69 Short Stories

Part 23: (no.2) Benjamin the Brains 1300 Words

"And we all know who got the top mark," Clementine joked from behind Benjamin. Viola, sitting next to him, giggled at her friend's compliment.

Benjamin himself, however, remained still in his seat and continued to check his test paper's adding up. Viola peeked over his shoulder slightly and shrugged.

"Without a doubt, Clementine," She replied and then turned back to the boy sitting next to her. "Good job, Benjamin. You're definitely the top mark."

Benjamin raised his head and, in slow motion, he asked his question "Th-Thank you... Viola... what....did...you...get?"

"3 marks below yours," Viola replied, hiding her test paper from Benjamin's view. However, Benjamin didn't have the slightest intention to look at her score, he just casually turned back to his own tasks. 

Benjamin. The smart, focused and independent. 

As the final bell of the day rang, everyone rushed out into the hallway before the maths teacher can assign them additional homework.

Benjamin's the last to leave, again. 

Walking around the neighbourhood, Benjamin suddenly knelt down and threw his bag to the ground. He unzipped the first pocket and took out a scrunched up flyer his mother gave him two weeks ago.

It's a job request. Benjamin sighed, Time to get a part time job, I guess. 

He knocked on the door at the end of the alley, no one replied. 

Not bothered enough to speak, he pushed open the heavy glass doors. 

"Anyone?" He greeted as he studied the flower shop. Although it's in a dark alley, the lack of sunlight doesn't seem to effect the blooming lives at all.

"I apologize for the long wait," A clear, feminine voice broke out from the back room, voicing over the soft music that was played all throughout. "How can I help you?"

"Uhh...I'm just here for the..." Benjamin trailed off as he recognized the figure appearing behind the curtains. "Wait, do I know you..."

"Benjamin?" The girl in high twin tails seemed to recognize the boy as well. "Boy, I'm in your class!"

"Wh-what's your name? Sorry," Benjamin pushed his glasses up his nose, trying to remain calm. You always have to stay alert, Benjamin. Don't get fooled. 

"Danielle," the girl replied, she's now out of her school uniform, but she's still wearing her identifiable school shirt under her apron. Benjamin studied the girl carefully, trying to recall more details about this person. 

Nothing came to his mind. 

People, the only problem he can't solve. 

"Uhh, I'm here for the interview of the part time job?" Benjamin changed the topic before it got too awkward.

Never mind, it's already awkward.

"Oh yes, almost forgot about that," The girl smiled and walked towards the back room once more. She turned around and gestured Benjamin to follow her. "Come, we'll talk about it in here."

"Noah! Come along!" Danielle captured the tall, black haired boy's attention as they strolled past the shelves of plants. The boy turned, rubbed his hands on his apron, and while following the two into the staff room, he cracked his knuckles.