the general specific

Eric felt back on track. Possibly his back needed to be cracked. He'd just stood too long at the cashier station. As it was he was doing more cashiering than anything else. Heather had gone to the hospital. Perhaps her baby was here now. He hadn't heard. There was a shortage of cashiers.
Everyone seemed to be out in full force doing all their Christmas shopping at the mega grocery store. He wiggled slightly wishing his back wasn't so tired. Why was he like this? Was he still hungover? That was ages ago. Maybe it was studying. The sex. Could be. He and Ellie were finding more time and places than ever. Usually, at his place after school. It was like a three o'clock thing. Usually, they were already in bed before the last bell rang and then often she went home about thirty minutes later. It was a rush, but it still got done, and it was always satisfying. Just once he'd like it not to be such a hurry.

"So what are you thinking about?" Penelope snuck up on him with a back a rub.

"Christmas shopping," he couldn't be relaxed around her. There she went playing with his tie again. "I have to get my mum something." Why did she have to bother him? She was two stations away and here she was on the prowl, so to speak. Her bright red hair was pulled up in a ponytail and now it just donned on Eric, her resemblance of the lead singer from Placebo. Except she had a boobs. Really big ones that couldn't be left unnoticed. Unfortunately.

"What about your girlfriend?" Penelope gave him a snarl of sorts. "I broke up with my boyfriend, so I don't have to buy him anything." There was a smile of satisfaction then.

"Do you think it's wise to break up with Steve, right now?" Eric winced.

"Yes." Her brow furrowed as she gave him the look over. "Besides, his Mom didn't exactly know we were going out. I guess I'm in trouble."

"In trouble?" Eric couldn't help but smile. "You were not supposed to be dating him?"

"So." She huffed. "I didn't know it was that serious. He's perfectly normal, you know."

"You mean, you didn't know he wasn't quite right when you first met him?" He had to ask even if customers were lining up and she had to get to her station.

"So." Her frown was small and round.

Eric shivered at the thought of the two of them together. Had she no fear with a cave man? Just the thought scared him more of her. Thank God, he had customers to get too.