Short Stories 2020 (Sunflower Awards 2020)

Seasonal Pals

I was at a meet and greet at the Sandwood Community Center. The place was pretty packed, to say the least. I smelled food, and my stomach started to growl on cue. I got some fried chicken, mac and cheese, dinner roll with butter, and green beans. I got a Pepsi to drink. I sat down at a table, where a blond hair girl was sitting. She looked at me, her ocean blue eyes, gazing into mine. "Hey, sugar!" she said.

"Hi," I said.

"I'm Alicia! What's your name?"

"I'm Bradley! And, I'm starving!" I was eating my chicken, and Alicia, gave me a back rub.

"Just thought I'd make you comfortable!" suggested Alicia.

"Yeah, thanks for the back rub," I said. A guy came to our table, and sat down. He grunted, and gave me a scowl. "What's your problem?" I asked.

"I could be asking you the same thing," he snorted. "I'm Derrick, and what's your name?"

"The name's Bradley," I said.

"My birthday is July 22nd!" said Alicia.

"Uh huh," I said.

"My birthday is January 28th," said Derrick. "My ex girlfriend has a birthday, two days after me, but I don't care." Derrick drank his Coke, followed by a burp. He scowled at me again. Two more people showed up. One guy, and one girl.

"Hey, I'm Alberto!"

"And I'm Theresa!" She had on a straw hat, and had on red lipstick. Alberto was drinking apple cider.

"They're telling me to leave 5 bucks?" scoffed Derrick. "Heck to the no! I use my money to buy some CDs. Ya heard me?"

"You seem like a cold hearted soul, Derrick," I said.

"Well, I already paid my 5 bucks!" giggles Theresa. "I always care for certain organizations!"

"Man, this apple cider is good!" exclaimed Alberto.

"How about another back rub, sugar?" asked Alicia.

"Not now, please," I said. "Trying to eat."

"You know, you want another one!"

"Alicia, please! Let me eat!"

"He said, no more back rubs!" yelled Derrick.

"There's no need to yell, Derrick," said Theresa, softly.

"Yeah, man!" said Alberto. "Keep a cool head! We're here to have fun, and mingle!" Alberto got up, and got some apple crisp for dessert.

"My birthday is May 24th," said Theresa.

"And mine is September 29th," said Alberto.

"You like lemonade, Bradley?" asked Alicia.

"Yes," I replied.

"What about cats? You gotta love cats! Please tell me you love cats! Come on, tell me you love them!"

"Yes, I love cats, okay?" I said, clenching my teeth.

"What about dogs?" asked Alicia. "You like man's best friend?"

"I gotta take this phone call, excuse me," I said. I excused myself from the table, to get away from Alicia. I got some chocolate pudding, and sat at another table.

A/N For Brenda and Skye's Monthly Contests. Contest #5