The Perfect Gift

Chapter 6

The sun rose early the next morning, too early according to John. They were sitting at the table eating breakfast, except for John, who usually snuck candy instead.

"Why does the sun get to decide when we wake up?" John said, yawning.

"That's a great question John," said his father, approaching the room. He looked lively, unlike the rest of them, especially Annabelle who was still in her nightgown.

"Are you feeling any better, Pa?" asked Mary, concerned for her father.

"Very much, thank you."

"Pa, I was thinking, perhaps, today, you would let me work with you? I know that you're going to be here and all, but I thought it would be fun! You could even give me more tips and advice on how to work the store!"

"Well"....

Mary's father thought for a minute then answered Mary.

"I guess it wouldn't hurt. If that's what you want! Oh, but Mary, you have to know that I won't be able to pay you or anything."

Mary's father looked sorry so she didn't push him any further. Although she really needed the money, she thought it best not to complain.

I will just have to look for other ways to make money before Christmas, she thought.

"No problem. I'll go get ready. Meet you down here in five minutes."

Mary ran up the stairs, excited to get started.

Pa said yes! Yesterday's conversation must've done some good to him. He just let it all out.

After Mary finished getting ready, she ran back down the stairs and joined her father at the purchase counter. He was counting the money inside the register. Mary could tell that there wasn't much in there.

He must have some more money saved somewhere else, Mary reassured herself.

"What do you want me to do Pa?" asked Mary.

"Well we got some new supply of fresh bread out back if you want to start setting those up."

"Sure. I'll get right to it."

"Thanks." replied Mary's father.

Mary walked to the room of supplies and took the bread box off of the shelf. Each day or two, Ned, the baker down the street brings over a fresh box of bread to sell at the mercantile. Then Mary or her father would unload the new bread, and keep the old bread for themselves.

Mary walked back to the main room with the box of bread in her hands.

This doesn't seem as heavy as usual, she thought.

"Pa, why is this so light compared to normal?" Mary asked.

"Well, if you must know, Mary, after discussing with Frank, we decided it was best for the mercantile to buy less supply, especially when we're not selling much lately."

"Oh. I see. Well, everything will be just fine soon enough, don't you think Pa?"

"I think so." replied Mary's father, though Mary wasn't sure that he was confident saying it.

Mary brought the breadbox over to a wooden case and started to take the bread out of the box, and lay them across one of the shelves in the case. After she was done, her father spoke.

"Looks good, Mary. You could be a good business lady someday!"

Just then, the bell of the door rang, and one of their usual customers appeared inside.

"Good morning, Rachel. How are you today? How's your family?" asked Mary's father.

"Quite fine, thank you." She looked up and smiled at Mary's father and then said, "the usual please, Mary."

Mary quickly grabbed two loaves of bread and one glass bottle of milk and started to bring them to the purchase counter, but because she was moving too quickly, she dropped the bottle of milk, and the milk within the bottle started to pour out on the floor. Mary looked up at her father, who had a panicked look on his face, but once finding her looking at him, smiled as if to say it's okay. Mary's father hurriedly grabbed a cloth from their kitchen, which luckily was on the same floor, or else the milk would've started to smell and damage the floor. Glass was everywhere and Mary had to be real careful not to step on any. Mary set the loaves of bread in a wrapped napkin on the purchase counter and offered Rachel a discount.

"We can give you half price for your milk today. Sorry about that," offered Mary,

"It's quite alright honey. No discount will be fine." said Rachel with a kind, caring look on her face.

Mary grabbed a new bottle of milk, careful to not spill it this time. She set it on the counter, and accepted the money from Rachel. Then she gave Rachel her food and wished her a merry holiday.

"You too! Thanks!" Rachel replied.

After Rachel had left, and Mary and her father heard the door shut, they both let out a breath of warm air.

"I'm really sorry, Pa, I didn't mean to drop it! Honest!"

"I know, but you need to be careful, Mary. Especially now, okay?"

"I'll be extra careful from now on, I promise."

"Good."

"At least we got a customer!"

"Yes, I suppose you're right."

Luckily, for Mary and her family, the mercantile was filled with the cool air of Winter, as the door continued to open and close constantly throughout the day.

Thank you. Thank you to whoever is there, Mary said inside her head.

Even though it was a busy day, Mary kept working hard, and paying very close attention to every move she made. Although they made good money, most of it went towards buying the new bread anyways. Mary and her family were still in trouble and only Mary and her father knew it.