The storefront was bought by her parents when she had just been born and from the stories that Alice heard, it was a lot of work raising a newborn and starting a business.
Her parents loved to take photos when she was younger, and many photobooks at home were a testament to their hard work. Alice would look through them and laugh at her father's atrocious hairstyle at the time.
She glanced both ways before crossing the street, her feet stepping on the white pedestrian lines, leading her to the sliding glass doors awaiting her arrival. Alice pivoted back on the heel of her boots and smiled at Noah who was a few steps behind her, staring up at the sign above.
"You can leave now since you've sent me off safely," Alice said.
"A convenience store?"
It wasn't a secret that her family owned a convenience store for those who asked, and Alice didn't think him to be one with a big mouth or judgmental, so she told him.
"My home," she answered simply.
She didn't wait for him to reply and ducked inside the store, waving at her mother. "Hi, Mom."
"You're back already?"
Alice sighed. "It's already dark, Mom."
Jane cast her eyes to the windows and laughed. "Oh no. Looks like we are really behind on the restock then."
"I'll come help," Alice said just as Noah stepped into the store.
She wanted to yell in frustration why he was following her since she was busy but didn't get that chance when he slid his phone into his pocket and nodded in greeting to her mother, walking over to them.
"Good evening," he said, and her mother beamed in return.
Alice was planning her escape when Noah grabbed onto her briefcase, halting her movement when she was about to take off to the back. She froze, and he shook her shoulder to get her to function. Her mother was watching over them with a smile on her lips, and Alice patted his side in acknowledgment.
"You can let go."
He immediately dropped his hands. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to grab onto you."
"Then why did you?" she lightly said.
Noah knew that she was joking about being upset, and Alice tilted her head in confusion, wanting to ask him some questions but didn't want to do so in front of her mother's prying eyes. She hesitated before lightly grasping his shirt and going over to the corner. He bent his head to hear what she had to say since she was whispering.
"What are you doing here?" she asked. "Why are you following me?"
"Sorry. I hope that I didn't scare you. I need a favor."
"You could have said earlier. I was worried. What is it?"
"I just need help with a class."
Alice laughed. "That's it? I thought it would be deeper."
Noah loosened the tie around his neck. "Yeah, but I remembered earlier out of the blue, so I thought to ask you."
"I'm surprised that you would need help," Alice said. "You ranked first during mid-quarter."
He smirked. "I can't quite remember who ranked second."
Alice rolled her eyes. "Shut up. You are at my mercy."
"You would turn me down?"
"Yes," she laughed and covered it up with a cough since she wouldn't actually. "Anyways, why do you need help? You don't need it."
"I can't get access to the documents needed since Mrs. Cabrera doesn't like me which I can't fault her for since I tend to be late to her class."
Alice sighed. "No, I understand on your part. She is a tyrant from what I hear. I have the pleasure of not being in her class this year, but I know some people who are struggling as well. I don't think I'll be much help, but you can show me."
She led him over to the tables and put her briefcase in one of the chairs. He did the same opposite to her, spreading out his materials. She strode back to the register and leaned over the counter to get her mother's attention.
"Sorry, Mom. I would come help you..." Alice said when Jane cut her daughter off.
"It's okay, Alice. Go help your handsome classmate. I will finish up soon, so don't worry about it."
Alice scrunched her nose. "Handsome classmate?"
"Is he your friend?" Jane asked, intrigued with seeing Alice flustered for the first time in a while.
"Um, yes? We are... friends." Alice answered, flipping one side of her hair over her shoulder. It would be weirder to say that they weren't. "He and I did a photoshoot after school for the recruitment fair that is coming up soon in a few months."
"That sounds fun," her mother said.
Alice lifted her hand in acknowledgment before going back over to the square tables that were located in the front corner of the store, not wanting to keep Noah for too long, knowing that he might have other plans.