A Fine Girl

Chapter One

From a distance several white, gray, and other color dots are on a turquoise and azure background. Upon closer inspection these dots are actually large tankers, cargo ships, and some passenger ships and they all seem to converge on a small, lazy town. All but one place seems quiet. The coastal tavern is bustling with activity. Several sailors of multiple backgrounds and ethnicities gather and clamor for attention. "Brandy!"a drunken sailor can be heard above the rest."Fetch us another round!" An attractive young, woman who looks about in her twenties with long, curly dark hair smiles.

"You got it, boys!" She appears to enjoy her work and quickly sets about pouring more whiskey into the frosted mugs and slides them down the bar. "I could do this all day," she muses to no one in particular. The main bartender sighs and shakes his head as he dries a mug.

"You're letting them get to you again, Brandy," he says. Brandy whips her head around.

"But they're enjoying this and each other." He continues drying his mug and fetches another one.

"They're drunk, Brandy. They don't know what they're doing or talkin' 'bout. You really think they'll remember you after they've had their drinks and go upstairs to bed or back out to sea? They're using you." Brandy slumps onto a nearby stool.

"I don't care. They're enjoying themselves. Let them. You're just jealous, Sid." Sid sighs and closes his eyes as he shakes his head.Brandy grabs her tray and decides to use it as a tambourine of sorts."Who's ready for a dance!" she hollers.

"It's all she's ever known. One day she'll grow up and leave this town," Sid mumbles to himself. "Not sure what I'll do then."

Brandy dances among the sailors as they catcall her and grope at her.She smiles coyly and slaps her tray. "You're a fine girl, Brandy!"a sailor calls out. As they dance the sky begins slowly darkening towards twilight and the numbers of sailors dwindles.

"That was quite a dance," another sailor says as he watchesBrandy wiping a table. She looks up from the table and towards the sailor. "Do you dance often?"

"No, not really. I just felt like it today," she replies and goes back to cleaning another table. "I dunno. I guess it just depends on the crowd. If they seem like they need some entertainment, I'll dance around a bit and serve some whiskey to keep them happy and spirited." The sailor nods.

"You really better be careful; you never know what would happen if a sailor gets too drunk." Brandy nods not really looking at the sailor. A somber look overcomes her face. She understands, but at the same time she's really lonely and just looking for a good time herself.

"Thanks for the warning; I'll keep that in mind."

"Any plans for this weekend?" asks the sailor. Brandy shakes her head. "I guess you should rest up; summer's comin' and we both know what that means." Brandy nods. "It's going to get busy soon in town and that means a few more sailors on weekends."

"And for me that means more hours and more crowds in the streets,"Brandy says slightly irate towards the end of her statement.

"Maybe this will be your year," taunts the sailor.

"Leave her alone!" Sid warns from the shadows. Brandy and the sailor turn towards the bar. "She's my best barmaid."

"She's your only barmaid, Sid." Brandy watches the two volley remarks back and forth.

"She's like a daughter to me and I want what's best for her."Brandy keeps cleaning, but smiles to herself at this remark. Sid and the sailors are her only family.

"You can't keep her here forever, Sid," the sailor foretells."It's inevitable she'll find someone and leave. Either that or you'll leave in someway and she'll be on her own."

"Get out of my bar!" Sid shouts and points towards the door.

"Already on it," the sailor taunts and slams the door shut behind him. Sid slides into a nearby seat.

"I'm sorry, Brandy." Brandy comes over and hugs him while he's still in chair.

"Don't worry, Sid; I'd never leave." Sid closes his eyes smiling.He pats her on the hand.

"Brandy, you're a fine girl; you'd make a wonderful wife to someone some day. Just don't forget about me." She smiles in return and kisses him on the forehead.

"Thanks, Sid." Sid slowly stands and faces her.

"Now let's get this place clean so we can go home." Brandy smiles bigger and nods. The two of them continue to work in silence except for a slight humming from Brandy.

As Brandy continues cleaning she looks over at Sid. "Sid, do you ever think I'll find the one?" Sid blinks his eyes and looks over at her solemnly.

"You're a good kid, Brandy. I'm sure someone one day will come sweep you off your feet. Just keep your head on your shoulders and don't let your heart get carried away to the sea."

"I take it that means 'yes' ?" Sid stops and walks over to her and wraps his arms lovingly around her.

"You'll make a fine wife to someone some day; just don't forget me." He kisses her softly on the top of her head. Brandy closes her eyes. "Love you, Brandy."

"I love you too, Sid." She embraces him with a gentle hug. The two stand there for a while embracing before Sid finally opens his eyes and looks around the bar; he gently pushes Brandy away.

"This place is a mess! What happened?" He starts laughing because he knows full well what developed that day. Brandy smiles.

"I guess I just had too much fun today," she says laughing.

"I'll say you did!" Sid carries a tray of mugs and plates to the kitchen. When he returns, Brandy is cleaning the windows. He smile sand watches her for a bit before saying anything. "Okay, I can handle the rest." Brandy twirls around.

"Are you sure? I mean I can stay."

"It's fine. Really; you get on home. I know you're tired." Brandy nods. "Get some sleep and rest up. Enjoy your weekend and I'll see you back here on Monday." Brandy lowers her eyes and tosses the rag onto the bar.

"G'night, Sid." Brandy yawns.

"Good night, Brandy." On her way out Brandy grabs a shawl and tosses it over her shoulders. As the door closes behind her, Sid sighs and picks up the rag before heading back into the kitchen to do the dishes. "What a fine girl you are, Brandy," says to the empty bar.