Shifting Plates

Chapter Four

        Setup took about two hours, with little help from Miranda. It was just too early to be this energetic. She helped pitch a few tents and lined the tubs on the tables under the tents. That was pretty much it. She had done this all by herself, so she didn't feel bad for doing the bare minimum. She wondered only briefly at the beginning of her shift where Bethany was, but she soon saw her and Timothy riding around in one of the carts, delivering supplies to everyone. She hated to admit it, but she was jealous.

     When Bethany and Timothy finally got to her tent, Miranda was happy to finally have some company. But she still couldn't believe that her best friend had ditched her for a guy she shouldn't even like. She had a boy friend— Miranda thought that Bethany should be helping her get to know Timothy, not detract his attention from her. The trio were deep in conversation when Jack interrupted them.

      "Hey everyone! Glad to see your faces this early this morning! Bethany, as our newest member I'd like to spend some time training you. Volunteer duties and paid team members duties are at different levels. Obviously I will be expecting more from you. Timothy, would you mind staying here with Miranda?"

     "Of course," Timothy replied at once. Miranda's heart jumped. She'd actually get to have some time alone with Timothy! She silently thanked the universe for this moment. Timothy moved inside the tent as Bethany climbed aboard the cart and followed Jack's lead to the main tent.

     Miranda busied herself with getting on some gloves, trying to think of how to start a conversation with her crush. Luckily, she didn't have to. As she turned to face him, he spoke to her.

     "So  Bethany told me how you guys are going to change the world. I'm quite honored to be in your presence. With a plan of cleaning the oceans, I respect your concern for the environment. People at my college really don't care that much, I always feel like the odd man out."

     "Yeah, we have always been an ambitious pair. We won first place every year at our elementary school's science fair. We've been thinking about changing the world before we were fully potty trained."

     "You two are very lucky. I wish I had that," Timothy confessed, looking straight into her eyes. She had to pull away from the intensity. She pretended to be focused on straightening the table liner.

     "I'm really lucky to have her," she said meekly.

     "No, actually I think she's lucky to have you," Timothy stated matter-of-fairly. If Miranda wasn't blushing before, she was now.

     "You know Bethany likes you, right?"

     "Yeah, I've figured as much."

     "Do you like her also?"

     "Eh, only as a friend. She's great and all, but too serious."

     "Oh, I see. Yeah, she's serious but she definitely has her shit together. I'd trade for that in a heartbeat."

     "Why? I like your spunk. It's your best quality!" Miranda laughed, but Timothy felt vulnerable. He had almost used the other "L" word. In his experience, using that word had gotten him into a lot of trouble. Miranda didn't seem to notice his stutter.

     "Yeah, spunk. That's a polite way of saying weird."

     "Weird can be good."

     "Only if you're not the one the word is describing." Timothy shook his head but kept silent. He knew he should just shut up. He was entering flirting territory, he was sure of it. So he changed the subject.

     "Are you hungry? A little birdie told me that we get volunteer vouchers for the food trucks. I'm thinking it's our break time," Timothy said with a mischievous smile.

     "Not really. It's too hot to eat. But I'll give my voucher to you, if you want."

     "No, I couldn't ask you to do that. Plus, Jack doesn't really approve of it. Don't want to get on his bad side, you know?"

     "Oh. Totally. Yeah, guess not. Sorry."

     "Don't apologize. You're just too nice." Timothy winked. "I'll be back in like ten minutes then. I am starving and it's not even the middle of my shift. Jack scheduled me for a ten hour day." Timothy then headed off just as Miranda saw Bethany head toward her in the opposite direction.

     He returned, ate his lunch, and spent the rest of his time at Miranda's tent. Maybe he liked her, she thought. Maybe he even liked her more than Bethany. That thought made her smile. Before Miranda left at the end of her shift, Jack paid a visit to her tent. After inspecting the tubs, she praised Miranda for a job well done.

     "Miranda, I am impressed with your attention to detail. Would you consider becoming a part of our team?"  Miranda's eyes lit up and Timothy's attention was completely on their conversation.

     "Wow, yes! I mean, I would love the opportunity! I know that I will have more responsibility as a team member, but I am up for the challenge!

     "I was hoping you'd say yes. I'll email you tomorrow about when you can come into the office to get everything in order. I'm glad to have you on our team,  Miranda! Well, you can leave for the day. Bethany is up at the main tent waiting for you."

     Miranda said her goodbyes to Jack and Timothy, then  made her way to Bethany. On the drive home, Miranda told her about the events of her shift. Bethany was genuinely happy for her best friend.

     "Well if I can't have him, he might as well be with you!" Bethany exclaimed.

     "I really do like him. He's so nice and easy to talk to. He spent the rest of the day with me after Jack took you away to train."

     "That's a good start! Oh, Miranda, I'm so excited for you!" For the rest of the drive they spoke of what Miranda's love life could be like if her boyfriend would eventually be Timothy.