Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: TRUST (07/21/16)
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TITLE: Rhythm Time | Previous Challenge Entry
By Tiffanie Chezum
07/27/16 -
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“I dunno,” the teen girl said. “My mom said he needs help or somethin’.”
Reggie drummed his hands on a light post. “I don’t see it,” he said. “I mean, like it’s your afternoons.”
Chrissy tugged on the edges of her knit cap. “I could use the money.”
*****
Chrissy opened the door.
The storeowner looked up from his newspaper.
“Mister Higgansworth?” the teenage girl said. She fidgeted with the strings on her hoodie. “My mom said …”
“You must be the Johansson girl.” The elderly man peered over the rim of his glasses. “My children think I am too feeble to run the store alone.” He coughed. “My daughter went to school with your mother. She talks too much.”
The young girl turned to the door. “Never mind. I’m sorry.”
“Wait,” the man blurted. “You can sweep, and stock the shelves in the evening.”
*****
Chrissy pushed the door open. “I’ll call later.” She rolled her eyes and giggled. “Later, Reggie. Bye.” She slid the phone into her pocket..
“Miss Johansson. It’s five after,” Mister Higgansworth grunted.
“Oh, I know,” the girl replied. “I’m sorry. I’ll …”
“We agreed on five o’clock.” The elderly man looked back at his paper. “I expect you to be on time.”
The youngster turned and walked to the storage room. “Seriously,” she muttered under her breath.
*****
Chrissy stacked the canned beans on the shelf. A tap on the window caught her attention. “Reggie?” she uttered.
The young girl pushed the half empty box against the shelf and darted out the door.
“What’re you doing here?” the girl asked.
Reggie tried to suppress a grin as he slid an envelope from his pocket. “Tickets to Rhythm Time.”
“Oh … my … gosh. Really?” Chrissy squealed. “How did you …”
“Miss Johansson.” Mister Higgansworth bellowed. “Please put the boxes back in the storeroom.”
“But I only talked to him for a minute.” The girl followed the older man into the store.
“I’m paying you to stock and sweep … not to talk to your friends.” Mister Higgansworth countered. “Please finish your duties, Miss Johansson.”
*****
“How ‘bout some ice cream, Chrissy?” Reggie asked.
The young girl stared into the distance.
The boy nudged his friend. “Earth to Chrissy.”
“Why’re the store lights still on?” She walked toward the shop.
“The old man stays there late every day,” Reggie said. He followed her up the sidewalk.
“Looks like he’s sweepin’.” Chrissy stopped in her tracks. “Why’s he doin’ that?”
Reggie shrugged. “Dunno.”
*****
The aging man opened his ledger and grabbed a pen.
“Mister Higgansworth.” Chrissy stood by the desk, her eyes fixed on a small white figurine near the stapler.
“Yes, Miss Johansson.”
The girl’s eyes darted to the man’s face, then back to the statuette. “Why were you sweepin’ the floor las’ night?”
“I was ensuring the job was done properly.” the older man said.
“I’m not doing my job right?”
The storeowner sat expressionless. “There is room for improvement.”
The girl turned to walk away.
Mister Higgansworth returned to his ledger.
“I’m sorry,” Chrissy said. “I was wrong. I should’t have gone outa the store.” She twiddled the string to her hoodie. “I shouldn’t’ve been late … or left the box there … or left the shelf without enough peanuts.” She turned back to the desk. “I want to do better. Show me how you want it done.”
*****
Chrissy stopped at the desk. “I’m done stocking. There wasn’t enough canned pears, so I put extra fruit cocktail to fill the space. Do you wan’na check how it looks?”
“That won’t be necessary Miss Johansson.”
“Are you sure?” the girl asked.
“You have done very well recently,” Mister Higgansworth replied. “I know I will be pleased with your work.”
“Thank you.” Happiness beamed in her smile. “Lem’me sweep, and then …”
“Not tonight.” The hint of a smile tugged at the elder man’s mouth. “I hear Rhythm Time is quite the show. I wouldn’t want you and your friend to be late.”
The young girl stood motionless as the reality of his statement sank in. “Really? Are you sure?”
The old man nodded. “Yes.”
“Oh m’gosh. Thank you. She ran to the door. “Have a good evening Mister Higgansworth.
“Have a good evening, Miss Johansson.”
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