Excerpt from “When The Dust Settled”

Hard Charging
31
One day, after I walked home from school, I decided to stop by
to ask if I could get a job. I mean maybe if I could earn money, I
could help Mom buy food. I was determined to at least try.
I walked through the front door. Behind the counter was a
teenage girl.
“Hey kid, can I help you?”
“Yes, I am wondering if I can get a job here?”
“Hi, I am Babe. I am sorry, honey, but you are way too young.”
“Okay, take care.” I said as I turned around and walked out. Just
as I got to the sidewalk, I heard a voice behind me.
“Hey, kid, wait!” I turned to see who hollered at me. There was
Babe with an older man.
“Hey, kid, do you need a job? I need someone to pick up my
parking lot and sweep it. If you do a good job, I will pay you
well.” I made my way back to where Babe and the older man
were standing.
“I will do it. Can I work every day? We need the money.”
“Let’s start by telling me your name.”
“My name is Joey.”
“Nice to meet you, Joey. I am Bob. I own this joint. How
old are you?”
“I am eight, sir.”
“Very good. I will show you what I need you to do every
Saturday. I will pay you two dollars each time.” I was so excited
to have a job.
Bob walked me through the duties in no time flat. After he
showed me where I could get the supplies, he gave me a can of
soda. As I sat across from him at one of the tables he said.
“One more thing son. This job will not help much with your
family’s situation. You are just a child; it is not your place to be con-
cerned with this matter. What this job will do for you is give you a
little spending money to buy something you want. I am impressed
with your attitude and commitment to this job. If you do good work,
I will give you a raise,” he stated emphatically. After I drank my
soda, I made my way to the door.
“Thanks, Bob, and thank you, Babe. I will see you later.”
“Tomorrow, kid. You work tomorrow. It is Saturday,” Babe said.