A Summer's Dream

Chapter 24~A Surprise is a Surprise is a Surprise

A pain ran through my neck and I felt warm light spread over me. Was I in the Twilight Zone? My eyes creaked open and I squinted to keep from going blind.

“Good morning Deary! Looks like you had a long night…” What was she talking about?

I sat up and felt a rough fabric under my hands instead of my comfy bed sheets. What the-? And then it dawned on me: I fell asleep on the couch last night. Now that my eyes were adjusting I could see the tv and surrounding area clearly. Putting a hand to my forehead I tried to give a welcoming smile, despite how hard it was. My neck and shoulders were cramping and a chill ran up my spine as I curled farther into the blanket. Wait. I don’t remember a blanket…?

“Yeah, sorry. I was watching tv and I must have dozed off.”

“For the rest of the night I see.” I watched as she arched an eyebrow.

“S-Sorry!” I leapt off the couch and prayed I wasn't in too much trouble. “I didn't mean to! I mean if I wasn't supposed to-I mean it wasn't my intention to-it’s just I didn't know I would-“ My rambling was cut short by a loud bout of laughter.

“I’m not scolding you Deary! It was just an observation. Besides, you weren't feeling well, it doesn't surprise me that you fell asleep early.”

“Oh…” My heart was still slamming against my chest and I tried to slow it down.

“Anyways, I figured we would have cold cereal and lounge around today, nothing too fancy.” The way she was studying me for a reaction made me feel perplexed. Don’t we usually do just that? “Unless you have to work…Do you?”

“Do I what?” My brain was trying to catch up with my mouth and the conversation I was still in.

“Have to work?”

“Work?” Just when my heart was slowing down it picked up again. Work! I completely forgot! My eyes widened to the size of bowling balls and I flicked my watch around. 7:32?! “Work!!” I flung the warm blanket off of my shoulders and bolted down the stairs to my room. How could I forget? Now I was late!

I quickly threw off my day old clothes and slipped into a clean pair of shorts and a t-shirt. I yanked a brush through my untamable hair and quickly drenched body spray on myself. Hopefully it was enough because that’s all I could manage at this point. I tossed my satchel over my shoulder and ran back upstairs, only to find Terrence in his pajamas.

“Emmy! Hey! Happy-“

“Sorry, I can’t right now Terrence! Work!” I shoved the screen door open and climbed onto my loaned bike, paddling with all my might. I chanced another glance at my watch and if I gave 110% I could get there to clock in on time.

How could I be so thoughtless? I only just got the job and I was late already. What would Cynthia think of me? I couldn't get fired after only a week or so!

Panting I jumped off the bike and flung myself through the back door. “I’m here!” My voice echoed throughout the store but met no one. My hand went to my heart and then to my wrist to check my pulse. I tried evening my breath out and slowed my gate. Walking into the main area, I tossed my bag behind the counter. “Are you serious?” It came out as more of a resentful statement because when I thought a redhead would be tapping her foot until I got here, there was no one.

Deciding to not waste time, I wrote down my name, date, and time in the thickly bound book we used for clocking in and out. After retying my white sneaker I headed to the back to grab a few things. Several items needed to be restocked and I couldn't burn time after recording my entry. A hat here, a shirt there, a couple pair of pants on the shelves and I wiped my forehead. There was no air conditioner and I thought I was melting under all my sweat. Flicking my watch around for the third time this morning I decided it was time to open up shop, literally. I turned the sign around and grabbed the broom in the corner. I swept imaginary dust for a good ten minutes before I threw it onto the ground; hard.