RJA

Chapter 4

"What do you mean your not going to work tomorrow?" Choi asks. I'm surprised he's taking this so hard. I've never taken a day off during the whole time that I've worked with him.
"Why is this such a big deal? It's just one day. Besides its not like "The Shop On the Corner" is closing or anything. They'll be open tomorrow."
"Yeah but I still think you shouldn't ignore this so... blatantly. Why don't you tell William that your sick or whatever.
"It's Willson and there's no way I could contact him. I don't have his number or a phone for that matter." I sighed. My dinner was starting to cool and it got to a point where I couldn't taste any difference from the rice and the noodles.
"C'mon Becca, come to work tomorrow. You can make it a quick run, that way you still make it back in time."
"Choi I think you know enough girls to realize it takes girls more than twenty minutes to get ready for a date."
"This is a date now?"
"I don't know." I looked at my now cold leftovers. Choi and I sat in silence for a while before he spoke.
"Do you really want to take the day off?"
"Just this once Choi. I promise." He gave me a look.
"Okay how about this? I'll work a half day. I'll make a short run and then come back. Then the next day I'll do two shifts. Does that sound okay?" He pondered this for a while. "Ah come on boss." I smiled. He smiled back, and with a sigh he nodded his head.

~~~~~~~~

It's a Monday. For most people this day starts out with a constant flow of curse words as they stumble out of bed. But not for me. Today is the day that I am more like an ordinary teen that I've ever been in years. I practically sprint to Starbucks, I smile at the old woman at the counter. I sit next to the window instead of in the dark corner.

I don't see Willson though which disappoints me a little. I'm not supposed to see him until later today. Of course he's not here. But there is still a part of me that misses him. Gees, maybe I am going soft. I'm going to investigate him for answers about the other day. Not ask for a ring.

I chug my Italian soda, and half walk half jog to "The Shop Around the Corner". When I get there the place is half empty. This day couldn't be any better. Marcy- the woman who runs the place- is in the back unloading some new products. Samuel- the janitor- is probably asleep in the shelfs of the library. James- Marcy's son- stands at the cash register.

This is going to have to be quick if I'm going to be able to make it out of here and manage to look presentable for my date with Willson tonight. "Hi, welcome to "The Shop Around the Corner".
"Hi."
"Is there anything I can help you with?"
"No thanks, I'm good." A girl walked in. She looked to be about my age. She was much shorter than me, with a puffy jacket and a purse draped across her shoulder. Now I know what stunt I'm going to do. I walked toward the back of the store, next to the jewelry. I snatched a silver necklace. It was a butterfly with fake jewels embroidered into it.

The girl was slowly making her way toward me. I moseyed over to the name tags. She picked up a green T-Shirt. I went in for my move.

I went to walk past here and intentionally bumped into her. While she was out of balance I slipped the necklace into her bag.
"So sorry." I said while grabbing her arms trying to steady her.
"Oh no, it's okay. I wasn't looking where I was going." I walked past her. I stand close to the door, pretending to be eyeing some cheep dolls. I pick up one with red hair that was in two braids. She has a little Swedish looking dress on. I plop it on the counter in front of James.
"Hmm, dolly Jane. For your sister?"
"Yup, her birthdays coming up, thought she might like this."
"That's nice of you."
"Thanks." I turned around as he started to check how much the doll was. I looked at the girls bag as she stood in the light.
"Do you see that?" I whisper to James.
"See what?" He leans in closer.
"In that girls bag." I gesture at her bag. Sure enough the butterfly necklace is dangling from her bag, the tag still attached. She had put the T-Shirt down and was heading to the exit.
"Are you going to do something?" I whisper sharply at him. It took him a second to speak up.
"Hey you! Stop!" The girl turned around surprised. James jumped over the counter and headed after her. At that moment I snuck behind the front desk, opened the cash register, and grabbed a wad of cash.
"Hey!" Someone shouted. It was Marcy. She had her phone out and the camera was facing right at me.

Next thing I know Samuel is next to me. The grabs my arms with such force I can't help but let out a cry. James comes running through the door. "Mom, she got away." Then he looked down at me. He looked confused. In moments I could hear the police sirens from outside.

~~~~~~~~

I sat in the small cell in the police department. I had already call Choi and asked him to bail me out. I felt so bad doing it. I already owed him money from today's failed expedition. I rested my head in my hands. I didn't cry, I wasn't sad, or scared. I was disappointed. I should have seen Marcy and her camera. A strange form of Déjà vu washed over me.

One of the officers nocked on the cell.
"You've been bailed out. You can come and get your stuff now." Slowly I stood up and walked through the open gate. The officer stood closely behind me and guided me to a small desk. He pulled out a bag with a few of the things that were in my pockets. I took them and let me guid me once again toward the waiting room. I looked for Choi but I couldn't see the plump Asian anywhere.

"Your free to leave now. Your paper work's already been filled out." I nodded still looking for Choi. I started to wander the small room. Choi wasn't to be seen in the entire room. I turn in a slow circle. But something catches my eye. It's a small group of teens crowded around one of the windows. One of them sees me starting and notifies the others. He seems some what familiar.

When the whole group turns I'm shocked. It's Carrie from that store Crave, that blond from the Starbucks, James from "The Shop Around the Corner", and Willson. James waves me over. Reluctantly my legs move for me. My hands feel numb and I taste bile in the back of my throat.

When I reach the group I'm tense all over. This has never happened to me and I don't have a clue of what I should do. The rest of them look casual, like they're always at the police station. I glance at everyone... except Willson.

I noticed Carrie isn't wearing as much makeup as she was before. She looks beautiful. She wears a dark green coat with a dark blue shirt under with black leggings and converses. Her long black hair is up in a high bun. She looks much skinnier than before.

The blond from Starbucks didn't have any men hanging on her, so I took that as a good thing. Her hair was blond on the top and drown on the bottom. Her hair was in perfect curls. She wore a tight red tank top with some low rise jeans. She had a big belt that stuck out a whole three inches off her waist.

James looked the same. He had a blue sweater and some "formal" jeans. He had some brown dress shoes on. He looked like he could work at a hotel.

Then there was Willson. He wore a green polo shirt that showed off his biceps. His hair was cut shorter. He got a hair cut for our date...

I looked at the group astonished. What were they all doing here? But I didn't say anything, just stood there. Finally Carrie spoke up. "Hey, Rebecca."
"Hi..." We stood there in silence some more.
"Well might as well tell her now." Said the blond.
"Are you kidding me Jamie? In a police station?" James jarred.
"Well Scott was supposed to do this but you know," Jamie looked at me head to toe, "this happened." Carrie ignored Jamie and said, "Rebecca, I'm sure this is all very confusing, would you mind if we talk? We can go anywhere you'd like." Carrie used a softer tone than Jamie.
"Okay, what's wrong with here?" I asked. They all looked at each other. Finally Willson spoke up.
"It's related to your... Profession."
"Oh."
"Ya, so how about your place?" Asked James.
"I don't think that's a good idea..." I started.
"It's okay Rebecca. We don't mind if your place's a bit messy," Said Jamie, "I mean how bad can it be?" You have no idea, I thought.
"Okay, if you insist." With a sigh and turned around and headed for the door.