Jake stood leaning heavily against the counter of the family's general store. Business had been extremely slow today and he was itching to be outside in the warm breeze and the bright sunlight. Days like today shouldn't be wasted indoors.

A set of waving hands appeared outside the window. Jake grinned. Finally! He was saved. Well. At least he would have someone to talk to now. He opened the door, ushering in the owner of the hands, "Hello, sir welcome to the General Store. How can I help you?"

Bruce James gave a crooked grin, set off by his bright red hair, showing off his prankster side without even so much as a word. "Oh. I've got a list all right."

As Bruce closed the door behind him, Jake leaned his back against the counter and let out a sigh of relief mixed with boredom. "Bruce, this day is dragging on."

"You'll be out soon enough." Bruce said eyeing the store. "Your parents leave you in charge again?"

"Yes." Jake groaned. "Said it was my punishment, and that maybe it would help me learn some responsibility." Jake rolled his eyes, he didn't necessarily enjoy disobeying his parents, but really he, Bruce, and the rest of the boys were just having fun. Ma would always say, idle hands were the devil's handiwork and that the kind of "fun" they had just wasn't right or the way they had raised their only son. His pesky sister on the other hand was the picture of perfection, a little angel that was always ready and willing for whatever was needed. At least she had went with their parents today, even I'd had been to head out and to the big city.

Bruce grabbed a barrel shaped piece of candy from a nearby jar and popped it in his mouth. "We're young. What do they expect?"

"Beats me, Bruce." Jake shrugged, jumping to attention as the bell over the door jangled letting it be known the teen rouser boys were no longer alone.

"Welcome..." Jake said doing his best to be presentable, and not let it show that he'd rather be anywhere else. His words fell short as he saw the sight of the beautiful girl behind the tall woman that by looks of it had to be a mother and daughter.

"We just moved into town." The mother said, while the girl was eyeing some fabric with great interest. She glanced over her shoulder, following Jake's gaze. Then with light laughter the woman added, "I can see you've spotted my daughter. Lillian. However, I was hoping you could be of assistance, like I mentioned, we have just arrived in town and are in need of supplies." The woman waved a list in front of Jake and brought his attention to it. He found the things on the list and more in habit than actual comprehension added it to the growing stack on the counter.

Jake poked the buttons on the register, and it gave him the total. The mother paid, and had Lillian help her out to the car. "Good day, ma'am. Same to you, miss." At his parting words, the elder smiled and waved, while the girl gave a shy half smile and walked faster.

"You should have seen your face!" Bruce chortled as he thumped the counter, shattering the moment.

Jake punched his friend's shoulder, and went to work behind the counter again. "I need to get back to work, Bruce, I'll see you tomorrow."

"Ah, come on, Jake. I was just teasin'." Bruce said looking much like Jake's old hound dog when he had gotten into a mess of trouble.

"Tough luck." Jake shrugged, pushing his friend to the door.

"If I see Lillian I'll be sure to tell her you said hi." Bruce laughed, then took off running before Jake could get a hold of him.

The rest of the day went pretty uneventful, but Jake sure had plenty to keep his mind occupied with thoughts of the pretty new girl in town.