High school is a breeding ground for confusion, frustration, the exploration of sexuality, drama, and a host of things in between. Some people thrive and excel in this environment, others crash and burn. In the end, I wouldn't trade my experiences in high school for anything in the world. It can be annoying and difficult at times, but in the end, I believe it's all worth it. High School can be a beautiful thing.

As the last bell of the day rang, I smiled and walked out of the classroom. It had been a long day, but it's not over yet. Not that I'm complaining or anything. I made it to my locket, the same dizzying gray as every locker in this school, complementing the cream colored walls. I never bothered to remember my locker number- it was one the only one covered in a copious amount of stickers.

"Dulce!" a voice called out as a hand was placed on my shoulder.

I turned to face the body that came with the hand. "Hey sweetheart, what's up?"

Aurora's cheeks turned red as she cleared her throat. "You working today?"

I smiled. "Of course! Are you coming to the shop with me?"

She tucked a piece of her silky, shoulder length black hair behind her ear, and looked down at the floor. "Yeah, if that's okay with you." Her voice almost came out as a whisper.

I giggled, placing an arm over her shoulder and pulling her close. "I'll tell you this until my face turns blue Rory: everyone loves having you around, especially me." I paused. "In fact, if you want to stay for my shift, you can. I could really use the company, and I'm sure Mrs. Hibbert wouldn't mind."

Her eyes lit up. "Really?"

"Of course! Let's go." I started to lead her out of the building.

"Sweet! Are we going to get some dairy goodness?" Felix called out from behind us as he ran to catch up.

"I don't think there's anyone who loves ice cream as much as you do," I quipped.

"Doesn't everyone?" he asked innocently, a huge grin plastered on his freckled face. He then took it upon himself to run to my sky blue beetle and jump into the back seat. Aurora and I followed his lead, Aurora sliding into the passenger seat, and me into the driver's.

As I turned the key in the ignition, my baby grumbled to life, and I made my way to Sweet Tooth.

-

Sweet Tooth is a mom and pop store owned by the one and only Andrea Hibbert, and its look matched its name. The bricks outside were painted in a cream color, with paint chipping here and there, adding to its small town shop vibe. The awning had pink and blue stripes, with the words Sweet Tooth written in white cursive. As you entered, a small bell signaled your arrival, where you were either greeted by Mrs. Hibbert or one of her employees.

For me, Sweet Tooth was a home. I was hired in my freshman year, and immediately fell in love with the vibes the place gave me. As soon as you step foot into the store, an aura of happiness envelops you in a tight, warm hug. I especially fell in love with Mrs. Hibbert's cheery disposition. She welcomed me into her store, her pride and joy, with wide arms, as if I were one of her granddaughters. In fact, every time I thought about her tears sprang to my eyes.

"We get it Dulce, you really love Sweet Tooth," Felix called out from the back seat in an exasperated tone as I blinked away the tears threatening to fall from my eyes.

I laughed and cut off the engine. "Shut up, you know I can kick out of both my car and the store if I really wanted to."

He gasped dramatically and clutched his chest. "You would never!"

I turned around to face him and winked. "Try me buddy." With that, I opened the door and stepped out of the store. Felix and Aurora followed suit, and I locked the car behind us.

As we walked into the store, Mrs. Hibbert rushed out from behind the counter and wrapped me in a tight, bone crushing hug.

"Good afternoon sweetheart! How are you today?"

I smiled in her embrace. "I'm wonderful Andrea, how are you?"

She broke our hug and looked at me. Her long, tight-curled black hair with streaks of silver wisdom was on the top of her head in a voluminous puff. Her thick and curvy figure, which withstood the tests of time was professionally accentuated in her navy slacks and floral blouse. You know the phrase 'black don't crack'? Well, she's the epitome of it. Her skin was flawless and ageless, and if it weren't for the color of her hair she could pass for late 30s-early 40s. Mrs. Hibbert was, simply put, gorgeous.

"I'm glad you asked sweetie. I have a favor to ask of you."

"Of course, what is it?"

"I've gotta run," she said as she pulled off her black apron. "Do you mind holding down the fort until closing? You can even lock up early if you have a lot of work to do. I'm well aware this job isn't your only obligation."

I waved off her suggestion. "No problem Mrs. Hibbert, I got you! Go ahead and do what you have to do."

She narrowed her eyes at me. "How many times I gotta tell you it's Andrea?"

"I'm sorry! Go, I've got this Andrea."

With one last fake threatening look, she tossed me her apron. Looking at Felix and Aurora, she added "you two lovely children are welcome to stay as long as you like. Just make sure to buy some ice cream!" Winking, she rushed out of the store and into her car.

I put the apron on and went behind the counter. The inside of Sweet Tooth was just as cute and homey as the outside. The walls were a pastel pink, which reminded me of cotton candy. The counter and tables were worn-in mahogany, the scratches and fading spots telling tales worth listening to. The tiles on the floor had cracks and chips in it. It wasn't the most swanky spot, but everyone loved it just the same because the imperfections added character. Sweet Tooth had the place in the heart of everyone in Summit.

"So what can I get you two?" I said in my extra cheery work voice.

Felix immediately ran up to the counter and placed his hands on the glass, deliberating internally on which flavor he wanted today. I giggled at his enthusiasm, even though I would be the one to clean his fingerprints off at the end of the day.

"I want...." he paused as he scanned the selections one more time, "two scoops of marshmallow with fudge!" he finished with enthusiasm.

"You got it handsome," I punctuated with a wink. I went to wash my hands and put gloves on, then I continued to expertly scoop out his ice cream, drizzling it with hot fudge to finish. I stuck a black in it and handed it to him, and he took it eagerly.

"You're the best Dulce," he said with a mouth full of ice cream.

I smiled. "Oh, I know. What about you Aurora?" I looked at her as she stared off into space. My words bringing her back to reality, she came to look at the selections.

"One scoop of cookies and cream please," she said softly, but enthusiastically. Ice cream can really make anyone happy, even the most quiet, reserved people. I eagerly fulfilled her order and handed Aurora her cup of ice cream.

I watched happily as my friends dug into their ice cream. This was my favorite part of my job. However temporary, the dairy confection brought people joy, and I got to see that joy almost every single day, with a few exceptions. It comforted me that I could be the one to provide that temporary joy.

The rest of my shift was only mildly busy and hectic, the customer base comprised of the regulars and everyone who wanted to get some of the last scoops they would get before it starts to get too cold. I served them all with a smile and a side of good conversation. When my shift ended, I dutifully cleaned to my satisfaction, put away my apron, locked up, and went to start the next part of my day- doing my schoolwork.