Previous Challenge Entry (EDITOR'S CHOICE)
Topic: SCUTTLEBUTT (rumor or gossip)( 10/03/19)
TITLE:
The Truth Comes Out | Writing Challenge By Graham Insley 10/10/19 |
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4th Place
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“Have you heard the latest?†Randy’s whispered comment grabbed John’s attention like a vice, leaving him no choice but to pay strict attention.
“No.†John’s one-word reply didn’t reflect the keen interest he suppressed under a nonchalant stare.
“Sam just finished night classes. He is now qualified and seeking a new job.â€
John’s eyes now grew large as he found surprise harder to contain, “I didn’t know he was studying. What subject?â€
“Some sort of precursor to law. He is now skilled-up to get a job as a legal assistant and he is going to continue to study law and eventually become a lawyer.†Randy continued his story as if breaking open a huge secret.
“I don’t believe it.†John was shaking his head as he spoke. “Everyone knows about his beliefs. The law and God don’t go together. Murder, rape, thievery… or even corporate law with all it’s greed. I’ve never seen any sign of him being interested in those sort of things.â€
“What things? Who are you talking about?†Jerry joined the other two with both an empty cup and an idle mind.
“Sam. Randy reckons he has just done a night class on some sort of law prep and he’s looking for a new job.†John was keen to keep the subject rolling.
“Nah, you got it wrong.†Jerry smiled; convinced he alone knew the truth. “He just completed a degree in bookkeeping. Going to be an accountant. Already hooked him up with a mate of mine, to help him get a new job. Good on him too, I say. Better than working in this lousy dump.†‘This lousy dump’ was a huge warehouse on the outskirts of town. Employing twenty people, it distributed its stock throughout the entire region.
“Oh, I don’t know, it isn’t so bad here. At least it’s regular. But I don’t blame Sam for wanting to better himself.†Randy tried to turn the subject back to Sam and his studies. He was much more interested in the gossip than talking about work.
“Whose self?†Asked Reg, as he joined the coffee making trio and played into Randy’s hand.
“Sam.†Randy jumped on the opportunity. “He’s just finished studying law and going to be a lawyer.â€
“That’s not what you said before.†John quickly jumped in. “You said it was a prep for law and he still had to qualify as a legal eagle.â€
“Semantics. He’s headed for a law office somewhere sooner or later.†Randy fended off the objection as irrelevant.
“I told you, it’s bookkeeping.†Jerry forcefully butted back in.
“Nope.†Reg re-joined the conversation with conviction. “Actually, it’s neither of those things. Sam just completed a class in English Literature. Next he’s doing a teacher’s degree and he is going to teach high school.â€
“Wow.†For a second or two, John was lost for words. But only for a second or two. “Who would want to teach that ungrateful bunch?â€
“Obviously... Sam.†Reg smiled as he continued with his part of the ongoing tale. “He has always had a heart for the young and he’s looking forward to it.â€
Randy and Jerry were ready to push their point again when Sam walked into the room. “Hi, all. Must be a popular time for coffee. Is the water hot?â€
“Just boiled,†muttered John.
“What you all talking about?†Sam continued as he stirred first milk and then water into some instant coffee powder.
“Just plans for the weekend.†Randy was looking to change the subject now that it had walked into the room.â€
“Well, I’ve got some interesting news,†Sam seemed excited. “I’ve just given my notice. Leave at the end of next week. I’m going to miss you all but.â€
“Why, what’s happening?†Randy was interested again. The latest scuttlebutt was about to come straight from the horse’s own mouth. Now everyone would know he was right.
“I just finished Bible College. I’ve got a job at Southside Gospel Hall, as assistant pastor. I can’t wait to start. You should all come along on Sunday, you might enjoy it you know.â€
*****
Be careful spreading rumours, it can make you look very foolish when the truth eventually comes out… and it always will.
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