CHAPTER 2

I finally walk out of the house, marching towards the street in exasperation. Keeping myself busy by picking up pebbles - Mr Alfred must have dropped some on his way from the river on the other side of town which is surprising because he loved these smooth and round stones - on the street lawn and throwing them out again. The walk to the shop is still a long one, so taking my ti...

" Would you rather stone me to death and get all joyful about it, Tommy!" Mrs Rissedoe hauled, picking up the pebble that had hit her, feigning to throw it back at me. I dodge by impulse. She chuckled, carefully throwing it farther away from us.

"Going to the rentals already?" She questioned.

" Yes, Mrs Rissedoe. Securing an early check wouldn't hurt me." I reply, my mind drifting to the bread my mom asked me to get with it, not that I'm complaining. It's part of the reason I work at the rentals; to support her.

" Okay, son. Bring back home some good old movies that could keep an old lady entertained." Mrs Rissedoe requested. I smile at her knowingly.

" An old lady has to keep herself busy." I recite her favourite saying. Of course, that got her smiling.

" You know me well." We laugh at the moment.

I complete her statement on several occasions. It never gets old but is unquestionably monotonous. After little pleasantries, we go our separate ways.

I must say, I pity her, 'cause it sure as hell would be difficult if one's significant other is no more and children in different cities in search for greener pasture; sending money to her, thrice in six months. A bit unfair.

Life was quite unfair to some people but not to me, the town was a small place but it was the abode of my friends and family, people that I've grown accustomed to. The one thing that was common in this town was the spread of rumours, and it happened so often that everyone is used to getting their secrets out in the open - sometimes before it even gets to them. Most times, the outcome is always based on the penetrator's emotions, at the moment it was conveyed.

The secret would go on in circulation for weeks, seeing that the town has been given something to talk about. Always being mentioned at any given opportunity. That shows how this suburban could get stale, no one was busy with anything new.

Half an hour later, I get to the rentals. The shop was open, but the closed signboard was still out. Mr Kendy must have some business here at the shop for this early visitation. I walk into the shop, my eyes meeting with his for the briefest seconds. I move closer to him.

" Good afternoon, Mr Kendy. It's a surprise to see you this early in the shop." I greet, masking my curiosity about his early presence.

" Must I have a reason to come to my shop early?" A harsh reply I must say. I could feel my lips tremble. I rack my brain for words that would not upset my hot-headed boss.

" I came to pick a piece I left behind. And I brought in some new movies." He replied, his attention still on whatever he was doing. I nodded at his response, still curious about the 'piece' he had mentioned.

I watch his back diligently waiting for him to give me an order; as though my thought was spoken aloud, he turned, the icy glare from his eyes threatening to bore a hole through me.

" Old boy, you are not getting paid just to stand and watch like a lovestruck dummy. Get some work doing, prick!"

I jump in fear, quickly getting a hold of the new movies and sitting lazily on the counter. Mr Kendy is quite uncomfortable to be around. Old boy? Prick? He should probably put a dye on his white hair and smoothen his wrinkled old face before he talks to me about being old! I'd admit though, that I did act foolish moments ago. Why did I wait on his becks when I supposedly know where the new movies are to be kept?

" We are both pricks, though," I murmur, rounding the shelves and slowly replacing a few old movies with new ones.

I pick the old cassettes for Mrs Rissiedoe and record on the ledger the rest that was left in the store. The new stocks brightened my mood and got me hyperactive; talk about the perfect escape from this mundane town. Imitating my favourite actors comes after - a very exciting part `cause it makes me feel like I am already fulfilling my dream of being an actor. Oh, I wish I was already. A one-way ticket to leave forever!

One of the reasons I took this job, was its closeness to the town's entrance also it is the first place anyone new would come to. So, supposedly a visitor who might also be a movie lover and in the film industry ever swings by, I would make their acquaintance, but no one new ever comes. On the darker side, I might be the first person to be murdered if a killer arrives in the town. The thought of that sends chill down my spine.

I finish sorting the new collection of films and turn to return to the counter. What the hell is Mr Kendy still doing at the shop? He should get going already. The grumpy old man has been here close to three hours.

I quickly fake a smile as I got closer to the counter. His back still turned to me highlighting its shrivelling hunched state so he was oblivious to the plastered smile I have on.

I try sneaking a peek, but he is such a secretive being. I have no choice but to stand and annoyingly wait for him. Eventually, after what could pass as some minutes, he stood up, stretched his arms and yawned loudly. He could not have possibly been asleep while he was there.

He was taken aback when he turned to see me looking his way. He swiftly gained his composure and scanned the shop. I chuckle, inwardly. He most definitely is searching for what to complain about. Uhh, I am the best worker he could ever get, 'cause I do my job right on time.

" Clean everywhere again, before the shop is opened. I tell you, boy, you've been lagging lately." He said, swaying his fingers around the shop as he gave the orders.

Clean? Again? But I just cleaned everywhere and I`m positive he knows!

I watched his retreating steps. Finally! space to breathe. Oh, and heaven knows I am not cleaning this shop again, at least not today.

" Do have a nice day ahead, Mr Kendy. My regards to the family." I say my goodbyes, waving at him.

None of these he acknowledged and I care less. I`m not even sure about his relationship with his family. I just greet them for the sake of my paycheck.

My Paycheck!