the king and the pauper

return of elvis

Here I was again walking this long dirt road that led to town. I wish that I was on my way to somewhere exciting like going to the cinema or dressed up in the prettiest dress getting ready to go on a date with the most handsome man in Memphis but no I was in my nice going-out dress on my way to work. How I envied those posh folk who didn't have to work or never had to worry about money. It must be nice to never have to worry about if you can pay your bills or never have to worry if there is going to be enough food left to stretch threw out the week. I suppose there is no point in thinking about those things as those are privileges that folks like me and my neighbours don't get to enjoy. I was en route to work and as today was Friday I knew my boss would be in to take account of the week's finances. We very rarely see the boss only when he collected the money or if there was a major issue. It was up to me to open and to pass the keys to the night staff of the cafe and sometimes I hated how easy my boss had it. I did the work but he got the money. I was hoping that I could catch him in a good mood as I needed to ask him for more hours which would mean if he said yes instead of working 9 to 5 I could maybe work 9 to 9.

I opened up the cafe and got some coffee on to brew and set out the tables and just as the clock struck 9 I turned the sign on the door to open. Soon after my boss entered the building his face set in a frown it was obvious he wasn't in a good mood and my heart sank to my worn shoes.

"Mr. Ward I was wondering if I could speak to you when you have a minute please," I asked politely

"Maybe, later on, I have a lot of stuff to do today"

"I'm sorry for disturbing you" I answered walking away from his table feeling disappointed.

This day has been so busy and I haven't had time to do anything and that includes talking to Mr ward I knew he would leave soon so I decided that I would grab the bull by its horns and ask him now. As I was just about to walk over to Mr ward the doors to the cafe flew open and a bunch of young men walked in and there he was in all his glory looking so handsome it was Elvis himself. Elvis was just walking up to the counter when I saw Mr ward packing up and getting ready to leave and I knew I had to talk to him now or I would have to wait another week and I couldn't wait that long.

" Excuse me Mr. Ward could I please speak to you before you leave."

" as long as you make it quick as I have to get to my golfing practice

Golfing practice it must be nice to have enough spare time to have a hobby but I bit down on my lip and kept my thoughts to myself

" Well, I was wondering if there would be any more shifts available that I could take?"

" well you know that you and Mrs. Turner do all the day shifts and all we have is evening shifts from 5 to 9 pm for five days a week"

" If possible can I take those shifts please"

" that would mean you working from 9 in the morning to 9 at night for 5 days"

" That will be no problem, sir. I'm a good worker and you know I can do my job."

" But you are working so much already I'm not sure all those extra hours are a good idea"

" I promise I can do it. I am 17 with a lot of energy it will be no problem."

"Then if you think you can do it then the extra shifts are yours. You can start on Monday."

"That is great Mr. Ward thank you so much."

I felt like I could dance on air I was so happy that I got the extra shifts. I know it won't be a lot more extra money but it should be just enough to keep the landlord from our door well I hope so.