It was 3 pm when I was heading home from work. My office job involved working long hours. Today I got early because my co workers were sick with the flu.
I stopped walking to glance at a sign. “Work needed for the military.” It read. My father used to be in the navy. He would always tell me countless stories about working there. The people he met, and what he would see.
He would say “My boy, you will join the army, do it for your pop.” He would always talk about me serving and protecting our country. I hadn’t thought about that in awhile.
There was a flyer next to sign. I picked it up and signed up for the program. I was going to be in the military. I was going to make my father proud.
I walked to the nearest bus stop and stood waiting for the bus. I never used my car because the area I worked at was a super congested area.
I looked up and saw the bus had arrived. Along with the other people waiting I joined the line and went in. “Hey Tom, got off early?” I turned to Mr G the bus driver. He knew my schedule, knew for the past 5 years. “Yeah, sudden sickness overcame a few people.” Mr G smiled and turned away.
I looked for an open seat on the full buss. I saw one next to a lady dressed in all red. From her hair to her lipstick to her dress it was all red. I reluctantly took the seat next to her.
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I took out a book and started reading. From the corner of my eye I saw the girl look at me. When I thought about it she was a very pretty lady. She looked around my age, early 20's. She had brownish red hair and a ruby necklace on her neck.
“What are you reading?” I looked up at her with a glint of interest in my eye. “The Great Gatsby” I said “Oh I loved that book.” She replied.
I took a look at her again a decided to take a very hesitating risk I asked her, “Why are you dressed in all red miss?” She laughed a light laugh.
“I love the color red, red is the color of love, the color of beauty. I aspire to be a beauty, red is the color of courage, i’m like a rose with sharp thorns. Does that answer your question?”
My eyes widened with surprise, I didn’t expect that. Before I could answer the bus made a stop and the lady stood up. “It was nice talking to you, have a good day.” She said and walked away. “Good day” I called after her but I don’t think she heard.
I got off soon after at my stop. I walked into my neighborhood and took my key out as I got closer to my home. Click, click. I used my key to unlock my door and headed inside.
My dog, Scruffy jumped on me excitedly. He was named by my niece. He had shagged fur that was always uneven. Scruffy grabbed my pants with his tiny teeth and led me inside.
He was a grey dog with the cutest chocolate brown eyes. I got him as a stray when I first got the house I was in. I looked at him sadly. When I
went to the military I would have to leave him behind. I tried not to worry about that now. It would all be worth it right? Protecting the people, like my father wanted.
Honestly I was looking forward to a change in my life. Working as clerk wasn’t what I had in mind for an everyday job.
I picked up scruffy and put him in his cage, I took out some dog food and put it in beside him. I was too tired to eat. I decided to go to bed earlier than usual.
Anastasia
If I had to pick my battles I would. But when your 21 and on your own with only the wits of your brain, you start to not care about what’s happening.
I waltzed in to my Aunt Fiona’s cafe. She was my only family member I knew. I loved her but I knew she didn’t have the same feeling towards me. At most she said was never “I love you. But instead ”I tolerate you.”
I took a seat at an empty table and waited. Aunt came out and stood in front of me.
“Why are you here?” She said sternly as she tapped her foot up and down.
“I was wondering if you could, perhaps loan me $50. My eyes wouldn’t dare meet hers.
She looked at me like I had just killed a man. “No you stupid girl, get out!”
I kept my head down as I shamefully walked out of the cafe.
Stupid girl, I was used to that. Everyone just though I was some ditzy redhead with no life expectations.
That wasn’t true though. I had ambitions too.
I walked back to my apartment. When I got inside the lady who worked at the front desk, Minny, called me over.
"This is for you dear." She handed me a yellow envelope.
"Thank you." With the envelope in my hand I left and went to my room to open it.
It read: "My dearest granddaughter, I hope you are well. I know you may not know who I am, but this will not stop me from supporting you. I can not tell you who I am, other than the fact I'm your grandfather. There is a check for $10,000. Use it as you please."
I looked to the back and saw the check he talked about. Without thinking, I went to the bank to deposit the money.
My life was about to change.
Tom:
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