Short Stories for Writing Class

A Package to Coney Island

      "Meet us at the back pier tonight at 9 o' clock and don't be late. Oh and bring the wife and kids." Tony directed through the phone. 

"Why would they need to come?" Simon asked, fidgeting with his key.

"Let's call it a bit of a peace treaty. That way you know it's nothing dangerous. Just tell them it's a surprise fun day and remember, don't be late. Carmine doesn't like waiting." 

   The other line cut off and Simon left the pay phone quickly, his elderly neighbor waiting for her turn. From the lobby he walked slowly up the stairs to the third floor. His hip was bothering him and although he could've taken the elevator, he wasn't in a hurry. He was thinking about the conversation with Tony and trying to figure out how the night would turn out, playing different scenarios in his head. The whole ordeal was risky, but had had to do as Tony said. He didn't need to be in anymore trouble with Carmine De Angelo. 

   The back pier at Coney Island was where Simon and Tony Russi, his cousin, used to spend their time most nights during their teen years, smoking and skateboarding and taking the subway back to Elmont as the sun started to rise. That's where Simon Marino was born and raised. His family had roots in Ireland and Italy, but 3 generations ago they embraced their Italian heritage more so. There were plenty of kids in the family, but Simon and Tony were closet in age and so spent the most time together. Simon guessed it was his idea to meet there and it worked for what Carmine wanted. 

   They had their fair share of dates, bringing beautiful girls up the Wonder Wheel and winning them prizes from the game booths. Simon almost always ate the same thing whenever he went to the amusement park; a footlong hot dog with caramelized onions and cheese fries from Nathan's and a candy apple or cotton candy from the snack stand. When he was on a date he shared a milkshake and it was the girl's choice of flavor, but a classic vanilla he liked best. 

   At 16 for his first job, Tony started working at Coney Island behind one of the booths. His location switched around, but he liked the Balloon and Darts best. Being his cousin and friend, Tony gave Simon a larger prize than the one he actually deserved for the balloons he popped, to empress his date. Not long after, once the carnival rides and games were too much, Tony met Carmine De Angelo and that's where his life took a turn. Simon reminisced as he stood outside his apartment. Before then was the better days, back when the girls wore poodle skirts and the men black leather jackets, their hair heavily greased and slicked back. Simon still owned his favorite jacket, but due to age and his mother's cooking it wouldn't fit again. 

   Now all the white women copied Farrah Fawcett's flipped back waves, the men let their hair grow. Flaired pants, tie dye and bright colors were in. Down every street music from Stevie Wonder, Pink Floyd, Queen, and the like poured from clubs and restaurants. Simon's favorite of the year was Earth, Wind and Fires "September." but he couldn't dance like he used to. 

   His first job was window cleaning in Manhattan. He never understood why he said yes to the offer. Sure he wanted the money, but it wasn't exactly the right job for someone with acrophobia. He'd been dangling off the side of the Chrysler Building more than enough times, but that never made the discomfort go away. Each day he questioned the safety and prayed for his safety, but one day luck turned against him when a pulley snapped. The platform dropped, bringing Simon and his work partner Randy down with them. At some point Randy had slipped off the platform and landed on the pavement below. Simon holding on for dear life was in a rough state, but somehow survived the 6 story fall. His hip, both ankles and left arm were broken, but he was alive. The death rate of just a 3 story fall is 50% and while Simon survived, Randy was the 50% that did not. Simon was grateful to be alive, but always felt awful that he pulled through while Randy didn't. He didn't know the guy too well, but he was kind and had a family, 3 kids. His hip never recovered fully and from that day Simon walked with a limp and he was more than glad that his window washing days were over.