Meet Me Here Tomorrow (EXTRAORDINARILY SLOW UPDATES, NOT KIDDING)

Tips and Rain

"Rule 1:" announced Noel (the manager of Creamy King's) with an over exaggerated announcer's voice. "You must collect the most tips by the end of the day to evade the fate of the demonic-, ahem, banana suit!" Noel quickly coughed away the originally intended word but no one really noticed. Both Gina and Chris squinted their eyes competitively at each other. Gina only broke the tension when she blinked and coughed into her elbow. None of them wanted to be subjected by the humiliation of the banana suit.

What did the banana suit look like, exactly? Well, imagine a humongous, yellow canoe, with a tacky fake crown and scepter that weighed 20 lbs with leg and arm holes cut out. No, it didn't have a head space either, just badly cut out eye holes and a mouth slot. Even worse, to be more appealing to the kids, red lips were painted around the mouth in a sort-of smile but in truth, it looked like a demon possessed a giant banana king and had eaten raw lobster. Ventilation in the suit was horrible so if you farted in there, you'd be in trouble. To get into the suit, you had to shimmy your way through an uncomfortably shaped slot in the back that was hidden by a (fake) red velvet cape with the white trim. To sum the suit up, it was a canoe of Hell, deceitfully painted canary yellow with red lips.

Noel retrieved the megaphone from the storage closet and motioned for the two contestants to come with him outside as they tied their aprons on. "Now, it is 4:00 pm and the store closes at 8:00 pm!" Noel announced to the pedestrians passing by and catching the attention of a few middle schoolers. "These two brave employees will compete to raise the most tips to NOT be the banana man due to the normal employee's sickness. Now is the time to tip these youngsters! 3, 2, 1, COMMENCE!!!"

A crowd had gathered and began to file into the shop.

Shooooooot! Thought a dazed Gina, what am I supposed to be doing to get tips???

Even though Gina and Chris both knew what was going on, Gina was feeling lightheaded, as if her head was about to float away like a helium filled balloon. No! The girl thought harshly to herself. I WILL NOT WEAR THAT IDIOTIC CANOE!

Glancing around the café styled shop, she got a glimpse of Chris. WOOSH. Gina's brain deflated a little. How is he able to look even more charming than normal? How is he reeling in those girl customers? Why does he have to be so...attractive?? What am I even doing?

Gathering her thoughts, she reached into her apron pocket and retrieved her notepad and pen. She may not be attractive but she will try her best.

Chris was faring well, charming the lady customers were a breeze and he was forking in those tips like a money magnet. Sure the girls would flirt with him but he treated them strictly as customers. Looking over his shoulder to survey how his opponent was doing, he was shocked at how horribly she did her job. It's a little cute how she's clumsy the way she is, thought Chris. Surprised at catching himself smiling and thinking of her, he shook his head. He was supposed to win. He was not supposed to be thinking about how Gina's hair curled like it did at the ends or how sweet her laugh sounded when he managed to make her laugh some days...

What am I doing? Chris thought.

What the both of them didn't know, is that every few minutes, the other person would glance quickly at the other and smile. Even though Gina still had hatred for him in her heart, that began to fade away and unknowingly she was beginning to feel things for him again.

"Time's up!" The deep voice of Noel rang through the room through the megaphone when the last customers left the shop and a light rain began to drizzle outside. Gina and Christopher both dumped their tips onto the main counter. After glancing at the results, it was obvious who won. Gina was genuinely depressed to admit that she had lost and that the next day, she had to wear the costume. The BANANA costume.

Chris felt so relieved that he had won the bet, but he was surprised that Gina didn't earn more. She was polite, but clumsy when she was working but the customers didn't really see her spark as much as Chris did. It bothered Chris that he felt the way he did towards Gina, he couldn't really explain it. It would kill Chris' social life if any of his school friends knew he was the banana guy for a day but he still felt bad for Gina. Jumping into his car, he started the windshield wipers because the rain was getting heavier. He knew from checking the weather forecast that morning that it would rain so he took his car, but normally he would've walked.

Starting the engines, he drove out of the parking lot, prepared to drive to his house, which was not too far from Gina's. Spotting Gina walking in the rain without a coat, umbrella or rain boots; it was obvious that she didn't look at the forecast. Driving up to her, he opened the passenger seat.

"You don't live too far from my place. Want a lift?" Christopher called out to the shivering and drenched figure. Gina stopped and after thinking it over quickly, she hopped into the car, dripping rainwater onto the seat. Tossing his jacket at Gina for the second time that day, it kept her warm.

After an awkward car ride of silence, Chris reached Gina and her mom's driveway. "Thanks for the ride. And for lending me your jacket. Again." Gina mumbled quietly.

"Hey, keep it. You definitely need it more than I do." Chris said kindly, which bothered Gina. I didn't ask for help! She thought viciously. It's not my fault you're being so nice to me and I definitely don't need you jacket of pity!

Gina opened the car door and shrugged off the jacket, the calming tired feeling she felt earlier replaced by something fiercer.

"I don't need your pity." Gina stated coldly as she placed the jacket on the seat and slammed the door. Being buffeted by the wind and rain, she walked to her front door, unlocked it and went inside.

As the car drove off, it's hood attacked by rain, a deep sense of remorse filled her as she watched it leave from the window. What is going on with me? Gina thought. I wish I understand what's going on!

Gina didn't mean to snap at him like that, she was irked at how he acted like she was in need of help. I don't need anything, thank you very much. Inner Gina said.

Watching the now empty driveway, she closed the curtains and sighed. Gina began to think. Maybe Christopher wasn't pitying me. Could he care for me...even a little?

And the rain continued to fall.