The Penny Problem

Chapter 4

Anyone think the plot might be moving too fast? I just have a feeling it might be....well, enjoy this next chapter!

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You know the feeling you get when you're leaving vacation? How you're all bummed about leaving this paradise you've known to call home, and all the memories you've made? How you just never, ever, ever for never ever want to go?

Yeah, I didn't have it.

Don't get  me wrong, I love New York City. But after the 2Day show and the wager Max and I made, I'm feeling queasy about all the money I'm going to have to come up with. And how do I know the little rat isn't going to turn me in anyway?

I was pretty paranoid the whole morning. When we boarded the bus to go to Chinatown, our tour guide did NOT make things better.

"Okay kids, when you get to Chinatown there a few things to remember. One, you are only allowed 1 block that way," he pointed right, "And 2 blocks that way," he pointed left."Two, do NOT go in the backrooms to look at things if a salesperson asks you to. And three, don't be afraid to bargain. If something's $20, ask for $15. Alright kids, have a good time! We'll meet right back here, okay?" Al, our aging tour guide finished. Swarms of girls rushed to the red stalls where knockoff bags, sunglasses, shirts, and scarves were sold in abundance.

"Val, why are you staying behind?" I asked her. It was very unhealthy for her not to go hog wild.

"I spent all my money at Times Square. But it was SO worth it." Val replied.

"Well, I still have money. Let's check out some of these stores, there has to be something." Devi said, taking my and Val's hand, dragging us towards the stores.

Shouts of numbers and bargains exploded on my eardrums. People were buying all kinds of stupid things, like headbands they'd never wear or floppy hats that were out of style 10 years ago. I spotted a stall where some little trinkets and postcards were sold. It wouldn't be bad to get a postcard, I thought. Leafing through pictures of towering skyscrapers, Val asked for some further information on what happened on the Top of the Rock. As I recalled the incident in further detail, I noticed a lady in sunglasses, a scarf, and a wide-brimmed hat stop looking at baseball caps and stare at me and Val. At least, I think she was staring at us, her sunglasses made it hard to tell. I dropped my voice a little. "Do you see that lady over there?"

"Yeah, she's pretty cree-"

"You dropped that penny." the lady said in a soft voice.

I quickly picked a postcard and looked around for someone to pay.

"YOU dropped that PENNY." she repeated, a tad louder.

Finally, someone came to me. "Yes, that 2 dollar. You buy?" the saleswoman said.

"YOU DROPPED THAT PENNY!" The lady ripped off her hat and sunglasses to reveal--

"Ryleigh-May Corda!?!?" Val screeched. I pressed a 5 into the saleswoman's hand and took off.

"YOU DID THIS TO ME, YOU LITTLE--" Sorry, some..."choice words" were sprinkled into that sentence.

I finally got out of the stall and ran to the edge of the block. "Oh my god, what are the chances of that?" Val said, panting beside me.

"Why are you out of breath? And you won't believe what I found." Devi said, fishing inside her bag.

"You have to pay for that, miss!" I turned around to see the crazed Ryleigh-May, shoving and running towards us.

"No time to explain, run!" I shouted, taking off.

We ran as fast as we could. For a lazy reality show woman, she could run pretty quick. We tried dodging as many people as possible, leaving angry shouts behind us. I took a glance back, finding Ryleigh-May pushing anyone in her way over. She continued shouting unrecitable shouts, shortening the space between us.

"Alice! We...we have....to lose her....somehow......gonna...die..." Val said in between breaths.

"Turn left at the next block!" I said. As we rounded the corner, Ryleigh-May kept at our heels. I put my long distance skills to work, going left, right, straight, right, left, until finally and miracuosly, Ryleigh-May was no where to be found. "I'LL GET YOU CRAZY KIDS! I WON'T STOP UNTIL I DO, GOSH DANGIT*! (*altered for young ears) the celebrity echoed. Farther and farther away the shouts became, until they eventually stopped.

"That was fun, getting chased by a crazy celebrity. Let's do it again sometime." Devi said sarcastically, rolling her eyes. Meanwhile, Val was on her knees, dramatically gasping for breath. But taking a look around, nothing looked familiar. I couldn't spot a single hot dog stand or red stall anywhere. Only looming skyscrapers, tall and gray, daunting and teasing us.

"Guys, we've got bigger problems." I said, backing up and looking around for some familiar sign.

"What? You see Ashton Kutcher with a butcher knife?" Devi stated.

"No. We're...lost."

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Dun dun dun duhhhh! Suspensful, right? Anyway, I have a friend who's screen name is ducktapeninja. She writes some pretty amazing stuff, but doesn't get enough credit. So, if you have time, it'd be great to check her out.

Danke,

BRI=)