Read Online Crossroads by Mary Ting - Free Book Online Page A

excitement ran through me. On several occasions, I had visited
Patty at her workplace, but it was always for a short time. Now
that it was also my place of employment, I found a different kind
of interest in the store. Patty saw me through the tall glass
window and pointed her finger, directing me to park my bike next to
hers. Her bike was black with yellow fluorescent lights in front
and back. You could see that thing shine a mile away, but then
again that was the whole purpose. It had an on-and-off button that
controlled the brightness. I locked my bike next to hers, called
Gamma and exchanged a few words, texted Mom quickly to let her know
I had gotten to work safely, and ran in.
    “ Sorry I’m late,” I said
still breathing heavily.
    “ You’re here.” She smiled.
“No worries. Mrs. Lee had to leave, so I’m training you.” She spoke
while walking toward me to give me a big hug.
    “ Thank God. I didn’t want
to be late on my first day.” I was relieved that I had just made it
in time as I hugged her back.
    “ Now, let me show you
around,” she said enthusiastically.
    As she spoke, I tuned out and observed
the high ceiling and the huge size of the store. I guess I hadn’t
realized how big it was before. With this newfound interest, I
observed where everything was: the bathroom, dressing rooms,
storage room, light and music on-and-off switch, and the cash
register, before Patty even pointed them out to me. Not only was it
bright from all the lights, there was also a sense of comfort…maybe
it was because Patty was around. Regardless, I was thrilled to be
working and spending time with my best friend at the same time.
Patty was right, what more could I ask for?
    As Patty continued to talk, I noticed
a few customers rummaging through the clothing racks. I also
noticed a teenager in front of a mirror holding one of our shirts
in front of her. As we passed her, Patty made a comment.
    “ That shirt would look
really cute on you. Would you like to try it on? I’ll take you to
the dressing room, so you can see for yourself. My name is Patty,
what’s your name?”
    “ Clara,” she said with
spunk, obviously happy to have someone at her beck and
call.
    I followed them to the dressing
room.
    “ Watch this,” Patty
whispered. When Clara came out with her new shirt on, Patty
practically dropped her jaw with exaggeration, “Oh my gosh! You
look sooo cute!”
    “ Yeah, I like it,” Clara
smiled, as she admired herself in the mirror.
    “ Like it?” Patty’s tone
begged Clara to say more.
    “ Okay, I love it…and…I’ll
take it,” Clara said, wanting to please Patty.
    “ Great, let’s take a look
at some jeans to go with it. And we’re having a sale on some
jewelry as well.”
    Clara followed her like a lost puppy,
and soon we were at the cash register. She bought two pairs of
jeans, because she was undecided, three shirts, and a long chained
silver necklace. Patty was such the saleslady. I helped her stuff
the items into the Fashion Wear bag, a cheap gray plastic bag with
the FW logo on it.
    Patty looked into Clara’s eyes with a
big smile and said, “Thank you, Clara. Come again soon, and I’ll
help you with anything you need.”
    Clara looked so pleased and by now
probably worshipped Patty for her expertise in fashion.
    “ Thank you, Patty, for
everything. And don’t worry, I’ll come again soon. You were so
helpful and very attentive.”
    Clara was gleaming with happiness and
held the bag close to her, as if she had diamonds in it. After
Clara walked out, Patty turned to me proudly and said, “And that’s
how you do it!”
    “ You were fabulous!” I
said excitedly, thinking I had a lot of learning to do.
    She giggled. “Thank you. With practice
you’ll be as good as me…well, almost,” she teased.
    “ Maybe better,” I teased
back.
    She gave a fake frown, and nudged my
shoulder playfully and said, “It’s always busy like this on
Saturdays, but it makes the time go faster. Having