share your thoughts. They segregate me just because I look different and my hair is red." I pout.

"Not everyone does, everyone on the team likes you because they know who you really are. Wesley is smitten and calls you princess and even though you are a threat to Baron becoming valedictorian he likes and respects you." Isaiah encourages.

"What about you?" I ask him.

"You haven't given me a chance so ..." He trails off and I nod sadly.

The reason we don't have a relationship is all because of me.

"I'll do better... Thank you for being understanding and not pushing about my past. All I can tell you is that I wasn't bullied but it's not something I enjoy talking about or feel proud of." I explain.

I don't want to lie to him but I can't tell him the truth either so I choose to omit everything I don't want him to know.

"That's okay. The Kennedy I'm getting to know right know is pretty awesome." He praises.

"Thanks." I say smiling at his words.

I stuff my mouth with ice-cream before I say anything embarrassing.

Isaiah chuckles and joins me so we can finish our lunch and get back to work.

My hormones cool down for the rest of the shift making it easier to work with him. Today Isaiah doesn't have to leave for his second job so he is with us till closing.

"Kennedy can I talk to you?" Archer asks just as the last customer leaves.

I nod at him and wipe my hands down knowing that this is the talk I have been waiting for.

"Yes boss."

"So your trial period is over?"

"Yes."

"How do you think you did?"

I feel like it's a trick question but I answer nonetheless. "Good. Isaiah taught me well and working here is a dream come true. I mean every kid dreams of working at an ice-cream shop at least once in their life."

Archer hums approvingly.

I turn to look at Isaiah who is standing behind him and he winks at me as if he knows something that I don't.

"How would you like to become an official employee?" Archer proposes.

My whole face lights up at his question. "Really?"

"Yes, you passed your trial period and from what I've seen the past two days, you're a dedicated young lady so I would like you to join the Frosty Dream family. What do you say?" He offers.

"I would love to." I cheer clapping excitedly.

"Good, I'll have your name tag ready when you clock in for your shift tomorrow." Archer replies. "I'm also working on t-shirts so am I right to assume you wear a size small?"

"Yes. Thank you so much Archer."

I have to stop myself before I hug him knowing we don't have that kind of relationship but I am just so happy.

"Welcome to the family kid, it'll be great having you on board." Archer adds.

"Thanks."

He excuses himself to go see Oscar off leaving Isaiah and I alone.

"Congratulations on your first job. How does it feel?" He asks me.

"Great! Amazing! Wait I didn't tell you this is my first job."

"You didn't have to. I've been working all my life, it's not hard to spot a newbie but you've proven yourself so good job."

"Thanks."

It does feel good and I quickly text Astrid the good news before getting back to work.

I help Isaiah close up before going to the back to put my apron away and get my stuff. I come back out zipping up my jacket to find Archer handing Isaiah a cooler.

"What's in there?" I ask being the nosy nellie that I am.

"A couple boxes of ice-cream that's about to expire." Isaiah answers humoring me.

"Where are you taking it?" I inquire further butting my nose into business that doesn't concern me.

"Archer is donating it to the homeless shelter I volunteer at. They especially like the French Vanilla which is not as popular here at the shop." He explains.

Could this guy get any more perfect? He volunteers at a homeless shelter as well? The only good thing I've ever done is donate a couple of dollars to save endangered Rhinos in Africa.

"You're going there now?"

It's already past ten and even though New York is the city that never sleeps it's still late.

"Yes."

"Can I come?" I find myself blurting out.

It's been a long day and I really should be going home but I don't want to say goodbye to Isaiah just yet even though we've been together all day.

"Shouldn't you be heading home?" He challenges.

"It's not like I have a spouse to feed or kids to tuck into bed." I tease grinning at him.

"I do, so I'm going home. You kids figure this out and make sure to close on your way out. Kennedy I will see you tomorrow and Khalil, stay safe." Archer declares and he's gone in a flash before we can reply.

"Won't your parents be worried?" Isaiah asks.

"They are not home but it's okay if you're not comfortable bringing me with you." I assure him not wanting to intrude.

I've already been in his space all day, he might be fed up with me.

"It's not that ..."

"Then what is it?"

He mulls over his words and turns to me having made a decision. "You know what, it's nothing. Let's go."

"Are you sure?" I chirp happily.

"Yes before I change my mind and send you home." He threatens with a playful face.

I nod and walk out of the shop holding the door open for him. "Yes sorry. Let's go."

Isaiah turns off the light and closes the shop making sure the lock is secure.

The night is cold so I find myself shuffling closer towards him as we walk. For some reason I can't stop bouncing happily on my feet.

"Why are you so excited? It's not like we're going to a concert." Isaiah asks with a laugh.

"I can't help it and I don't like concerts, too many people." I scowl recalling those terrible experiences.

"Oh yeah? How many concerts have you been to?" He challenges.

"A few." I shrug refusing to give him any details.

I've had three wild years which included a lot of things some of those being sneaking out to go to concerts. I only liked one, a Taylor Swift concert because I mean who doesn't like Taylor Swift. The rest were crowded, hot and noisy. Hated every minute of it.

"You have a wild side huh?"

"You have no idea."

If only he knew half the things I've done, he wouldn't think so highly of me.

"Well miss wild side, cross over to this side. As a gentleman I cannot allow you to walk street side." He demands switching places with me.

