Hello,
In previous posts, I wrote a three-part 99 word series from a young adult perspective. My last post was part one - expanded from the original three part series. This is part two, also a short story. I love delving into the character of Emma and her issues with her Dad. Stay tuned for part three as we discover just what is making Dad so harsh with his teen daughter.
I love writing young adult (YA) and wanted to get into and stay in my main characters head with this story written in first person, present tense. Enjoy!
Relentless - Part 2
After dinner, I focus on the bio assignment due tomorrow until my eyes get heavy and my yawning becomes annoying. I wish my brother Evan would’ve come home tonight right after his shift ended at eight. Since he’s been working at the tire shop, he’s not home much anymore. The bang of a car door slamming outside makes me hurry to finish the last question and shut my binder.
When I hear footsteps on the landing, I tiptoe into the hall and sneak behind Evan into his bedroom before he closes the door in my face. With a fork and dinner leftovers on a plate in his hand, he’ll settle in for hours without leaving.
I fold my arms across my chest. “Dad’s bugging me to get a job.”
“Again?” Evan chuckles between a mouthful of potatoes. “Hey, sixteen’s old enough to work. What’s wrong with that?”
“Nothing.” My lips curl up as he chews on a pork chop. Gristle and fat drip over his lips, down toward his chin.
He swipes away the mess with the back of his hand. “I make good money at the shop. When I stay longer, they pay me overtime.”
I study my bare feet. “It’s just the way he criticizes me about everything. Makes me feel bad.”
“I know.” Evan sets his plate down on the desk and pulls me into a quick hug. “Just do it. Maybe then he’ll leave you alone.”
I put my hand on the doorknob. “I sure hope so.”
Tuesday goes by, and I stay out of Dad’s way, hiding in my room. I wake up Wednesday morning with a decision. At breakfast, I tell Mom I’m going to the mall after school—to look for a job.
She eyes me, her lips in a firm line like she’s thinking hard. “Okay. Good luck.”
When the bus dumps me off at the mall, I wonder where I’d like to work. I wander back and forth, studying different stores.
Dad’s grouchiness crushes me more than I like to care. He never used to treat ‘his twins’ like he does now. Maybe he hates teenagers? I wonder what his problem is. Evan and I just can’t please him these days.
Last semester when I brought my report card home—even though I received all B’s and only one C, it still wasn’t good enough. Where were the ‘A’s’? He questioned. He edged me around the dining room table, getting in my face until I snatched the report card out of his hand. I’ll do better I had promised before making a quick escape to my room.
I’m deep in thought and almost trip over a stand in front of Kresge’s store. It’s a large-print poster that says, ‘Help Wanted.’
My heart skips a beat as I read the details. Part time works for me, as do weekends. I’m sure I’ll make a great cashier. If they show me what to do.
I want to leave but I square my shoulders and imagine the satisfied smile on Dad’s face when he hears about my new job. My sneakers squeak across the floor tiles as I approach the customer service counter. A woman greets me, wearing a name tag that says Maggie in bold letters.
“Hi. I’d like to apply for the job.” I smile and point to the sign outside the front entrance.
She roots in a drawer, then hands me an application form and a pen. “Fill this out as best you can.”
I step off to the side and study the one-page form. Filling out the basics is easy. When it asks for previous experience, I swallow hard, thinking of a sentence that makes babysitting look like a glamourous position. I tap the pen against my lips, then write about how I volunteered for two afternoons in the school library during September, helping at the yearly book fair doing filing and sales.
With nothing more to add, I try to give the job application to Maggie.
“Keep it for now, while I get the manager. You can wait over there.” She points to the end of the counter.
I stand there clenching my form so hard that I put a crease in it. A couple of employees—teens chatting with each other, make eye contact with me as they sort through a bin of sweaters. They stop talking and get busy folding as a man walks past them toward me.
“Hello. I’m Chris. The manager.” He holds out his hand.
“Hi.” I attempt a firm handshake like Dad has lectured me to do when meeting someone.
“I’ll take that.” He motions to the application form in my hand.
I watch and wait as he reads the few things I wrote. Shifting my weight from side to side, I run my hands over my jeans, thinking I should’ve worn the dress pants Mom bought me. For special occasions, she had said.
“Have you had a job before?” Chris asks.
He gives me a piercing stare with his bright blue eyes that reminds me of my boyfriend, Matt. I hope I’ll still have time to go out with him if I get this job.
“Um.” I clear my throat. “No. Just what I’ve written. But I’m willing to learn and do an excellent job.” I try not to think how mad Dad will be if I don’t get this job today.
“I get it. Everyone needs to start somewhere. We’re short-staffed right now. Can you start work this Friday? 5 to 9 in the evening?”
“Yes! I can.” I almost punch my fist to the ceiling as I’ve seen Evan doing before.
“Perfect. Come at 4:40 and check in with Maggie. She’ll know what to do.” Chris nods. “Thank you for coming in,” he says before turning and heading to the back of the store.
Maggie taps me on the shoulder. “Congratulations. You’ll love working here.”
“I’m sure I will.” My smile spreads as I give her a little wave goodbye and go into the mall.
Did you get a job yet? I hear Dad’s voice in my head.
“Yes, Dad. Yes, I did,” I say aloud, not caring who hears me.