A bell above the store’s entrance rang as a startling beautiful girl with blue eyes stepped in. “Hi, how can I-” Beckendorf paused from behind the counter. It was Silena Beauregard, a fellow senior who’d he’d had a crush on since the sixth grade.
“Hi…” Silena politely smiled at Beckendorf as if he were crazy. After a moment, he regained himself, clearing his throat.
“Sorry,” Beckendorf leaned over the counter to get closer to her. “I spaced out, I guess. How can I help you?”
Silena nonchalantly flipped her long black hair over her shoulder. “I’m just browsing for now.”
Beckendorf could barely comprehend this. Other than an older woman who came every other Monday to get batteries, they were the only two in the store. Silena was by far one of the nicest girls in the school, but she still had a high social status above Beckendorf. While he was behind the counter of his father’s electronics shop, she was comparing her phone to the latest model, unconcerned about the cost.
His hands began to fidget, so Beckendorf shoved them in his pockets. The way she glided from one shelf to another made her even more graceful in Beckendorf’s mind. She always volunteered to show around the nervous, acne-ridden freshman, and she always greeted the kids in the special education class. There would be no competition for this year’s prom queen.
“Could you ring this up, Charles?” The regular customer interrupted Beckendorf’s thoughts.
Beckendorf nodded, “Of course, Mrs. Mason.” He quickly shoved the pack of batteries in her reusable bag and went through the motions of a purchase.
The bell clanged as Mrs. Mason left to run other errands. Now it was just the two of them. Beckendorf cleared his throat, catching Silena’s attention. “Hey, did you hear about the prom theme yet?”
Silena was a part of the student council, who was in charge of planning the prom. They hadn’t yet announced the prom theme, but maybe Silena had heard before everyone else. She turned to face him and grinned. “Nope, sorry. But there are rumors of a Hollywood theme.”
Beckendorf internally grimaced, and it might have shown a bit on his face. “I know.” Silena agreed with his silent reaction. “It’s so extra, and I’m pretty sure that it was the theme six years ago.”
“Do you guys get to weigh in on the theme at student council?” Beckendorf asked. Although he was a senior, he had never really paid attention to school programs, especially athletics. Ever since freshman year he’d worked behind the counter at the electronics shop as his co-curricular along with the school auto-body shop.
“Sometimes. I wasn’t at the last meeting, but I definitely would not have voted for the Hollywood theme. Why? Do you have a suggestion?”
Beckendorf modestly grinned, feeling his face go red. “It’s kinda stupid, to be honest.”
Silena shook her head, encouraging him. “Trust me, it couldn’t be as stupid as last year’s theme, superheroes.”
“Okay,” he gave in, confiding with her. “A Greek mythology theme.” Silena opened her mouth, whether to laugh or compliment him, Beckendorf would never find out. Luke Castellan swaggered in, ringing the bell above the door.
Silena spun around. “Luke!” she exclaimed, hugging him. “Sorry Charlie, I have to go. See you in AP bio.” Beckendorf felt a lump form in his throat as the two of them left the shop and began to walk down the sidewalk together, side by side.

Notes

Sorry I haven't updated, but I've been so busy with school and I just listened to the "Dear Evan Hansen" soundtrack and I'm totally obessed(especially with Waving through a Window).

Anyways, for this chapter, I'm gonna have a love triangle similar to Phantom of the Opera. I know this ship isn't in the summary, but I've been rethinking about doing Caleo. Enjoy, and if you have any feedback, please comment. I really want to improve my writing. Also, anyone else listened to "Dear Evan Hansen"?