The Act

Introduction

Clicking her pen over and over again in agitation, Jonah tried to maintain concentration on her poorly scribbled calculations.

"Wait a minute, where the hell was I..? I already forgot, dammit..", she groaned, facepalming in utter defeat.

Before Jonah could completely break down in all of her exhausted stupor, an obnoxious voice called out to her, approaching further audibility as it's owner drew near.

"Ayeeee, kid, they're letting you out already? What kinda' shit is that? I've been here since 11!"

Jonah rolled her eyes.

"Not my fault you're picking up double shifts, Jack. I know you don't  have a life, but chill."

Jack smirked, brushing a hand through his short, black hair.

"I only learned it from watching our fuckin' customers, you know. Swear to god, that ugly ass dude with the green sandals earlier REALLY thought he was gonna' redeem five coupons for the same thing. What the hell, man? Bitch even had the audacity to throw his fuckin' coupons at me and cause a scene."

Jonah began organizing her bills and change, neatly storing them back in her till.

"Probably because George gives them whatever the hell they want. They get used to it. On a side note though, YOU shouldn't get used to trash-talking up here. Someone is going to hunt your ass down."

"What... EVEEER", Jack scoffed sassily, giving Jonah's ponytail a tug.

"One day they'll regret how they treat us. I bet you anything."

Jonah smirked, rolling her eyes again and popping her cash register shut with a satisfying click.

"Doubt it, but ok. See ya' later."

"Have a good one, Jonah!", called out the mischievous young cashier, striding off to find some other interesting passtime for his break's remainder.

After logging out of her cash register, Jonah jogged towards the nearest staircase, endeavoring to receive a manager's signature on her cash report before she clocked out and left.

Recently, George, leader of the Front End department, had been getting onto his cashiers about leaving their till sheets at the stations without a manager's signature.

Just another menial task in the life of a cashier at Kreg's.

It wasn't the best place to work, but it paid what extra money Jonah needed, and that was all that mattered.

Besides, the strength she had to exert dealing with the general public made her more of a strong person. No matter how stressful things got, she had learned to tough it out and paste a cheerful smile onto her face.

...

"Hey, who the hell do you think I am? Bagging my groceries like that?! I dont know why you're in such a rush! I think you need to CALM DOWN."

"Ma'am, I was just trying to get everything for you efficiently, we have other people in line, and-"

"Guess what? I DON'T CARE. I'M NOT PAYING FOR THAT SHIT. If you don't discount all of it I am never coming back!! I am disgusted with how you treat your customers!"