I melt. That's one of the sweetest most romantic things a man can do for a woman. And the fact that he noticed and did it without me asking makes the whole ordeal even better. I ride that high the whole walk to the homeless shelter.

"Need help with that?" I ask him pointing at the cooler.

"No it's okay, I've got it." He assures me with a smile.

I'm used to being out at night so this is nothing new to me but having Isaiah here makes it much more fun. We walk side by side, not saying anything and its actually not awkward. We're simply enjoying a night walk in each others company. At least I know I am.

When we get to our destination, Isaiah guides me in and I'm surprised to see how many people there are. I noticed the trolleys parked outside but the people in here are a lot more.

"I'll introduce you to the coordinator." Isaiah says placing his hand on my lower back to guide me.

I've never been to such a place before so I stick by his side and follow him.

We walk up to a middle aged black woman with a clipboard in her hand. She has dreadlocks on, a kind face and looks like she gives the best hugs.

She turns to us, her face lighting up when she notices Isaiah. He must come here often.

"Isaiah darling. I didn't know you were coming today?" She asks us.

"I wasn't but Archer had a delivery for you guys so I had to drop by." He explains showing her the cooler.

"That sweet man has more sweet treats for us. God bless his heart. And who might this be?" She asks noticing me.

"This is Kennedy, we work together at Frosty Dream and also go to school together. Kennedy this is Ines, the coordinator here and a close family friend." Isaiah introduces.

"It's nice to meet you." I say shaking her hand.

"Likewise sweetheart. It's nice to see Isaiah making more friends besides those rowdy boys." She teases.

"You like Wes and Baron." Isaiah laughs.

"Half the time yes." Ines nods. "Why don't you go put that in the kitchen while Kennedy here helps me distribute the blankets."

"Is that okay with you?" Isaiah asks.

It's so sweet that he's checking with me first.

"Yes. Go ahead, I'll be okay." I assure him.

"Yes go on, you know she's safe here." Ines adds.

"I'll be back to help in a few." Isaiah says with a smile and walks away.

"That boy, always so protective of his friends." Ines laughs.

"He is." I agree even though today is the first day we've gotten along.

Ines and I start distributing the blankets together with other volunteers. A feeling of fulfillment as I help fills my heart. I realize that I need to be doing this a lot more and be just like Isaiah. My life has got to mean more. It's so boring and ordinary.

Isaiah joins us a few minutes later and after we are done I am surprised when one of the homeless guys hands him a guitar.

"Which song do you want tonight Adolfo?" He asks.

"Isaiah sings?" I whisper to Ines who is standing by my side.

"Yes and he's really good. You didn't know?"

I shake my head as I watch fascinated by the sight unfolding right in front of me.

After a bit of a debate they settle on Work Song by Hozier. I am mesmerized from that first chord as I listen to how beautiful Isaiah sounds. He has perfect pitch and the way he holds that guitar shows he's had years of experience.

My eyes are glued to him the whole time and I nearly cry when the song ends but then he starts singing Take me to Church and I'm a goner.

I'm in love.

That's going too far but I officially have a full blown crush on Isaiah. He's perfect and there's honestly more to him than I thought.

"I have a beautiful girl to take home guys so that's all for tonight, I'm sorry." He apologizes.

There's protests and I almost speak up assuring him that it's okay if I'm late but we both have school tomorrow. I'm also stuck on the part where he referred to me as beautiful.

He gives back the guitar and we say our goodbyes.

"That was amazing, I didn't know you sing and play the guitar." I praise.

"I play piano too but then there's a lot of things you don't know about me." He replies and it's not meant to be mean.

He is right, we don't know a lot about each other but maybe we can change that.

"I know but that was awesome. How long have you been volunteering there?"

"About three years."

"No wonder you look so at home with them. You've got to bring me with you again even if it's just to hear you sing." I plead with him.

"Okay." He agrees.

"Sweet, thanks." I grin.

Isaiah is different to anyone I've ever met and I feel the need to know more about him.

"Which way is home? Come to think of it, I don't even know where you live?" He asks.

"I'm taking the bus and it's that way." I answer trying to play it off without revealing where home is.

He cannot know that yet.

"I'm that way." Isaiah says pointing in the opposite direction.

"I guess this is where we say goodbye then." I shrug.

"I can walk you to your bus." He offers.

"It's only a block over, I'll be okay. And besides you need to get home as well." I reply.

He looks ready to insist but then he rethinks and nods. "Okay then, get home safe."

"You too."

We aren't close enough to hug goodbye just yet so I walk away before it can get awkward.

"Isaiah." I call out turning around.

He stops on his tracks and turns to me. "Yeah."

"Thanks for this weekend."

He smiled and nods. "You're welcome. Now go home Berry, we have school tomorrow."

I grin at the nickname and wave at him. "Bye."

I fast walk to the bus stop and wait a few minutes for my bus. On the ride home I can't get rid of the grin on my face. Isaiah and I aren't really friends yet but after yesterday and today I wouldn't mind that fact. It'll be hard not to be his friend after seeing how cool of a person he is.

Sure there's the little detail of my crush on him but I've had crushes before and they all went away. This one will fade too because the last thing I want is to date Isaiah.

Yes we can be friends. Just friends.

I can do that.

I need more friends at Pine View. Remember Kennedy, just friends.

We'll see about that.