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

fun?”
    As I nudged her back, I replied, “I
was so excited to actually have a job, and I didn’t know what to
expect, but it’s so cool working with you. And you, my friend, are
an awesome saleslady. Thank you for getting me this job.” I
smiled.
    “ Thank you, my friend, for
telling me that I’m awesome. But you got the job yourself.” She
smiled back and bowed gracefully and walked away to attend to
another customer.
    “ Regardless, thank you,” I
said, but I didn’t even know if she heard me.
    Throughout the day, I watched Patty
work her magic. The day went by in a flash. I couldn’t believe it
when the clock said it was almost nine o’clock.
    Patty’s cell phone rang,
and she answered. “Hi, Mom. You’re what? H HH ow? I’m almost done. But, I…now?
Okay, bye.” She ran toward me looking very upset and confused. “My
mom locked herself out, and she left the stove on. I’ve gotta go,
but I’m suppose to lock up, or maybe you can, or…I don’t know. I’ve
gotta go. What should I do?”
    “ Calm down, Patty.” I
placed both of my hands on her shoulders. I caught on to what she
was trying to tell me. “Don’t worry. Show me how to lock up and go.
I’ll be fine. I just have to be here fifteen minutes and then lock
up. No biggy. Just don’t tell my mom I was here by myself,
okay?”
    She nodded quickly. “Okay. I’ll make
this fast. It’s really easy. Nothing to it,” she said, rushing. She
opened the cash register and took out a key. “Use this spare key
for tonight. Don’t forget to bring it back with you tomorrow.” Then
she pulled me toward the entrance door. “Push this red button to
activate the alarm, walk out, and lock the door.”
    “ That’s it?” I
asked.
    “ That’s it,” she repeated.
“Thanks, I owe you big time. Just text or call me if you need any
help, and text me when you get home, or I’ll worry, Okay?” She
sounded frazzled as she looked at me for approval.
    “ Don’t worry. Just go,” I
said. “What could happen in fifteen minutes?”
    “ I’m so sorry. Your first
day at work and I have to leave you. Gosh, what was my mom
thinking! Ahhh! I’m so mad at her right now.”
    “ Don’t worry about it.
Don’t be mad at her. She didn’t do it on purpose. I’m a big girl,”
I said, smiling. “Now, go!” I said sternly. I practically shoved
her out the door. Patty gave me a tight squeeze and left. Off she
went pedaling as fast as she could. For her sake, I hoped she
didn’t hit all the red lights.
    Fifteen minutes usually passes with a
snap of a finger, so I waited for customers to enter while I paced
through the rack of clothes, looking for something that might catch
my eye. At least the music was keeping me company, but not a single
customer walked through the door. Fourteen minutes. Thirteen
minutes. I decided not to look at the clock every minute, but the
longer I stayed here alone, the more anxious I started to
feel.
    Suddenly, I heard a loud BAM! It
sounded like one of the dressing room doors had closed
itself.
    Stay calm. It’s nothing. It’s just the
wind, I told myself.
    I couldn’t recall a customer being in
one of the dressing rooms, so I guessed the door must have closed
from the breeze that was coming from the air vent. Feeling more
frightened than before, I quickly glanced at the clock. I decided
to close five minutes early since nobody would notice, and that was
when the music stopped.
    I froze. My heart skipped a beat. It
was like I was in a scary movie. I ran to switch the music button
back on, then remembered that the control panel was located inside
the dressing area. I stopped when I got near the door. I didn’t
want to go in there, but I had to prove to myself that it was a
coincidence, and that the music was probably on a timer set to turn
off at a given time.
    As I slowly walked in, I looked around
the five dressing rooms and saw that all the doors were closed. I
was able to spot the switch quickly, as I remembered Patty