Sister Mother

Chapter 13

Addie

One of the reasons Turning the Page was my favorite job, was that I was able to use my wheelchair. Since Gabe was at school and had our car, I couldn't bring the scooter anywhere since none of the Lyft cars had the adaptations ours did. I tried using the wheelchair during my first shift at Cheddar's Diner, but I was unable to carry stuff while driving. As for Starbucks, the manager's way of accommodating me was by "letting" me purchase a stepping stool that I had to constantly move around in order to reach everything.

The bookstore was an accessible dream, thanks to my boss, Jesse Lennon. I was on permanent cash register duty, ensconced in a comfortable, height-adjustable chair behind the register. Occasionally I shelved books, on lower shelves only. It was easier to place books on my lap than plates, because books didn't break.

"Addie, I'll be in my office to working on the inventory," Jesse said after I handed a customer his receipt. Jesse was a few years older than my parents. He looked like a chubby teddy bear with green beady eyes, light brown hair and a thin mustache that reminded me of gray whiskers. "Holler if you need anything. Unless it's about people. Then handle it yourself."

"I don't like people either, Jesse," I said with a grin.

"Yeah well, you get paid to handle what I don't want to. I'll take care of the books, you handle the people."

"Grump."

"I'll fire you one of these days."

"You've been saying that since you hired me. If I didn't know any better, I'd say I'm one of the few people you actually like."

"I despise you," Jesse said, patting my shoulder. "Get back to work or I'll dock your pay."

"Yes sir," I saluted him.

He shook his head and walked into his office in the back of the shop. I put the cash in the register. Jesse was one of the friendliest people I'd ever met. I didn't have soft spots for many people, but Jesse was high up on that short list.

I checked my phone for text messages from either Gabe or Beatrice. They were both at school. I had less than an hour until the end of my shift and then true to my word, I would take Beatrice shopping.

"Your boyfriend keeps harassing me," said a voice from the front of the store.

I looked up and my jaw dropped. "Mags? What are you doing here?"

Casually dressed in a green blouse and jeans, Mags ran over to me, her blonde curls bouncing. She hugged me. "Stalking you while you're at work so that you can't kick me out again."

"Why—"

"Look at this." Mags pulled her phone out of her pocket. There were ten calls from Leo today. "He's been harassing me ever since he left your house and today's even worse. He told me I have to see you today 'cause you need a friend."

"Leo sent you because I need a friend?"

"Yes."

"Don't you have class?"

"I can play hooky once. We need to catch up."

"You and your parents are spending a fortune on dental school! Besides, I'm working and I've got to pick up my sister soon."

"I can keep you company while you work. And no offense to your sister, but aren't you dying to talk to someone closer to your age for once?"

I exhaled. I loved Beatrice, but she was ten years younger, not to mention essentially my child. "Mags, you really shouldn't have."

"Oh my God, he's calling again," Mags cried as her phone vibrated and Leo's name flashed on the screen. I gasped. "This is called stalking, Leo. I'm with our girl now. She'll be happy to see me once she gets over the shock. No, I'm not telling her anything on your behalf. Your game has gone on for too long and I'm not getting in the middle of it anymore. Contact me again today and I'll block you." She hung up.