The Tree That Stood Alone

Chapter 12

When I walk into the gross gas station, all I smell is cigarette smoke and gasoline. I walk up the the cashier, a smelly creep guy, and I slam my hands on the counter. "What jobs do you have here?" The guy looks at me and laughs. I hate these kind of people.

"We have a janitor and a stripper job opening. You would do really well as a stripper." He reaches out to touch my hair and I slap his hand.

"Joe, leave the girl alone" A man says. He has a greasy t-shirt on and he looks about 30. "How may I help you ma'am" He walks up to me and I smell A LOT of cigarette smoke.

"Are there are job openings here?" I say with a sigh, wishing I had just fought to work at I-Hop. " Can work as many hours as you need me."

He chuckles. " We have a few openings. How do you feel about being a part-time cashier? It will just be from 1 to 5 pm. You will get $20 a week. Sound good?" I nod. "OK. We only need an address or a phone number." I write my number on a napkin and I hand it to him.

"I've got to go, so is that all?" I say as a glance over at the perverted 20 year old cashier. He's looking at me weird and I want to throw up. The nicer guy nods. " Thank you sir." He smiles.

"Call me Todd or Mr. Todd." I nod and smile. "You start tomorrow. See you at 1." I wave and quickly walk out. I see Ethan standing in the parking lot holding an I-Hop uniform.

"You get a job?" He asks as we begin walking down the sidewalk. I nod.

"Did you?" He laughs.

"Do think I just bought these in the gift shop? I'm a waiter, sadly. You?" I laugh.

"Cashier." Then I see Dad, Kyle, speed his car to the side of the road next to us. He looks completely panicked. "What's wrong?" He motions for us to get in the car.

"Rose is in New York. She came to my apartment. She's looking for you and she's determined to take you back. We need to get you somewhere safe." I look at Ethan and his face is like stone, he looks very serious.