Total pages in book: 121
Estimated words: 117820 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 589(@200wpm)___ 471(@250wpm)___ 393(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 117820 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 589(@200wpm)___ 471(@250wpm)___ 393(@300wpm)
People keep telling me that. Reminding me daily that a year ago I was this vibrant, excitable girl but now I act as though the life has been sucked right out of me. They’re closer to the truth than they realize. It has been sucked out of me.
I guess I’m just starting to wonder what the point in any of this is anymore.
“Mr. Martin,” I say, eagerly approaching my boss now it’s quiet instore. “I’m done for the day.”
Really, I want my wages that he promised me. I’ve already decided exactly what I’m going to spend them on. New clothes. If I can afford anything which I probably can’t. I might be able to save enough eventually.
“You’ve done such a great job this week,” he compliments, brown eyes twinkling with warmth. Yet at the same time they always make me uneasy. Like putting your hand into a hole in the ground not knowing what’s hidden in the depths but you know there’s probably a snake in there. “You earned every penny.”
He places his hand on my shoulder and guides me around a tall shelf. His other hand reaches into his pocket and he starts thumbing through notes.
“Of course I have to take into account the damage caused by those boys to my windows on your behalf.” My heart sinks because I was worried he’d say that. As soon as Kane got word that I was working here, they spray painted my name and the word “WHORE” beneath it. I was mortified. I didn’t cry though, I just got a bucket of soapy water and cleaned it off as best I could. It left a stain that Martin had to deal with. “But you did such a good job of cleaning it off that I’ll only charge for the cleaning equipment. So I’m taking three dollars from you. Is that fair?”
I nod, my face falling. I only made seven dollars after the money he gave to Mee-maw. That leaves me with four.
He hands me the four and I force a smile as I stick it in my pocket.
“But,” he adds, narrowing his eyes and thumbing through more notes. I wish I had as much money as him. “I know a way for you to earn thirty dollars. How’s that?”
I nod eagerly. “Sure. What do you need?”
“Come back here at start up tomorrow, before school. Think you can manage that?”
“Absolutely, sir.” I grin and turn on my heel. I turn the corner of the shelves so quickly I don’t spot anybody standing there and collide with them so hard they grunt and go back a step. “I am so so—Oh, it’s you.”
I was sorry until I realized who it was.
Kane shoves me away with his good arm and picks up the bag of potato chips that he dropped on the ground mid-collision. “Is somebody gonna serve me or what?”
“Mr. Martin,” I call, and the man appears behind me but my eyes linger on Kane’s black T-shirt and faded blue jeans with the rips on the knees. He ruins so many of his pants, but I think he does it on purpose because other boys in school have started doing it. Ripped jeans are in now.
Kane stares him down despite the fact Martin has over a foot of height on him but the man is oblivious to it.
“Right you are,” he says and walks on ahead. “What have you got there Mr. Jessop?”
Kane shoves the chips in his direction as I leave the store.
“Salted are my favorite too.”
“Seems we have a few favorites in common,” Kane replies, and I wonder when his voice got deeper. It seems more like his father’s now than his, and his legs look stronger. Or maybe I’m just noticing him in ways I didn’t before. Is that my hormones manipulating me? I can’t stand him but I also can’t stop looking at him. It’s like in my twisted brain the meaner he is to me the more I want him to like me.
I race home with my four dollars and a skip in my step. I have money. My own money.
The next morning, I leave extra early, Mee-maw isn’t around and Grandpa doesn’t care. I’m fortunate. I worried I might have to lie because if she thinks I’m working she might try and take more money from me.
The grocery store and the rest of town is so quiet and still a bit dark. Did I come too soon?
I approach the glass doors and jolt when Mr. Martin appears like a dark omen from between the dark shelves.
He smiles at me, showing his crooked teeth and unlocks the door. The bell jingles above and I jolt again when he locks it behind me.
I’m jumpy today, I think it’s the excitement of having so much money within my reach. I’ve never had that much money.